The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR), part of the De Beers Group, today announced the launch of a world-first synthetic diamond detection training course. It is the first in a series of education services to be rolled out during 2017.

The two-day lab-based course will be unveiled in India at the IIDGR Facility in Surat on May 15 and 16 and in the US towards the end of the JCK Jewellery show in Las Vegas on June 8 and 9.

The course will provide participants with the knowledge and expertise to detect synthetic stones in both the rough and polished state using a range of specialised techniques and instrumentation.

The course is the first course to be offered by IIDGR’s new education services, which will also include a diamond foundation course and a polished diamond grading course to be introduced later this year.

IIDGR President Jonathan Kendall said, “The ability to detect undisclosed synthetic stones is becoming increasingly important for diamond traders and retailers. This will be the first course dedicated exclusively to this important topic.”

He added, “The introduction of the course represents another key step towards the IIDGR’s mission to ensure industry and consumer confidence in the integrity and quality of diamond purchases.”

IIDGR is partnering with the American Gem Society (AGS) to support the delivery of the course throughout the US.

The first courses in India and the US will be run by experts from the De Beers Technologies UK team and IIDGR Director of Education Jodine Perrin. The course will cost $2,999 and can be delivered at various sites globally through the use of a mobile lab.

https://www.gemkonnect.com/news/iidgr-launches-synthetic-diamond-detection-course