What tools do I need?

[Beachgal18]

I want to be a diamond expert like you guys. What tools do I need evaluate diamonds? I am purchasing a diamond tennis bracelet and would like to make sure its good quality.

I have a 10x loop and 20x loop.

For example:
-hearts and arrows viewer (Can I use this to look at my already set bracelet)?
-any other tools?

 

[DickyB89]

I am no expert but I do know when whiteflash sent me the hearts and arrows viewer by request for my already set engagement ring they said I could use it to see the arrows but wouldn't be able to see the hearts. I believe this is because the hearts view is from the bottom or underneath of the diamond.

 

[Beachgal18]

I am no expert but I do know when whiteflash sent me the hearts and arrows viewer by request for my already set engagement ring they said I could use it to see the arrows but wouldn't be able to see the hearts. I believe this is because the hearts view is from the bottom or underneath of the diamond.

That makes sense. Were you able to see the arrows very clearly? Is it magnified? I wonder how it works lol.

 

[DickyB89]

Yes I was easy to see the arrows. It was nice they added it back to the cart for me after they originally had it as a loose diamond and then I chose a setting they took it out and I asked for it back not realizing it was part of the loose diamond package. I felt good enough between whiteflash's reputation and confirming the arrows with the viewer that I decided not to spend money to get it appraised and confirm itwas the correct diamond.

 

[Beachgal18]

Can someone give me recommendations for a good hearts and arrows viewer and idealscope? Any particular brands?

 

[sledge]

As @DickyB89 indicated, you cannot view the hearts if the stone is mounted as the hearts image is taken looking at the pavilion (bottom) side of the diamond.

The arrows are taken looking at the table/crown (top) side of the diamond so even though set you can still get an image. On the arrows image, the prongs will be visible.

To be clear, H&A image confirm symmetry only. Idealscope and ASET images help determine the light performance of the stone. I think it's nice to have all them, but if I had to choose one only I would pick the ASET scope.

You can purchase the idealscope & ASET scopes here:

US Based: https://datlas.com/ideal-scope-store/
Non-US Based: https://ideal-scope.com/

Also, you can buy an ASET scope directly from AGS; however, there is no price savings to entice you (as you would be buying at a non-member rate of $50/ea). At least with David or Garry, you are supporting a forum member and get some discounts on shipping if you buy multiple things. FYI, Garry is the one of the founders of this forum and also the creator of the idealscope.

https://www.americangemsociety.org/page/newhandheldaset

You may be able to find some used items on eBay or possibly through Amazon as well. Also, there are more sources available for H&A viewers.

 

[WinkHPD]

Like Sledge, if I had to stick with only one tool, it would be the ASET. Although I use the ideal-scope and the ASET on a regular basis.

If you can find a store with a larger presentation model of the ASET, then you can have a VERY educational visit to that store and really see what you are looking at, only much larger than you will be able to see it with the hand held models. Most, if not all, of the bricks and mortar Crafted by Infinity retailers will have a presentation size ASET tool.

Wink

 

[Beachgal18]

Which asset do you use? Any brands?

 

[WinkHPD]

AGS sells ASET tools and Garry Holloway's company sells ASET tools. David Atlas mentioned above by Sledge is Garry's United States distributor.

Wink

 

[Beachgal18]

As @DickyB89 indicated, you cannot view the hearts if the stone is mounted as the hearts image is taken looking at the pavilion (bottom) side of the diamond.

The arrows are taken looking at the table/crown (top) side of the diamond so even though set you can still get an image. On the arrows image, the prongs will be visible.

To be clear, H&A image confirm symmetry only. Idealscope and ASET images help determine the light performance of the stone. I think it's nice to have all them, but if I had to choose one only I would pick the ASET scope.

You can purchase the idealscope & ASET scopes here:

US Based: https://datlas.com/ideal-scope-store/
Non-US Based: https://ideal-scope.com/

Also, you can buy an ASET scope directly from AGS; however, there is no price savings to entice you (as you would be buying at a non-member rate of $50/ea). At least with David or Garry, you are supporting a forum member and get some discounts on shipping if you buy multiple things. FYI, Garry is the one of the founders of this forum and also the creator of the idealscope.

https://www.americangemsociety.org/page/newhandheldaset

You may be able to find some used items on eBay or possibly through Amazon as well. Also, there are more sources available for H&A viewers.

Thank you! This is helpful. I'm going to place an order. I see that they include cubic zirconia ideal and average. What is that for?

 

[Wewechew]

Thank you! This is helpful. I'm going to place an order. I see that they include cubic zirconia ideal and average. What is that for?

To help you see the difference between the two cuts.