Your video reminds me of my undergrad and grad courses in optical mineralogy and petrology (way back in the last century). I retired a couple of years ago after a long career as a consulting geologist/geochemist. Now that I have a lot of time on my hands, I'll dive into gem and mineral collecting. I wasn't much into gemstones, as a lot of my work involved radioactive minerals and nonmetallic industrial minerals, but I look forward to re-learning things I haven't thought much about i a very long time. It ought to keep me out of the local bars and also out of my wife's hair.
Hello, I enjoy watching and learning from your videos. I have a question... is there a tool that can give you the refractions of stones for identification that are in a setting, like in a ring or necklace. Or do they all have to be loose stones to test?
as long as a facet sticks up above the setting of the jewelry enough to sit on the hemisphere of the refractometer, it will work on set jewelry aswell.
@@GemologyforSchmucks Thank you so much for answering. Now I’m excited to break out all my jewelry and start learning. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us, I enjoy the content.
Can you add a list of these items, with links to the specific ones you prefer, in the description in the future? Or edit this video to add them? That would be super helpful!!
One of best ways to buy expensive tools? Buy used from Ebay or a site specializing in these tools. Buy GIA Qlty, 2nd hand from a student, or apprentice upgrading. Its not a wrench. So ppl take care of them. As long as its not ancient the mechanics(splines microscope etc) won't be worn out. As a well informed enthusiast, self taught jeweler, the best thing I did? Buy good tools & learn to use them. I want to sell genuine. I won't pass Synths or Sims to my customers. I bought a parcel of blk diamonds to find nearly 1/2 were black Synth sapphire. I wasn't happy. Thanks again for another great vid. Glad your back. (I missed my calling. Life happens. I'm too old to spend $40k for school. )
2nd hand optical tools are definitely reasonable, though the tough thing as someone new to the trade is being able to evaluate if they're in the right condition eh? How is the newbie gemologist to think if they buy a refractometer that has been dropped a few times and now out of calibration? Its a tough gig for those poor souls.
Thank you kindly for these videos. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed going through them the last couple of weeks. I got into buying stones via eBay during lockdown (where all the true gem experts look for stones, I’m sure), so I am finding your advice to be very interesting. I have about 3 shoeboxes full of (almost entirely synthetic) rubies, sapphires, spinel, tourmaline and quartz, and it would be nice if I could figure out exactly what’s what. Who knows. Some of them might even be worth more than I paid for them (narrator: deep down he knew they probably weren’t worth anything at all, but he chose to indulge in what little hope he could muster). So thanks for these vids, and please keep em comin’. Be well.
My pleasure to serve, Daniel. I'm glad you're enjoying what i've got to offer. I've got some more videos planned that might help you with exactly the sort of thing you're talking about. Hopefully sooner than later XD.
Why specifically *iron* tweezers, rather than (for example) stainless steel? Also, what is the Chelsea (sp?) scope actually used for, and do you have a link or recommended type?
Hi Brian - Stainless would also be fine, though i don't know that I've seen many. Most of the quality ones that i've seen have been some variety of iron or steel (no idea on alloy or carbon content as that is outside my need to know on this topic) or otherwise Titanium. Stainless steel would also be soft enough for appropriate use, if you happen to find a pair. Chelsea filter was originally designed in Chelsea, UK for use with sorting emeralds as it helps uncover fluorescence. I've got another video on that topic if you're curious: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4o-9t5C6FHY.html
Hi Richard, it would be best to seek out a gemologist near you to assist you in identifying your stones. The price of exporting, importing and testing gems will likely be more expensive than buying the instruments and doing it yourself.
A great book for overall gem identification is Richard T. Liddicoat's "The Handbook of Gem Identification" Otherwise there is a phenomenal (and expensive) series called "The Photoatlas of Inclusions Gemstones" by Gubelin and Koivula. This is in like 4-5 volumes now I think. It all depends on what sort of info you're looking for. If you want to get really deep into one type of stone, there are certain books that are specialized. General identification, i'd suggest Liddicoat's handbook.
