GIA to Demo New Microscope in Tucson
Discounts are available on pre-orders made through the end of AGTA GemFair.

The instrument will be available for demonstrations at GIA’s main booth and the GIA Instruments booth during AGTA GemFair Tucson, Jan. 30-Feb. 4. The lab is offering discounts on all purchases made through the end of the show.
GIA called the Gemolite NXT the microscope that “redefines industry standards.”
“Developed in conjunction with GIA’s Global Research Team, this microscope is packed with cutting-edge features, designed for optimal performance and customization, catering to the needs of gemologists and scientists in various settings, whether grading diamonds or colored stones, in a laboratory or retail environment,” said Anthony Brown, GIA director of instruments operations.
The GIA Gemolite NXT is one of the only professional-grade microscopes with adjustable LED lighting yet remains cool to the touch, the lab said.
It contains various options for viewing different gemstone features, accommodating techniques such as darkfield, brightfield, diffused, reflected, and polarized lighting.
The microscope includes a set of 10x oculars for increased total magnification up to 50x, soft eyecups, and a specially designed optics pod optimal for use with diamonds and colored gemstones.
The instrument also features an ergonomic, adjustable focus column with large focus knobs for ease of use.
The rotating base with a stationary power cord enhances the user experience, GIA said.
In addition, the microscope features an LCD digital display, a modern digital screen on which the level of illumination for each light source is displayed.
“The research team set out to create a microscope that preserves the ergonomic advantages of its predecessor, incorporates modern LED lighting technology for extended illumination, and enhances functionality with added features like fiber optic light,” said Dr. Wuyi Wang, GIA vice president of research and development.
The GIA Gemolite NXT Professional edition includes all of the same features as well as two interchangeable fiber optic lights, LED illuminated overhead lamp, 15x oculars for a total magnification of 75x, soft eyecups and adjustable armrests for enhanced ergonomics.
The GIA Gemolite NXT is $6,495 and the GIA Gemolite NXT Professional is $6,995, according to the GIA website.
Those interested in purchasing the microscope can add themselves to the interest list on GIA’s online store.
The Latest

Making its auction debut, "The Glowing Rose" is expected to fetch $20 million at the November jewelry sale in Geneva.

They were attacked on Oct. 15, as approximately 40 miners without licenses marched on the mine’s gate.

It took the masked thieves less than 10 minutes to steal eight irreplaceable jewels from two display cases in the museum’s Apollo Gallery.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Gemologist Lauren Gayda has previously worked at The Clear Cut, Taylor & Hart, and Effy Jewelry.


In 2026, the jewelry retailer will celebrate a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

The new showcase dedicated to Italian jewelry design is set for Oct. 29-30.

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Take a gaze at the sky with this pair of platinum diamond-set star earrings with blue lace agate drops.

Jeffrey Zimmer's decades of leadership at Reeds Jewelers are defined by integrity, a love of sourcing gemstones, and a heart for community.

The new high jewelry design and production process takes 30 days or less from concept to completion, the auction house said.

The holiday catalog for 2025 features never-before-seen images of more than 100 one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

The brand has released a second installment of its collection of traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Corey rescued New England chain Day’s Jewelers, preserving its legacy with strong people skills, pragmatism, and a “get-it-done” attitude.

Charles Robinson Shay was sentenced to life in prison plus 120 years while his accomplice, Michael James McCormack, got 75 years.

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.

Timepieces at Luxury will take place at The Venetian and, like Luxury, will be invitation-only for the first two days.

The auction house named a new global head of jewelry, as well as a new head of the jewelry department for the Americas.

As chairman of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon has been tasked with honoring the past and shaping the future of the family-run store.

Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher received a $10,000 grant for their business, Shimmer Culture LLC.

The parents of the Dallas Mavericks rookie bought their engagement ring at a Day’s store in Bangor, Maine, in 1997.

The UK-based brand sourced the gemstones, which are fully traceable, from an artisanal mining community in Tanzania.

The trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.

Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.

Jewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.

The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.

“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.