The De Beers Lab is associated with scientific research and technology development aimed at improving understanding and verification of diamonds. Its research brings together disciplines including geology, gemmology, physics and materials science to examine diamond formation, characteristics and properties. This scientific knowledge is applied to technology-driven solutions designed to support diamond verification and the wider industry.

De Beers Lab and Diamond Research

Research is central to the work described by De Beers Group's diamond science and verification teams. Scientists and technicians investigate the origins, formation and properties of diamonds, examining their structures and characteristics to develop a deeper understanding of both natural and synthetic diamond materials.

The De Beers Lab approach connects scientific research with practical technology development. Research findings can help identify potential challenges in differentiating diamonds and contribute to the development of verification technologies and processes for the diamond industry.

This multidisciplinary research provides an important foundation for diamond screening. Rather than focusing on a single scientific field, the programme combines knowledge from several areas to understand the characteristics that can help distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic materials and simulants.

Technology Behind Diamond Verification

Diamond verification technology is an important application of De Beers Group's research. The company states that it has invested more than 40 years in research and development relating to diamond characterisation, with research outputs contributing to the design and development of verification instruments.

The resulting technology portfolio includes instruments designed for different diamond screening requirements. These include SynthDetect 2, SynthDetect, AMS2, AMSMicro, DiamondSure, DiamondView Zoom, DiamondPlus and DiamondProof.

SynthDetect, for example, is designed to screen both loose diamonds and diamonds mounted in jewellery. It uses time-resolved photoluminescence and provides an automated result indicating whether a stone is classified as natural or referred for further testing.

SynthDetect 2 represents the next generation of the desktop verification instrument, while AMS2 and AMSMicro are designed for automated screening of smaller polished and melee diamonds. DiamondSure is designed to distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic diamonds and simulants, while DiamondView Zoom supports differentiation of laboratory-grown diamonds and the identification of CVD and HPHT synthetic material.

De Beers Lab and Synthetic Diamond Research

Understanding synthetic diamond technology is another part of the research landscape. De Beers Group works with Element Six, its synthetic diamond technology business, to advance knowledge of synthetic diamonds.

Element Six develops synthetic diamond and advanced material solutions for industrial and technological applications. Its work includes areas such as precision machining, optics, electronics, energy and other advanced applications.

Collaboration between diamond researchers and synthetic-diamond specialists provides an opportunity to understand different diamond materials and their characteristics. This knowledge can subsequently contribute to verification research and the development of technologies designed to address diamond identification challenges.

Assure-Tested Diamond Verification Instruments

The De Beers Group verification portfolio includes Assure-tested instruments intended to help screen and differentiate natural diamonds from synthetic diamonds. The portfolio covers different applications, including loose diamonds, melee and diamonds set in jewellery.

The instruments are designed around different screening requirements. AMSMicro focuses on automated screening of very small melee diamonds, while AMS2 is designed for small polished diamonds. SynthDetect can be used for loose diamonds and mounted jewellery, providing a technology-based screening process for retailers and other industry users.

DiamondView technology uses ultraviolet illumination to create surface fluorescence images, allowing operators to examine diamond characteristics associated with different growth processes. This provides another scientific method for examining and differentiating diamond materials.

Academic Partnerships and Diamond Science

Diamond research also extends into academic collaboration. De Beers Group states that it funds research studentships at UK universities, supporting postgraduate MSc and PhD research in areas connected with diamond science.

These partnerships can help researchers investigate new research avenues, address scientific questions and contribute to the development of future diamond research expertise. The approach also allows the research programme to remain connected with developments in academic science and new research methods.

The research team additionally supports the Institute of Diamonds, which provides diamond grading, verification and screening services as well as educational courses for the wider industry.

How Diamond Verification Technology Supports the Industry

Reliable diamond screening has become an important part of the modern diamond supply chain as natural and laboratory-grown diamonds coexist in the marketplace. Verification technologies provide industry professionals with tools to examine diamonds and determine when further testing may be required.

De Beers Group describes its verification technology as supporting integrity across the diamond value chain. Its portfolio is intended to help businesses screen different types and sizes of diamonds according to their specific requirements.

The technology does not replace scientific expertise. Instead, research, instrumentation and professional assessment work together to provide a structured approach to diamond identification and verification.

Research-Driven Innovation in Diamond Verification

The development of diamond verification technology demonstrates how scientific research can be translated into practical industry applications. Research into diamond formation, properties and synthetic materials provides the scientific foundation, while engineering and technology development turn that knowledge into screening instruments.

The De Beers Lab research approach therefore connects fundamental diamond science with practical verification. Collaboration with Element Six, academic institutions and industry-focused teams contributes to a broader understanding of diamond materials and the challenges involved in their identification.

From laboratory research to retail screening, the technologies developed through this research ecosystem are designed to support accurate differentiation and greater confidence throughout the diamond value chain.

Conclusion

The De Beers Lab represents a research-focused approach to diamond science, bringing together geology, gemmology, physics, materials science and technology development. Its research into diamond properties and synthetic materials supports the development of verification methods and instruments used across different stages of the diamond industry.

Through research partnerships, collaboration with Element Six, academic programmes and technologies such as SynthDetect, AMS2, DiamondSure and DiamondView Zoom, De Beers Group continues to apply scientific knowledge to diamond verification.

As diamond technology develops, research-led verification provides an important foundation for understanding diamond materials and supporting differentiation between natural, synthetic and treated diamonds across the modern diamond value chain.