Microscope yes I heared some high quality juwellers like Fabergé did and some others use it also with manifacturing jewellery into the detail, not only with a loupe.
I use a microscope myself when engraving - but I started with a loupe for the first half-year, and I know of some excellent engravers that continue to use a loupe. Personally i like having both hands free. As they say, the poor craftsman blames his tools.
While I love your content and would share you to the whole world, I'd rather gatekeep you and use you as a top grade resource for us hobbyists and traders; Liking and subbing is all I'm able to do without giving up the gift of having found you lmao
Hi guys, can anyone recommend me a good digital gem microscope? I want to take shots of the gems and upload them to my PC. Thank you and have a nice day everyone!
Many of the popular brands of gem microscopes (leica, olympus, motic, etc) have some models with built in cameras, or my preference is a trinocular model that you can attach a separate camera to. Do be aware that many trinocular models will require some sort of adapter if you are using a DSLR camera.
This is why I only order from India. I can get emeralds and color diamonds and tanzanite and sapphires and opals etc and I can buy in bulk all for $12.00 hahaha! Oh okay.. my humor. You have added one more subscriber.
I'd love to if I can get my hands on one. They're not so common in our area, as most people have offices and opt for the fully electrical desk models. I know that the Gem-A people (British Program) often have them in their kits, and im super jealous. My ghetto fix is a pair of polarizing sunglasses, but thats far from a lab-worthy tool XD
Can gems that are set in jewelry be tested on a refractometer? I want to be confident in the stones and jewelry that I sell so I would like to learn how to test them.
As long as the stone has a facet that can sit flat on the hemicylinder, yes. For example if the prongs are too high, and stick up above the table of the stone, then it would be a problem.
Everything has a value/ worth. The bigger question is how the object is positioned and which potential buyers it is put in front of. Some people will spend tens or hundreds of thousands on a time piece, but someone such as myself wouldn't give the object more than a parting glance.
Hi Peter, I'd love to hear more about the spectroscope. On eBay, I can see diffraction grating types starting at about $32, and prism types starting at $62, while a Gem-A diffraction grating spectroscope is about $126. Is there a big difference between the unbranded cheapies vs. name-brand types? (I followed your advice when I bought my Belomo loupe, and you were right on the money, the Belomo is WAY superior to a cheaper loupe) While you're at it, other resources on using the spectroscope (books you like, for example) would be great. Thanks!
The spectroscope is one where I wouldn't go the ultra cheap route. Its got a learning curve to get competent at using it, and you don't want to be second guessing your equipment and wondering if you can't see the spectra because the tool is janky. Somewhere around $100 is the price i've paid, and I've not been around anyone advocating the cheaper models. I use the smaller OPL spectroscope. There are a few books on spectroscopy, "The Spectroscope and Gemmology" by Basil Anderson et all (link below) seems to be the more widely recommended. Otherwise i'd suggest getting around some red/orange garnets, zircons, rubies, blue sapphires, and red spinels (synthetic ok for this purpose) and get reaaaaally comfortable looking for spectra on those items first before you go out "into the wild". www.amazon.com/Spectroscope-Gemmology-Basil-Anderson/dp/0943763525/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=spectroscope&qid=1636965578&s=books&sr=1-3
Hey Peter, I’m glad your out of lockdown and looking well; it’s no fun is it, I guess we have all been through a few by now. A very informative video about the equipment needed to verify gemstones. My thoughts are build up your equipment base carefully over time. It’s also good to get a second opinion from a lab if your lucky enough to have one near, even better if you can get stones tested for mates rates. Anyway, I’m glad your back at your office. Keep safe my friend. Rog. 😀✨
Thanks Rog, and I totally agree with you on all accounts. Best to have the right tools, and thats SO hard to do if you've not had the chance to get familiar with the "right" tools before buying from zero experience XD I've done this many times myself. Absolutely on lab second opinions ~ I use them frequently myself. I'm fortunate to be in Bangkok where we've got so many knowledgeable and experienced cohorts about us eh? Cheers sir~
If you can source and "pop outs" or cheaper diamonds I might buy them. Might not be worth your time but if you come across some let me know. Also general stones you want to get rid of at a low price. Im not that picky just looking for a bargain.
