Gemstone testing apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a gemstone testing apparatus for testing a specimen. The gemstone testing apparatus includes a handheld casing, a plurality of light sources, a test probe, a photodetector, a processor unit, and a display unit. The test probe is placed at one end of the handheld casing. A first end of the test probe is placed outside the handheld casing. The plurality of light sources is provided for emitting light rays towards an area that is in the vicinity of the first end. The first end is adapted for receiving light rays from the specimen and for transmitting the light rays to a second end of the test probe. The photodetector is arranged to measure an intensity of the light rays from the second end. The processor unit is provided for determining a material of the specimen in accordance to a measurement of the intensity of the light rays.

1 . A gemstone testing apparatus for testing a gemstone specimen, the gemstone testing apparatus comprising:
 a handheld casing;   a plurality of light sources;   a test probe being placed at one end of the handheld casing, a first end of the test probe is placed outside the handheld casing, the plurality of light sources is provided for emitting light rays towards an area that is in the vicinity of the first end, and the first end is adapted for receiving light rays from the specimen and for transmitting the light rays to a second end of the test probe;   a photodetector, the photodetector being arranged to measure an intensity of the light rays from the second end;   a processor unit for determining a material of the specimen in accordance to a measurement of the intensity of the light rays; and   a display unit for displaying the gemstone test result, wherein the plurality of light sources is provided on at least two sides of the test probe.   
     
     
         2 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light sources comprises two light sources. 
     
     
         3 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light sources is arranged around the test probe in a symmetric manner. 
     
     
         4 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to claim L further comprising:
 a pressure switch; and   a pressure transmitting means for transferring a force from the test probe to the pressure switch, wherein the pressure switch activates the gemstone testing apparatus.   
     
     
         5 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the pressure switch comprises a micro-switch. 
     
     
         6 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light sources emits light rays with a wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm. 
     
     
         7 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of light sources emits light rays with a wavelength of substantially 365 nm. 
     
     
         8 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light sources comprises a ring light being provided to surround the test probe. 
     
     
         9 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising an external cap being attachable to the handheld casing for protecting the test probe. 
     
     
         10 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the external cap comprises a gemstone test reference tablet that is provided for checking functions of the gemstone testing apparatus. 
     
     
         11 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a power source unit for supplying electrical power to the gemstone testing apparatus. 
     
     
         12 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the display unit comprises a plurality of indicator lights for providing visual indications of the gemstone test result. 
     
     
         13 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a buzzer for providing an audio indication of the gemstone test result. 
     
     
         14 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the test probe comprises a hollow light guide with a reflective inner surface. 
     
     
         15 . The gemstone testing apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the light guide comprises a metal tube. 
     
     
         16 . A method for differentiating between a diamond and a moissanite, the method comprising:
 pressing a test probe of a gemstone testing apparatus against a gemstone specimen;   transmitting a force from the test probe to a pressure switch of the gemstone testing apparatus;   activating a plurality of light sources of the gemstone testing apparatus for illuminating the gemstone specimen, wherein the gemstone specimen receives light rays from at least one light source;   measuring an intensity of the light rays being reflected from the gemstone specimen; and   determining a material of the gemstone specimen in accordance to the measured light intensity.   
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 16 , further comprising providing an indication of the material of the gemstone specimen to a user. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the provision of the indication of the material of the gemstone specimen comprises providing a visual indication of the material of the gemstone specimen. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the provision of the indication of the material of the gemstone specimen comprises providing an audio indication of the material of the gemstone specimen.