GIA Gem Instruments Microscope - Model 792 Gem Scope II

fwill · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 4:03 pm **Posts:** 4

Hi, I am learning more about colored gems and just bought a microscope. I’m a beginner and have been accumulating budget equipment to help me. I have an old Rayner refractometer, GIA polariscope, and dichroscope. So the next step was a microscope. Just bought a GIA Gem Instruments Microscope - Model 792 Gem Scope II off eBay. It has a number 042787 next to the model number, does that mean it was made in 1987? Have a couple other questions too, assuming it works like it is supposed to.

-It is missing the gem clip. What the best budget solution for one?
-Is it upgradable if I ever want to?

Stephen Challener · **Posted:** Mon Jul 15, 2024 8:58 pm

This model is a rebranded Meiji gem scope. Meiji is still known today for good build quality. I don't think this one is very upgradeable but it's a very good intro/professional scope. You can get gem clips off eBay or probably even amazon, none of them are amazing but they work. For some reason the old GIA clips are not made anymore and they're still considered the best. I'm not sure if it was made in 87 but that's about the right vintage.
The 80s were a good time for gemscopes. Thr GIA made good quality products, so good that their lower end option was made by a major brand known for quality, and their best scopes were made in house. One day you'll probably want to upgrade to one with a tilting base and more powerful optics but this is a very solid microscope.

fwill · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 4:03 pm **Posts:** 4

Thanks for all of the helpful information! It is nice to know more about that model as there is very little about it online. Glad to know it will be a good microscope to learn on for a while. I’ll check out options for a gem clip and see what I find.

fwill · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 4:03 pm **Posts:** 4

So I got the microscope and it looks good except for the top light. It doesn’t work and the switch feels wonky for lack of a better word. Is the ballast replaceable because it looks like it could have some issues? Took off the cover and it looks like this.

G4Lab · **Joined:** Tue Jan 02, 2007 8:20 pm **Posts:** 2661

I have GIA official gem clips which I can sell for a reasonable price. The last GIA price I got 25 years ago was $85.
Send me a Private message if that is of interest. It is the same clip used on current Gemolites and has a female socket to mate with the male pin sticking up on the scope.

Some scopes like Jeff Wildman's scopes have a a hole in the scope and the gem clip has the pin. I have never had a meiji here to check that.

Stephen Challener · **Posted:** Sun Aug 04, 2024 10:01 pm

The overhead light can be replaced by one of these Bausch and Lomb ones https://www.ebay.com/itm/296156500810
I wouldn't bother though. You can use gooseneck lamps or a fiber optic illuminator to get much better overhead illumination.

G4Lab · **Joined:** Tue Jan 02, 2007 8:20 pm **Posts:** 2661

The ballast on that scope looks fine. The switches ARE wonky. I also have these fluorescent overhead illuminators.

Barbra Voltaire, FGG · **Posted:** Thu Aug 29, 2024 1:02 pm

Hi Gene! Nice hearing from you.

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