技术

COMPLEX ROUGH PLANNING MADE SIMPLE VIA TECHNOLOGY

Rough Planning is the process of planning how to cut and polish a rough diamond in order to maximize the value of the polished diamond/s that can be extracted from the rough. How to optimize the cut of the rough diamond will depend on a myriad of factors, such as the size of the rough, the size, type and location of inclusions (natural defects) within the rough diamond, current market demands, and others.

A REVOLUTION IN ROUGH PLANNING

Galaxy systems scan and map inclusions in rough diamonds, offering automated accurate internal assessment that detects the most minute clarity data for a wide range of diamond sizes. Since its initial release in 2009, the Galaxy inclusion mapping system has taken the industry to new levels in terms of maximizing the potential of rough diamonds. The system takes a rough diamond, and reveals to the manufacturer a perfectly accurate picture of all its possible futures as a polished diamond. The idea that diamond manufacturers could now predict and design the optimal cutting plan, with complete precision, was a major breakthrough that influences the entire production pipeline. Galaxy not only changed the way that diamonds are mapped – it also changed the way the industry relates to the concept of rough planning.

HI-RES PRECISION

DiaMension technology delivers a precise 3D-model that allows accurate evaluation of the diamond’s proportions and the stone’s symmetry.

DiaMension HD uses a high resolution digital camera, specially designed interchangeable optical lenses and a unique lighting module for unmatched precise scanning and optimal accuracy, across a wide range of stone sizes (from 3.0 mm to 28.0 mm).

Supported by the Instructor^® software package, DiaMension HD allows the measurements of round brilliant cut diamonds, from the blocked stage (initial 8 cuts) up to a fully polished stone, as well as improved performance for fancy shaped cuts.

DiaMension HD is the technology powering the Hearts & Arrows and Cut components of the Sarine Profile™ diamond report.

ADVANCED MAPPING OF THE ROUGH DIAMOND SURFACE

Rough diamonds have a complex surface texture, with multiple grooves and features. The first stage in automated rough planning is 3D modeling of the rough stone, which captures its unique surface. In 2001, Sarine Technologies led a revolution in rough planning, with the development of the world’s first laser mapping and modeling technology for rough diamonds, called DiaExpert^®.

THE DIAMOND JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

DiaExpert scans all types of rough diamonds and utilizes a cutting edge scanner to map concave areas on the rough diamond, including grooves, to provide a detailed 3D model of the stone’s outer surface. While the Sarine Galaxy inclusion scanning system maps the internal inclusions, hidden inside the rough diamond, DiaExpert maps the surface flaws and features, enabling the diamond planner to accurately plan polished diamonds according to the unique surface texture of the rough. Together with the Galaxy system, the DiaExpert plays a key role in creating the story of the diamond journey, from rough to polished.

BREAK AWAY FROM TRADITIONAL CLARITY GRADING

Clarity grading has traditionally been determined by a diamond specialist who examines the diamond through a loupe, and grades the diamond by comparing it to the standard Clarity grading scale. Sarine Clarity is wholly computerized, so the clarity grading process is no longer vulnerable to subjective, human perception.

Sarine Clarity accurately and objectively maps the polished diamond’s birthmarks, inclusions and flaws. It then applies a predefined set of rules and algorithms to determine the appropriate Clarity grade, using industry-accepted standardized Clarity grading terminology.

BEYOND GRADING… TO CLARITY SORTING

The Sarine Clarity system sorts the diamonds into sub-categories according to pre-defined criteria, so diamond manufacturers and traders can ensure that each individual diamond is optimally valued for its ideal sales market. Not only does Sarine Clarity provide a revolutionary approach to Clarity grading – it also recalibrates the sorting and sourcing process for diamonds worldwide.

RELIABLE, ACCURATE, OBJECTIVE COLOR GRADING

Although there are various color evaluation technologies on the market, color grading is often conducted manually, based on the subjective eye of the gemologist, who compares the diamond to a standard visual scale.

Sarine takes the 4Cs to the next level with Sarine Color, automated color evaluation technology that delivers lab-grade accuracy. Sarine Color is a comprehensive, consistent, and technological approach to color grading, with automated optic analysis of diamond color, and precision grading according to the global standard.

With Sarine Color grading, diamond professionals & consumers benefit from:

• Definitive, reliable color grade
• Accurate optic analysis of diamond color
• Objective, lab-grade color evaluation
• Efficient, automated color grading

AN ADVANCED APPROACH TO LIGHT PERFORMANCE

Sarine Light™ light performance technology and methodology demonstrates objectivity and repeatability of results that outperform all other available technologies.

