MetDia Gem: You need this app

Metdia Gem is an app that any gemologist, or anyone just interested in gemstones should own. The app cost of $4.99 provides a comprehensive gem reference guide that allows you to access information on all widely accepted gem species and varieties in a fast and easy to access format. 
The app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 8. If a person downloads the application for a specific operating system (such as iOS), then you may use the application on up to 10 devices that share that operating system (such as an iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch) without being charged again; it is also available as family sharing application for those operating systems that support it. One of the best features of the app is that it’s not dependent on wifi or cellular data, so you can access it at any time from anywhere without the headache of wasting cellular data or needing a wifi password. 
 

After the you install and open the app you are greeted with a main screen that lists gem species from actinolite to zoisite (and everything in between.) The list also includes organic gem material, synthetics, assembled, and man-made stones. Detailed information about the gem species is listed when you click on each gem, including: chemical formula, crystal system, specific gravity, hardness, toughness, dispersion, transparency, polish luster, fracture, fracture luster, cleavage, heat, chemical, and light reaction as well as ultrasonic, steam, and soap/water cleaning cautions, variety-by-species information, commonly confused stones, separation(s) info for stones (how to separate from similar looking/testing stones), enhancements, and sources. 
There app’s UI has icons along the bottom of the screen that bring you directly to the list of varieties of stones and accompanying images with the species listed underneath. You can click on the varieties and see an image of that variety (if available) which is also clickable. Clicking through will bring you to the specific properties of that variety such as those listed previously. There is also an icon that leads to a list specifically for images, where each image is clickable and produces a larger and alternate image for each stone. There is also a helpful search icon that allows you to search specific phrases. 
    The “more icon” takes you to a list of other helpful categories including: metal melting temperatures (both Fahrenheit and Celsius) and specific gravity information for those metals (including common base metals and other materials). Below Melting Temperature and Specific Gravity is an icon that takes you to a useful conversion chart that allows you to input a weight into any category and converts it across a variety of weight measurements. In the upper right hand corner is an icon to view the conversion formulas if you choose to convert the weights yourself. The final category below the conversions is a glossary of terms that would be useful as a refresher or a help to the novice. 
Metdia Gem is currently lacking images of a few of the rarer varieties but the app is constantly being updated and improved. When I contacted the developer, Scott B Britton, GIA Graduate Gemologist, he had this to say about the app “We are continually striving to improve the application to meet the demands of users...feedback is highly welcome and we make changes and integrate new features to the application with this feedback.” Personal support is also available to anyone who has any technical issues, and he encourages anyone to contact him directly at president@metdia.com and he will personally assist them. I would also like to encourage anyone who might wish contribute suggestions, images, or feedback to contact Mr. Britton. 
Anyone interested in gemstones and jewelry should consider purchasing the Metdia Gem app. The app packs in a wealth of information into an easy to navigate reference guide with an affordable price that is useful for both seasoned gemologists as well as gemstone and jewelry enthusiasts.

Kathleen Marino M.A, G.G., AJP, NAJA
   

Friction Ball Watch Case Back Opener From Kassoy

The Friction Ball watch case opener from Kassoy ($4.95) is an inexpensive and easy to use tool. It measures approximately 2 inches in diameter and is made of a plastic that has a slightly sticky “grip” like feel. I had seen friction balls, but had never tried one for myself. I felt slightly silly as I stared at the squishy blue ball in the Kassoy packaging. It seemed like it was almost too simple to work. I placed the ball against the back of the screw back watch case, applied pressure while twisting the ball and the case unscrewed easily.  

                                                                                      I like this tool for a few reasons. Firstly I am not a watch expert. I admit that my exposure to watches hasn't been that extensive and I have a healthy fear of damaging a clients watch. The friction ball is easier to use and less damaging than other watch tools, provided that the watch being worked on is a screw back. I was also able to use the ball on more than just watches. I am frequently confronted with small decorative trinket or pill cases and the ball was able to safely loosen a stuck lid on one item and able to unscrew the top off another.
After using the friction ball for myself I can see that the tool has been fairly underrated. The ball not only offers users with less watch experience a safe first choice before attempting possibly damaging methods, but i believe that it will prove to be more versatile and could be used for more than just opening watch backs. The extremely affordable cost and ease of use make the Friction Ball a welcome addition to my tool kit.

