Automatic marking of diamond girdles using a laser

Abstract

A method of inscribing an indicium on a girdle of a gemstone, by producing a profile of the girdle by performing measurements of the gemstone, determining one or more locations on the girdle to inscribe the indicium by comparing the indicium with the profile and inscribing the indicium on the girdle at one of the locations. Also included is a system configured to perform the above method. The system includes a stage configured for mounting the gemstone thereon, a light detection apparatus, a drive mechanism configured to provide relative movement between the stage and the light detection apparatus, an inscription apparatus and a processor.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to inscribing an indicium on a girdle of a gemstone and, in particular, it concerns automatic selection of a location for inscribing an indicium on a girdle of a gemstone.

[0003] Of most relevance to the present invention are U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,476 to Gresser et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,119 Kaplan et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,213 to Smith et al., all of which describe various methods and apparati for placing indicia on the surface of precious stones including diamonds. A shortcoming of the aforementioned systems and methods is due to the need to manually locate the position where the indicium is to be inscribed on the precious stone.

[0004] Also of relevance to the present invention is a system called a Megascope, which is commercially available from OGItech Inc of 62w 47th Street, Suite 1606, New York 10036 N.Y. or from OGI Systems Ltd. of 34 Tuval Street, Ramat Gan, Israel. The Megascope is a quick, accurate and detailed diamond proportion analyzer. The Megascope is used by retailers to measure and analyze stones, compile databases, reports and prepare customized certificates. In conjunction with proprietary WINDOWS software, the Megascope accurately measures and characterizes, a vacuum-held round or fancy diamond, in 15 seconds or less. A polished diamond is placed on the stage of the Megascope. A backlight is turned on and a silhouette of the diamond is displayed on a screen. The diamond is rotated by 360 degrees, thereby obtaining a full set of silhouettes. The Megascope analyzes the shape and cut, weight, diameter, crown angle and height, pavilion angle and depth, culet, table size, total depth, girdle thickness and other relevant characteristics. The diamond is characterized relative to stored standards such as those established by the American Gem Society (AGS) or custom preferences entered by the user. Information is displayed on a computer screen. Data is archived for inventory, stock management purposes or other uses. Many types of data formats are extractable and displayable based on the above information, including 3D rotational representation of the diamond and its girdle profile. A user may optionally enter or interface, using other data and/or instruments, into the certificate or report, stone proportion, symmetry, polish, clarity, color, fluorescence and the like. Additionally, multi-channel capabilities and a fixed lens system of the Megascope obviate the need for lens exchanges when measuring stones of various class sizes. The Megascope's software is Microsoft Windows based and is extremely user friendly.

[0005] A shortcoming of the aforementioned system is that the Megascope does not have inscription capabilities.

[0006] There is therefore a need for an apparatus and method for automatic selection of a location for inscribing an indicium on a girdle of a gemstone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is a system for automatic selection of a location for inscribing an indicium on a girdle of a gemstone and method of operation thereof.

[0008] According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided, a method of inscribing an indicium on a girdle of a gemstone, comprising the steps of: (a) producing a profile of the girdle by performing measurements of the gemstone; (b) determining at least one location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium by comparing the indicium with the profile; and (c) inscribing the indicium on the girdle at one of the at least one location.

[0009] According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided the step of warning a user that the indicium is too large to fit as a whole unit on the girdle.

[0010] According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided the step of informing a user of a maximum number of a plurality of characters that fit onto the girdle as a whole unit for a given font size of the characters.

[0011] According to a further feature of the present invention, the step of determining further includes determining a best-fit location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium.

[0012] According to a further feature of the present invention the step of determining further includes reducing a size of the indicium in order to fit the indicium into the at least one location.

[0013] According to a further feature of the present invention the step of determining further includes the step of obtaining permission of a user to reduce the size of the indicium in order to determine the at least one location.

[0014] According to a further feature of the present invention the at least one location is chosen such that the indicium is a whole unit within the at least one location.

[0015] According to a further feature of the present invention the step of determining is effected by comparing the indicium with the profile to determine at least one location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium, wherein the at least one location is chosen such that a number of divisions of the indicium is minimized.

[0016] According to a further feature of the present invention the step of determining further includes choosing the at least one location such that the indicium is divided within the girdle.

