ENDORSED PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT
C Master
Test Report on the C-Master
Best Feature:
• Smooth Action
• Large Digital Display
• Replaceable Anvils
Worst Feature:
• Rough Surface on Jaws
• Size (a bit large)
• Only 4 Conversion Factors
In the rapidly changing world of gemology, there is a new hi-tech leverage gauge with a built-in conversion computer for diamonds, corundum, emeralds, and alexandrite.
Its sleek space-age appearance is more than skin deep. Mitutoyo, a well-respected name in measuring devices, manufactures this item. The control buttons are logically placed and with little practice, they become second nature. The unit measures rounds, ovals, marquis, square, pear, and cabochons and has built-in correction factors from 2% to 8% for girdle thickness variations.
The one feature, which sets this apart from all the others in the marketplace, is the ability to replace the anvils (measuring jaws) as they wear. The C-Master has a very smooth action returning to zero consistently. On the downside, the jaws are either laser or H2O cut (great new processes) but it leaves a rough finish. Okay for measuring metal, but too rough for soft gemstones. With the availability of inexpensive memory, I think they could put all the common gemstones into the unit – when is the last time you had to compute the weight of an alexandrite? There is a data printer available (which I didn’t have the opportunity to test), which would be a great feature for appraisers, etc.
A good product that could become a great one with a little work!
Gary L. Smith, Forensic Gemologist™
G.G., A.G.S.-C.G.A., A.G.A.-A.S.G., A.S.A.
Master Gemologist Appraiser®