Every diamond owner wants to have a quality assurance and authenticity guarantee for their gemstone. Various gemological institutes are usually tasked with this assessment. An inscription that is matched to a certificate identification number is made on the stone in order to authenticate the quality of the gem. This guarantee is normally based on the stone’s most important value characteristics, carat, cut, colour and clarity, informally known as the ‘Four Cs’. Due to the widespread trend in the use of artificial cultured diamonds, whose properties are very similar to those of mined ones, it is important to determine whether a diamond is of natural origin. Once again, an inscription is made on the diamond to guarantee its origin. Another important reason behind inscribing gemstones is that insurance companies prefer to deal with certified, marked stones.
Marking polished stones is a growing trend in the diamond business. Marking is necessary for secure product identification, database creation and is also required in the insurance industry.
Presently, there are two marking methods, whose application is very limited. One is the laser beam engraving on the girdle of the stone and the other is the focused ion-beam marking on the table of the stone.
One of the important reasons behind the limited widespread application of these methods is due to the change in the assessed value of the stone. Even the focused ion-beam method results in a micro-engraving on the polished surface of a stone, which is achieved by actually removing 20-30nm of surface material.
Marking polished stones is a growing trend in the diamond business. Marking is necessary for secure product identification, database creation and is also required in the insurance industry.
Presently, there are two marking methods, whose application is very limited. One is the laser beam engraving on the girdle of the stone and the other is the focused ion-beam marking on the table of the stone.
One of the important reasons behind the limited widespread application of these methods is due to the change in the assessed value of the stone. Even the focused ion-beam method results in a micro-engraving on the polished surface of a stone, which is achieved by actually removing 20-30nm of surface material.
Advantages:
The inscription does not damage the gemstone’s surface and does not affect the assessed value.
The inscription is easily visible without complex equipment.
The size of the image is limited only by the size of the marking surface.
The technology allows for transfer of highly detailed multi-grade images such as brand names, logos, signatures and photographic images.
The mark is as durable as the stone itself, i.e. is resistant to mechanical and chemical influences
Patents:
The Diamond Watermark is protected under the following patents:
1. PCT/RU01/00177 filed on 26/04/01 for a "Method for creating and visualizing an optically invisible mark". Publication Number: WO.02/089041 National Phase of PCT /Canadian Patent Application No.: 2,445,443 Europe Patent No.: 01954549.0
2. PCT/RU2004/000537 filed on 30/12/04 for a “Method for visualizing an optically invisible mark image and device for carrying out said method”. Publication Number: WO2006073325; Publication date: 13/07/06 (RU) European Application Number: WO2004RU00537 20041230 Priority Number: WO2004RU00537 20041230
3. PCT/RU2006/000412 filed on 04/08/06 for a "Method for creating and visualizing an optically invisible mark".