[0017] According to a further feature of the present invention, the step of determining is effected so as to avoid superimposing the indicium on a prior indicium

[0018] According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided the step of providing a preview to a user of at least one possible inscription location on the girdle.

[0019] According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided the step of providing a preview to a user of the indicium as the indicium is to be inscribed on the girdle.

[0020] According to a further feature of the present invention, the step of inscribing is effected using a laser.

[0021] According to the teachings of the present invention there is also provided a system for inscribing an indicium on to a girdle of a gemstone, comprising: (a) a stage configured for mounting the gemstone thereon; (b) a light detection apparatus; (c) a drive mechanism configured to provide relative movement between the stage and the light detection apparatus; (d) an inscription apparatus; and (e) a processor configured to: (i) operate the light detection apparatus, the stage and the drive mechanism in order to produce a profile of the girdle; (ii) compare the indicium with the profile to determine at least one location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium; and (iii) inscribe the indicium on the girdle, using the inscription apparatus.

[0022] According to a further feature of the present invention, the processor is further configured to warn a user that the indicium is too large to fit as a whole unit on the girdle.

[0023] According to a further feature of the present invention the processor is further configured to inform a user of a maximum number of a plurality of characters that fit onto the girdle as a whole unit for a given font size of the characters.

[0024] According to a further feature of the present invention, the processor is further configured to determine a best-fit location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium.

[0025] According to a further feature of the present invention the processor is further configured to reduce a size of the indicium in order to determine the at least one location.

[0026] According to a further feature of the present invention the processor is further configured to obtain permission of a user to reduce the size of the indicium in order to determine the at least one location.

[0027] According to a further feature of the present invention the at least one location is chosen such that the indicium is a whole unit within the at least one location.

[0028] According to a further feature of the present invention, the processor is further configured to minimize a number of divisions of the indicium.

[0029] According to a further feature of the present invention the processor is further configured to choose the at least one location such that the indicium is divided within the girdle.

[0030] According to a further feature of the present invention the processor is further configured to choose the at least one location to avoid superimposing the indicium on a prior indicium.

[0031] According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a display apparatus, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a preview to a user on the display apparatus of at least one possible inscription location on the girdle.

[0032] According to a further feature of the present invention, there is also provided a display apparatus, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a preview to a user on the display apparatus of the indicium as the indicium is to be inscribed on the girdle.

[0033] According to a further feature of the present invention, the inscription apparatus includes a laser.

[0034] According to the teachings of the present invention there is also provided, a method of inscribing an indicium on a girdle of a gemstone, comprising the steps of: (a) producing a profile of the girdle by performing measurements of the gemstone; (b) positioning an inscription apparatus relative to the girdle by rotating the gemstone and by moving an inscription apparatus rectilinearly; and (c) inscribing the indicium on the girdle.

[0035] According to the teachings of the present invention there is also provided a system for inscribing an indicium on to a girdle of a gemstone, comprising: (a) a stage configured for mounting the gemstone thereon; (b) a light detection apparatus; (c) an inscription apparatus; (d) a first drive mechanism configured to rotate the stage; (e) a second drive mechanism configured to rectilinearly move the inscription apparatus; and (f) a processor configured to: (i) operate the light detection apparatus, the stage and the first drive mechanism in order to produce a profile of the girdle; (ii) position the inscription apparatus relative to the girdle, by operating the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism to rotate the stage and to rectilinearly move the inscription apparatus. respectively; and (iii) operate the inscription apparatus to inscribe the indicium on the girdle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. wherein:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an inscription system that is constructed and operable in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the inscription system of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the method of operation of the inscription system of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 4 is a side view of a gemstone having a smooth girdle mounted on the stage of the inscription system of FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 5 is a profile of the girdle of FIG. 4 produced by the inscription system of FIG. 1;

[0042] FIG. 6 is an example of an indicium for inscribing onto the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 4;

[0043] FIG. 7 is an example of possible locations for the indicium of FIG. 6 on the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 4;

[0044] FIG. 8 is an additional example of an indicium for inscribing onto the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 4;

[0045] FIG. 9 is an example of a possible location for the indicium of FIG. 8 on the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 4;

[0046] FIG. 10 shows how the simple dimensions of the indicium of FIG. 8 cannot be used to find a suitable location for the indicium of FIG. 8 on the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 4;

[0047] FIG. 11 is another example of an indicium for inscribing onto the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 4;

