Appraisal tools/instruments

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hello All,

Respected Fellow Orchidians,

I am an Indian national (from India), and a Permanent Resident of
Hong Kong.

Please advise me on the best sources for procuring a gold tester.

I am curious whether there is any machine/hand device/instrument
which could identify color stones or detect whether the stone is a
emerald or a substitute or in case of a ruby, if ruby or not or
likewise for Sapphires or other stones, some substitute or /and any
other instruments which would identify characteristics of color
stones - both, precious as well as semi3Dprecious?

Whether there are instruments for checking pearls? Whether they are
natural or synthetic or treated pearls or such devices, which could
simplify appraisal of pearls and color stones.

For diamonds, what best devices would Orchidians suggest?

I could have the payment remitted by Telegraphic Transfer from Hong
Kong /bank wire transfer to the supplier.

Need best competitive quotes covering net price of the instruments,
necessary accessories therewith, and separate quote for insurance,
delivery to my doorstep in Bombay/India.

Just a few highlights on why I need these:

Indian government invites applications from jewelers wanting to
nominate and register themselves as Government of India approved
jewelry valuers/valuators.

These appraisers are called upon call to evaluate jewelry, gold, and
precious stones seized during raids and searches carried out on
commercial & residential premises of business tycoons, individuals or
corporate suspected of tax evasion or other crimes/violations upon
some being recd. by the respective departments.

Therefore, my application being under scrutiny and positively, under
consideration by the federal govt. in India, it becomes imperative
that I adequately equip myself with necessary to9ols and kit to
facilitate smooth appraisal of the gems and jewelry.

Thanking Orchidians in advance for input and advise on above,

God bless you all in your endeavors,

Regards,
Lalit Jhaveri
Proprietor
Stars & Melee’s (HK)
Indenter- cut & polished diamonds
Hong Kong Permanent Resident
E-mail: lalittara@yahoo.com
Fax: 91-22-3642157

2 
    Please advise me on the best sources for procuring a gold
tester. I am curious whether there is any machine/hand
device/instrument which could identify color stones or detect
whether the stone is a emerald or a substitute or in case of a ruby,
if ruby or not or likewise for Sapphires or other stones, some
substitute or /and any other instruments which would identify
characteristics of color stones - both, precious as well as
semi3Dprecious?.......... 

G'day;  It seems pretty obvious to me that what you need to do is to

take a good course in gemmology and gemstone apraisal. During the
progress of that course, you will be informed as to what tools and
instruments you may need. and will learn how to used them
efficiently. Taken by themselves, none of the instruments are terribly
expensive, although taken together they will add up to quite a large
sum. Get several books on the subject; but possession of books and
equipment alone will not be sufficient to allow you to become an
appraiser; you must also have practical experience, and a good school
of gemmology and appraisal will provide a basis for this to a certain
extent. There is really no single test that properly determines
whether a stone is this or that; the results of several tests are
necessary so that when considered together, the stone can be named
with scientific accuracy and complete confidence.

To provide a simple example; during a course I undertook many years
ago we were given three red stones of similar colour and size and
asked to report on them. All three gave the red and blue lines
characteristic of chromium when examined with a spectroscope. “Aha!
rubies!” we said. But when we measured specific gravity, hardness,
refractive index and a few other things, we could say without fear of
contradiction that one was a natural ruby, another was a synthetic man
made ruby - and the other was a dense glass. I am out of touch these
days, but I do believe that there are excellent correspondence schools
that will help you; and my advice is not to go out buying tools and
instruments blindly and on the say so of the merchants. I am sure
that there will be other correspondents who will suggest schools that
will help you get started. Well, many folk would wish you good luck in
your enterprise, but I wish you good dedication and perseverence; you
make your own luck.

Cheers,

John Burgess; @John_Burgess2 of Mapua Nelson NZ