Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Clean the gemstone to be tested. Dunk it in warm, soapy water, using mild detergent. Do not leave the gemstone soaking in the water for more than a few seconds. Most gemstones on the market today have treatments to enhance color, and some treatments can be affected if left in water too long.
Dry the gemstone thoroughly with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. Ensure the gemstone surface to be tested is dry and clean with no fingerprints that could contain oily residue. Do not use chemicals to clean or dry gemstones to be tested, as any residue could cause the gem tester to give an inaccurate reading.
Turn on the gem tester. If batteries are being used, instead of electrical power through the included adaptor, ensure that there is enough power in the unit to perform an accurate test. Allow the unit to warm up for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Uncap the heat probe "pen" carefully, and hold the probe point gently but firmly on the surface of the gemstone to be tested. If it is a diamond, be sure to gently depress the probe point entirely into the pen. Hold the probe in place until the indicator needle on the gem tester scale stops moving.
Read the gem tester scale to determine the type of gemstone being tested. Make note of the reading obtained. Turn the unit off unless you will be testing other stones. Repeat Steps 1 through 5.
Carefully inspect the heat probe "pen" tip. If it has lint or debris after testing, wipe carefully with a lint-free cloth. Do not use any liquid to wipe it off. Carefully replace the probe pen cap.