IDL to Introduce New Grading Standards - Source: National Jeweler Network


Dubai, United Arab Emirates—The International Diamond Laboratories (IDL), which launches on Aug. 30, says it will introduce diamond-grading standards that use groundbreaking technology to provide accurate and consistent results.

The products and services are meant to provide added value to the trade, support consumer confidence and drive diamond demand, the lab said in a statement.

In terms of color, the IDL said it will introduce technology that determines the exact color value of a diamond with accuracy far above existing grading capabilities.

"At IDL, color grading is not based upon the perception of the human eye and a set of master stones, but is the result of an automated process," the IDL stated. "Color results are charted on the [trademarked] IDL Satbar, a unique and accurate, scientifically based scale, while still reflecting the D to Z grades."

When it comes to clarity, the IDL said it will be the first global diamond lab to achieve a full definition of the SI3 clarity grade, bridging the gap on the market between the SI2 and the I1 grade. The lab said the technique will provide accuracy in clarity grading that will benefit businesses.

In terms of cut, the IDL will be licensed to grade in accordance with the Gemological Institute of America cut-grading system.

In addition to using new technology to accurately grade stones, the IDL said it is the first diamond lab to offer a fully integrated, secure digital platform that will allow the trade to interact and market goods.

Each IDL customer will receive both a hard copy and a "Digicert" report. That certificate can be immediately forwarded to downstream customers, speeding up the process. Grading results will be available for review even before the physical diamond is returned, and the platform allows clients to track the progress of their diamond within the lab.

Other services that will be offered by the new lab include certificates in English and Arabic, which will help the trade target the Middle East, grading results within 48 hours of a diamond's arrival at the lab and global reach with offices in Antwerp, Belgium; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Mumbai, India.

Products offered by the IDL will include the IDL Diamond Certificate, a threefold document that features detailed information on the Four C's, confirms the natural character of the diamond and has detailed plotting of the internal and external characteristics of the stone; the IDL Compact Diamond Certificate, a twofold document with detailed information on the Four C's and confirmation of the natural character of the stone; the IDL Digicert; and IDL Sealing, which showcases the diamond in a tamper-proof container.

The IDL, which is being headed up by Chief Executive Officer Peter Meeus, said its overall philosophy will be to bridge the traditions of the past with the market needs of the future.

"IDL's leading-edge technologies have moved diamond grading from an art to a science," the lab stated. "At IDL, objectivity is not just a statement, it is the result of scientifically based standards and methods."

In addition, the lab will focus on the emerging Asian and Middle Eastern markets, is a retailer-oriented lab and is committed to the digital world.

"IDL has merged experienced gemologists and researchers with external engineers and scientists to develop new technological applications. This is how we bring diamond grading from an art to a science," Meeus said.