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The growth of the EGL USA Group and its opening of new laboratories in North America have created a need for better communication and databases for rough and polished diamonds coming to our labs for testing. The basic idea is to store all data (identification number, weight, size, shape, screening results with DiamondSure, color, clarity, fluorescence, UV-Vis-NIR absorption, FTIR, photoluminescence [PL], and cathodoluminescence [CL] spectra, along with other necessary advanced tests, as appropriate) in one system called the Cross-referencing Identification System (CIS). The system will be interactive and will enable the searching and cross-referencing of data. It will permit statistical analysis of each of the categories. For example, it could easily calculate the percentage of each characteristic that is present in the diamonds tested by the laboratories. There are three levels of the CIS system: • Level I: ABCD (4 groups) contains basic information, fluorescence, and absorption testing in the visible region of the spectrum. This level is sufficient to positively identify, for example, most yellow diamonds with cape lines. • Level II: A12-D21 (8 groups) contains, in addition to the data from Level I, FTIR and UV-Vis-NIR absorption data. Level II is sufficient for the identification of all cape diamonds, as well as most irradiated, type Ia HPHT-treated, and synthetic diamonds. • Level III: A1-D1 (16 groups) is the highest level of identification and will record, in addition to the data from Levels I and II, the amount of impurities, PL spectra, "hot" CL, photo of "cold" CL, chemical analysis with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), as well as photography in visible light, UV radiation, and under crossed polarizers. Data collected at this level makes it possible to identify all treatments of diamonds and all synthetic diamonds. The goal of this new system is to standardize communication both within EGL USA group and internationally, and to increase the database chronicling old and new treatments of natural and synthetic diamonds. International labs with advanced instruments also could connect with the CIS system and exchange "virtual samples" to increase the database and detect more treatments and synthetics. Diamond mining companies, diamond manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers would benefit by the increased confidence in selling their products with proper disclosure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]