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The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR), part of 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 the US towards the end of the JCK Jewellery show in Las Vegas on 8 and 9 June, and in India at the IIDGR Facility in Surat on 15 and 16 May.
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 Synthetic Diamond Detection Course is the first course to be offered by IIDGR’s new education services, which will also include a Diamond Foundation Course and Polished Diamond Grading course to be introduced later this year.
Jonathan Kendall, President of IIDGR, 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.
“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.
Katherine Bodoh, new CEO of AGS, said: “The AGS is focused on providing superior professional development to its members, and we are pleased to work with IIDGR to create opportunities for AGS members to receive this essential information.
“I’d like to thank IIDGR for their work in creating programs that allow AGS members to gain access to the latest education and innovation. Establishing relationships such as this will allow us to further deliver on our mission of consumer protection.”
The first Synthetic Diamond Detection courses in India and the US will be run by experts from the De Beers Technologies UK team and IIDGR’s Director of Education, Jodine Perrin.
The course will cost US$2,999 and can be delivered at various sites globally through the use of a mobile lab. To register your interest, please email [email protected] for further details on how to book your place.
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About The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research
The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research has been established by De Beers Group to provide a premium service and proprietary equipment to the diamond industry. Based in the UK, Belgium and India, and run by the world’s top diamond experts, the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research offers a range of expert services. The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research works only on diamonds that meet the requirements of the United Nations’ mandated World Diamond Council Kimberley Process. For more information, visit www.iidgr.com.
About De Beers Group
De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. As part of the company’s operating philosophy, the people of De Beers Group are committed to ‘Building Forever’ by making a lasting contribution to the communities in which they live and work, and transforming natural resources into shared national wealth. For further information about De Beers Group, visit www.debeersgroup.com.