GL Gem Spectrometer Anniversary Sale

One year ago Gemlab Research & Technology introduced this innovative gem testing instrument; since then over 50 units have been sold to users in 15 countries. The improvement of the GL Gem Spectrometer is an ongoing process.

We are proud that we were able to enhance the CCD in a proprietary process to produce a much more stable signal; sensitivity was increased as well and both software and hardware are now 64 bit compliant. The GL Halogen Light Holder has been redesigned to produce a brighter light and less noise in fringe spectral  areas.

All units are hand-made locally, tested in the GL R&T lab before shipping and support services are available by phone and e-mail. The present price of US$ 1,495.00 (Can$ 1,565, 1.125,00 Euros) for the whole package including the software licence is the lowest this year. Take the opportunity and order a unit right now;  please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery. More Information…

Free Delivery to Canada and Continental USA

Click Here to Order the GL Gem Spectrometer

Comment: GLGemSpec users have asked about the new MDM Direct Reading Digital Gem Spectroscope; it is definitely superior to a hand spectroscope with an accuracy down to 1 nm. However, it is still an analog device with a diffraction grating spectroscope coupled to a camera which allows comfortable viewing of the spectra on a LCD monitor. The GL Gem Spectrometer is a tool that requires a computer to operate. Spectras can be saved, edited, published and printed out; the instrument requires a more experienced gemmologist to interpret the results which are made available to others in a data-base.

Our Warranty and Commitment

We will repair and replace your GL Gem Spectrometer if necessary due to defective parts, etc during the first 6 months unless other consumer protection regulations exist in your country. We also offer free firmware/CCD upgrades within 12 months if shipped to us at your cost and risk and we will return the unit to you at no cost. After 12 months a processing fee of $ 295 will be charged which covers the firmware update with any CCD upgrade (can be customized), re-alignment and recalibration for dropped spectrometers, etc.  and return shipping charges; other repair services upon request. Software updates are always free.

 

GEM 350 GLGemSpec Update Workshop

This course is for current or future users of the GL Gem Spectrometer system.

• Using PowerPoint presentations the development and use of modern spectrometers is introduced.
• The actual use of an Ocean Optics USB 4000 spectrometer and the GL Gem Spectrometer is demonstrated and compared.
• Practical testing of numerous gem materials will be conducted by the participants under supervision of the workshop facilitator.
• Introduction of a prototype of the GL Raman Spectrometer to be released in February 2012.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own  gem materials for testing. To register on-line go here.

Presenter: Wolf Kuehn,  B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, FGA,  FGG (Canadian Institute of Gemmology)

Time: Friday, November 11, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (3.0 hours)

Location: Vancouver Airport Hotel TBA, Richmond B.C., Canada

Limited to 8 participants

Participants who purchased the GL Gem Spectrometer system and future purchasers (within one month) will receive a voucher in the amount of $ Can295 which can be applied towards upgrade and calibration services, book and instrument purchases in the Gemlab store.

We reserve the right to cancel courses if there is insufficient enrolment; upon return of all course materials students will receive a full refund for the tuition paid but no other compensation can be offered.

Please wait with travel arrangements until final confirmation.

View/Download and read carefully our refund policy (PDF).

Canada Post Labour Disruption

By the time you read this newsletter Canada Post should be back to work. We will process all orders as soon a possible; please be patient as there will be some delays.

Save $ 100 on GL Gem Spectrometer

This is an opportunity to purchase a GL Gem Spectrometer system for a lower price (limited time and quantities); sold to users in over 15 countries our spectrometer is an advanced testing tool for the professional gemmologist. See detailed product information here.

In the last 9 months since introduction we have improved the firmware and software to make the spectrometer more efficient. As part of our commitment we offer a generous warranty and upgrade policy. Due to the Canada Post strike we have extended our sales until July 15, 2011 Please order here

Calibration Problems with Chinese made Refractometers

We have tested several  refractometers from China and made some observations which are of importance to beginner gemmologists (and perhaps to the experienced as well). Almost all units we inspected were NOT properly calibrated.

In particular the model sold for under $ 100 like in the packaging to the left had variations of up to .010 for refractive index which could lead to wrong identification when unaware of the deficiency. We opened one of these units and discoverd that all the movable parts in the instrument were glued together and modification was impossible. The 2 models sold in our on-line store can be adjusted after disassembly. We use a reference stone of RI=1.4703 to calibrate all units before shipping.

