Task force to establish diamond-grading procedures

by eyetee | July 7, 2008 12:00 am

[1]Consumer dissatisfaction with inconsistent diamond grades is one of the catalysts behind the formation of a task force to look at diamond certification standards.

Launched by the Accredited Gemologists Association (ACA) and comprising various industry organizations, ‘Task Force on Lighting and Gemstone Grading’ is aimed at establishing international technical standards for diamond grading, including interlab comparisons.

Inaccurate, unscientific, and misleading grades resulting from current procedures also factored into the formation of the task force.

AnchorCert Diamond Certification, a division of the Birmingham Assay Office, will draft a protocol for ’round robin’ testing.

“The diamond industry needs proper international standards in order to provide comparable, meaningful, and credible diamond certification,” said Michael Allchin, CEO for the Birmingham Assay Office.

“Modern diamond grading relies on expertise coupled with sophisticated technical equipment. It is as much about scientific measurement as personal judgment, and it makes sense for the technical aspects of grading to be more tightly defined”¦A more consistent international diamond grading system will ultimately help both the trade and the consumer and everyone is welcome to join.”

While the initial objective was to determine standard light sources for grading fluorescent diamonds, discussions revealed a greater need to clarify technical procedures. In addition to establishing illumination standards and procedural guidelines, the task force will also develop systems to ensure compliance among labs.

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/task-force-to-establish-diamond-grading-procedures/