In today’s article I want to write about the best jewelry scales for the money. We wrote a similar article a few years ago relating to the best scales for weighing gold. Please note this is not an article about the lowest price jewelers scales we can find. We are focusing on quality, accurate, and dependable jeweler scales. So what is the best jewelry scale available?
When I think of weighing precious metals like gold or silver, I usually think of A&D Weighing and their selection of NTEP approved compact balances. The majority of digital scales are not NTEP approved. “Cheap” scales could never pass the challenging test that a scale must go through to actually be NTEP approved. Usually cheaply made digital scales are built with low quality load cells and components. However, when you buy gold scales such as the A&D EK-i for weighing goods sold by weight you know the scale was tested by the manufacturer and NTEP as well.
In our opinion, there are four lines of scales to consider when you are talking about the best jewelry scales in America. A&D, Ohaus, Vibra, and Rice Lake are our recommendations. Please see below for additional diamond scales information.
A&D WEIGHING
Everest EW/EK Series Compact Balances
Versatile Weighing Ranges and Robust Design
Compact rugged design and reliable SG Weighing Technology
Versatile single & triple weighing ranges to fit your counting, percent & compartor applications
NTEP approved & Intrinsically Safe Explosion proof versions
If we had to pick (1) best jewelry scale, this might be our choice.
FZ/FX Series Precision Balances
A precision balance that combines all of the essential weighing functions in a compact, light-weight package.
C-SHS Patented weighing technology
Compact footprint with fast stabilization
Dependable & durable
IP65 and Legal for Trade (NTEP and MC) models available
OHAUS
PAJ Carat Series
The Economical Choice for Jewelry Weighing!
Pioneer Carat Plus’ draftshield is constructed of glass and can be opened and entered through its three sliding glass doors.
With a bright backlit LCD display and auxiliary display available as an accessory, Pioneer Carat Plus’ displays can be read even in dim light.
Select models equipped with internal calibration, which ensures weighing accuracy daily
Scout® SJX/E
A Dynamic Weighing Experience with the Next Generation of OHAUS Carat and Gold Portable Balances
Scout meets Class ll and III accuracy requirements for countertop retail applications. Integrated superior overload protection systems protects balance from damage ensuring durability in everyday applications. The Scout SJX is equipped with a bright white backlit display which shows the net weight of precious metals and stones clearly. An optional auxiliary display can also be installed. Stabilization time as fast as 1 sec means quick results and increased efficiency. Equipped with superior weighing technology, the Scout also ensures repeatable and reliable weighing results.
TAJ Carat Series
The Cost Effective Choice for Portable Jewelry Weighing Requiring High Accuracy.
This high capacity balance can weigh up to 200ct with 5mct readability.
The easy-access draftshield helps ensure accurate results by preventing disturbances from outside factors.
An auxiliary display connected to the balance via the optional RS232 makes the weight results visible to the customer, providing them with an extra level of assurance.
YJ Carat Series
The High Quality Answer for Portable Precision Weighing.
With gram, carat, grain, and ounce weighing units, as well as a calibration weight and gem scoop on all carat models, YJ was built to meet the jewelry industry’s weighing needs.
The bright blue backlit LCD display makes results easy-to-view in even dim lighting while a hinged draftshield cover ensures exact results.
Powered by four AAA batteries, the YJ balance also has a low battery indicator as well as an automatic shut off feature that conserves the battery after a period of inactivity.
PAJ Gold Series
The Economical Choice for Jewelry Weighing!
The large square weighing pan on this jewelers scale can accommodate large amounts of precious metals and gemstones in one batch.
With a bright backlit LCD display and auxiliary display available as an accessory, Pioneer Carat and Gold Jewelry Balance displays can be read even in dim light.
Select models equipped with internal calibration, which ensures weighing accuracy daily
TAJ Gold Series
Value and Practicality in a Portable Jewelry Balance.
This high capacity balance can weigh up to 600g x 10mg or 4000g x 0.1g.
The large 140 x 127mm weighing pan provides ample space for the weighing of precious metals and finished pieces of jewelry.
