In an effort to identify the flow of synthetic diamonds in the pipeline, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has developed a machine that detects differences between natural diamonds and man-made stones.

DiamondCheck runs on GIA software and uses 3D imaging to label the diamond as “natural” or “non-diamond” or a third option, "further lab testing," when the initial finding is unclear. While the machine can only test one stone at a time, it only takes about 10 seconds for the software to determine the result.

Tom Moses, the senior vice president of GIA Laboratory and Research, said the device, which is able to examine diamonds from 1 point to 10 carats, is 100 percent accurate. According to Dr. Wuyi Wang, GIA’s director of research and development, there are certain chemistry features that only occur in natural diamonds and it is in DiamondCheck’s ability to identify those subtle chemical differences that make it so precise.

The GIA will install the first DiamondCheck machine at the Diamond Dealers Club in New York on Thursday and then at the major bourses in Israel, South Africa, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. Simple to use, the GIA will train individuals to operate the machines at the various diamond clubs.

Available now through GIA Instruments, the DiamondCheck retails for $23,900. However, the GIA will provide one instrument to each bourse for no cost.