In the past we have sold refractometers with a built-in LED which provides a satisfactory mono-chromatic light source; however, users report about drained batteries after putting the refractometer back in the protective pouch and being accidentally switched on again.

We recommend our GL Portable Refractometer (with an external flashlight); you can purchase it here.

A Portable Polariscope and Dark-Field Scope

We are always looking for ways to make gem testing instruments more portable. The GL 5 LED Light Box provides an effective light base for the GL Portable Polariscope and the GLDarkfield 10X Loupe and other instruments such as refractometer, dichroscope and filters.

We have tested several gem testing tools with the GL 5 LED Light Box including the dichroscope and hand-held spectroscope (be aware of transmission typical for this type of LED) and 20x loupe; it operates on 3 AAA batteries. The image to the left shows the GL Portable Polariscope mounted ontop of the 5 LEDs and unmounted. It is easily replaced by the GL Darkfield 10x Loupe making it into a versatile portable mini microsope with darkfield. The light output of the 5 LEDs is quite strong. Fracture filled diamonds and types of glass filling are easily identified. The polariscope has a removable immersion cell allowing undistorted view of inclusion features when used with the proper immersion liquids.

We highly recommend this light unit in combination with the mentioned portable gem testing tools.

Study Stones for Be-treated Sapphire and Filled Rubies

We have started offering a variety of study stones for reference purposes. Many Be-treated sapphires can be identified when detecting features such as seen in the study stones; filled rubies are easier to spot. In the coming weeks we will offer other additional stones in the on-line store. We also have several Colombian emerald (Muzo) specimen for sale.

Click for Be-treated sapphire and lead filled ruby samples.

Understanding Rough Gemstones

We received an interesting book which we highly recommend. If there is enough interest we will carry it in our on-line bookstore.

Whether one is a novice in the field of gemology or a veteran, Understanding Rough Gemstones, by Shyamala Fernandes and Gagan Choudhary, will definitely give one a refreshing and relevant view of gemstone rough. Perhaps what makes this content of this book so intriguing is the fact that both authors have been closely associated with gemmology for practically their entire lives. They are not only incredibly passionate about the subject but also very well-read. The book manages to teach the reader a whole lot without becoming, at any point, monotonous or heavy. Whether a student or a veteran gemologist, we are sure that there will be some gems of knowledge in this book for everyone. Loaded with picturesque photographs and characterized by charmingly simple writing, this book is must-readl! Pages: 211 with many illustrations, images, reference tables, etc. Cost is approximately $ 35 plus shipping from India. Call Helen D Souza at IIJ Tel 022 67444355 or email .in

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Wolf Kuehn, B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, F.G.A., F.G.G. – GLR&T Project Manager

© 2011 Gemlab Research & Technology, Vancouver, Canada

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Update (January 10, 2012)

Dr. Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA has completed a new research paper entitled “Obervations On The Occurrence Of Plagioclase Feldspars (PDF)“; please read this scientifically sound report and make your own conclusions.

As a group, feldspars are the most abundant minerals on planet Earth. Yet despite mineralogical superabundance and gargantuan crystal size, transparent feldspar gems (with a few notable exceptions) are usually tiny and extremely rare. The vast majority of ornamental feldspars are opaque or translucent, white, gray or a very pale hue, and often display a “phenomenon”, such as iridescence or some other type of color effect. These materials, including moonstone and sunstone, have been prized as gems for centuries. Several, including labradorite and amazonite, are widely used in jewelry.

Question: what has prevented the gemstone world from paying as much attention to feldspars as they deserve?

Answer: Extreme rarity, small size, and lack of bright coloration has prevented the gemstone world from paying as much attention to feldspars as the group deserves.

The following article is an attempt to correct this mistake and reveal the amazing story of a group of gems that may turn out to be major players in the future of the jewelry trade.

Dr. Joel E. Arem’s former article “Gem Feldspars And Feldspar Treatments (PDF)”

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New Items in the Store

After 3 months we finally received the shipment with new gem testing equipment.

