Testing gems at home

A man with a beard and short dark hair looks focused as he examines a gemstone with a magnifying loupe at a desk in a bright room with large windows.

It all began when I decided to pursue formal training in gemology and fully embrace my hobby. Before the courses were even finished, I was already ordering instruments and gemstones from all over the internet.

Then I thought—why not put my content creation skills to the test and share the journey?

So here it is.

Enjoy!

Testing loose gemstones

@what_the_gem It is just heat-treated or possibly more heavily treated? Either way, there is no reason not to love this ruby cabochon from Tanzania. #ruby #corundum #sapphire #hobbylab #gemologist #gemology #hobby #gemidentification #gem #gemstones #gems #gemstone #gemtok #cabochon #gemstoneslovers ♬ Bach balance rhythm clavier No. 1 piano performance - moshimo sound design
@what_the_gem This is the most pleochroic gemstone I’ve ever seen! Andalusite. I was lucky enough to find one, online. And what’s more is that the inclusions are like nothing else. I’m in awe. #andalusite #pleochroism #hobbylab #gemologist #gemology #hobby #gemidentification #gem #gemstones #gems #gemstone #gemtok #facetedgems #gemstoneslovers ♬ Schubert Op90 No.4(1286029) - earbrojp
@what_the_gem Replying to @ENAE Minéraux peristerite was a great suggestion, thanks! I love how shy the peristerism phenomenon is on this one. But when it is out is is strong! #peristerite #hobbylab #gemologist #gemology #hobby #gemidentification #gem #gemstones #gems #gemstone #gemtok #cabochon #gemstoneslovers ♬ Debussy "Moonlight" Piano Solo(829473) - LEOPARD
@what_the_gem This is a reminder to SLOWLY rotate the filter of the polariscope. ADR can be disguised as anisotropic behavior when the lines are too thick. This garnet taught me a lesson. #hobbylab #gemologist #gemology #hobby #garnet #rhodolite #adr #gemidentification #gem #gemstones #gems #gemstone #cutgems #gemtok #facetedgems #gemstoneslovers #fyp #gemstonecarving ♬ Natural Emotions - Muspace Lofi
@what_the_gem This spinel came out of the treasure box. It must have been set on a ring and worn a lot. The places it must have seen! #spinel #hobbylab #gemologist #gemology #hobby #gemidentification #gem #gemstones #gems #gemstone #gemtok #facetedgems #gemstoneslovers ♬ Lovely Piano - Evgeny
@what_the_gem This sparkling gem was sold as natural. But it tested as synthetic. Thankfully the seller admitted to it and I got a refund. I like synthetics too, but sellers are obliged to disclose what treatments each gem has been through when they sell. #hobbylab #gemologist #beryl #goshenite #gemology #hobby #gemidentification #gem #gemstones #gems #gemstone #cutgems #gemtok #facetedgems #gemstoneslovers #fyp #gemstonecarving ♬ Calm Music Background (Live) - Zen music
@what_the_gem This is probably a natural clean sapphire that came in the red treasure box I got recently. Too good to be true? What do you think? #sapphire #purple #corundum #hobbylab #gemologist #gemology #hobby #gemidentification #gem #gemstones #gems #gemstone #gemtok #facetedgems #gemstoneslovers ♬ Mozart Piano Sonata No. 16 Second Movement(1269905) - Tomo Saito
@what_the_gem Asterism on a sapphire—found in the red treasure box! That star isn’t magic, it’s science: needle-like inclusions lining up just right to create a 6-ray asterism. #StarSapphire #hobbylab #sapphire #asterism #gemologist #gemology #hobby #gemidentification #gem #gemstones #gems #gemstone #gemtok #facetedgems #gemstoneslovers ♬ Sinfonia No. 11 / Bach , Piano(1082021) - Noi m knot
@what_the_gem Epidote included epidote! That’s a tongue twister. Very impressive gems I had almost forgotten about in my collection. #epidote #hobbylab #gemologist #gemology #hobby #gemidentification #gem #gemstones #gems #gemstone #gemtok#gemstoneslovers ♬ Boundless Worship - Josué Novais Piano Worship

Testing gemstones set in jewellery

@what_the_gem Jadeite jade cocktail ring. Am I right? Must be over a 100 years old. Look at those roughly chopped diamonds creating a stunning flower around this green cabochon! #jade #jadeite #jadeitejade #cocktailring #hobbylab #gemologist #gemology #hobby #gemidentification #gem #gemstones #gems #gemstone #cutgems #gemtok #facetedgems #gemstoneslovers #fyp #gemstonecarving ♬ Vintagejazz - LofiLounge