Tools for gem lovers?

[icy_jade]

So I have a US trip coming up and I am thinking to take the opportunity to buy some tools (from Amazon?) if I have the chance/time.

Any recommendations?

I also found this Presidium Gem Indicator that seems to be very comprehensive. Can test for “31 gemstones based on their thermal and color properties, including colorless diamonds.”

It’s a tad pricey but I was thinking that if I go gem hunting at Asian fairs this could come in really handy and that if it even saves me from a few duds it’s worth the cost. Your thoughts? Is presidium a trusted vendor/tool?

 

[icy_jade]

For loupes I’ll be getting one from HPD as part of the regular tool kit they send along for their diamonds. I had others but I keep losing loupes... maybe they will turn up... (I hope!)

DH also passed me an electronic microscope which is pretty cool

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1005631155/scopearound-smart-and-versatile-wifi-video-camera

 

[Bron357]

I have a Presidium gem tester which has its limits. It can not distinguish between man made and natural. So it’s not “the answer”.
I used to use it for IDing white stones” ie CZ, white topaz, white sapphire and diamond but it can’t tell me if my white sapphire is Natural or man made.
It can tell Spinel from ruby and garnet. It can tell sapphire from Tanzanite from Kyanite. It can tell Citrine from Sapphire and Tourmaline from other similar coloured gems.
Best other equipment is a good Loupe, a pair of tweezers, a lint free cloth and a decent light source.

 

[peacechick]

Maybe calipers and a small weighing scale to see if gems are correctly described? What about a uv light to check fluorescence?

 

[Bron357]

I bought this contraption off eBay. Haven’t tried it as yet. It’s a microscope that you can fit over your phone lens (you choose which one depending on your phone model). It’s got a “bulldog type” clip for attachment / detachment. With built in LED and UV light too.

 

[icy_jade]

Ok just added a whole list of stuff to cart and now to weed out the rubbish ones... anyone has positive or negative experiences with any of these?

E.g. Multiple scales as I can’t tell what’s that difference but need to pick one.

A few like magnifying glass/loupe etc more for taking photos... using local Prime account so choices are a bit more limited than usual but if you have strong recommendations will still appreciate links ok?

 

[icy_jade]

I have a Presidium gem tester which has its limits. It can not distinguish between man made and natural. So it’s not “the answer”.
I used to use it for IDing white stones” ie CZ, white topaz, white sapphire and diamond but it can’t tell me if my white sapphire is Natural or man made.
It can tell Spinel from ruby and garnet. It can tell sapphire from Tanzanite from Kyanite. It can tell Citrine from Sapphire and Tourmaline from other similar coloured gems.
Best other equipment is a good Loupe, a pair of tweezers, a lint free cloth and a decent light source.

Ok I’ll waffling between holding off on the presidium until I get a bit more experience at the coming fair and figure out what will come in useful... but I do recall lotsa uncertified stones so I think it should be useful... understand the limitations and I’ll do more reading...

Maybe calipers and a small weighing scale to see if gems are correctly described? What about a uv light to check fluorescence?

I have a micrometer... will look for that. Weighing scales in the cart. And thanks for reminding re uv light. Will get one esp since I now know I love fluoro in diamonds.

I bought this contraption off eBay. Haven’t tried it as yet. It’s a microscope that you can fit over your phone lens (you choose which one depending on your phone model). It’s got a “bulldog type” clip for attachment / detachment. With built in LED and UV light too.

Thanks! In cart too while I read up about it.

 

[pwsg07]

I have a Presidium gem tester which has its limits. It can not distinguish between man made and natural. So it’s not “the answer”.
I used to use it for IDing white stones” ie CZ, white topaz, white sapphire and diamond but it can’t tell me if my white sapphire is Natural or man made.
It can tell Spinel from ruby and garnet. It can tell sapphire from Tanzanite from Kyanite. It can tell Citrine from Sapphire and Tourmaline from other similar coloured gems.
Best other equipment is a good Loupe, a pair of tweezers, a lint free cloth and a decent light source.

What is the light source you are using? I am looking for a standard light source to observe the colour of my gems. The sunlight is not reliable.

 

[pwsg07]

I have a GemOro PLATINUM PCT251 scale. A cutter mentioned a darkfield loupe. I am looking for a penlight and a microscope. I suggest a 10x loupe with LED light.

 

[minousbijoux]

I have a GemOro PLATINUM PCT251 scale. A cutter mentioned a darkfield loupe. I am looking for a penlight and a microscope. I suggest a 10x loupe with LED light.

Over the years, I have gone through quite a bit of equipment, particularly scales, which seem to break easily. I would definitely step up from the $20-$30 scales all over Amazon/ebay and instead get one like the GemOro recommended above (I currently have this one and it does not seem wonky or need to be recalibrated often).

I'd have at least a few, loupes, a UV light, digital calipers, dichroscope and refractometer. Oh, and also a chelsea filter which can rule out/in chrome containing stones. I have tweezers of various sizes and shapes to handle different stones. One thing I'm currently looking for is a good small lipped plastic tray or surface on which I can place the gems when I'm examining them (sometimes I use a ceramic plate, or cookie sheet, but always worry about damaging the stones on the hardness of the surface...)

Good luck - sounds like so much fun!

 

[PrecisionGem]

So I have a US trip coming up and I am thinking to take the opportunity to buy some tools (from Amazon?) if I have the chance/time.

Any recommendations?

I also found this Presidium Gem Indicator that seems to be very comprehensive. Can test for “31 gemstones based on their thermal and color properties, including colorless diamonds.”

It’s a tad pricey but I was thinking that if I go gem hunting at Asian fairs this could come in really handy and that if it even saves me from a few duds it’s worth the cost. Your thoughts? Is presidium a trusted vendor/tool?

Every wonder why professionals or labs don't use these?

Save your money for something else. A refractometer is a way more useful tool.