Stuller Using De Beers’ AMS Device To Detect Lab-Grown Diamonds

(IDEX Online) – American Sightholder Stuller Inc. has acquired a De Beers’ Automated Melee Screening (AMS) machine to detect small lab-grown diamonds from natural stones. 

Stuller Inc. is using the AMS to test in its inventory, and is one of two U.S. Sightholders using the machine.

The firm has not found a lab-grown diamond among the thousands of stones it has screened.

De Beers began providing its AMS device last month to Sightholders, with Mumbai's Kiran Gems, as well as Tasaki and Rosy Blue, using the machine.

The AMS screens diamonds of 1-20 points and categorizes them as natural diamonds, need further testing, or as simply not diamonds.

The machine, which operates unattended, can scan up to 500 carats of colorless or near-colorless melee and scans one diamond every 10 seconds.

The machine costs $55,000, while there is a three-year annual support and maintenance charge of $10,000.

“This innovative machine offers us yet another way to give our customers trust, confidence, and security when buying diamonds from Stuller,” said vice president of diamonds and gemstones, Stanley Zale. “We’re proud to be among the first in our industry to use this technology and operate within the guidelines and best practices set forth by De Beers.”

Stuller Inc. has been using HRD’s D-screening machine for stones larger than 20 points to scan for synthetics for a number of years.