Friction Ball Watch Case Back Opener From Kassoy

The Friction Ball watch case opener from Kassoy ($4.95) is an inexpensive and easy to use tool. It measures approximately 2 inches in diameter and is made of a plastic that has a slightly sticky “grip” like feel. I had seen friction balls, but had never tried one for myself. I felt slightly silly as I stared at the squishy blue ball in the Kassoy packaging. It seemed like it was almost too simple to work. I placed the ball against the back of the screw back watch case, applied pressure while twisting the ball and the case unscrewed easily.  

                                                                                      I like this tool for a few reasons. Firstly I am not a watch expert. I admit that my exposure to watches hasn't been that extensive and I have a healthy fear of damaging a clients watch. The friction ball is easier to use and less damaging than other watch tools, provided that the watch being worked on is a screw back. I was also able to use the ball on more than just watches. I am frequently confronted with small decorative trinket or pill cases and the ball was able to safely loosen a stuck lid on one item and able to unscrew the top off another.
After using the friction ball for myself I can see that the tool has been fairly underrated. The ball not only offers users with less watch experience a safe first choice before attempting possibly damaging methods, but i believe that it will prove to be more versatile and could be used for more than just opening watch backs. The extremely affordable cost and ease of use make the Friction Ball a welcome addition to my tool kit.

Kathleen Marino M.A, G.G., AJP, NAJA

A Review of Richard D. Armstrong’s Photoatlas of Gemstone Spectra for Gemology Students

Obtaining a spectrum on a gemstone is one of the most difficult skills to master in gem identification. Richard D. Armstrong’s Photoatlas of Gemstone Spectra for Gemology Students ($14.95 excluding shipping) seeks to aid students of gemology and gemologists in this endeavour.

The photoatlas is conveniently contained on a disc made for PC computers. The photoatlas provides the user with spectra for various stones as well as tips and techniques for using spectroscopes. Armstrong has marketed the photoatlas specifically for PC use, though files for both Mac and mobile platform are also contained on the disc if the user would like to attempt to use them. The program did not autorun on my Windows 8 PC; I had to open it manually. Once open, the the format of the photoatlas is a PDF virtual book that is very user friendly.

There are some challenges that students and gemologists continually face with spectra. Firstly, the lab manuals only contain drawings of the absolute perfect spectra, which are rarely (I would cautiously say never) what an individual sees. Secondly, the spectroscopes available in a campus classroom setting are usually perfectly mounted scopes with a perfect lighting setup. Many students will never again work with, let alone be able to afford, such a setup. They leave the classroom with no real concept of how to use any other style of instrument. Lastly, there is an increasing number of distance education students who will not have the same hands-on opportunities as on-campus students. This disc helps fill these voids and gives valuable confidence to the student as well as the seasoned gemologist.  

There are some challenges that students and gemologists continually face with spectra. Firstly, the lab manuals only contain drawings of the absolute perfect spectra, which are rarely (I would cautiously say never) what an individual sees. Secondly, the spectroscopes available in a campus classroom setting are usually perfectly mounted scopes with a perfect lighting setup. Many students will never again work with, let alone be able to afford, such a setup. They leave the classroom with no real concept of how to use any other style of instrument. Lastly, there is an increasing number of distance education students who will not have the same hands-on opportunities as on-campus students. This disc helps fill these voids and gives valuable confidence to the student as well as the seasoned gemologist.  

There are some challenges that students and gemologists continually face with spectra. Firstly, the lab manuals only contain drawings of the absolute perfect spectra, which are rarely (I would cautiously say never) what an individual sees. Secondly, the spectroscopes available in a campus classroom setting are usually perfectly mounted scopes with a perfect lighting setup. Many students will never again work with, let alone be able to afford, such a setup. They leave the classroom with no real concept of how to use any other style of instrument. Lastly, there is an increasing number of distance education students who will not have the same hands-on opportunities as on-campus students. This disc helps fill these voids and gives valuable confidence to the student as well as the seasoned gemologist.  
Currently you can order the Photoatlas of Gemstone Spectra by emailing info@armstronggemology.com