I have been shopping around for a gem microscope for two or three months and have become increasingly confused and disillusioned. There seems to be a wide range of microscopes from very basic to microscopes with halogen lighting and others with LED. Which microscopes are now redundant and which ones are the latest models?
Please could someone tell me what type of lighting a good gem microscope should have and where and the range of magnification that would be most useful. I don't want to fall into he trap of not having the right microscope and having to replace it.
Looking forward to hearing your views and finally making the right decision.
Joined: Mon May 14, 2007 11:00 am Posts: 1133 Location: Monterey, CA
Are you trying to learn gemology or are you trying to learn to be an appraiser?
One doesn't need a microscope to learn gemology, a 10X loupe will do fine. When you master basic gemology you will know enough to decide for yourself what kind of a microscope you might want for appraising.
Thanks Sean, I'm right with you, if I want or need to see a gem stone or any other interesting material the microscope is the way to go. Nothing wrong with a having a x10 loupe in the pocket and a decent microscope on the desk.
I have read all the older posts on GO regarding microscopes but none of the discussions deal with the lighting specifically. I have noticed that older microscopes used halogen and newer models seem to have LED. For diagnostic purposes I know that flourescent light is useful. Its not really clear to me which of the microscopes out there are now redundant. I would like to buy the latest technology afterall its an expensive item.
Joined: Thu Jun 03, 2010 1:49 pm Posts: 331 Location: South Africa
Yes it is an expensive item, mine is a Gemoro 10X45, functional for my purposes as a cutter, I doubt it would suffice for a serious Gemmo, Jason is the resident fundi on scopes, lighting etc, I'm sure he will point you in the right direction.
After much research and soul searching I have finally found the microscope that will give good service for many years to come. I didn't find a good secondhand microscope to suit.
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