The present invention is an engraved gemstone viewer for viewing a flat,
smooth surface of a gemstone that has been micro or nano etched with an
inscription such as an identification number. The gemstone is mounted on
a piece of jewelry or can remain unmounted when placed inside or
otherwise received by the viewer. A source of light directs a light beam
toward a magnifying lens coated with a reflection enhancing coating. The
lens reflects the light beam along a path incident to the surface of the
gemstone containing the inscription. The smooth flat gemstone surface
spectrally reflects the light beam along a path back toward the
magnifying lens, which produces a viewable light image that reveals the
inscription. The inscription is shown as a dark or lightless region of
the light image.