An auxiliary display connected to the balance via the optional RS232 makes the weight results visible to the customer, providing them with an extra level of assurance.
YJ Gold Series
The High Quality Answer for Portable Precision Weighing.
With gram, carat, grain, and ounce weighing units, as well as a calibration weight and gem scoop on all carat models, YJ was built to meet the jewelry industry’s weighing needs.
The bright blue backlit LCD display makes results easy-to-view in even dim lighting while a hinged draftshield cover ensures exact results.
Powered by four AAA batteries, the YJ balance also has a low battery indicator as well as an automatic shut off feature that conserves the battery after a period of inactivity.
Ruby Series
Software overload/underload protection, external push-button calibration
The large LCD display allows for easy viewing of weighing results.
The Ruby is designed with superior RF protection to deliver accurate and stable results when used near cell phones or machines that could otherwise impair weighing activity.
Powered by three AAA batteries, the Ruby scale also has a low battery indicator as well as an automatic shut off feature that conserves the battery after a period of inactivity.
Emerald Series
Convenient, Compact And Portable Weighing Capability In The Palm Of Your Hand!
The large high contrast backlit display offers easy viewing in dim lighting.
The snap-on protective cover provides protects the load cell and display from sustaining damage when in storage or transit.
Powered by two AAA batteries, the Emerald scale also has a low battery indicator as well as an automatic shut off feature that conserves the battery after a period of inactivity.
YA Gold Series
Portable Precision Weighing in a Compact Case
A hinged cover, sturdy plastic housing and stainless steel weighing pan protect the small balance from damage.
With an extremely fast stabilization time, your results will appear quickly on the blue backlit LCD display.
Powered by two ‘AAA’ batteries, a power-saving auto shut-off feature helps to conserve battery life.
VIBRA
AJ Centigram Series
Configurable RS 232 Interface, Windows® Compatible
NTEP Approved to 0.1 g
Reads in g, ct, oz, lb, oz t, GN
Counting, %, Density, Accumulation, Checkweighing
Optional Density Kit
GLP Compliant
Below Balance Weighing
Optional Rechargeable Battery
Vibra® Tuning Fork Sensor
SJ Series
NTEP Approved to 0.01 g Ideal for Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pharmacy
Reads in g, ct, oz, lb, oz t, GN
Counting, Checkweighing
Below Balance Weighing
In Use Dust Cover
Optional Rechargeable Battery
Vibra® Tuning Fork Sensor
RICE LAKE WEIGHING SYSTEMS
TP Series
The simple, straightforward design of Rice Lake’s TP Series balance creates for an effortless user experience and makes it a top contender for the title of best jewelry scale. The TP series is equipped with the unique Mono-Metal Tuning Fork Sensor (MMTS), this balance series brings remarkable response time and exceptional stability to any setting.
User Friendly:
Functions that are easy to use and understand come standard with the TP Series balance. Enhance productivity with modes such as unit counting and percentage weighing. Adapt to any type of standard with the ability to weigh in 12 different measurement units.
Compact:
The compact and manageable size of the TP Series balance is suitable for even the most limited of space. A footprint smaller than a sheet of paper makes it perfect for crowded work environments.
Responsive:
Each balance performs with incredible sensitivity and stability by relying on its dynamic tuning fork sensor. Plug in and go without waiting for stabilization.
When you’re evaluating jewelry scales, often you might see something like “e”= 1g and “d”= 0.1g. “d” is the division the scale is capable of displaying. The “e” is the NTEP legal for trade division the scale was approved for when the NTEP certificate was issued and the scale received a certificate of conformance. This is sometimes listed as certified readability. A quick example might be as follows. A scale CAN display readability to three decimal places such as 0.001 grams. However, the LEGAL FOR TRADE readability is only two decimal places, such as 0.01 grams.
This is a quick look at the best jewelry scale in our opinion. Unlike our best scale for weighing gold entry we did a few years ago; this time we didn’t actually narrow down your choices to just one scale but we did provide you with a group of highly respected digital scales that are made by reputable scale manufacturers. If you have any questions or would like a little additional buying insight, contact our customer service department.