The Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences has developed a high-powered fibre optic illuminator which could be commercially available by the end of the year, says gemologist-instructor Marc Bogerd of AIGS’ Instrument Department.    

            The locally-assembled illuminator comes with a flexible optic pipe that allows inspection of opaque roughs at every angle under a powerful light source, Bogerd said in an interview.

            As a supporting instrument to the microscope, the competitively priced illuminator features a heavy duty transformer which cheaper units don’t have. It also is fitted with an “almost lifetime light bulb” so users don’t need to worry about replacements, Bogerd added.

            As international requirements for gem certification become more complicated, so the need has grown for internationally-accepted standards for authenticity and quality. Certification by the HRD (Hoge Raad Voor Diamant: Diamond High Council) in Antwerp, Belgium, and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Santa Monica, California, at times do not match, and Bogerd is hopeful fibre optics could provide the “ultimate in lighting.”

            Some 70 units, assembled by AIGS’ “cottage industry” hands, are expected to be snapped up by gemologists by the end of the year, according to Bogerd. “In addition to the microscope, the fibre optic illuminator supports other instruments including the refract meter and the polariscope.