Gemology Tools

Identifying diamonds requires the right equipment. Learn what diamond grading tools novice professionals or hobbyists need.

Beware of cheap “no name” refractometers (and their distributors). These tools may not be suitable for gem identification. Read our review…

The Duplex II and Rayner Dialdex both make excellent refractometers for gemologists. How do they compare head-to-head? Learn more from our review.…

A multipurpose microscope stage can help you move, view, and photograph gemstones under magnification easily from many angles. Learn how you…

The crossed filters technique allows gemologists to detect chromium in gems. Learn how to build a portable device for conducting this useful ID…

How can you evaluate diamond symmetry without an expensive proportion scope? Learn how to build an inexpensive alternative tool that will get…

The GIA GemSet offered plastic color masters for color grading gems. It’s no longer in production. Software alternatives exist but still face…

Sometimes, microscopic inclusions are the only way to distinguish natural from synthetic gems. This makes the microscope an essential lab instrument…

You can use a polariscope to observe gemstone twinning, dichroism, and crystal strain. Test your ability to identify these and other gem properties…

Testing for optic figure and sign is an important gemstone identification technique. You’ll need a polariscope, a condensing sphere, and magnification.…

The polariscope is one of gemology’s simplest and most useful tools. With a little practice and our three-part polariscope guide, you’ll…

Learn how to determine a gem’s optic character with a refractometer and identify optical effects you may encounter during gem identification…

Sometimes, analyzing cabochon gems with a refractometer requires different techniques than those for faceted gems. Learn these cabochon testing…

A gem refractometer is the best tool for refractive index testing. Learn how to use this instrument to conduct this and other gem identification…

The spectroscope is a fundamental gemological tool. Learn how to use it to identify gemstones based on their absorption of different wavelengths…

Artists, lapidaries, and gem merchants all have stories to tell. Three very different books with varied perspectives explore the lives of people…

A smooth, glass-like surface is the sign of a perfect polish. You may see pits or scratches. However, if they are few and invisible without magnification,…

Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1 provides a much-needed modern introduction to faceting for novices. Learn how instructors and students alike…

When combined with optical instruments, a reticle can take fine measurements. Learn how gemologists use this tool for measuring lengths and angles…

Test your knowledge of refractometer gem analysis with this mini-quiz. You can review material on any question you miss at the end of the quiz.

The Collector’s Guide to the Minerals of New York State is ideal for both experts and hobbyists. Its information, organization, and photos are…

In Faceting Articles, Designs, & Pictures, renowned faceter Glenn Klein shares his insights on gem facet designs and the history of gem cutting…

“Genesis And Classification Of Agates And Jaspers: A New Theory” insightfully explains the formation of these gems and features beautiful…

Whether you’re an expert or novice gemologist or collector, add these gemology reference books we’ve reviewed to your library.

Are you a hobbyist or professional gemologist facing high equipment costs? Read our IGS series of articles that can help you build your own gemology…

The spectroscope is a device that separates white light into an optical spectrum of component colors that can aid in gemstone and mineral identification.…

The spectroscope is one of gemology’s principal tools. Our basic spectroscope instructions will teach you how to operate and calibrate this…

Polariscopes are one of our most useful instruments. They come in a wide variety of prices and qualities. There are a number of ways to make a polariscope.…

The Gem Lab Refractometer is an inexpensive and useful instrument for gemologists. Read our review to learn more.

A microscope is an essential tool for gemologists. The Achiever Microscope is an excellent choice at a good price. Read our review to learn more.…

There is a new piece of software available that will be of interest to many of you. It is called the Diamond Calculator. More information available…

The GL Spectroscope Lite is a versatile, easy to use, and inexpensive tool for gemologists. Read our review to learn more.

The dichroscope is one of the most useful instruments a gemologist can have. Its primary purpose is to determine the pleochroism of a gem.

Have the information of authoritative gemology books at the click of your mouse. Our gemology interactive media reviews showcase three excellent…

Learn what you need to set up a your own gem lab. You may be surprised to learn that this is easily within your reach, and doesn’t need to cost a fortune.…