Advanced Professional Microscope

I’m a little confused by this question…I don’t have a current model trinocular stereo microscope, but I do have a standard flat stage stereo microscope and an older retro-style Gemoscope and both can be used to view rough and jewlery and to assist in gem ID. The stone holder and dark field illumination are useful for viewing cut stones, but there are even workarounds for that with bases without darkfield. Just insert the stone in a suitable size washer and illuminate from underneath and you have dark field illumination. Any stereo microscope with about 7X to 30X could be used for what you’re asking…just use a 2X attachment and/or a pair of 20X eyepieces for higher powers. Swing the stone holder out of the way and use other holders for bigger work.

You would have to say more about what you find limiting in the typical GIA scopes. I would look at any current or older GIA type scope for the tasks you list, preferrably with dark field and iris for examining cut stones and the overhead daylight temp light for diamond grading…with the proviso that those with smaller budgets could probably rig some acceptable lighting for dark field and for grading.

You and others need to be aware that older stereo microscopes which are perfectly adequate and newer, cheaper models from China can be had for about $300-$400, albeit not with standard dark field illumination, and older Gemoscopes and similar can be had for about $1200 or so, while new GIA scopes seem to retail for about $4000+ dollars. The more expensive scopes would be for those who need them as “window dressing” for an appraisal practice or high end sales, or will be using them constantly day to day. Others may want to settle for something older or somewhat less convenient, but more affordable. HTH, royjohn

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