EditorsJan 25, 2024
Tucson Preview: 5 Things I Don’t Want to MissGradingJan 26, 2024
GIA to Demo New Microscope in Tucson
Discounts are available on pre-orders made through the end of AGTA GemFair.
GIA will be doing demonstrations of its new microscope, The Gemolite NXT, at AGTA GemFair in Tucson and providing discounts to anyone who pre-orders the instrument during the show.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemolite NXT, a new microscope developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is now available for purchase.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Grading
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