[0048] FIG. 12 shows how the indicium of FIG. 11 cannot be inscribed anywhere on the girdle of gemstone of FIG. 4;

[0049] FIG. 13 is an example of a possible location for the indicium of FIG. 11 on the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 4 assuming that the dimensions of the indicium are reduced;

[0050] FIG. 14 is an example of a possible location for the indicium of FIG. 11 on the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 4 assuming that the indicium is divided;

[0051] FIG. 15 is a side view of a gemstone having a faceted girdle mounted on the stage of the inscription system of FIG. 1;

[0052] FIG. 16 is a profile of the girdle of FIG. 15 produced by the inscription system of FIG. 1;

[0053] FIG. 17 is an example of an indicium for inscribing onto the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 15;

[0054] FIG. 18 is an example of a possible location for the indicium of FIG. 17 on the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 15 assuming that the dimensions of the indicium are reduced; and

[0055] FIG. 19 is an example of a possible location for the indicium of FIG. 17 on the girdle of the gemstone of FIG. 15 assuming that the indicium is divided.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0056] The present invention is a system for automatic selection of a location for inscribing an indicium on a girdle of a gemstone and method of operation thereof.

[0057] The principles and operation of the gemstone inscription system according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

[0058] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an inscription system 10 that is constructed and operable in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of inscription system 10. Inscription system 10 includes a stage 12. Stage 12 is configured for mounting a gemstone 13 thereon. Inscription system 10 also includes a light detection apparatus 14 and a drive mechanism 16. Light detection apparatus 14 typically includes a camera. Drive mechanism 16 is configured to provide relative movement between stage 12 and light detection apparatus 14. Inscription system 10 also includes an inscription apparatus 18. Inscription apparatus 18 typically includes a laser. Drive mechanism 16 is also configured to provide relative movement between stage 12 and inscription apparatus 18 by rotating gemstone 13. Inscription system 10 also includes a drive mechanism 17. Drive mechanism 17 is configured to provide relative movement between stage 12 and inscription apparatus 18 by rectilinearly moving inscription apparatus 18 up and down. As inscription apparatus 18 has a fixed focus, drive mechanism 17 is also configured to provide relative movement between stage 12 and inscription apparatus 18 by rectilinearly moving inscription apparatus 18 in a horizontal direction toward and away from stage 12, in order to compensate for the rotation of gemstone 13 during inscription. Inscription system 10 also includes a processor 20 and a display apparatus 22. Gemstone 13 is typically a diamond. Inscription system 10 also includes a backlight 24, which is used to create a silhouette of gemstone 13 when a profile of gemstone 13 is being produced. Inscription system 10 also includes a front light arrangement 26, which is used to view a girdle profile under normal lighting conditions as opposed to viewing silhouettes of the girdle.

[0059] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a flow chart showing the method of operation of inscription system 10. The method of operation of inscription system 10 includes the following steps. Firstly, a gemstone is mounted on stage 12 (Block 50). Secondly, drive mechanism 16 is controlled by processor 20 to provide relative movement between stage 12 and light detection apparatus 14. During this time of relative movement, light detection apparatus 14, which is controlled by processor 20, produces a profile of the girdle by performing three dimensional measurements of the gemstone (Block 52). This second step is known to those skilled in the art and is performed by commercially available systems such as the aforementioned Megascope. Thirdly, a user has the option to enter an indicium to be inscribed via a keypad, which is connected to the processor. The indicium is typically simple text characters, a logo, other design, or a combination thereof. The font and size of the text characters are typically defined by the user (Block 56). Alternatively, the indicium to be inscribed is generated by processor 20 (Block 54). Fourthly, processor 20 compares a set of dimensions of the indicium with the profile of the girdle to determine at least one location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium (Block 58). This step is described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 4 to 19. The fourth step also includes processor 20 determining the locations for inscribing the indicium by avoiding superimposing the new indicium on a prior indicium. This is typically achieved by processor 20 identifying prior indicia on the girdle from the profile of the girdle. The fourth step also includes trying to find locations for the indicium such that the indicium is inscribed on the girdle as a whole unit. The term whole unit means that the indicium does not need to be divided by gaps or among facets of the girdle. If a location is not found such that the indicium is inscribed as a whole unit then the user is warned that the chosen indicium is too large (Block 72). However, if at least one location is found such that the indicium is inscribed as a whole unit, processor 20 determines a best-fit location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium from the previously found locations (Block 62). Processor 20 then provides a preview on display apparatus 22 to the user showing the possible inscription locations as well as the suggested best-fit location. The front light arrangement 26 is optionally turned on to enable the user to view the girdle under normal lighting conditions, as opposed to viewing silhouettes of the girdle. Processor 20 rotates the gemstone to enable the user to view the possible inscription locations as well as the suggested best-fit location in its actual size (Block 64). The user then chooses the desired location for inscribing the indicium (Block 66). Processor 20 then provides a preview to the user of the indicium, as the indicium is to be inscribed on the girdle (Block 68). Finally, the indicium is inscribed on the girdle using inscription apparatus 18 (Block 70). Methods of inscribing indicia on to gemstones using a laser are known to those skilled in the art. Inscription apparatus 18 is controlled by processor 20. Processor 20 controls drive mechanism 16 and drive mechanism 17 in order to provide relative movement between the gemstone and inscription apparatus 18. Processor 20 uses the profile data to instruct drive mechanism 17 to control inscription apparatus 18 to ensure that the writing beam of inscription apparatus 18 is always focused on the surface of the gemstone. It should be noted that the degree of resolution of inscription system 10 is typically limited by the degree of resolution of light detection apparatus 14 and inscription apparatus 18, as well as the accuracy of drive mechanism 16 and drive mechanism 17.

