Madras at IITM Research Park, Chennai, was unveiled by Prof. V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Prof M S Ramachandra Rao, InCent-LGD, IIT Madras, Mr. Manish Jiwani, Co-Convener, LGD Committee, GJEPC and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC among other dignitaries and industry experts.

The workshop features several panel discussions. “Beyond Gems: Next-Generation Applications of OLab-Grown Diamonds” explores LGDs’ potential in various industries beyond jewellery. “Lab-Grown Diamond Growth and Treatment Recipes and Challenges” delves into the intricacies of CVD and HPHT methods. “Diamond Quality Checks and Certification” addresses the crucial need for standardised quality control for gems, jewellery, and seeds. “Lab Grown Diamond Machines and Processing Equipment” will highlight the importance of indigenous equipment manufacturing to bolster India’s self-reliance. The workshop has drawn 150 + participants from the industry.

Key Takeaways

Diamond Quality Checks & Certification:

• Advanced treatments challenge LGD grading and certification accuracy.

• Key challenges: ensuring grading accuracy, standardization, and detecting undisclosed synthetics.
• Emphasis on advanced testing methods, tech-driven grading, and industry consistency.
• Traceability of tested items is a major issue.
• LGDs are both supplementary and complementary to the diamond industry.
• Mimicking natural diamond growth patterns in LGDs remains a challenge.

LGD Growth & Treatment Recipes: Key Takeaways

• Increasing nitrogen in HPHT accelerates growth, benefiting gem-quality diamonds but not other industrial uses.
• Focus on optimizing growth parameters, impurity control, and enhancement for superior diamonds.
• Challenges include consistency, reducing defects, scalability, and reliance on high-purity raw materials.
• Future focus on refining processes, improving sustainability, and enhancing research-industry collaboration.

Diamond Quality Checks & Certification (Continued): Key Takeaways

Strengthening quality assurance frameworks is essential to ensure consumer trust globally.

Grading LGDs differs from natural diamonds, especially in color; secondary reference masters needed.

Labs must assess hue saturation and intensity, not just color for LGDs.

Clarity characteristics differ due to metallic inclusions in LGDs.

Color grading challenges arise in borderline clusters where AI struggles.

LGDs are cut for perfection, unlike natural diamonds, which are cut for weight retention.