De Beers Group’s Science & Technology unit unveiled its inaugural desktop diamond-screening instrument in almost ten years at the Hong Kong Gem & Jewellery Show. Named SynthDetect 2, it succeeds the 2017 SynthDetect 1 and the larger 2018 SynthDetect XL, and is built to be quicker, easier to operate, adaptable and more economical. The system can examine loose stones as well as finished pieces such as necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, bangles, tennis bracelets, brooches and pendants.
The company reports that the new device can process an entire tray in under five minutes, a stark contrast to the roughly 30-minute cycle required by earlier models. A single ring is scanned in about six seconds, while a bangle takes roughly ten seconds. SynthDetect 2 also accommodates a broader spectrum of diamond hues, weights and cuts, capable of evaluating stones from color grades D to J (lower grades are testable but more likely to generate a “refer” outcome), weighing between 0.001 and 10 carats, and of any shape.
Targeted at diamond and jewellery manufacturers, major retailers, wholesalers and gem laboratories, the equipment is intended to isolate non-natural stones within a batch or piece of jewellery. Users receive one of three possible outputs: natural, synthetic (lab-grown) or refer. A “refer” signal indicates that the instrument has detected attributes that warrant additional analysis by a laboratory or a more sophisticated detection tool. De Beers notes in its FAQ that all simulants, including cubic zirconia, moissanite and similar materials, will be flagged as “refer”.
According to De Beers, the system correctly identifies approximately 99% of genuine diamonds, with only about 1% being sent for further verification. SynthDetect 2 automatically creates inspection reports and receives software upgrades without manual intervention. The unit is currently on display in the Chancellor Room on the fourth floor of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
SynthDetect 2 is slated for shipment in the first quarter of 2027. Pricing is available on request. Orders may be placed through the online portal or by emailing [email protected].