Please visit the store to check prices; we offer free shipping in North America and a flat-rate for certain countries. Here are some of the highlights:

Gem Instruments

	GL Digital Refractometer This new desk-top unit with microprocessor works like a gem refractometer. It is actually a reflectivity meter which converts the measurements into a R.I.; it has a testing range from RI 1.30 – 2.99. Recommended for gemstones above the RI 1.80 limit for a refractometer Refractive index (RI) and Reflectivity (%) are shown on a LCD display. $349.95
	GL Prism SpectroLite Package Portable package contains GL Prism Spectroscope, Amici prism, fixed slit, adjustable focus $129.95
	GL LED Refractometer II This new compact and portable unit with superior optics has several options for illumination: - built-in switchable LED light - opening for external light sources such as flashlight, etc - external GL 5 LED Light Box (included) $149.95
	GL 5 LED Light Box This light source is composed of 5 white LED bulbs powered by three AAA batteries.It is compatible with the GL Portable Polariscope, the GL Darkfield 10x Loupe and other instruments. Ideal for direct observation using a loupe. $24.95

GL Gem Spectrometer

LOWER PRICE: The price of the basic GLGemSpec system has been reduced to $ 1,495; we now accept PayPal payments.

Visit the Gemlab Instruments Store.

Recommended Books

Exotic Gems (Volume 2) by Renée Newman is a full-color guide to identifying and evaluating alexandrite, andalusite, chrysoberyl, cat’s-eye, kyanite, sillimanite, common opal, fire opal, dinosaur gembone, tsavorite, rhodolite, spessartine, demantoid, malaya, grossular.and other garnets. This is the second in a series of books that explores the history, lore, properties, qualities and geographic sources of lesser-known gems. Paperback / 6″ x 9″ / 154 pages, 408 color photos $19.95

Diamond Grading ABC: Handbook of Diamond Grading Verena Pagel-Theisen, Hardcover, 2007, 322pp This book is a handy reference for diamond grading. In this revised, enlarged, and updated (9th) edition, the author has included in-depth information about the technical and scientific changes which have taken place in the diamond industry. The Manual remains a practical guide to diamond grading that is a useful tool for every diamond dealer, jeweler and gemologist. $80.00

This is the pre-scribed text-book for GEM 210 Diamond Grading course.

B.C. Gem and Mineral Show

Date: April 8 – 10, 2011

Location: Abbotsford, BC, Canada

Visit the C.I.G. booth with book and instrument display. Study stones and interesting gemstones for collectors. More Info: http://www.lapidary.bc.ca/gemshow.html

Books and Gem Instruments Sale (up to 50% off only during the show), special C.I.G. display “Vintage Gem Testing Instruments”, demonstrations and more.

GEM 130 Introduction to Diamonds

In this course you will learn everything you need to know about diamonds. Sell more and answer customer questions with confidence. Introduction to diamond grading and jewellery fashion.

• Course GEM 130-1 Fri, April 15, 6:15 – 9:00 p.m., Sat/Sun, April 16/17, 10 a.m – 4:30 p.m. (weekend class, Richmond, B.C.) – Register by March 31
• $495/ 6 units includes text-book “Diamond Buying Guide”; Fred Ward Series “Diamonds” and exam fees (no HST)

This course is also available by correspondence. To register on-line go here.

GEM 210 Diamond Grading

• Course GEM 210-2 Mon, May 23, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., Tue/Wed, May 24/25, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (midweek class, 2 1/2 days, Richmond, B.C.)
• $995 includes home study lessons (must be completed prior to practical class), grading projects with actual diamonds, study materials and exam fees (no HST) but does not include the textbook “Diamond Grading ABC: Handbook of Diamond Grading” by Pagel Theisen, 2007 (price $ 80)
• Prerequisite: GEM 130 Introduction to Diamonds

To register on-line go here or call (604) 530-8569.

Gemlab Research & Technology

Canadian Institute of Gemmology

Wolf Kuehn, B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, F.G.A., F.G.G. – GLR&T Project Manager

© 2011 Gemlab Research & Technology, Vancouver, Canada

AGTA GemFair Tucson, February 2011

After decreasing numbers of visitors in the past years it appears that Tucson is slowly recovering. However, the freezing temperatures during the week kept traffic low in the tents with the exception of the GJX  which was busy. Apart from ubiquous Ethiopian opal and some impressive rhodochrosite crystals (Emperor and Empress of China) there was little else newsworthy.

Many friends and colleagues dropped by at the C.I.G. booth to check out the GL Gem Spectrometer. Dr. Bill Hanneman’s new book “Pragmatic Spectroscopy for Gemologists” was ready and sold out quickly. Renee Newman also visited our booth and presented her second volume of “Exotic Gems”- just ready for the Tucson gem shows. The above books can be purchased here.

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