FOCUS 焦点 JNA March 2026 | 15 Diamond rings by Scarselli Diamonds 钻石戒指，Scarselli Diamonds出品 Natural diamonds 天然钻石 and streamlining costs through shared development. By fostering transparent value chains, Authentia.io not only reduces barriers to participation but also incentivises stakeholders to embrace responsible sourcing practices. At De Beers, the emphasis is on expanding the reach and impact of Tracr and ORIGIN De Beers Group. As traceability continues to shape the future of the diamond industry, scaling the adoption of these modern solutions across the value chain is paramount. By providing retailers and consumers with trusted, validated data, De Beers is ensuring greater confidence in the authenticity and responsible sourcing of natural diamonds. As the jewellery trade faces evolving challenges, including advanced gemstone treatments and rising threats to ethical sourcing, technology pioneers are stepping up, refining their traceability systems to stay ahead and safeguard the integrity of the supply chain. Provenance matters Provenance Proof uses advanced DNA-based technology by applying nanoparticles to the gemstones for origin determination. Large-scale application is being done on emeralds since 2017 and melee diamonds since 2025, with pilot programmes currently underway for pearls, opals and jewellery. According to Daniel Nyfeler, managing director of Gübelin Gem Lab and Provenance Proof, the concept of a "swab test" has taken on a new meaning in the diamond industry, thanks to advancements in nanoparticle technology. Unlike earlier methods that required immersion, this new approach allows for a simple swab test to collect the nanoparticles, which are then analysed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology to verify the exact mine where the gem originated, the miner, extraction date and other details. This innovation not only simplifies the process but also makes it more practical for widespread adoption. For instance, this method has already been used to verify that diamonds supplied to a certain watch brand from Europe originated from a specific KGK facility in Surat. This level of precision and traceability is a significant step forward in ensuring transparency and ethical sourcing in the diamond supply chain. Looking ahead, Provenance Proof is working on equipping its clients with their own PCR instruments to make this technology more accessible, revealed Nyfeler. The plan involves setting up regional PCR centres in key locations such as Europe and the US, allowing firms to conduct their own analyses without relying on external labs. “Over the years, we have always worked with miners or cutters, and now, brands are interested. They want convenience. They prefer the swab test. We hope it will be applicable to any type of material,” noted Nyfeler. Provenance Proof aims to have a fully operational solution this year that meets the convenience expectations of brands while maintaining the highest standards of traceability. This initiative represents a significant leap forward in empowering the diamond industry with tools to ensure ethical sourcing and build consumer trust. Democratising the traceability technology Authentia.io has implemented key upgrades to address threats like data tampering, counterfeit insertion and supply chain vulnerabilities. These updates include enhanced blockchain protocols for immutable record-keeping, advanced encryption, decentralised verification, real-time monitoring tools and nano-tagging to link physical diamonds with digital records, revealed Scarselli. Such critical improvements ensure compliance with international standards and strengthen security against origin fraud. Leveraging Web3 and AI technologies, Authentia.io provides end-to-end traceability, provenance verification and ownership titles for natural diamonds. Authentia.io is also expanding its reach in Africa by partnering with artisan and small-scale mining operators to address ethical sourcing challenges. Initiatives include providing accessible blockchain tools for provenance registration, reducing costs through shared development and incentivising participation via transparent value chains. In South Africa, certification programmes enhance market access for miners, while advocacy with industry bodies promotes adoption, explained Scarselli. Pilot programmes in Angola are testing traceability protocols, with successes in usability and challenges like limited digital infrastructure shaping adaptations such as offline capabilities and localised training. These efforts aim to mitigate risks like labour exploitation and environmental harm while ensuring scalability.
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