Are you in the market for gemstones? Gems are more than just precious objects – they can be valuable investment pieces, too. But before you start spending big money on crystals, how can you make sure they’re the real thing?

A gem tester can help. These professionals use specialized techniques to test the authenticity and quality of gemstones. Gem testers have an eye for detail, and their expertise helps them identify fake gems and imperfections.

A gem tester will usually use methods such as the refractive index test, which uses a refractometer to measure the refractive index of a gemstone. The refractometer uses light to measure how much light is refracted through a gemstone. Depending on its value, gemstones like diamond, sapphire, and ruby have different refractive indexes, so the refractometer can help a gem tester identify phony gems.

The grade of a gemstone is also important to determine its value. A gem tester uses a jeweler’s loupe to examine the grade of a gem. With the loupe, they look for flaws and cracks, as well as perfections in the stone. They’ll also measure a gem’s clarity, color, carat, and cut, and look for any inclusions or imperfections.

In the case of diamonds, the gem tester will also use the four Cs – color, clarity, cut, and carat – to determine a diamond’s quality. Factors like color, clarity, and cut play a role in a diamond’s value, and the carat is a measure of the diamond’s weight. By examining diamonds with a gem tester’s eye, they’re able to pinpoint flaws or imperfections that may not be visible to the naked eye.

The spectroscope is also an effective tool for analyzing gemstones. By using a spectrometer, a gem tester is able to determine the chemical composition of a gemstone. By looking at the light emitted from a gemstone under different spectrums, the tester can gauge the presence of certain elements, such as iron and titanium. This helps them establish its authenticity.

Finally, a gem tester may use a polariscope to perform the polarization test. This involves shining a light through a gemstone and examining the light that is refracted. It is used to differentiate between real and artificial gemstones, as well as to detect internal flaws.

Whether you’re buying or selling gemstones, it pays to have a gem tester by your side. Thanks to their expertise, you can be sure you’re making a wise decision about the stones you’re investing in. A good gem tester should be able to tell you if a gemstone is authentic or not – and that’s a priceless piece of knowledge.