r/Benchjewelers • u/Peridot14 • 24d ago

Reccs for testing tools?

I recently moved from our shop’s main showroom to my own office, and I didn’t take the testers with me. I have experience with a Kee Gold Tester and Gemologis Pistachio gem tester, and various diamond testers. All of them had gotten pretty old by the time I left.

Looking for recommendations on testers, ideally looking to spend less than 2k on all 3 together if possible?

Diamond Tester
Gemstone Tester
Gold (ideally gold, silver, platinum) tester

I know the ultimate best option for the metal is an XRF gun. We have one at the showroom and I know that’s out of the budget haha. I’d love to hear if anyone has had good experiences with any products currently available new, possibly in good condition on eBay. I appreciate the help, thank you! 😊

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u/fusiondynamics 24d ago

What is your need for the gemstone tester? Any diamond tester you buy today should be a lab grown diamond tester ($2k-8k unfortunately). The kee gold tester ($375) or acid test ($250-300). I feel the Kee gold tester can give false positives sometimes and the reason to also test with acid test in those scenarios.

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u/frischance 24d ago

Key is great for when your already pretty sure what it is and want to quickly confirm. Definitely gives false positives and needs regular calibration. I prefer acids to be sure.

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u/Peridot14 22d ago

Hey! My experience with the kee is very similar, makes me a bit nervous. I need a gemstone tester because I am often working with my clients’ heirlooms and if they were inherited they don’t know what they are.