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(I think) The best way to check rubies

Tudor

By Tudor
in Staking Tools & Jewel Setting Tools

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Tudor Distinguished Member

Tudor

Posted
Posted

So, I haven’t used film in over a decade. But when I did, I proofed my negatives on a light table. I have a battery powered portable one I have re-purposed for inspecting rubies and their bores. 

Any crack or spec of dirt is easily seen when back lit. Lighting from the top only, can hide cracks. Lighting through the stones makes any flaw easily apparent. 

No idea if these are still available but probably. It runs on batteries and has an A/C adapter. 
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52299B14-1106-4130-BF2B-296C17BE1BC2.jpeg

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canthus Super WRT Addict

canthus

Posted
Posted

I use my smart phone or tablet.  Just find a white area and place the plate on it and use an eyeglass for closeup.  You can see the pixels but this is not too much of a problem.  I have also tried a daylight LED bulb with white paper over it but it was a bit too bright and didn't want my eyes damaged when using an eyeglass.

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  • 2 years later...
Malocchio WRT Addict

Malocchio

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Has anyone come up with some cheap and small (thin) backlight for jewel inspection? I still have this microscope that I only use for inspection purposes but if I found some backlight I could use with my newer sm-4tp I could sell this scope. I'd rather have some dedicated piece instead of phone display or such.

image.thumb.png.8463852a6f9e830f5c68b0f94a72194b.png

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tomh207 Distinguished Member

tomh207

Posted
Posted
19 minutes ago, Malocchio said:

Has anyone come up with some cheap and small (thin) backlight for jewel inspection? I still have this microscope that I only use for inspection purposes but if I found some backlight I could use with my newer sm-4tp I could sell this scope. I'd rather have some dedicated piece instead of phone display or such.

image.thumb.png.8463852a6f9e830f5c68b0f94a72194b.png

I am thinking about getting one of these for this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BKSLZ27K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A3UR61Y1YXNUGU&psc=1

Tom

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Malocchio WRT Addict

Malocchio

Posted
Posted

Thanks for the suggestions. I think penlight would be ok for inspecting but I'd also like something I can put the movement holder on top of when checking pallet lubrication. I might try putting something like a mirror under the movement next time.

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  • 10 months later...
mikepilk Distinguished Member

mikepilk

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On 5/20/2023 at 7:01 AM, Malocchio said:

Thanks for the suggestions. I think penlight would be ok for inspecting but I'd also like something I can put the movement holder on top of when checking pallet lubrication. I might try putting something like a mirror under the movement next time.

I use a stereo microscope with light ring. When lubricating the pallet jewels, I sit the movement holder on a mirror and use an LED headlight shining down at an angle on the mirror, so that it reflects up through the movement.

 

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