The De Beers Group of Companies’ International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR) Business is running synthetic detection symposiums across India to demonstrate its technology to all elements of the Indian diamond community. The IIDGR team, led by the Institute’s Commercial Director, Jamie Clark, are beginning their tour with the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai, on 16th and 17th February, and then travelling to The Gateway Hotel Athwalines in Surat on 19th February.

Jonathan Kendall, IIDGR President, stated, “Diamond business must be proactive in managing risks related to undisclosed synthetics and we believe these symposiums will play an important role in helping them do this.”

The symposiums will give attendees a better understanding of how the detection technologies work and the role they play in supporting consumer confidence in diamonds. Mr. Clark added, “This visit is an important step in us supporting India’s diamond trade and when you consider our other plans for the year around referrals testing and grading, it is clear that the IIDGR will play an increasingly important role in bolstering confidence in the Indian diamond industry.”

The IIDGR markets a range of leading detection instruments that play a vital role in helping diamantaires have confidence in their own inventory. This in turn enables them to provide reassurance to their customers. The IIDGR also plans to establish a referrals centre at its Surat laboratory that will provide a lower cost option for testing stones referred by detection instruments. It also has plans to increase the range of diamond grading services at the Surat facility by mid-2015.

Representatives from the diamond business who are interested in attending the symposiums can contact IIDGR.