Scales for Weighing Diamonds and Gemstones

The right scale is crucial for anyone in the jewelry trade, as well as jewelry hobbyists and enthusiasts. Diamonds and other gemstones must be weighed carefully and exactly. Often there are legal standards to which your scale must adhere if you are planning on running a diamond or gemstone business, so checking your local laws (they tend to vary from state to state) is very important before you make your scale purchase. Other important factors to consider:

Sort By:

Page of 7
Platform Scales with Industrial Technology Floor Scales with Large Graphics LCD Digital Display Industrial Bench Scales with Strain Gauge Technology
From $599.00

From $1,199.00

From $499.00
Platform Scales with Industrial Technology Floor Scales By Arlyn Scales Industrial Bench Scales with Strain Gauge Technology



* Your budget: Gemstone scales are available in a wide range of prices and accuracies. You need to find one that fits both your needs and available funds. Gemstone scales are available from $100 and up.

* Measurement units: To weigh diamonds, you need a gemstone scale that measures in carats. Some other frequently used units are grams (g), ounces (oz), pennyweights (dwt) and grains. You will probably not need a scale that weighs in troy ounce (ozt), which is used when weighing precious metals. Decide which unit you will most often use before you begin looking for scales.

* Portability needs: Does this scale need to come with you, or do you plan on leaving it in the store or office? The size and power source will be important factors if you need your scale to travel; look for small scales that are battery powered. Flip style digital pocket scales are an affordable portable choice, and can usually still weigh as many as 200 grams accurately to .01 grams, 1000 carats to .1 carat, or 7 ounces to .001 ounces.

* Accuracy: Obviously, the more high quality a gemstone scale is, the more accurate you can expect its readings to be. You will need to balance this need with your budgetary concerns. Accuracy is crucial for any gemstone business, so do not skimp in this area if it can be avoided. Only a single tenth of a carat could be the difference between a $40 piece of rough and a $400 rough jewel.

* Minimum and maximum weight tolerances: How much weight do you need to measure? Are you looking to weigh many gemstones or diamonds as a group, or are you planning on weighing one small stone at a time, or do you need to be able to do both? Consider purchasing a scale that can weigh up to twice the amount you would usually require; this way your scale will be able to handle any unexpected situations. You want your scale to be able to measure as finely as to .01 carat or .002 grams to ensure you are well within GIA (Gemological Institute Of America) standards.

* Almost all gemstone scales are now electronic. Many feature energy saving automatic power down and a low battery indicator. They can cycle through all the different weight units mentioned above, have automatic calibration, and a backlit LCD display. Look for a tare button which will be able to zero your scale to avoid counting the weight of any container holding your gemstone.

Click here to read the rest of Weighing Diamonds and Gemstones. If you enjoyed this article, you also might like our other stories about Industrial Scales.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated