An Impressive New Scope
GIA –
Press Release –
and personal review – gr –
We love trying out new gemological equipment. And fortunately for us, we had the opportunity to test drive GIA’s newest Gemolite microscope in Tucson at the AGTA GemFair last month.
Here is their press release, and our quick summary of the new scope.
Press Release
The Gemological Institute of America, GIA, has released its latest version in the Gemolite® series microscopes, the NXT.
“Developed in conjunction with GIA’s Global Research Team, this microscope is packed with cutting-edge features, designed for optimal performance and customization, catering to the needs of gemologists and scientists in various settings, whether grading diamonds or colored stones, in a laboratory or retail environment,” said Anthony Brown, GIA director of instruments operations.
“The research team set out to create a microscope that preserves the ergonomic advantages of its predecessor, incorporates modern LED lighting technology for extended illumination, and enhances functionality with added features like fiber optic light,” said Dr. Wuyi Wang, GIA vice president of research and development.
Key Features of the GIA Gemolite® NXT include:
- LED Lighting: One of the only professional-grade microscopes with adjustable LED lighting, the GIA Gemolite® NXT remains cool to the touch. The LED well light offers various options for viewing different gemstone features, accommodating techniques such as darkfield, brightfield, diffused, reflected, and polarized lighting.
- Optics and Magnification: The microscope includes a set of 10X oculars for increased total magnification up to 50x, soft eyecups and a specially designed optics pod that is optimal for use with diamonds and colored gemstones.
- Ergonomic Design: The GIA Gemolite® NXT features an ergonomic, adjustable focus column with large focus knobs, ensuring ease of use. The rotating base with a stationary power cord enhances the user experience.
- LCD Digital Display: The level of illumination for each light source is displayed on an LCD digital screen adding a modern touch to the microscope.
The NXT Professional
The GIA Gemolite® NXT Professional edition includes all of the above features plus two interchangeable fiber optic lights, LED illuminated overhead lamp, 15X oculars for a total magnification of 75x, soft eyecups and adjustable armrests for enhanced ergonomics.
RGNR Review
The scope felt very much the same as previous versions of the Gemolite, which made us feel right at home. But with the added features like the digital display, and the stationary power cord, we knew this was worth considering. On the NXT Pro model, the interchangeable fibre optic lights, and the comfortable arm rests were very nice added touches. The overhead light source is a must and was easy to adjust. And we really appreciate the accessible light switches and rheostats all at the back side of the base.
All in all, a very nice upgrade from the past. In our humble opinion, our advice, for the additional $500, to get the overhead, the fibre optics, the arm rests, and the additional 15X oculars, just go for the Professional.
To find out more, go to GIA’s store online at store.GIA.edu
Full disclosure: GIA is an advertiser here in the Roskin Gem News Report.
This is an unbiased review. We do not make any commission from sales.
