Essential Items for a Perfect Gemmologist's Equipment Set
For those eager to embark on a journey towards becoming a qualified gemmologist, the Gem-A Foundation course serves as an ideal starting point. As you delve deeper into the world of gemstones, having the right tools is crucial. Sam Lloyd FGA DGA EG, the manager of Gem-A Instruments, emphasizes the importance of accuracy, portability, and reliability when selecting tools for gemmologists working in the field or retail environment.
At the heart of a portable and reliable gemmology toolkit are essential items like a 10x loupe for basic gem inspection, a gem refractometer to measure refractive index, a key gem identification property, and a polariscope for detecting optical properties like double refraction. Other indispensable tools include a dichroscope to observe pleochroism, a Chelsea filter to distinguish certain gemstones and detect treatments, specific gravity liquids or a hydrostatic balance to determine gem density, and UV lamps (long-wave and short-wave) to observe fluorescence.
Tweezers and gem trays are vital for handling and sorting stones safely, while a thermal conductivity tester helps distinguish diamonds from simulants. For detailed internal examination, a microscope (portable or loupe-mounted) comes in handy.
Sam Lloyd FGA DGA EG is known for advocating compact, durable instruments that cover the essential gem identification tests. For beginners, electronic equipment like refractometers and diamond testers may not be top priority for a gemmology toolkit. Instead, a portable LED flat light from Gem-A Instruments is an essential addition, useful for inspecting rough and cut gemstones and can be used in conjunction with other tools like a loupe, polariscope, or dichroscope.
The Gem-A Portable Gem Instruments Kit, priced at RRP £284.40, includes a 10x loupe, stainless steel tweezers, diffraction grating spectroscope, Chelsea Colour Filter, MagLite incandescent torch, portable LED lamp, folding polariscope, conoscope, London dichroscope, and a handing zip case.
A reliable 10x loupe with an achromatic and aplanatic lens is essential, providing a distortion-free and color-accurate view. The Sisk Reference Guide contains valuable information on all types of gemstones, from common quartz to rare and unusual ones.
Other useful tools include the Presidium Diamond Multi-Tester, which separates diamonds, synthetic moissanites, and other simulants, and the Gem-A Thermal Diamond Tester, which separates diamonds and moissanites from other simulants, but requires a loupe for distinguishing moissanite from diamonds.
Good lighting is essential, with both incandescent and diffused light being necessary. A MagLite Compact Solitaire Incandescent Torch is lightweight and ideal for basic gemmological tests, such as observing color change and analyzing spectra.
For those interested in learning gemmology, short courses and workshops are available from Gem-A. The organisation's new website provides easy browsing and purchasing of gemmology tools, making it easier than ever to build your own portable and reliable gemmology toolkit.
- The Gem-A Foundation course is an excellent starting point for those wanting to become a qualified gemmologist, delving into the world of gemstones.
- Sam Lloyd FGA DGA EG, manager of Gem-A Instruments, advocates for tools that are portable, reliable, and accurate for gemmologists in the field or retail environment.
- A portable and reliable gemmology toolkit should contain essential items like a 10x loupe, a gem refractometer, a polariscope, and a dichroscope.
- Other tools that are indispensable for gemmology include a Chelsea filter, specific gravity liquids or a hydrostatic balance, and UV lamps (long-wave and short-wave).
- For beginners, a portable LED flat light from Gem-A Instruments is an essential addition, useful for inspecting rough and cut gemstones.
- Good lighting is essential for gemmological tests, with a MagLite Compact Solitaire Incandescent Torch being lightweight and ideal for basic tests, such as observing color change and analyzing spectra. For those interested in learning gemmology, short courses and workshops are available from Gem-A.