Alright, so are the ~150$ refractometers on ebay, that come with the fluid, worth the investment? Slightly useful? Im in estate sale/pawn shop centeral here in the midwest. Lots of opportunities to get cheap jewelery with stones.
Having not used those models myself its hard for me to have a supportive opinion. The "Fable" brand refractometers are quite budget friendly and I have used those (and know several other professionals that use them regularly). I can recommend that brand without issue.
The experienced gemologists (including lab gemologists) I know all use this type of refractometer. There are certain Raman devices that are supposedly highly effective, but not even close to the same price range as the standard gemological refractometer. I havent used the other type of device, and I enjoy the surety that comes with using mechanical devices. They don't lie as long as you know how to properly use them.
The most important thing in choosing a light source is knowing what wave-lengths are available from the light source. Ideally we want full spectrum light source. The way to double check the source before checking the spectrum on the stone is to look at the light using the spectroscope first, without a stone to see what absorption pattern is there already. LED and fluorescent etc tend to eat more wavelengths/ not emit them in the first place.
@@GemologyforSchmucks Thank you for the information. I found an inexpensive halogen source, I'll start with that. I searched for images of emission data of various light sources, and other than the sun, they all seem to have areas of weakness & strengths. Does that imbalance make spotting the absorption lines that happen to be in those areas, more difficult (with either a spectroscope or spectrometer)?
@@timmsmiithgm557 halogen should be about as good as you get. Those bulbs tend to burn out more quickly, but theyre also a strong and quality spectrum. It should help you get comfortable with reading spectra faster. I suggest starting with pyrope-almandine-spessartite garnets, zircons, and synthetic sapphire and ruby. These are spectra that are typically easier to recognize and will build your confidence.
You are so sweet, Peter! Love this video and this was fun to watch and absolutely gold-worthy for the information you packed in. I am just getting into gemstones and love learning all these things. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
I would like to add to the list of top essential items that every budding gemologist needs...i) fake wobbly beard preferably natural brunette and not dyed ii) reusable multipurpose blue head tea towel and iii) loose fitting 1970's black kipper tie and after you have bought all the other essential equipment you'll probably be skint and unable to buy any gemstones at which point give up the hobby and stick the equipment on Ebay for the next smuck to buy.
Absolutely possible. The lighting base is more important for gemology, but generally there is a strong overlap in the quality of optics. The one advantage of some microscopes for stone setting is the optical engineering that builds in a larger depth of field. It's easier to use for longer periods of time without feeling woozy or unduly strained.
The spectroscope is a tough one, and caused me a lot of anguish at the beginning too. I suggest starting with known red garnets - most of these are pyrope/almandine garnets and their spectrum is really obvious. Spessartite (mandarine garnet) is also good. If you have any access to synthetic ruby, this is also a great one to get comfortable with the spectroscope. Best of luck Cheryl~!
So I’m guessing your stones are selling at a lower price? By the way, Peter, I’d like to know if I can mention your name to get a discount on your gem microscope?
Hi Dan ~ Gemstones are an interesting market - there will be some stones (common/ commercial quality) that might experience a flash sale or a discount to get them to move, but investment level stones don't tend to get discounted. Folk would rather pass them to their heirs and let them sell them in another generation. I wish my name would inspire microscope discounts, but I think i'm still small fish to those companies :D
Someonelse might have asked but i didnt read comments , the little carry around case you show does anyone sell a package deal where you get everything in the case you highlighted?
This one was provided by my school AIGS when I started the A.G. program with them. I'm sure there are some independent folk selling kits as well, but I haven't got one to recommend at the moment.
Peter, thank you! I love it! Going to re-watch and start prioritizing which pieces I need first. So glad to see you're doing well and making videos again (this is my new favorite)!
As a guitarist, and musician of other kinds, it's generally known as GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). You see the pretty candy, and you want it all for yourself!