[0060] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a side view of a gemstone 90 having a smooth girdle 92 mounted on stage 12 of inscription system 10. Gemstone 90 is described as having a smooth girdle 92, in that girdle 92 does not have facets which break the continuity of girdle 92. Reference is also made to FIG. 5, which is a profile 94 of girdle 92, which is produced by inscription system 10. Reference is also made to FIG. 6, which is an example of an indicium 96 for inscribing onto girdle 92 of gemstone 90. Reference is additionally made to FIG. 7, which is an example of possible locations 98, 100 for indicium 96 on profile 94. Both possible locations 98, 100 are suitable for inscribing indicium 96, as indicium 96 does not have to be divided or reduced in size to fit in possible locations 98, 100. Inscription system 10 is programmed with the definition of the characteristics of a best-fit location. For example, if a location, which gives the most space above and below an indicium. is defined as a best-fit location, then possible location 100 is considered to be the best-fit location.

[0061] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is an additional example of an indicium 102 for inscribing onto girdle 92 (FIG. 4). Reference is also made to FIG. 9, which is an example of a possible location 104 for indicium 102 on profile 94 of girdle 92. It is seen that possible location 104 is just large enough for indicium 102 to be inscribed thereon. Reference is also made to FIG. 10, which shows how the simple dimensions of indicium 102 cannot be used to find a suitable location for indicium 102 on profile 94 of girdle 92. Simple dimensions of indicium 102 are typically the maximum length and width of indicium 102. The simple dimensions of indicium 102 are represented by a box 106 that exactly circumscribes indicium 102. It is seen that box 106 does not fit anywhere on profile 94. Therefore. when comparing indicium 102 to profile 94, the simple dimensions of indicium 102 cannot be used. Instead, a set of dimensions of indicium 102 needs to be compared with profile 94. The set of dimensions is typically a plurality of length and width measurements for various points on indicium 102 or a pixel map whereby the pixel map of indicium 102 is compared with a pixel map of profile 94.

[0062] Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is another example of an indicium 108 for inscribing onto girdle 92. Reference is also made to FIG. 12, which shows how indicium 108 cannot be inscribed anywhere on profile 94 of girdle 92. Reference is also made to FIG. 13, which is an example of a possible location 110 for indicium 108 on profile 94 of girdle 92 assuming that the dimensions of indicium 108 are reduced. Reference is also made to FIG. 14, which is an example of a possible location 112 for indicium 108 on profile 94 of girdle 92 assuming that indicium 108 is divided.

[0063] Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which is a side view of a gemstone 114 having a faceted girdle 116 mounted on stage 12 of inscription system 10. Gemstone 114 is described as having a faceted girdle 116 in that girdle 116 has a plurality of facets, which break up the continuity of girdle 116. Reference is also made to FIG. 16, which is a profile 118 of girdle 116 produced by inscription system 10. A plurality of facets 120 and a plurality of facet boundaries 122 are shown on profile 118. Reference is also made to FIG. 17, which is an example of an indicium 124 for inscribing onto girdle 116. Reference is now made to FIG. 18, which is an example of a possible location 126 for indicium 124 on profile 118 of girdle 116, such that indicium 124 is wholly within one facet of girdle 116, assuming that the dimensions of indicium 124 are reduced. Reference is now made to FIG. 19, which is an example of a possible location 128 for indicium 124 on profile 118 of girdle 116 assuming that indicium 124 is divided between a first facet 130 and a second facet 132.

