The Sherlock Holmes Detector

The Sherlock Holmes Detector is a portable desktop diamond verification instrument for loose and mounted stones designed to separate diamonds from synthetic diamonds. The Sherlock Holmes Detector is manually operated and requires an operator to interpret the test results.

The performance metrics shown below are based on testing done in 2019 using the ASSURE 1.0 test standard and sample sets.

Download Instrument Fact Sheet (ASSURE 1.0 - Novice Operator)

Stone Testing Capability

Weight: All
Size: All
Colour: D-K
Shape: All
Diamond Simulants: No
Mounted Stones: Yes (not yet ASSURE Tested)

Instrument Performance

The below results demonstrate the performance of the Sherlock Holmes Diamond Detector with the ASSURE 1.0 Core Sample:

Diamond False Positive Rate (optimal rate 0%): 0%
Diamond Referral Rate (optimal rate 0%): N/A
Diamond Accuracy Rate (optimal rate 100%): 97.5%
Speed (stones tested per hour): 530

The Core Sample consists of 1,000 loose diamonds, 200 loose synthetic diamonds and 200 loose diamond simulants. The stones are 0.02ct to 0.20ct in D-J colour.

The below results demonstrate the performance of the Sherlock Holmes Diamond Detector with the ASSURE 1.0 Smalls Sample:

Diamond False Positive Rate (optimal rate 0%): 0%
Diamond Referral Rate (optimal rate 0%): N/A
Diamond Accuracy Rate (optimal rate 100%): 97.8%
Speed (stones tested per hour): 530

The Smalls Sample consists of 1,000 loose diamonds, 200 loose synthetic diamonds and 200 loose diamond simulants. The stones are 0.005 ct to 0.02 ct in D-J colour.

Instrument Capabilities

Automated Feed: No
Automated Results: No
Automated Dispense: No
Detect or Refer (Synthetic Diamonds): Detect
Multiple Stones at Once: Yes
Training Required: No, review user manual

The Sherlock Holmes Detector captures an image and based on visual analysis of the images, and support from a decision tool, the operator can conclude one of the following results:

Diamond
Synthetic diamond
Refer

The ‘Refer’ result could contain potential synthetic diamonds and diamonds. Yehuda recommends further testing with regular UV light or by a gemmological laboratory.