Abstract: A method of capturing data for gemstone analysis is provided. The method includes capturing images of the gemstone under differing lighting conditions, and comparing the captured images.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a gemstone over the internet is described that includes providing a server computer, providing access to an internet enabled device that is connectable to an apparatus capable of capturing an image of a gemstone, connecting the device to a second device through the server, and transmitting data over the internet of a received image of the gemstone to determine one or more optical properties of the gemstone The method includes examining and purchasing a diamond or gemstone online, examining a diamond online and purchasing it at a retail establishment, conferencing with the seller and/or other persons online to examine the diamond online, and purchasing it online or at a retail establishment. A system for gemstone evaluation over the internet is also included.

Abstract: A method of capturing data for gemstone analysis is provided. The method includes capturing images of the gemstone under differing lighting conditions, and comparing the captured images.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating data for use in determining a property of a gemstone, such as a cut diamond with a support structure for supporting a gemstone placed at an observation position, the support structure being arranged such that, if the gemstone has an axis of symmetry, the gemstone is supportable such that the axis of symmetry is parallel to an axis X passing through the observation position; an illuminator arranged to illuminate a gemstone so placed with a spatially varied light pattern; a rotator arranged to cause relative rotation between the light pattern and the support structure generally about the axis X; and a camera arranged to capture, at each of a plurality of rotational positions, an image of light returned by the gemstone and to output said images as image data.

Abstract: A method of displaying a visual representation of a product on a packaging unit arranged to contain the product, the packaging unit comprising a display device, a memory device and a memory port arranged to hold the memory device, the method comprising the steps of: storing information related to the product in the memory device; fitting the memory device into the memory port; and arranging the display device to display the stored information.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating data for use in determining a property of a gemstone, such as a cut diamond with a support structure for supporting a gemstone placed at an observation position, the support structure being arranged such that, if the gemstone has an axis of symmetry, the gemstone is supportable such that the axis of symmetry is parallel to an axis X passing through the observation position; an illuminator arranged to illuminate a gemstone so placed with a spatially varied light pattern; a rotator arranged to cause relative rotation between the light pattern and the support structure generally about the axis X; and a camera arranged to capture, at each of a plurality of rotational positions, an image of light returned by the gemstone and to output said images as image data.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating data for use in determining a property of a gemstone, such as a cut diamond, the apparatus comprising: a support structure for supporting a gemstone placed at an observation position, the support structure being arranged such that, if the gemstone has an axis of symmetry, the gemstone is supportable such that the axis of symmetry is parallel to an axis X passing through the observation position; illumination means arranged to illuminate a gemstone so placed with a spatially varied light pattern; rotation means arranged to cause relative rotation between the light pattern and the support structure generally about the axis X; a camera arranged to capture, at each of a plurality of rotational positions, an image of light returned by the gemstone and to output said images as image data.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating data for use in determining a property of a gemstone, such as a cut diamond, the apparatus comprising: