Summary
This is a diamond-only tester, it does not test for any other stones; this is the simplest type of tester, the manmade stone Moissanite will register as diamond.
All Diamond Selector testers look the same but the quality of the construction and the components varies. This is the cheapest diamond tester that is actually useable. Better quality than super-cheap testers you see on eBay and Amazon...but it's still one of the cheapest. Guarantee against breakdown is 6 months. Be aware that this is not the best as regards accuracy (i.e. how often you will get a correct reading).
Just right for anyone who shudders at the thought of spending £82.50 on a decent tester, let alone £350.00
Maybe OK for those who say, "I will use it so rarely that want to spend as little as possible"
Standard format, nearly everyone who has used a diamond tester is familiar with how to use this onE
It does not test for Moissanite (a manmade stone that is not diamond): Moissanite shows up as diamond on this tester.
Guarantee: 6 months (guarantee against it breaking down, not a guarantee against the readings being incorrect).
See also, everything you need to know about testing diamonds in the Guide to buying diamond testers.
Operation
Turn it on, wait about 30 seconds for it to warm up, carefully set the sensitivity according to the chart on the tester (this can be fiddly), place tip in the centre of the stone.
Providing you have set the sensitivity correctly, on diamond the row of LED lights shoot up to the end and it bleeps; on most other stones nothing at all happens. The lights can move slightly on ruby and sapphire especially if they are large but this does not 'prove' you have a ruby or sapphire, any large very cold stones will light up the row of LEDs.
Technical
PHYSICAL
Size: 6¼"X1½"X¾" 155X38X20mm
Weight: 105g
Tests stones down to about 0.03ct (3pt) in size
Operating temperature: recommended between 18 and 27 degrees C (64 to 81 degrees F), not reliable at lower or higher temperatures.
RESPONSE TIME
Warm-up time about 30 seconds
Testing time 2 or 3 seconds
Warm-up time between tests anywhere from 3 to 8 seconds depending on the temperature
POWER
Power: one PP3 battery (supplied)
Battery life: un-tested, but possibly a few hundred tests
Auto-shut-off: none, i.e. if you forget to turn it off the battery goes flat
Low-battery indicator: none, if the lights fade or flash erratically, or if you get incorrect readings - try changing the battery.
ACCESSORIES / PRESENTATION
Carrying case
Stone-holder
Poorly-written instructions
Limitations
This is a diamond-only tester, it will not test Moissanite, that means Moissanite will register 'diamond' (for other models see the ALTERNATIVES tab).
We haven't tested this on thousands of stones (as we do with our expensive testers) but, generally, I would expect this quality of tester to give a correct result 70% to 80% of the time. All Moissanites will read 'diamond'.
Disclaimer
All testers must be used in conjunction with the user's skill, knowledge and experience. Under no circumstances shall QUICKTEST be liable for direct or indirect loss sustained in connection with any item. Nothing is 100% accurate, you must understand the limitations of any tester you buy. We also suggest you regularly test known samples to check for any obvious faults. Full support given for items you buy from QUICKTEST.
Alternatives
The DIAMOND SELECTOR distinguishes diamond from non-diamond (simulant/imitation). It will not distinguish natural (mined) diamond from synthetic (lab-grown) diamond - that requires a very specialist tester (£700.00 to £1000.00) see ARI, ARETE and APEX. It is important not to confuse "Synthetic" with "simulant", see technical terms.
For a summary of all diamond and gem testers see the Comparison Chart, or see a more detailed explanation of what the various types of tester can (and can't) detect at our Guide to Buying Diamond Testers.
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We verify that reviews are from genuine customers by matching them to a sale or transaction. People are only invited to leave a review after purchasing from the business.
Our products help you buy, value and sell at auctions and fairs, in the shop, or trading online. We are experts in chemical and electronic test equipment and supply most pawnbrokers, precious metal traders and jewellers in the UK.