Secure diamond smart cards and exchange systems therefor

Abstract

A tamper-proof diamond package comprises a package body; at least one chip embedded in the package body and at least one antenna configured to enable communication with the chip; anti-counterfeiting visual impressions on the package body; a diamond pouch formed at a predetermined section within the package body; and one or more diamonds located inside the diamond pouch and an outer covering encasing the package body and configured to reveal any tampering with the one or more diamonds located in the diamond pouch. The diamond package can be credit card shaped and also contain serial number and website information and provide nominal dollar values. An associated diamond exchange system utilizes the diamond packages and provides a registration server which stores unique identifying information that enables interrogating the individual diamond packages and checking their authenticity with the registration server.

1 . A tamperproof diamond package, comprising:
 a package body;   at least one chip embedded in the package body and at least one antenna configured to enable communication with the chip;   anti-counterfeiting visual impressions on the package body;   a random distribution of microspheres across an area of the package body;   a diamond pouch provided at a predetermined section within the package body; and   one or more diamonds located inside the diamond pouch and an outer covering encasing the package body and configured to reveal any tampering with the one or more diamonds located in the diamond pouch.   
     
     
         2 . The diamond package of  claim 1 , wherein the package body comprises a thin, credit card-shaped body with a thickness that is not greater than one quarter of other dimensions associated with said package body. 
     
     
         3 . The diamond package of  claim 2 , wherein the body shape is rectangular. 
     
     
         4 . The diamond package of  claim 1 , wherein the visual impressions include at least a serial number, and website information that is configured to enable checking the authenticity of the diamond package. 
     
     
         5 . The diamond package of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more diamonds comprises a plurality of diamonds having an aggregate price equal to a nominal dollar value. 
     
     
         6 . The diamond package of  claim 5 , wherein the nominal dollar value comprises one or more of $10,000.00, $40,000.00 and $100,000.00. 
     
     
         7 . The diamond package of  claim 1 , wherein the distribution of microspheres creates a unique visual image in each package that is different from any such image on any other diamond package. 
     
     
         8 . The diamond package of  claim 1 , wherein the microspheres have respective diameters that measure less than or equal to 1 mm, on average. 
     
     
         9 . The diamond package of  claim 1 , wherein the microspheres are manufactured from one or more of a natural, a synthetic, a glass, a polymer, or a ceramic material. 
     
     
         10 . The diamond package of  claim 9 , wherein the microspheres are made of one of polyethylene and polystyrene. 
     
     
         11 . The diamond package of  claim 1 , wherein the diamond pouch includes a distribution of precious stone dust in multiple colors laid out in discrete dust particles. 
     
     
         12 . The diamond package of  claim 1 , wherein the chip is configured to output a unique algorithmic response via the antenna in response to receiving a random challenge. 
     
     
         13 . The diamond package of  claim 1 , wherein the microspheres are distributed across the diamond pouch between the one or more diamonds. 
     
     
         14 . A tamperproof diamond package, comprising: a package body;
 a diamond pouch enclosed in the package body;   a chip embedded in the package body and an antenna communicatively coupled to the chip; and   a random distribution of microspheres across an area of the package body; wherein at least one of the chip or the distribution of microspheres is configured to indicate whether the diamond pouch has been tampered with.   
     
     
         15 . The diamond package of  claim 14 , wherein the chip is configured to output a unique algorithmic response via the antenna in response to receiving a random challenge. 
     
     
         16 . The diamond package of  claim 14 , wherein the microspheres are distributed across the diamond pouch. 
     
     
         17 . The diamond package of  claim 14 , wherein the package body comprises a thin, credit card-shaped body with a thickness that is not greater than one quarter of other dimensions associated with said package body. 
     
     
         18 . The diamond package of  claim 14 , wherein the package body further comprises anti-counterfeiting visual impressions comprising at least one of a serial number or website information associated with information authenticating the diamond package. 
     
     
         19 . The diamond package of  claim 14 , wherein the microspheres have respective diameters that measure less than or equal to 1 mm, on average. 
     
     
         20 . The diamond package of  claim 14 , wherein the microspheres are manufactured from one or more of a natural, a synthetic, a glass, a polymer, or a ceramic material. 
     
     
         21 . A computer-based diamond exchange system for use in trading of tamperproof diamond packages between members of the public comprising:
 a marketplace server configured to list diamond packages by members of the public for trading between such members, the marketplace server further configured to securely communicate with a registration server;   the registration server pre-configured to store unique identifying information for at least one registered diamond package listed for trading, the registration server further providing an interface to members of the public to send and receive an interrogation signal for authentication and certification of at least one diamond package for trading; and   wherein in response to the interrogation signal submitted, the registration server verifies the unique identifying information and completes authentication and certification of the at least one diamond package for tamperproof trading between members of the public.   
     
     
         22 . The diamond exchange system of  claim 21 , wherein the marketplace server is configured to allow members of the public to list diamond packages for purchase or sale. 
     
     
         23 . The diamond exchange system of  claim 21 , wherein the interrogation signal can be via NFC (near field communication) and/or RFID (radio frequency identification) interfaces. 
     
     
         24 . The diamond exchange system of  claim 21 , wherein the registration server is further configured to securely communicate with an authentication server for authentication and certification of the at least one diamond package. 
     
     
         25 . The diamond exchange system of  claim 24 , wherein the authentication server would maintain a secure and encrypted database of unique chip parameters of the at least one diamond package. 
     
     
         26 . The diamond exchange system of  claim 21 , wherein the registration server further comprises an algorithm intended to prevent speculation and arbitrage schemes by members of the public. 
     
     
         27 . The diamond exchange system of  claim 21 , further comprising an information server to enable automatic pricing of the at least one diamond package by members of the public.