Surat: The De Beers Group of Companies announced on Tuesday the opening of its newest and most technologically advanced Forevermark diamond inscription and grading operation in the world – the International Institute of Diamond Grading and Inscription facility in Surat, India. The facility is a $10 million investment by De Beers and has been equipped with leading proprietary diamond technology.

The facility represents a major investment in Surat, a world-class diamond cutting and polishing centre characterised by skill, innovation and the effective use of technology.

Its primary purpose will be to select and inscribe Forevermark diamonds with the unique serial number that symbolises the Forevermark promise; and to deliver an accurate and reliable grading service for Forevermark diamonds. At full capacity it will be able to process $500 million of diamonds annually.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Philippe Mellier, Chief Executive, De Beers Group said, “An important investment by De Beers In world-leading technology, which will be an important resource for the Indian diamond trade and will cement Surat’s position at the heart of our industry.

While the facility will initially focus on Forevermark grading, we will also look into the potential to widen the service in the future as another way of supporting the surrounding diamond community.”

Also present at the inauguration was Stephen Lussier, CEO, Forevermark who added, “This facility will offer an improved service for Indian diamantaires and for Forevermark retailers here in India and abroad. We can now envisage a future where polished diamonds from around the world come to Surat to benefit from this world-leading facility. ”