The conclave on Synthetic Diamonds was conducted by Mr. Chirag Soni, SGL Director and Mr. Christopher MacDonald, who heads the SGL London operations.

The conclave highlighted the current challenges faced by the industry from CVD and other synthetic diamonds and the fact that SGL is now detecting an increasing incidence of CVD synthetics, noting risks that undisclosed synthetics could become a huge problem for the industry.

It is hard to tell the difference between natural diamonds and CVD synthetics, without scientific instruments which is proving to be a hurdle in the easy detection of these stones as such expensive technology is not viable for all, Soni said.

He said that he believed a standardization system was needed for diamonds, but specifications would have to be clearly defined and agreed by industry bodies.

Mr. Chirstopher Macdonald having a rich retail experience with companies like Tiffany, Cartier & Faberge and now heading SGL’s UK Laboratory also seconded the thought and sees this laboratories like SGL playing a major role in helping the industry achieve jointly.

Diamond industry leaders see no problems with full disclosure and branding of synthetic diamonds, the real concern is to tackle the fraudulent practice of mixing undisclosed synthetics with genuine natural diamonds. An undisclosed sale can eventually hamper the customer confidence in Diamonds.

SGL will soon launch mandatory CVD tests for jewellery pcs received across all its centres and the idea was welcomed by the industry associates on the due diligence taken by the laboratory.