The MSX-500Di digital CCD microscope has enabled jewellery specialists Wharton to inspect, measure and electronically document precious gemstones handled by the company.
Traditionally the jewellery industry has relied upon optical eyepieces and standard desktop optical microscopes to inspect diamonds and emeralds for inclusions, carbon deposits and surface damage. However with growing market demand for authentication, particularly at the luxury end of the market, the need for a powerful, yet affordable digital microscope that can inspect, measure and electronically document gemstones has become apparent.
Christopher Wharton, managing director of Wharton, said: ‘The MSX has allowed us to precisely measure cut angles as well as to focus through gemstones to inspect different levels for tiny internal blemishes.
He added: ‘The adjustable LED lighting on the MSX has allowed us to record images at different angles and eliminate any glare caused by the gemstone cut. The ease of use, high magnifying power, image clarity and ability to record document images makes the MSX-500Di a valuable new tool for the jewellery trade.’
The MSX-500Di incorporates a high quality CCD imaging system and adjustable high-intensity LED lighting to deliver sharp well-lit images from 1x to 500 x magnification without changing lenses.
One dial operation ensures changing of magnification and focusing is both quick and simple. The systems proprietary LED lighting is arranged in two concentric rings. By selecting combinations of the LED arrays in the inner and outer rings subject lighting can be optimised so that features can be highlighted or unwanted reflections eliminated to reveal the details you want to see. Using the integrated LCD screen operating the MSX-500Di is both simple and intuitive.
A freeze button allows simple switching between still images and video mode. In addition to instant display of images and current magnification settings the MSX-500Di is also able to call up and display recorded images for comparative tasks. Should it be required the MSX-500Di can be controlled, and file transfers, made via its USB connection to and from an external PC.