[0064] Reference is again made to FIG. 3. As described hereinabove, if a location is not found such that the indicium is inscribed as a whole unit then the user is warned by processor 20 that the chosen indicium is too large (Block 72). In other words, the set of dimensions of the indicium is too large to fit as a whole unit on the girdle. Processor 20 then informs the user of a maximum number of characters that fit onto the girdle as a whole unit for the font size chosen by the user (Block 74). Processor 20 also asks the user how to proceed (Block 74). Processor 20 gives the user several options.

[0065] Firstly the user is given an option to reenter a new indicium (Block 56), which either has a fewer number of characters and/or has a smaller font size.

[0066] Secondly, the user is given the option to reduce the size of the indicium such that the indicium fits onto the largest available location on the girdle. If this option is chosen, processor 20 reduces the size of the indicium in order to determine at least one location for inscribing the indicium (Block 76). After this step, the steps described above with reference to blocks 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 are performed.

[0067] Thirdly, the user is given the option, by processor 20, to divide the indicium within the girdle in order to determine at least one location for inscribing the indicium. For a faceted gemstone, this option typically means dividing the indicium among a plurality of facets of the girdle in order to determine at least one location for inscribing the indicium. The user is also asked to determine a division of the indicium (Block 82). If this option is chosen, processor 20 compares the set of dimensions of the indicium with the profile to determine at least one location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium (Block 84). This comparison is performed by processor 20, such that the number of divisions of the indicium is minimized and the indicium is divided within the girdle according to the division of the indicium determined by the user. For a faceted gemstone, this comparison is performed by processor 20, such that a number of facets included within a location is minimized and the indicium is divided among facets of the girdle according to the predetermined division of the indicium. If a location is not found on the girdle for the indicium., error processing is performed (Block 80). During error processing the user is given an option to reenter the indicium (Block 56) or to reduce the size of the indicium (Block 76) or to both reduce and divide the indicium. After this step, the steps described above with reference to blocks 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 are performed.

[0068] Fourthly, the user is given the option, by processor 20, to have processor 20 divide the indicium within the girdle in order to determine at least one location for inscribing the indicium. For a faceted gemstone, this option typically means dividing the indicium among a plurality of facets of the girdle in order to determine at least one location for inscribing the indicium. In this option, processor 20 determines a division of the indicium and therefore at least one location for inscribing the indicium, by comparing the set of dimensions of the indicium with the profile. During this comparison. processor 20 tries to divide the indicium at logical points, such as, between words and avoiding dividing logos and pictures. This comparison is also performed by processor 20, such that the number of divisions of the indicium are minimized or for a faceted gemstone the number of facets included within a location is minimized (Block 78). If a location is not found on the girdle for the indicium, error processing is performed (Block 80). During error processing the user is given an option to reenter the indicium (Block 56) or to reduce the size of the indicium (Block 76) or to both reduce and divide the indicium. After this step, the steps described above with reference to blocks 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 are performed.

[0069] It should be noted that inscription system 10 is configurable to be fully or partially automated. Automation is achieved by removing a combination of the steps described above with reference to blocks 56, 64, 66, 68, 72, 74, 82, and 84. For example, if the steps described above with reference to blocks 64 and 66 are omitted, processor 20 inscribes the indicium at the best-fit location computed by processor 20. For example, if the steps described above with reference to blocks 72 and 74 are omitted and during the step of block 58 a location is not found such that the indicium is inscribed as a whole unit, then processor 20 reduces the indicium (Block 76) or divides the indicium (Block 78) automatically. The decision of processor 20 whether to perform reduction (Block 76) or division (Block 78) depends on the initial configuration of processor 20 by the system's administrator. If division (Block 78) is not possible without reduction as well, processor 20 may perform reduction alone (Block 76) or a combination of reduction and division. The decision of processor 20 whether to perform reduction (Block 76) or a combination of reduction and division depends on the initial configuration of processor 20 by the system's administrator.

