In a press release dated 28th February, 2017, the De Beers Group of Companies announced that its subsidiary, The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR), will unveil its next generation automated melee screening machine – the AMS2 – at the International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show in Hong Kong due to open at the at the AsiaWorld-Expo, on February 28, 2017. Accordingly, the IIDJR unveiled the AMS2 machine on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the Special Premium Zone/Signature Zone of the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show known as “The Hall of Fine Diamonds.”
The AMS2 promises to provide diamantaires with a more efficient and cost-effective diamond verification technology solution for melee-sized diamonds, even much less in size than 0.01 carat size diamonds, the smallest size that could be screened by the first generation Automated Melee Screening (AMS) machine. The machine is more effective as it is 10-times faster than its predecessor with a much less referral rate, and the ability to process much smaller sizes of diamonds as well as all shapes of polished diamonds.
The screening rate of this machine is 3,600 stones per hour. Around 99% of colourless and near colourless stones will pass through the machine and require no further examination. All synthetics and simulants without exception will be detected and referred for further tests. Likewise only less than 1% of natural diamonds will be wrongly identified as synthetics and simulants and referred for further testing. The referred stones can then be further studied under IIDGR’s DiamondView machine.
The dimensions of the AMS2 machine are approximately 315 mm x 400 mm x 550 mm. While the machine has a fully embedded system without the need for an external PC, it can also be kept in any type of environmentally-controlled facility. Apart from this, the cost of the machine is only a reasonable US$45,000 , cheaper than the first-generation AMS.
Commenting on the unveiling of the AMS2 machine, the Commercial Director of the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR), Jamie Clark said, “The new version was brought to the market in response to customer requests, particularly since there has been an increase in cases of undisclosed synthetic diamonds mixed in parcels of natural diamonds.”
The AMS2 was developed by De Beers’ in-house research and development team, which also created the broader suite of diamond verification technology sold by IIDGR, including DiamondView™, DiamondSure™ and PhosView™.
IIDGR president Jonathan Kendall, during the unveiling at the Hong Kong Diamond, Gem & Pearl show, said, “Confidence is everything in the diamond sector, and the AMS2 will play a big part in maintaining trust in trade transactions.” Continuing further, he said,“The AMS2 is the most technologically-advanced, efficient and cost-effective melee diamond verification instrument available. Its industry-leading low referral rate has significant economic benefits to users, greatly reducing the need for additional and costly secondary testing.”
IIDGR has announced that the AMS2 machines, will be available for purchase from the month of June, 2017. However, early expressions of interest can be registered with IIDGR at kate.rigby@iidgr.com. It advises prospective clients who need further information to please visit the IIDGR stand at the ongoing Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show. More information on IIDGR’s full range of services can be obtaining by visiting their website at www.iidgr.com.