Hey Peter this was very helpful I have many of the items that you have I just don’t know if I can trust my refractometer it is one that you do not have to use oil for.
Hi Christoph~ The RI liquid (especially 1.80/1.81 RI liquid) is essential for optical contact between the stone and the device. If yours doesn't use a liquid i'd be VERY suspicious. Cheers
Hi Heman ~ I bought this from a local supplier in Bangkok. If you search online id use the term "3 in 1 LED flashlight" and maybe add "gemological flashlight" if you don't find results you like. Cheers
If you start learning gemology, you don't need to buy high-end tools, you can get all these items from China with half of the price or less, the brand is FABLE from Shenzhen,
This partcular set isn't sold as a kit, and unfortunately the manufacturer of this refractometer is no longer making them. Sachitools.com is a good place to start your research on instruments though~
I just fished watching the whole playlist of gemology for newbs. Such great, useful information. Thank you! I've been studying geology and minerology as a hobby, and this is just one more amazing aspect of what the earth can create. Maybe next time I'm in Bangkok I will stop by your shop to thank you in person and nerd out about rocks together. Excited to watch the other offerings on the channel.
Now as I got my mother hooked on gems while visiting Vietnam, your series and channel got really really useful. My mother is a new fan beside me 😉💎🔺♦️🔻💎
You are a gem yourself my friend :-) stay blessed. Now because of you i have enrolled into a diploma of gemology. Let's see where life takes me. All the best
Hi Danny - in order for the refractometer to work at all, you need a polished surface. The better the polish, the better your reading will be. Cabochons (also polished, though not faceted) can be read using the standard refractometer with the spot reading technique (not beginner friendly). Some rough with natural crystal faces may be readable, though its typically not as easy due to the irregularity of the surface. Hope that helps clarify the question.
@@dannyd8799 That depends totally on what type of rough you're looking at. If it is a total mystery, you'll need to get a facet put on the stone and have a gemologist do an actual identification. If you can narrow the possibilities down, then you may be able to rule out the others depending on their characteristics. My videos on the spectroscope and polariscope should help you. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-seITqf1EWvo.htmlsi=D7YoG9zqH_-QClbm ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ul3dGfsNW_A.htmlsi=Ixc9a4wkIfrXueSQ
G'day Pete, absolutely love your videos and attitude towards teaching. I have a question if you don't mind! I've been dabbling in gemmology (thinking of doing a diploma next year for fun), but I've been absolutely struggling with the Spectroscope. Can I ask, is it normal to struggle to see through it properly? I've gotten a bit better with it in time (maximising path of light for the scope) but I can't help but feel like I'm peeping through an ant-sized key hole, looking into a movie theatre, that's out of focus, blurry vision, foggy, and like I have a drag-queen's eyelashes at the same time. Is this normal and just expected to push through with?
Howdy, Easton Thanks for your kind words~ as to your question, the spectroscope is a supreme challenge. I love it, but it's not easy to use, and not easy to learn. What I'd suggest doing is getting ahold of some red garnets (pyrope and or almandine, it doesnt matter), and spessartite garnet , zircon (the natural mineral in any colour) and synthetic corundum and or synthetic spinel. These stones all have strong and more obvious spectra. When you have a stone that you KNOW will have a diagnostic spectrum, and you get comfortable finding spectra in other stones more reliably. Cheers and best of luck to you. If you have issues sourcing the stones, send me an email at thegemshepherd@gmail.com
Hi Jermane, That pouch was provided to us by AIGS when I first started my AG program with them a number of years ago. They were specially made and marked for AIGS. I imagine once someone found the tools that they wanted to take into the market most regularly, a decent leatherworker could make a suitable (or even more deluxe) alternative.
Glad to hear that there is something more affordable that is serving you. I'd be suspicious unless i'd tested a known stone with it, but otherwise, i'm glad to hear it.
I think traditional wisdom is - if a large enough purchase is made, you can often get a free hat. Of course the other traditional wisdom is: there is no such thing as a free lunch.
