{"product_id":"herbert-smith-gem-refractometer-c-1903","title":"Herbert Smith Gem Refractometer No.1 (c. 1903)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis early gem refractometer, designed by British mineralogist George Frederick Herbert Smith, represents one of the earliest scientific instruments created specifically for gemstone identification. Introduced in 1903, it marked a significant advancement in gemology by allowing specialists to measure a gemstone’s refractive index—a key optical property used to distinguish natural gems from imitations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafted with a compact brass housing and a precision glass prism, the instrument required only a small gemstone surface to produce accurate readings. Its design set the foundation for modern refractometers still used in laboratories today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHerbert Smith’s pioneering work—including this refractometer and his later contributions to mineral optics—helped establish gemology as a scientific discipline rather than a trade based solely on observation. This instrument stands as an important milestone in the evolution of professional gem testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a museum archives and no unit is available for sale at this moment. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gems.studio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51313418142016,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0963\/0397\/2672\/files\/HerbertSmith1_1_4940800b-ae1a-4d79-ba50-22e0f842541c.gif?v=1767234049","url":"https:\/\/gems.studio\/products\/herbert-smith-gem-refractometer-c-1903","provider":"Gems.studio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}