(IDEX Online) - Alrosa is applying an indestructible "nano mark" to the atomic structure its diamonds to guarantee their provenance.
It says the application of a minuscule physical mark is more reliable than existing diamond-tracing technologies such as laser engraving, which can be polished off.
The Russian miner says the application of nano mark to the atomic structure of the diamond, replicates a natural process that occurs in stones over millions of years, according a Bloomberg news report. Alrosa is seeking patents for the technology.
The nano mark is linked to Alrosa's digital database and, according to the GIA lab, has no effect on the quality of stones.
Alrosa currently uses technology that assigns each diamond an ID number and allows buyers to track its history.