Spectra uses high-precision analytical equipment to test the origin, type and treatment of gemstones.

Spectra Gem Laboratory is one of the best equipped in Australia, using the very latest infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy, and a powerful binocular microscope. The equipment can detect synthetics and treatments often missed by standard gemmological equipment. This is a key advantage, as modern manufacturing and treatment processes are making it increasingly difficult to identify synthetics and gemstone treatments.

Mass Diamond Screener

The first of its kind in Australia, our Mass Diamond Screener has the capability to test both your loose and mounted diamonds.

You can rest assured that your diamonds are being analysed with the most sophisticated technology available. Our exclusive mass diamond screening process allows us to quickly and accurately detect synthetic diamonds, using time-resolved photoluminescence. Suitable for screening colourless and near-colourless diamonds, the mass screener can examine diamonds of all sizes with no lower size limit.

FTIR Spectroscopy

Spectra’s Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is an advanced laser device, allowing us to accurately assess the type of stone, and determine whether it is natural or synthetic.

It can also ascertain if any treatments have been applied, including the use of dyes, resins, oils and polymers. Depending on the size and settings, the spectroscopy can test stones while they are set, and is powerful enough to detect treatments such as polymer-treated jadeite. Standard gemmological equipment used in other labs is incapable of identifying these value-diminishing modifications.

UV-Vis Spectroscopy

Spectra’s ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy is another cutting-edge tool which helps identify difficult-to-spot synthetic gems and treatments.

The UV-Vis spectroscopy uses varying light sources to produce a spectrum in the visible and ultra-violet areas of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Microscopy

A gem’s tiniest imperfections and features can be identified and assessed using Spectra’s research-grade Leica binocular microscope.

Leica is a world leader in optics. Our 160x magnification microscope with its in-built digital camera and specialist software produces images of intense sharpness, and maximum depth of field.