Most other light performance measurement tools rely on mathematical computations based only on a polished diamond’s geometry, ignoring the effects of the diamonds Color grade and birthmarks, or Clarity, on its interaction with light.

TRUE MEASUREMENTS

The Sarine Light measures four individual parameters that have been determined by Sarine’s research and development team to affect the diamond’s play with light. These are Brilliance, Sparkle, Fire and Light Symmetry. To learn more about the 4 light performance parameters visit our education page.

The Sarine Light analyses the four parameters, and assigns grades for each. Then the system weights the four grades to assign a total light performance grade to the diamond, giving an accurate, overall grade of its light performance.

DIAMOND VERIFICATION AND TREATMENT DETECTION

Microscope, polarizing microscope
The microscope is one of the most important tools in diamond testing.  In fact, without any further testing, a close look at a stone under a microscope can give an experienced analyst a lot of information. It is vital to use the very highest quality microscopes with options of high magnification and with the best illuminations possible. In order to create an even higher performing analytical tool from a microscope, one can add polarizing filters. With the help of such filters, an analyst can distinguish type I and type II/low nitrogen type I diamonds, and in many cases imitations and synthetic diamonds from natural diamonds.

Fluorescent lamp
With a long wave (365 nm) and short wave (254 nm) UV lamp, the fluorescence and phosphorescence of diamonds is observed. The vast majority of diamonds show some luminescence at 365 nm, even if often only very weak, and at 254 nm, luminescence is less obvious. The information found by using a standard UV lamp can be particularly useful to distinguish natural and synthetic diamonds.

Infrared (FTIR – Fourier Transform InfraRed) Spectrometer
This instrument is one of the most common modern pieces of laboratory equipment; it is used to measure how infrared radiation is absorbed/transmitted by a diamond. Infrared spectroscopy can be used for:
– Identification of a material, hence distinguishing diamond from all its imitations.
– Detection and calculation of nitrogen and boron in the diamond structure.
– Detection of infrared-active hydrogen defects.
– Detection of certain defects caused by irradiation and irradiation followed by annealing.
– Help in detecting HPHT treatment of type I diamonds.
– Help in distinguishing natural from synthetic diamond.

Photoluminescence/Raman spectrometer
This instrument covers two techniques at the same time: Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is a vibrational technique, based on the vibrations of atoms and molecules. With this method, the gemologist can detect how vibrating molecules and atoms modify the wavelength of monochromatic light. A Raman spectrum is most commonly used to identify gems, since the resulting peaks are characteristic for the different gem species; therefore, it is a fast, easy method to distinguish diamond from diamond imitations.

On a Raman spectrometer, luminescence can be measured at the same time as Raman scattering, since it is excited by the intense laser beam. This is what is known as photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, a highly sensitive technique to detect defects in diamonds. The vast majority of defects that can be identified by absorption spectroscopy can also be detected by PL spectroscopy, but with much higher sensitivity; moreover, a very large quantity of PL features can be detected that cannot be seen in absorption. PL spectroscopy can be used for a large range of applications, including synthetic diamond and HPHT treatment detection.

ADVANCED VISUALIZATION SYSTEM

The advanced Sarine Loupe imaging system takes 360-degree scans of a diamond, and creates an accurate digital image that allows the user to see precise details of the diamond as if viewing through a loupe. The customer can rotate and examine the virtual diamond, and view features such as inclusions, birthmarks, reflections and workmanship, from any direction. A zoom feature allows closer examination of minute details in real-life accuracy.

RANGE OF VIEW MODES

Sarine Loupe offers a range of view modes that enable accurate, close up viewing of the diamond from many angles.

• 3D View: Full dynamic rotatable view of the diamond in 3D
• Real View: Imaging of the diamond in a natural lighting setting, as if it is being worn
• Top View: Imaging of the diamond as if viewed with a magnifying glass in a fluorescent lighting setting
• ID Inscription View: Magnified view of the diamond’s ID inscription

AS IF HOLDING THE DIAMOND IN YOUR HAND

Sarine Loupe diamond images are stored in the cloud, which means customers can inspect diamonds that are not in stock, or even diamonds located on the other side of the world, within seconds. The advanced 3D-imaging technology creates an accurate, engaging and accessible diamond viewing experience.