Egl USA matches JCK Grant for HPHT and synthetic diamond research

NEW YORK, March 3 - In February EGL USA, headquartered in New York City, was awarded a $50,000 grant by the JCK Industry Fund in support of the gem lab's ongoing research in the identification of natural and synthetic diamonds modified by high pressure high temperature (HPHT). Mark Gershburg, EGL USA's director, responded today, "We are very proud to be recognized by the 2003 JCK Industry Fund, which has provided significant contributions to our industry. I am pleased to announce that EGL USA will match the grant it has been awarded."

EGL USA plans to use the research funds towards the following four initiatives:
       1. Acquiring advanced equipment
       2. Research at HPHT processing facilities
       3. Study of various types of diamonds before and after HPHT processing
       4. Education and publishing

"Solving the HPHT puzzle is not just about having sophisticated testing equipment," said Gershburg. " It requires a multi-dimensional approach consisting of scientific testing methodologies, access to sample material, technical expertise, and the cooperation of important working partners from the scientific field, gemological labs and the HPHT processing facilities."

EGL USA included research on synthetic diamonds in its JCK Grant proposal because producers of synthetics use the HPHT equipment to manufacture their stones, which have been more present on the market in the last couple of years, according to Gershburg. Their original color could be improved through additional pressure and temperature, and these synthetic HPHT-treated stones could be confused with natural diamonds, which have either natural color or have been modified by HPHT. EGL USA believes it offers several distinct advantages to the challenge of HPHT identification. In addition to GIA, it is only major gem lab in North America focusing on diamonds and doing research in HPHT.

Since 1999, when HPHT-treated diamonds first appeared in the marketplace, EGL USA has spent over $250,000 of its own funds on HPHT detection issues. "Our research has led to the development of highly reliable identification procedures, and on two occasions EGL USA announced major breakthroughs in HPHT research," said Gershburg. It was the first lab to announce that HPHT colored diamonds had entered the market and the first to uncover that Type IaB diamonds could be made colorless through HPHT treatment.

The lab attributes its research success to the collaborative spirit it fosters with a team of specialists from the international world of gemology and science in universities, laboratories and the jewelry industry. David Bonaparte, Vice President of the JCK Shows, said that EGL USA's working relationship with other institutions was a defining factor in their deciding to fund the lab's HPHT research. "The HPHT identification challenges appear to be increasing," said Bonaparte. "EGL USA's experience in the field and its collaborative relationships with other researchers was compelling."

There is also the rough advantage. EGL USA is the only U.S. lab that identifies and grades rough diamonds. Producers of synthetic diamonds try to simulate the natural stone and sometimes use HPHT to create better quality synthetic diamonds. EGL USA's expertise in rough diamonds facilitates their detection of any treatment that tries to simulate nature.

Another advantage, says Gershburg, is EGL USA's longstanding relationship with many of the HPHT diamond producers, which has resulted in access to proprietary information that few other labs have. "Trace signatures left by natural processes and artificial processes are so subtle and similar, true research requires on-site, hands-on experience," said Gershburg. "Our researchers have visited treatment centers in the U.S., Russia, and Canada. Korean treaters have brought stones to our lab to be studied. In 2003 these study trips will be expanded."

Another industry benefit of these relationships with treaters is more HPHT-treated diamonds are being certified, which will help ensure proper disclosure to the trade and consumer.

Since 1999 EGL USA gemologists have offered dozens of educational seminars at trade shows and international scientific conferences on the subject of natural and synthetic diamonds modified by HPHT. As its research evolves, the lab plans to continue to keep the trade informed of its findings. Its booklet called "Changing the Color of Diamonds: The High Pressure High Temperature Process Explained" is free to the industry. For a copy, call 877-EGLUSA1 and specify the HPHT booklet. EGL USA is a full-service gem lab with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Toronto. Originally part of an international network established in 1974, EGL USA has been a privately owned independent lab since 1986.