AMS2 is 10 times faster than its earlier version says Jonathan Kendall, IIDGR

Q: What is the principle and vision of IIDGR?

A: The principal vision of IIDGR is to be the world leading authority on Synthetic diamond detection, grading and education courses to the industry. In many ways, we have achieved a lot of our goals. We are backed by the best diamond research facility in the world with the brightest and most exciting scientific minds working and a range of diamond testing and handling products and techniques. It’s true that IIDGR is a relatively young company within the De Beers Group, but our impact must not be ignored, we are making great strides, providing confidence, accuracy and knowledge across the diamond pipeline.

Q: What all products and services you have for offering so far?

A: IIDGR has a whole range of detection equipment and services available. Alongside the DiamondSure, DiamondSureMount, DiamondPlus and DiamondView, we produced the PhosView, an affordable, easy to use and quick instrument primarily looking at HPHT detection, something the industry requested. This instrument proved a real success and we are still taking orders at a pleasing rate.  Then, of course, there is the AMS and the recently launched AMS2.

There were melee concerns, so we started melee screening and testing service out of Surat, Antwerp and London. We’ve also moved into grading since last year, and we are doing very well, especially in China and other parts of the Far East; there are many takers, which is good because it is focused primarily on doing certain specific program for the major retailers. Also the reason why we are so successful is because we are technologically advanced and our clarity and colour machines are technologically world leaders, which means we can grade very consistently. 

Q: How has the response been in the Indian market?

A: We have not been pushing so much in the Indian market because we are focusing on Forevermark. We still do the inscriptional grading for them and Forevermark in India is doing very well.

Q: Tell us more about AMS-II, its capacity, technology, USP, etc.

A: It functions around 10-times faster than its predecessor and has a substantially reduced referral rate – 0.5 per cent which is much lower than earlier 2-3 per cent. The AMS2 can process smaller sizes and all shapes of polished diamonds. It can handle fancy shapes. A lot of small shapes are fancy and we have constant requests from the industry to deal with that. It will cost US$45,000, cheaper than the first generation AMS.

The AMS2 is the most technologically-advanced, efficient and cost-effective melee diamond verification instrument available. Its industry-leading low referral rate has significant economic benefits to users, greatly reducing the need for additional and costly secondary testing. Confidence is everything in the diamond sector and the AMS2 will play a big part in maintaining trust in trade transactions.

Q: What markets are you targeting for AMS2?      

A: IIDGR is focused on reaching all markets globally, ultimately to provide confidence and assurance to the industry. We have launched at the Hong Kong show as this is one of the largest shows on our, and the diamond worlds, calendar, attended by participants from all over the world. Principally, the Far East and India are the focus due to the type of business undertaken there.