ASET handheld tool, idealscope tool for a non-expert

[n00bdiamond]

Hi everyone. I did my search on pricescope and did not find an answer to this question. I'm interested in purchasing a basic set of non-expensive tools (handheld). To:

1. see and eval my loose stone when it arrives
2. see my stone after it leaves my hands and comes back (may go custom)
3. eval other previously bought stones (mother's stones already mounted etc)- in particular I would like to see an ASET image because it was never evaluated before.

I'm not interested in producing computerized ASET images nor am I interested in purchasing the $500 Aset device that AGS sells. I'm looking for something simple and does its job-it doesn't have to be perfect. I know there are $25 handheld aset tools and idealscope tools and cheap diamond loupes that beginners can use (I'm thinking of getting a >10X magnification because my eyes won't be trained).

Is this a complete waste of time and am I having unrealistic expectations?

If anyone has suggestions on what I can get I would greatly appreciate it. I am well aware of the idealscope website that sells tons of tools. Some of those items are quite expensive and even the cheaper ones seem to be more expensive than what I see on ebay or the AGS website. I'm in need of some help on what to do. Thanks in advance.

 

[Gypsy]

The AGS handheld is 50 bucks. And the light box set is another 50.

Easiest thing is just to go to an appraiser that has an ASET and then you can use the ASET then.

 

[WinkHPD]

If you are looking at loose gems, then you can use any combination of the following tools with good to excellent results, depending on the amount of time you spend learning to use them.

• Ten X loupe
  Tweezers
  three or four prong stone holder, much easier than tweezers for the beginning user
  Hand held IdealScope
  Hand held ASET

If you are comparing stones, go to art store and pick up white plastic slotted tray for putting the stones in.

Wink

 

[n00bdiamond]

Are there any differences in the quality of the scopes? I heard about the fanastic $35 loupe that is now gone from the ideal scope website. How do the cheaper items on ebay compare to the ones that you guys are recommending? Honestly, b/c I'm going to use this infrequently (once a year maybe) I'd rather go as cheap as possible.

Also to answer your question about using the ASET device at a store...unfortunately, there is only one in my area and the other issue is my mother lives overseas.