Kathleen Marino M.A, G.G., AJP, NAJA

Precision Measuring Loupe From Kassoy

Precision Measuring Loupe from Kassoy

The Precision Measuring Loupe from Kassoy ($83.95) is a specialty measuring loupe. Like a standard loupe, it features a 10x triplet lens, but it is designed to be either held in your hand or stand on a table, allowing the user the ability to look down into the well area. The quality of the precision loupe is apparent right out of the box. The loupe has a solid feel and the focus adjustment is very smooth. The lens on the bottom is durable and readable (through the loupe). It is important to note that the user will need an adequately lit area or an outside lightsource angled into the side of the loupe’s well. This is necessary in order to be able to read the scales on the lens base. 

The lens base is imprinted with four scales for measuring: rings with diameters in millimeters, a grid that measures in 0.01 inch increments, a ruler that measures in millimeter increments, and angles by 1° increments. The large opening allows items to be placed into the well and on top of the lens. The lens with the measurement gauges is not removable. The loupe measures just over 2 inches tall, and just under 2 inches in diameter.
During my time using the Precision Measuring Loupe I came to the conclusion that it is a specialty tool that works best with loose stones. However the measurement plate is removable, this makes the loupe more versatile. Jewelry may also be placed in the well, but the scales are not as useful in this position. I found that if I put the jewelry under the measuring  scale plate and looked down through it then the measuring scales were more usable. The quality of the loupe was impressive and I found the added benefit of the measurement scales to be useful. While I may not use the loupe on a daily basis, it is not an overly expensive item and I believe that it would easily find a place in my tool kit.   

Kathleen Marino M.A, G.G., AJP, NAJA

A Review of Richard D. Armstrong’s Photoatlas of Gemstone Spectra for Gemology Students

Obtaining a spectrum on a gemstone is one of the most difficult skills to master in gem identification. Richard D. Armstrong’s Photoatlas of Gemstone Spectra for Gemology Students ($14.95 excluding shipping) seeks to aid students of gemology and gemologists in this endeavour.

The photoatlas is conveniently contained on a disc made for PC computers. The photoatlas provides the user with spectra for various stones as well as tips and techniques for using spectroscopes. Armstrong has marketed the photoatlas specifically for PC use, though files for both Mac and mobile platform are also contained on the disc if the user would like to attempt to use them. The program did not autorun on my Windows 8 PC; I had to open it manually. Once open, the the format of the photoatlas is a PDF virtual book that is very user friendly.

There are some challenges that students and gemologists continually face with spectra. Firstly, the lab manuals only contain drawings of the absolute perfect spectra, which are rarely (I would cautiously say never) what an individual sees. Secondly, the spectroscopes available in a campus classroom setting are usually perfectly mounted scopes with a perfect lighting setup. Many students will never again work with, let alone be able to afford, such a setup. They leave the classroom with no real concept of how to use any other style of instrument. Lastly, there is an increasing number of distance education students who will not have the same hands-on opportunities as on-campus students. This disc helps fill these voids and gives valuable confidence to the student as well as the seasoned gemologist.  

There are some challenges that students and gemologists continually face with spectra. Firstly, the lab manuals only contain drawings of the absolute perfect spectra, which are rarely (I would cautiously say never) what an individual sees. Secondly, the spectroscopes available in a campus classroom setting are usually perfectly mounted scopes with a perfect lighting setup. Many students will never again work with, let alone be able to afford, such a setup. They leave the classroom with no real concept of how to use any other style of instrument. Lastly, there is an increasing number of distance education students who will not have the same hands-on opportunities as on-campus students. This disc helps fill these voids and gives valuable confidence to the student as well as the seasoned gemologist.  

There are some challenges that students and gemologists continually face with spectra. Firstly, the lab manuals only contain drawings of the absolute perfect spectra, which are rarely (I would cautiously say never) what an individual sees. Secondly, the spectroscopes available in a campus classroom setting are usually perfectly mounted scopes with a perfect lighting setup. Many students will never again work with, let alone be able to afford, such a setup. They leave the classroom with no real concept of how to use any other style of instrument. Lastly, there is an increasing number of distance education students who will not have the same hands-on opportunities as on-campus students. This disc helps fill these voids and gives valuable confidence to the student as well as the seasoned gemologist.  
Currently you can order the Photoatlas of Gemstone Spectra by emailing info@armstronggemology.com