Estimating gemstone weight in mounted settings

Abstract

A system comprises a faceted structure imaging assembly and a faceted structure image analyzer. The system is configured to determine carat weight of a gemstone while in a mounted setting. In a first mode, the imaging assembly obtains a first image of a top gemstone surface. The image analyzer uses the first image to obtain at least one gemstone dimension, such as table and diameter dimensions. In a second mode, the imaging assembly obtains a second image of the top gemstone surface while a colored light pattern is reflected onto the gemstone. The image analyzer uses the second image to obtain at least one other gemstone dimension, such as crown and pavilion angles. The image analyzer uses the dimensions obtained from the first and second images to determine weight information of the gemstone. The system quickly determines gemstone weight reliably and consistently without skilled gemologists or removal from the setting.