(IDEX Online) - De Beers is launching a new diamond verification instrument, which it says is capable of automatically screening large volumes of melee at speed, and identifying rogue lab growns.Through its innovation arm, Ignite, it has developed technology to verify 3,600 diamonds per hour in the 0.001 carat to 0.0033 carat (0.6 to 1.0mm) size range.It says the new instrument, available early next year, is easily operated in-house with no specialist expertise required.Sarandos Gouvelis, head of the Ignite division said: "We believe this new instrument will play an important role in continuing to enhance our comprehensive suite of leading-edge technology for screening of synthetic or laboratory-grown diamonds right down to the smallest sizes, while making it easier and quicker for diamond businesses to assure product integrity.De Beers Group has been developing screening and verification technology since the early 1990s, when it launched the DiamondSure I.Generic pic of melee.