Microscopes-where to get them and how much?

[wendy]

Hi There
I have tken a few GIA courses and will be taking the Gem ID extension course this year. I would like to eventually become an appraiser after I receive my GG.Where is the best place to buy a microscope-I have seen anything from $1000-7000.
Thanks for your help,Wendy.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

GIA's Gem Instruments is always a good place to start, and Kassoy has a nice selection of scopes.

http://www.gia.edu/geminstrument/index.cfm

http://www.goldtesters.com/scopes01.htm

Used scopes are always tough to find. A couple of months ago, I bought six from a gemologist who was retiring, and sold them all within 2 weeks.

 

[DiamondExpert]

Rich, I don't know if "stare" is a typo (Freudian slip) or intentional, but I think appropriate considering how much GIA charges for everything

!

Having said that, GIA sometimes has package "deals" on refurbished gem scopes - usually combined with other items, and is how I bought mine for what I thought was a fairly reasonable price.

For most of GIA's other catalog offerings, keep on staring and buy elsewhere!

Regards,

SHOOT! I see you went in and changed "stare" to "start"!

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Yeah, you're right. I should have left it "stare".

I forgot about the refurbished option. So you did okay on that, eh?

 

[wendy]

----------------
On 2/22/2003 9:49:30 AM Richard Sherwood wrote:

GIA's Gem Instruments is always a good place to start, and Kassoy has a nice selection of scopes.

http://www.gia.edu/geminstrument/index.cfm

http://www.goldtesters.com/scopes01.htm

Used scopes are always tough to find. A couple of months ago, I bought six from a gemologist who was retiring, and sold them all within 2 weeks.
----------------

Thanks Rich & Gary,
I did notice that the GIA prices were substantially higher-what should I look for besides the 10x and 15x-does it need to be a Gemological microscope? What should I expect to pay? is $2000-$3000 reasonable?

Thanks again,Wendy.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

If you can go $3300-$3500, I think the following microscope offered by Kassoy is an excellent scope for the money. It has all the features you're going to need for serious work.

This is the scope you first see when you pull up that second link I gave you.

Leica Stereo Zoom 64x
(Now the best is even better!
Our new scope features Leica S6E optics:
10X to 64X with standard Leica 16X eyepieces
Magnification to 128X with optional Leica Doubler lens
Even higher contrast, higher resolution, better color saturation from improved optical design

Kassoy's new custom base features
Built-in fiber optic light
Tungsten-halogen darkfield/brightfield illumination with iris diaphragm for light intensity adjustment
Included overhead daylight fluorescent illumination
Full 360° rotation and tilt for user convenience
Flush-mounted stoneholder

Five year warranty on microscope base and head. Microscope operates on 110 Volts AC. A 220 Volt model is available.

Our Number GMK775300 List Price $3,495.00
Sale price $3,295.00

Our Number GMK775300D optional Leica Doubler lens $200.00