Mayank Jain, CEO of DiaDNA, was interviewed by Joshua Freedman for the Rapaport Diamond Podcast about the new traceability technology his company has brought to market. This major innovation, addressing a key concern for the industry, could significantly enhance transparency regarding the origin of diamonds.
Analyzing the Diamond’s Atomic Structure
DiaDNA has developed a fully automated technology based on machine learning, capable of authenticating a diamond by analyzing its atomic-scale structure. The challenge is considerable: stones may be fraudulently substituted during their journey, which can span several weeks and involve numerous intermediaries. The company’s approach is built on collaboration between several stakeholders, notably two major diamond groups that contributed to the collection and provision of millions of data points—55 million to date—required to train the models.
DiaDNA’s technology departs from traditional methods. Rather than examining the physical presence of inclusions, it analyzes the diamond’s atomic structure, including the distribution of elements such as nitrogen and boron within the crystal lattice. This forms a unique “signature,” comparable to DNA. Crucially, this signature persists after cutting, enabling a reliable link to be established between the rough diamond and the polished stone. The scan of the polished diamond is then compared with that of the original rough, with the atomic structure expected to be perfectly identical.
Eliminating Human Error
A key advantage lies in the full automation of the process, which removes human error and strengthens the reliability of the supply chain. DiaDNA’s analysis is coupled with artificial intelligence, and to date it is the only solution that automates the entire workflow—from data capture to results delivery—without human observation and therefore without the risk of misinterpretation. The results remain unknown to the operator handling the stones, preventing any temptation of substitution or fraud. The GIA has conducted its own tests on Mayank Jain’s technology, reporting an accuracy rate of 96%, significantly higher than other methods currently used in the industry, although some margin for improvement remains.
What Applications for DiaDNA?
It remains to be seen whether this technology could be extended upstream to the mine, enabling atomic structure analysis at the source, and downstream to mounted diamonds, as well as to secure second-hand purchases and product returns.
DiaDNA could also make it possible to detect treatments and human-induced modifications to diamonds, which would alter their atomic “signature.” Numerous key diamond hubs—including Antwerp, Surat, Dubai and Hong Kong—are likely to take a strong interest in such capabilities.
While the model still presents certain limitations, DiaDNA could represent a major step forward in diamond traceability across the entire value chain, strengthening transparency and reinforcing trust among both partners and clients.
The full podcast is available HERE.
Source : Rapaport