This page is meant to be a resource to anyone who has just started looking at gem identification and needs a little help figuring out what to do next. Maybe you bought some gemstones in a parcel and are now wondering what they really are. You or a friend recently came into some jewelry and want to get an idea of what they are without spending $100 per piece for an expert. This guide will help you get started. Below is a list of gemological identification instruments in order of difficulty to use. The first instrument is the easiest to use and the last instrument is the hardest to use. Difficulty is defined as the amount of time required to practice or the level of experience needed to make the instrument useful.