Apparatus and method for grading, testing, and identifying gemstones

A method of analyzing incident and reflected light data for use in grading, testing, or identifying a gemstone, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing a gemstone on a platform within an area substantially free of light;
• positioning a light responsive element of an electronic imaging device so as to view the gemstone from different aspects thereof with said light responsive element;
• illuminating the gemstone from said different aspects thereof;
• and
• capturing incident light data from the different aspects of the gemstone with the electronic imaging device and storing the light data as an image data set in a data processor having a storage device.

A method for characterizing a gemstone comprising the steps of:

• viewing a gemstone with an electronic imaging device;
• generating electronic image signals corresponding to a plurality of different physical characteristics of the gemstone;
• controlling said electronic imaging device with a local data processor that is programmed with an instruction set for controlling said electronic imaging device to obtain the electronic image signals corresponding to the different physical characteristics of the gemstone;
• processing the electronic image signals from said electronic imaging device to provide a data file containing information about the different physical characteristics of the gemstone;
• and
• transmitting the data file to a central processing system that is located remotely from said local data processor.

A method for characterizing a gemstone comprising the steps of:

• receiving a data file containing information about different physical characteristics of a gemstone;
• processing the information in the data file to provide grading information for the gemstone;
• and
• generating and appraisal report for the gemstone.

A method of analyzing a gemstone for flaws comprising the steps of:

• providing a translucent plate that is formed to diffuse light passing therethrough;
• applying an immersion fluid to the translucent plate;
• placing a gemstone on said translucent plate such that it contacts the oil on said plate;
• illuminating said gemstone with diffused light transmitted through said translucent plate;
• capturing light data transmitting through said gemstone with an imaging device;
• and
• analyzing the light data to detect the presence of a flaw in said gemstone.

A method of analyzing a gemstone for flaws comprising the steps of:

• providing a translucent vessel that is formed to diffuse light passing therethrough;
• placing a gemstone on said translucent vessel;
• immersing said gemstone in translucent immersion fluid;
• illuminating said gemstone with light transmitted through said translucent vessel;
• capturing light data transmitted through said gemstone;
• and
• analyzing the light data to detect the presence of a flow in said gemstone.

A method of grading a gemstone comprising the steps of:

• compiling a database of physical characteristics for a plurality of known gemstones for each of the plurality of gemstones;
• measuring a physical characteristic of an unknown gemstone;
• analyzing the measured physical characteristic of the unknown gemstone relative to the database of gemstone characteristics;
• and
• assigning a grade to the gemstone for the measured characteristic.