Signet jewelers is planning to open a testing laboratory for synthetic-diamond detectors to ensure its suppliers can confidently say they are only dealing in natural stones.

As a starting point, the U.S.-based retailer will use devices from three recognized manufacturers: HRD Antwerp, the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

The M-Screen+ , the Superfast Automated Melee Screening device sold by HRD Antwerp, remains the fastest device on the market.

It automatically feeds, screens and sorts round brilliant diamonds at a super speed of minimum three diamonds per second or 11.000 per hour.

HRD Antwerp and the Antwerp research center WTOCD is continuously working on the improvement of the specifications of its screening devices, such as lowering the size range and bringing down the refer rate.