Handheld presidium gem tester +3x AAA batt (model PGI)

SUMMARY

Handheld model. The first gem tester that is truly pocket-size, with the finest probe tip, will test stones down to 2pts in size.

Works on any stone, loose or mounted, even uncut.

DETAILS

- replaceable probe (i.e. if you break it)

- latest technology, this is the only tester of this sophistication that is pen-size, operated with one hand, slips into a pouch. truly pocket-size

- super-fast warm-up time between tests, just 3 seconds

- auto-power-off if not used for 10mns, battery indicator

- takes 3 standard batteries or can be powered from a USB socket on a mains adaptor (not supplied) or on a computer (not supplied)

- will give an indication on 31 different gemstones:

Glass

Beryl group: Aquamarine, Emerald, Goshenite, Helidor, Morganite.

Tanzanite.

Jade: Nephrite

Jade: Jadite.

Peridot

Tourmaline group: Paraiba, Rubellite, Tourmaline

Garnet (Grossular-Andralite group): Demantoid garnet, Hessonite, Tsavorite

Quartz group: Chrysophrase, Amethyst, Adventurine, Citrine, Quartz

Spinel

Chrysoberyl

Topaz

Corundum group: Ruby, Sapphire

Diamond

NOTE: the result of each test is usually a list of 2 or 3 or 4 stones; you can narrow this down by entering its colour - but you will end up with more than one possible stone, and you then have to decide which one it is. There is no gem tester (apart from Moissanite/Diamond testers) which will give you one 'definite' answer.

ACCESSORIES

Included:

Strong nylon carrying pouch

USB charging lead

Instruction booklet

Optional:

For distinguishing diamond from several non-diamond gemstones you will ned to compare your stone with actual examples. For a set of seven stones click here.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Have you seen the Fascinating article about gem testers? This will answer many questions about electronic gem testers (all electronic gem testers!) - how 'reliable' are they? How 'easy to use' are they?

The result of each test is usually a list of 2 or 3 or 4 stones; you can narrow this down by entering its colour - but you will end up with more than one possible stone, and you then have to decide which one it is. There is no gem tester (apart from Moissanite/Diamond testers) which will give you one 'definite' answer.

There is a useful chart showing how the readings of the main gemstones overlap, click here. YOU DON'T NEED THIS CHART TO OPERATE THE TESTER! - the tester is fully self-contained, the names of the gemstones appear on the display. However, the chart is useful because it shows you which stones give the same (or similar) readings.

In summary: no gem tester will light up with a number (or name) that tells you, with 100% certainty, the name of the gemstone. This is because nature does not make gemstones to a standard formulae, there are always variations. All of gemmology is a detective game, starting with an idea of what the gemstone might be (that is what electronic gem testers are for) then using knowledge and skill to find the answer.