Essential Items for a Perfect Gemologist's Equipment Collection
A well-equipped gemmology toolkit is an essential asset for anyone interested in the world of gemstones. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice just starting out, having the right tools can make all the difference. In this article, we'll take a look at the essential items recommended by Sam Lloyd FGA DGA EG for a portable and reliable gemmology toolkit.
The Essential Items
A 10x Loupe is indispensable for examining inclusions and surface features of gems. Tweezers are another must-have, ensuring safe handling of gemstones without contamination.
For observing pleochroism (color changes) in gems, a Dichroscope is a valuable addition. A Refractometer is crucial for measuring the refractive index, a key identification property, while a Polariscope helps test optical properties like anisotropy.
The Chelsea Filter is useful for distinguishing certain gemstones based on their absorption, and a Spectroscope allows the analysis of the absorption spectrum of a gem. A Specific Gravity Balance or heavy liquids are necessary for determining gem density, and Ultraviolet light (both long and short wave) is essential for checking fluorescence and other properties.
Lastly, gem trays and storage boxes are important for safely transporting and organizing stones.
Additional Tools and Resources
A portable and reliable gemmology toolkit should also include items like a handheld spectroscope, diagnostic for viewing the absorption spectra of gemstones, each varying significantly. Good lighting is essential, with both incandescent and diffused light being necessary, such as a MagLite Compact Solitaire Incandescent Torch and a portable LED flat light.
For testing transparent and some translucent gemstones, a portable folding polariscope is useful, quickly differentiating between singly and doubly refractive materials. The Gem-A Thermal Diamond Tester can separate diamonds and moissanites from other simulants, but requires the use of a loupe for initial distinction.
Further Learning Opportunities
For those interested in furthering their gemmology knowledge, Gem-A offers short courses and workshops. The new Sisk Reference Guide is also useful for identifying a wide range of gemstones, from common quartz to the rare and unusual.
Purchasing Your Toolkit
The Gem-A Portable Gem Instruments Kit includes many of the essential items mentioned above, priced at RRP £284.40. For orders outside of the UK, contact Gem-A Instruments by phone (0207 404 3334) or email (instruments@our website.).
Please note that the Gem-A Instruments website is transactional for UK deliveries only at this time. For a more comprehensive list of recommendations directly from Sam Lloyd FGA DGA EG, consult his published materials or official communications, as current search data does not provide a direct citation.
With these tools at your disposal, you'll be well-equipped to conduct various tests on gemstones in the field or at trade events. Happy gemmology!
- A 10x Loupe and tweezers are the first essential items for any gemmology toolkit, facilitating examination of gem inclusions and safe handling.
- A Dichroscope is useful for observing color changes in gems, while a Refractometer measures the refractive index, a crucial identification property.
- A Polariscope helps test optical properties like anisotropy, and the Chelsea Filter aids in distinguishing certain gemstones based on their absorption.
- A Spectroscope allows analysis of a gem's absorption spectrum, and Specific Gravity Balance or heavy liquids are necessary for determining gem density.
- Ultraviolet light, both short and long wave, is essential for checking fluorescence and other properties, and gem trays and storage boxes keep stones safe and organized.
- A handheld spectroscope, MagLite Compact Solitaire Incandescent Torch, portable LED flat light, and a portable folding polariscope can enhance the functionality of a portable gemmology toolkit.
- The Gem-A Thermal Diamond Tester can differentiate diamonds and moissanites, but requires a loupe for initial distinction.
- For those seeking more knowledge, Gem-A offers short courses, workshops, and the Sisk Reference Guide is useful for identifying a wide range of gemstones, while the Gem-A Portable Gem Instruments Kit includes many essential items.
