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

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.


Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.