ImaGem, question for oldminer/Dave

[strmrdr]

In the other thread I mentioned that Im trying to figure out where on my tool chain the ImaGem tool falls.

What would help is knowing where it falls on yours.
What does it tell you?
What do you use it for?
What dont you use it for?
Whats its greatest strenth?
Whats its greatest weakness?
Where does it fit in with b-scope,isee2 and reflector scopes(is,ASET)

 

[oldminer]

Date: 7/26/2006 8:48:44 AM
Author:strmrdr
In the other thread I mentioned that Im trying to figure out where on my tool chain the ImaGem tool falls.

What would help is knowing where it falls on yours.
What does it tell you?
What do you use it for?
What dont you use it for?
Whats its greatest strenth?
Whats its greatest weakness?
Where does it fit in with b-scope,isee2 and reflector scopes(is,ASET)

I use both a Verigem, the device which reads Light Behavior for grading quite a few of the diamonds we are grading in the AGA lab. We also offer a full grading cert using the larger ImaGem GL3100 which makes a lot more physical measures.

It tells us more than what we used to rely upon with the AGA-Cut Class system. There is repeatability, and a far greater feeling that the readings have importance to consumers.

We don''t use it for everyone. Some of my retailer clients prefer the old system. Others are not yet ready to explain the details to their customers. Mostly dealers say when someone asks for ImaGem reports they will, in turn, ask me for them. I understand this conservative point of view.

The greatest strength is the repeatability, the re-identification of processed diamonds. The feeling of giving accurate advice makes an appraiser feel good and gives consumers confidence.

The weakness is human error and training in the operation. Also, we''d like friendlier software and that is being worked on. We''d like to process more than round, princess and marquise, but until somoen wants other shapes done, it hardly is a big problem. This is the beginning of the adoption curve, not the mid-point.

This technology agrees with the Ideal-Scope and related tools, but I am just not all that please4d with the multi-color AGS tool. It is more complex than a helpful device ought to be making it less helpful. The BS Scope has technical issues, but has market acceptance. I seem them as a competitor to catch up and pass in time. ISee2 is okay, but dedicated to selling a branded item. I doubt it is up tothe ImaGem level, but may remain viable for its specific brand for a while.

Hope that gives an idea of where we are today. I think some people will be surprised at some developing news and it will be fun when the release of information can be provided to the Pricescope readers.

 

[strmrdr]

Thanks Dave, Im looking forward to more news and more info as it becomes available.

For round diamonds I tend to agree with you that the IS is much more friendly and good enough.
For fancies however I prefere the ASET and think its the best tool out there for asschers.

Now for another question you mentioned technical issues with the B-scope and they have been discussed here before, can you tell us how ImaGem has learned from them and how well it avoids the problems of the B-scope?