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Jeweler's Tools to Test Diamonds

Diamonds are the hardest substance on the planet. A naturally occurring mineral, diamond is a valuable and precious stone. Diamonds are not all equal. Jewelers measure the quality of diamonds by studying their color, cut, clarity and carat. In general, the most valuable diamonds are colorless and have no internal or external flaws. Carat refers to weight, and the weightier the diamond, the greater its value. The cut of the diamond can influence its brilliance. To test these characteristics and to determine the authenticity and value of a diamond, jewelers use a variety of tools.
  1. Loupes and Microscopes

    • Loupes are essential tools for jewelers. Jewelers need to examine clarity, cut and color. In order to do that effectively, magnification is necessary. Loupes have lenses which can help jewelers see the finest and smallest details in a stone. The standard magnification for the diamond industry is 10X. The best type of loupe has three lenses. Gem microscopes are essential tools to help view inclusions and imperfections. Although loupes are more practical and portable, microscopes provide greater magnification and even greater clarity.

    Refractometer

    • A refractometer is an excellent and necessary tool for gem identification because it measures the index of refraction. The index of refraction is calculated by dividing the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in the medium. Different materials refract light at a different rate. For example, an average index of refraction for glass is around 1.6, while the average index of refraction for diamond is 2.4.

    Spectroscope

    • A spectroscope is another tool that can be beneficial for those who are working with gems. This is a device that splits light, breaking it into its component colors. There are two different kinds of spectroscopes: a prism spectroscope and a diffraction grating spectroscope. In a diffraction grating spectroscope light passes through a glass plate inscribed with fine lines. In a prism spectroscope, light passes through a prism.


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