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 Post subject: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 7:23 pm 
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I notice polariscope was removed from Gem-ID student package. When I search the word “polariscope” in GIA’s web store, only the accessories shows up. Did GIA removed the use of polariscope in the current Gem-ID process?

Sunny


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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 8:23 pm 
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You are correct.
I don't see it either.
Why don't you call them and ask what's up?

Report back.


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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 10:26 pm 
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I was checking the polariscopes on eBay and saw a “Pro Gem Table Top Polariscope With Gem Clip” which I thought is pretty identical to what GIA was selling. When I checked GIA’s website, all polariscopes were removed.

I will give them a call tomorrow.

Sunny


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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 11:01 pm 
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I simply cannot imagine doing gem ID without a polariscope. The last set of courseware I saw just a couple of months ago still included the use of polariscopes as always. The good news is that unlike some other tools, a better quality Chinese made polariscope works just fine. Maybe GIA has discontinued them because of market forces. They have done that with some other tools like light sources.

Interested to see what you find out.


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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 2:25 pm 
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A polariscope is still required, however when stock for specific testing equipment is unavailable or back ordered, they are removed from the student package page.

Students would either need to wait for new inventory or acquire this instrumentation elsewhere, however they still have the benefit of purchasing the rest of the equipment as a package if they wish.

I hope that helps :)

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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 2:30 pm 
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(My guess is they're just putting a sticker on a nice Chinese one anyway, like they used to do with Dolan Jenner lights).

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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 2:53 pm 
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Truth be told, if polariscopes were being manufactured by inmates at San Quentin, they would work as required.


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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 8:08 pm 
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Barbra Voltaire wrote:
Truth be told, if polariscopes were being manufactured by inmates at San Quentin, they would work as required.


The polariscopes or the inmates? #-o


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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 05, 2018 5:50 pm 
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touché


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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 05, 2018 7:20 pm 
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polariscope is the new black :mrgreen:

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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2018 6:44 am 
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Does anyone knows the difference between a polariscope and a Lens stress tester used in the optical/eyeglasses industry? A lower model of Lens stress tester (which looks exactly like a polariscope) is selling at US$49.99 on eBay (or US$20 on TaoBao.com in China).

Sunny


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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 8:08 pm 
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After exactly 21 days, I received a reply from GIA Instruments:

———————
Hello Sunny,

The polariscope is still on back order and will not be available until the end of the year.

The optic sphere is available online at our website – gia.edu

I am sorry but do not have any microscope sales at this time.

Regards,
Lahrisa Steenbock

———————
So basically, no polariscope for Gem-ID students at the moment. (it’s odd that I have only asked about the polariscope...)

Sunny


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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 10:40 pm 
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Wow.
I'm a little shocked.
Well, as mentioned any polariscope and coniscope will do and there are better microscopes available.


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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 11:38 pm 
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How hard is it to make a polariscope?
I can make a polariscope.

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 Post subject: Re: Use of polariscope in Gem ID course?
PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2018 2:21 am 
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Easier to buy a good Chinese polariscope on Amazon. They are so cheap. I have one of these, and it works perfectly. The seller is reliable as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gem-Table-Top- ... SwhcJWIL4x


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