What is a GIA Graduate Gemologist?
A GIA Graduate Gemologist completes the most prestigious credentials in the industry.
I have full comprehensive knowledge of diamonds and colored stones. I evaluate gemstones by GIA’s standard 4Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight), the International Diamond Grading System™, and the Colored Stone Grading System.
In addition, I look for the necessary inclusions using a microscope to verify the gemstones are natural or synthetic. Synthetic gemstones have the same chemical structure as natural gems, however the inclusions and internal characteristics are completely different. Only a trained eye with the right equipment will be able to detect the differences.
Some species of gemstones receive treatments to enhance their color or durability. Depending on the gemstone, treatments or synthetic origin can mean the difference of $100 or $1000 in cost. It is very important to be able to identify these characteristics and to know when advanced testing is needed.
Photos of gemstone inclusions taken using a microscope and camera
Pink Tourmaline Inclusion
Natural Emerald
Natural Sapphire
Natural Ruby
Equipment for Testing Gemstones and Diamonds
Microscope: Provides magnification of internal inclusions.
Refractometer: Measures how the angle of light travels through a gemstone, called Refractive Index (R.I.). The RI is different for every gemstone species. This provides an important clue for accurate gemstone identification.
Polariscope: Tests a gemstone being double or single refractive. Important for identifying a gemstone and if it might be synthetic.
Dichroscope: Some gemstones display different colors when viewed along different directions of the crystal. This tool shows the different colors or shades, helping identify a gemstone .
Spectrometer: Each gemstone species has characteristic structural and chemical properties. They also selectively absorb specific wavelengths of visible light. A spectroscope is an advanced tool that helps view the light spectrum of unknown gemstones and compare those patterns to those of known gemstone.
Chelsea Filter: Helps confirm identification of certain gemstones and their chemical structure.