De Beers launches SynthDetect 2 to speed and improve screening of mounted diamonds

# What De Beers announced

De Beers Group has launched SynthDetect 2, an updated desktop diamond screening instrument intended to identify lab-grown diamonds and simulant stones while they remain set in jewellery. The company positions the tool as a way to reinforce supply chain transparency and increase consumer trust in diamond verification.

# What the instrument does

SynthDetect 2 scans mounted stones to determine whether a diamond is natural, lab-grown, or a simulant. The announcement highlights faster scanning speeds and improved accuracy specifically for small mounted stones — a known challenge for many screening systems. The instrument follows De Beers' earlier SynthDetect products, including the original SynthDetect and the SynthDetect XL.

# Why it matters for the trade and retailers

Mounting makes accurate screening harder: stones set in rings and other settings can be difficult to access and test without removal. A desktop unit that increases speed and accuracy for small mounted stones can reduce the need to unset stones for testing, which saves time and lowers handling risk. For retailers, jewellers, and certification labs, that can translate to more efficient in-store screening and clearer provenance communication to customers.

# Supply chain and consumer implications

De Beers links the product to broader transparency goals. By offering a practical screening tool, the company expects to support traceability measures and help merchants offer clearer assurances about stone origin. For consumers, better verification tools can reduce uncertainty about whether a stone is natural or lab-grown when provenance statements are incomplete or absent.

# How SynthDetect 2 fits into existing tools

# Immediate considerations for users

• Operators will want to assess throughput: faster scanning speeds can change how many items a retailer or lab can process daily.
• Accuracy improvements for small mounted stones reduce the likelihood of false classifications and unnecessary unsetting.

# Bottom line

SynthDetect 2 is a targeted update to De Beers' desktop screening line, focused on improving practical detection of lab-grown stones and simulants in set jewellery. The stated goals are faster, more accurate screening for small mounted stones and better support for supply chain transparency and consumer confidence.