(IDEX Online News) – The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has stressed the need for well-established synthetic identification services following recent reports that significant amounts of lab grown diamonds are being mixed with natural diamonds in parcels of melee.

 

“This is an issue that not only affects all aspects of the diamond industry, but ultimately hurts consumer trust,” said IGI President and CEO, Jerry Ehrenwald.

 

“The trade has a responsibility to remain vigilant and now – more than ever – synthetic detection technology and services are of utmost importance.”

 

The IGI said it offers batch testing of diamonds (synthetic versus natural) on an individual basis, and uses advanced equipment, such as De Beers’ DiamondSure and DiamondView machines, to assist in weeding out synthetic stones.

 

The IGI said it has been monitoring the growth of synthetic diamonds for decades through its diamond research laboratory division and officially launched its IGI Laboratory Grown Diamond Report in January 2007.