4User Guide 5User Guide
General Information
GIA iD100TM distinguishes natural diamonds from potentially synthetic diamonds
and diamond simulants (see Notes below).
Dierent types of diamonds are distinguished through a process called
luminescence analysis – a highly sensitive, accurate method of detecting a
diamond’s crystallographic defects. The vast majority of natural diamonds have
nitrogen-related defects that can be excited by ultraviolet (UV) light and measured
spectroscopically. By contrast, synthetic diamonds and diamond simulants do
not have the same nitrogen-related defects. Therefore, mined diamonds can be
identified through luminescence analysis.
The GIA iD100™ automatically collects and analyzes the optical signal to detect
a diamond’s luminescence signature. It identifies natural diamonds based on
luminescence signatures specific to diamonds, while referring items without those
patterns for further testing.
The GIA iD100™ can be used to test both loose stones and stones mounted in
jewelry. It is designed for colorless to near-colorless diamonds of any shape that are
about 0.9mm or greater in diameter. UV light, directed to the sample using the fiber
probe, interacts with natural defects in the diamond to produce luminescence that
is collected by the fiber probe and transmitted back to the sensor inside the device.
The device displays an easy-to-see readout on the screen accompanied by an audio
reading with the same result (“PASS” or “REFER”). This enables the operator to use
both hands while performing the testing.
If the device detects a natural diamond’s luminescence signature, a “PASS” result
will appear on the display. If a natural diamond’s luminescence signature is not
detected, a “REFER” result will appear on the display. This will indicate that the
tested item may be a synthetic diamond or a diamond simulant. The tested item
should be referred for further testing. The GIA iD100TM cannot confirm whether a
mined diamond has been treated.
Notes:
Diamonds outside the colorless to near-colorless range should not be tested
with this device.
For the purposes of this User Guide, “natural” is used for mined, not synthetic,
diamonds and does not make any assumptions or provide any detection about
subsequent treatments such as HPHT processing.
“How to Use the GIA iD100TM” Video
Reviewing the video showing how to use the GIA iD100™ at GIA.edu/id100 is
recommended before operating the device.
Device Capabilities
The capabilities of the GIA iD100TM:
• Identifies colorless and near-colorless natural diamonds.
• Refers potentially synthetic diamonds and diamond simulants for
further testing.
• Displays results in approximately two seconds.
• Provides audio notification of “PASS” or “REFER” to accompany
text-displayed result.
• Tests both mounted and loose diamonds of 0.9mm or greater in diameter
(approx. 0.005 carat size) in any cut.
Reading Test Results
Result Description
PASS The tested item has the characteristic luminescence pattern of
a natural diamond.
REFER The tested item does not have the characteristic luminescence
pattern of a natural diamond, suggesting this could be a synthetic
diamond or a diamond simulant. Adjust testing position and test the
item again to confirm.
Note: It is possible to receive both “PASS” and “REFER” results on the same stone.
Anytime you receive a “PASS” result, the “PASS” result is the definitive result.
REFER Rate on Natural Diamonds
Among natural diamonds, this device will refer a small percentage of stones for
further testing. A high number of “REFER” results while testing may indicate an issue
with the environment or testing method. Interfering factors may include bright room
lights, improperly cleaned stones or an unsatisfactory fiber probe-to-stone angle. If
you obtain a “REFER” result, slightly alter the fiber probe-to-stone angle and test the
item again to confirm the result. Some test items may get both “PASS” and “REFER”
results if the stone exhibits weak characteristics of a natural diamond.
