The Gem Lab Information System (GLIS) offers laboratories, cutters and polishers, e-commerce retailers, large retailers and Kimberley Process certifiers around the world a patented* system that collects, processes, stores, searches, displays and transfers textual, video, graphical and audio data on the characteristics of a gemstone. The system provides for a very efficient and flexible operation. Three stations; intake, grading and print can be operated by non-gemologists. The flow of stones through the system can be readily balanced by operating multiple machines in parallel.
The system illustrated here, consists of 5 stations and a server, other configurations are available.
1. Inbound Station with VeriGem® device
2. Grading Station
3. Clarity Station
4. Review Station
5. Print Station
Inbound Station with the VeriGem device
Once the gem is processed at this station, the following data are captured to the system; weight, girdle measurements, table measurements, light behavior (Brilliance, Intensity & Sparkle) and a brilliancy image. Then the VeriGem instrument creates a unique fingerprint in the form of an identification and generates a barcode. This ID number enables the tracking of the stone as it moves through the next four stations of the GLIS and any time thereafter.
Time required: 1 Minute
Grading Station
After the VeriGem instrument, the stone is inserted into the Grading Station where all data on proportions, color, fluorescence and symmetry are compiled and analyzed. The information thus collected appears on a monitor and is placed in the data file. The identity of the diamond is verified with the barcode. One person can operate as many as five grading stations simultaneously.
Time required: Approximately 3 Minutes 45 seconds
Clarity Station
Once cleaned by a special cleaning instrument, the gem is immersed in a non-toxic liquid for proper imaging. The imaging system of the Clarity Station captures images of the gem and is presented on the screen instantaneously. At the Clarity Station any inclusions are captured and located on the top and bottom template and presented on the screen. Depending on the clarity of the diamond, a single pass or multiple imaging may be required The maps of all inclusions on the screen are reviewed by the gemologist, who either accepts or modifies the grade. The results are entered to the gem’s data file.
Time required: Approximately 4 Minutes
Review Station
At this time, all of the previous grading information, including any information that may have been sent electronically by the customer or part of the customer profile, is displayed. The gemologist may decide to examine the stone and compare it to the grading information. When the gemologist determines the final grade, the process is completed by a click of the mouse.
Time required: 30 seconds
Print Station
The ImaGem Gem Lab Information System (GLIS) then sends the completed gem data file to the lab’s system or prints the report. Each report is easily customized based on a stored customer profile. At this point, the verification of the diamond is checked using the barcode reader.
Time required: 30 seconds
Thus, in about 11 minutes, depending on the time required at the Clarity Station and the gemologist’s review, the entire grading process is completed. The final grading report is produced and the necessary data file is generated.
Advantages
- Accurate and reliable measures of the 4C’s and Light Behavior
- Quick gem identification and registration – no inscription required
- Flexibility in information reporting – mini reports to full scale grading reports
- Fast turnaround, increased throughput of diamonds
- Easy verification of gem identity during returns and take-in and audit stone transactions
For further information or to order equipment please contact ImaGem Inc. by phone +1 215 477 9920 or by email to info@imageminc.com.
*U.S. Pat. No. 6020954, 6239867 and 6980283.