Gemology Tools
From the humble loupe to microscopes, spectroscopes and more. Learn about the tools of gemology here.
The Microscope: A Guide for Gemologists
Sometimes, microscopic inclusions are the only way to distinguish natural from synthetic gems. This makes the microscope an essential lab...
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Ruby and Sapphire Grading Tools
What ruby and sapphire grading tools does a novice gemologist need? Learn how basic gemological equipment can help you identify...
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GemEx iLoupe Review
How does the GemEx iLoupe compare to a standard jeweler’s loupe? Our review tests the device and app, designed for...
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How to Build Pocket Crossed Filters for Gemstone Testing
The crossed filters technique allows gemologists to detect chromium in gems. Learn how to build a portable device for conducting...
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Color Filters: Uses and Limitations for Gemology
A set of color filters can be helpful in the field and in the lab. Learn the limitations and uses...
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10X Loupe for Gemologists and Jewelers
The 10X loupe is the gemologist's best friend. Learn how to examine gemstones for fractures, inclusions, color, and much more...
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Polariscope Guide, Part 3: Testing for Gemstone Twinning, Dichroism, and Crystal Strain
You can use a polariscope to observe gemstone twinning, dichroism, and crystal strain. Test your ability to identify these and...
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Polariscope Guide, Part 2: Testing for Optic Figure and Sign
Learn how to use a polariscope to find the optic figure and sign of a gemstone. This is an important...
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Polariscope Guide, Part 1: Testing Gemstone Refraction
The polariscope is one of gemology’s simplest and most useful tools. With a little practice and our three-part polariscope guide,...
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Refractometer Guide, Part 3: Determining Optic Character and Recognizing Optic Effects
Learn how to determine a gem’s optic character with a refractometer and identify optical effects you may encounter during gem...
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Refractometer Guide, Part 2: Cabochon Testing
Sometimes, analyzing cabochon gems with a refractometer requires different techniques than those for faceted gems. Learn these cabochon testing methods....
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Refractometer Guide, Part 1: Refractive Index Testing
A gem refractometer is the best tool for refractive index testing. Learn how to use this instrument to conduct this...
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Product Review: GL SpectroLite
The GL SpectroLite is an inexpensive and easy-to-use tool that can help gemologists conduct spectroscope exams. Read our review to...
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Product Review: No Name Refractometers
Beware of cheap "no name” refractometers (and their distributors). These tools may not be suitable for gem identification. Read our...
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Product Review: Duplex II and Rayner Dialdex Refractometers
The Duplex II and Rayner Dialdex both make excellent refractometers for gemologists. How do they compare head-to-head? Learn more from...
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Product Review, Gem Lab Refractometer
A refractometer is an important tool for gem identification. The Gem Lab refractometer is an inexpensive model that’s a good...
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Product Review, Achiever Microscope
A microscope is an essential tool for gemologists. The Achiever Microscope is an excellent choice at a good price. Read...
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Recommended Diamond Grading Tools for Novices
Identifying diamonds requires the right equipment. Learn what diamond grading tools novice professionals or hobbyists need.
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What Happened to the GIA GemSet Color and Hue Wheel?
The GIA GemSet offered plastic color masters for color grading gems. It's no longer in production. Software alternatives exist but...
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Gemstone Refractometer Mini-Quiz
Test your knowledge of refractometer gem analysis with this mini-quiz. You can review material on any question you miss at...
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Learn to Use a Refractometer (Video)
This refractometer tutorial video will show you how to find a gem's refractive index, birefringence, optic character, and other properties....
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Recommended Gemology Tools and Instruments
Gemstone identification requires a good reference library and some basic gemology tools. Before you go shopping, learn more about what...
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How to Evaluate Diamond Symmetry
How can you evaluate diamond symmetry without an expensive proportion scope? Learn how to build an inexpensive alternative tool that...
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Dichroscope Guide for Gemologists
The dichroscope is one of the most useful instruments a gemologist can have. Its primary purpose is to determine the...
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Learn to Use a Polariscope (Video)
Taking polariscope readings can be challenging. In this tutorial video, you'll learn how to use this tool and which gems...
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The Spectroscope
The spectroscope is a fundamental gemological tool. Learn how to use it to identify gemstones based on their absorption of...
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Learn to Measure Specific Gravity (Video)
Determining a gem's specific gravity is an important identification technique. Watch this tutorial video to learn how to measure this...
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Spectroscope Instructions for Novice Gemologists
The spectroscope is one of gemology’s principal tools. Our basic spectroscope instructions will teach you how to operate and calibrate...
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Learn to Use a Diamond Tester and Chelsea Filter (Video)
Some very helpful gemology tools are easy to use. Learn about the Chelsea filter, diamond tester, and other simple instruments...
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Learn to Use a Dichroscope (Video)
Not sure if your gem is pleochroic? This tutorial video will teach you how to use the dichroscope to determine...
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Learn to Use the Spectroscope (Video)
Taking spectroscope readings can be challenging. This tutorial video will teach you different techniques you can use to view a...
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Learn to Use the Microscope (Video)
Some student gemologists might be unfamiliar with the microscope. This tutorial video will demonstrate how this instrument can help you...
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Using a Reticle: A Guide for Gemologists
When combined with optical instruments, a reticle can take fine measurements. Learn how gemologists use this tool for measuring lengths...
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Interview with Gemology Tools Expert Cara Williams
What’s working in a gem lab like? Gemology tools expert Cara Williams talks about the challenges as well as the...
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Advanced Gemology Equipment
Gemstone treatments and synthetics are becoming more sophisticated. Learn about the advanced gemology equipment that gem labs use to stay...
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How to Build a Multipurpose Microscope Stage for Gems
A multipurpose microscope stage can help you move, view, and photograph gemstones under magnification easily from many angles. Learn how...
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Gemology Book Reviews: Careers
Artists, lapidaries, and gem merchants all have stories to tell. Three very different books with varied perspectives explore the lives...
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Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: Book Review
Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1 provides a much-needed modern introduction to faceting for novices. Learn how instructors and students alike...
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The Collector’s Guide to the Minerals of New York State: Book Review
The Collector's Guide to the Minerals of New York State is ideal for both experts and hobbyists. Its information, organization,...
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Faceting Articles, Designs, & Pictures by Glenn Klein: Book Review
In Faceting Articles, Designs, & Pictures, renowned faceter Glenn Klein shares his insights on gem facet designs and the history...
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“Genesis And Classification Of Agates And Jaspers: A New Theory” Book Review
“Genesis And Classification Of Agates And Jaspers: A New Theory” insightfully explains the formation of these gems and features beautiful...
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Gemology Reference Books: Reviews
Whether you’re an expert or novice gemologist or collector, add these gemology reference books we’ve reviewed to your library.
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Build Your Own Gemology Tools
Are you a hobbyist or professional gemologist facing high equipment costs? Read our IGS series of articles that can help...
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The Optical Spectrum and the Spectroscope
The spectroscope is a device that separates white light into an optical spectrum of component colors that can aid in...
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Product Comparison, Polariscopes
Polariscopes are one of our most useful instruments. They come in a wide variety of prices and qualities. There are...
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Product Review, Diamond Calculator
There is a new piece of software available that will be of interest to many of you. It is called...
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Gemology Interactive Media Reviews
Have the information of authoritative gemology books at the click of your mouse. Our gemology interactive media reviews showcase three...
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How to Build a Home Gemology Laboratory
Learn what you need to set up a your own gem lab. You may be surprised to learn that this...
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