Mumbai: The De Beers Group of Companies today announced that its International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR) business is running synthetic detection symposiums around India to demonstrate its technology to all elements of the Indian diamond community.

The IIDGR team, led by the Institute’s Commercial Director, Jamie Clark, are at the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai on 16th and 17th February, before travelling to The Gateway Hotel Athwalines in Surat on 19th February. Attendees will gain better understanding of how the detection technologies work and the role they play in supporting consumer confidence in diamonds.

The IIDGR markets a range of leading detection instruments that play a vital role in helping diamantaires have confidence in their own inventory. This in turn enables them to provide reassurance to their customers. The IIDGR is also in the process of establishing a referrals centre at its Surat laboratory that will provide a lower cost option for testing stones referred by detection instruments. It also has plans to increase the range of diamond grading services at the Surat facility by mid 2015.

Jonathan Kendall, IIDGR President, stated: “Diamond businesses must be proactive in managing risks related to undisclosed synthetics and we believe these symposiums will play an important role in helping them do this.”

Mr Clark added: “This visit is an important step in us supporting India’s diamond trade and when you consider our other plans for the year around referrals testing and grading, it is clear that the IIDGR will play an increasingly important role in bolstering confidence in the Indian diamond industry.”

Representatives from diamond businesses interested in attending the symposiums can contact the IIDGR at contact@iidgr.com

Symposium details: 16 and 17 February, SG Jhaveri Trading Hall, Bharat Diamond Bourse, Mumbai

19 February, 10am, The Gateway Hotel Athwalines Surat, Ambika Niketan, Surat Dumas Road, Surat – 395 007.