[0070] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. In particular, the claims refer to inscribing an indicium on to a girdle of a gemstone. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to inscribing an indicium on other surfaces of a gemstone. which include, but are not limited to a table of a gemstone. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A method of inscribing an indicium on a girdle of a gemstone. comprising the steps of: (a) producing a profile of the girdle by performing measurements of the gemstone; (b) determining at least one location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium by comparing the indicium with said profile; and (c) inscribing the indicium on the girdle at one of said at least one location.

2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of warning a user that the indicium is too large to fit as a whole unit on the girdle.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of informing a user of a maximum number of a plurality of characters that fit onto the girdle as a whole unit for a given font size of said characters.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of determining further includes determining a best-fit location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of determining further includes reducing a size of the indicium in order to fit the indicium into said at least one location.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said step of determining further includes the step of obtaining permission of a user to reduce said size of the indicium in order to determine said at least one location.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one location is chosen such that the indicium is a whole unit within said at least one location.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of determining is effected by comparing the indicium with said profile to determine at least one location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium, wherein said at least one location is chosen such that a number of divisions of the indicium is minimized.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of determining further includes choosing said at least one location such that the indicium is divided within the girdle.

10. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of determining is effected so as to avoid superimposing the indicium on a prior indicium.

11. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a preview to a user of at least one possible inscription location on the girdle.

12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of providing a preview to a user of the indicium as the indicium is to be inscribed on the girdle.

13. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of inscribing is effected using a laser.

14. A system for inscribing an indicium on to a girdle of a gemstone, comprising: (a) a stage configured for mounting the gemstone thereon; (b) a light detection apparatus; (c) a drive mechanism configured to provide relative movement between said stage and said light detection apparatus; (d) an inscription apparatus; and (e) a processor configured to: (i) operate said light detection apparatus, said stage and said drive mechanism in order to produce a profile of the girdle; (ii) compare the indicium with said profile to determine at least one location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium; and (iii) inscribe the indicium on the girdle, using said inscription apparatus.

15. The system according to claim 14 wherein said processor is further configured to warn a user that the indicium is too large to fit as a whole unit on the girdle.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein said processor is further configured to inform a user of a maximum number of a plurality of characters that fit onto the girdle as a whole unit for a given font size of said characters.

17. The system according to claim 14, wherein said processor is further configured to determine a best-fit location on the girdle to inscribe the indicium.

18. The system according to claim 14, wherein said processor is further configured to reduce a size of the indicium in order to determine said at least one location.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein said processor is further configured to obtain permission of a user to reduce said size of the indicium in order to determine said at least one location.

20. The system according to claim 14, wherein said at least one location is chosen such that the indicium is a whole unit within said at least one location.

21. The system according to claim 14, wherein said processor is further configured to minimize a number of divisions of the indicium.

22. The system according to claim 14, wherein said processor is further configured to choose said at least one location such that the indicium is divided within the girdle.

23. The system according to claim 14 wherein said processor is further configured to choose said at least one location to avoid superimposing the indicium on a prior indicium.

24. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a display apparatus, wherein said processor is further configured to provide a preview to a user on said display apparatus of at least one possible inscription location on the girdle.

25. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a display apparatus, wherein said processor is further configured to provide a preview to a user on said display apparatus of the indicium as the indicium is to be inscribed on the girdle.

26. The system according to claim 14 wherein said inscription apparatus includes a laser.

27. A method of inscribing an indicium on a girdle of a gemstone, comprising the steps of: (a) producing a profile of the girdle by performing measurements of the gemstone; (b) positioning an inscription apparatus relative to the girdle by rotating the gemstone and by moving an inscription apparatus rectilinearly; and (c) inscribing the indicium on the girdle.

28. A system for inscribing an indicium on to a girdle of a gemstone, comprising: (a) a stage configured for mounting the gemstone thereon; (b) a light detection apparatus; (c) an inscription apparatus; (d) a first drive mechanism configured to rotate said stage; (e) a second drive mechanism configured to rectilinearly move said inscription apparatus; and (f) a processor configured to: (i) operate said light detection apparatus, said stage and said first drive mechanism in order to produce a profile of the girdle; (ii) position said inscription apparatus relative to the girdle, by operating said first drive mechanism and said second drive mechanism to rotate said stage and to rectilinearly move said inscription apparatus, respectively; and (iii) operate said inscription apparatus to inscribe the indicium on the girdle.