NDC expands Diamond Verification Instrument testing programme
First launched in 2019, the Assure programme has since tested roughly 80% of commercially available and viable DVIs
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has announced an expansion to its ‘Assure Program’ for the testing of Diamond Verification Instruments (DVIs).
Designed to maintain consumer confidence in the diamond jewellery industry, the programme aims to “protect consumers” and “safeguard” the natural diamond supply chain by supporting DVI manufacturers.
First launched in 2019, the Assure programme has since tested roughly 80% of commercially available and viable DVIs.
The ‘Assure Program 2.0’ includes the onboarding of a second independent testing laboratory, situated at the University of Antwerp.
Due to operate alongside the existing testing specialists, the laboratory will double testing capacity and create a “more geographically diverse landscape for submissions”.
Elsewhere, the expansion will see the scheme cover diamond-set jewellery testing from October 2021, with both open and closed-back mounted stones included in the scope.
Raluca Anghel, head of external affairs and industry relations at the NDC, said: “By enhancing and improving the Assure Program we are taking even greater strides in protecting consumer confidence.
“Everyone is responsible for correctly disclosing the nature of the product they are selling, but to facilitate this we need robust Diamond Verification Instruments that are rigorously tested.”
She added: “With this latest iteration of the Assure Program, manufacturers will be presented with vital information to continue improving their devices and consumers can be assured of the vigorous steps taken to ensure their confidence.”
