IDL: Automatic Color Grading, 48 Hr Turnaround
August 23, 07
The International Diamond Laboratories (IDL), an initiative of the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC), is set to launch officially on August 30 in Mumbai. It is Dubai’s new diamond lab, offering retailer-oriented, technology-based diamond grading
The lab will have offices in the diamond centers of Dubai, Antwerp and Mumbai, but will focus on the emerging Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
The IDL certificates, which provide information on the four C’s of the diamond and its natural character, also has a detailed plotting of its internal and external characteristics. There is an IDL Compact Diamond Certificate as well, which does not include the plotting information. The certificates will be available in English and Arabic.
|
|
IDL promises a turnaround time of up to 48 hours, and grading results can be viewed online before the diamond has been returned.
One of the most interesting features of the new lab is the use of the automated Satbar scale to determine a diamonds color. This is one of a controversial issue relating to grading labs, as color grading is considered somewhat subjective.
Other features of the grading include a clarity grading that has a full definition of SI3, bridging the existing gap between the S12 and I1 grades and a cut benchmark in accordance with the GIA Diamond Cut Grading System.
“IDL has merged gemologists and researchers with external engineers and scientists to develop new technological applications,” IDL CEO Peter Meeus commented.
Dubai Diamond Exchange CEO Youri Steverlynck serves as IDL’s general counsel, An Smet as chief operating and technology officer and Michel Schuermans as chief laboratory officer. Pierre Grabowski will serve as chief logistics officer.