August 28, 2008
Name of Product: Illuminator Polariscopes 415000 and 415
Units: About 8,000
Manufacturer: GIA Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif.
Hazard: The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing, posing a risk of electrical shock to the user.
Description: The recalled polariscopes are white in color with model number 415000 or 415 printed on the underside of the instrument. A polariscope is an instrument used by gemologists to assist in gem identification.
Sold by: GIA schools, GIA’s Web site, product catalogs, distributors and trade shows nationwide from January 1996 through June 2007 for between $255 and $340.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact GIA Instruments to schedule a free retrofit of the Polariscope with a ground wire. GIA is notifying all consumers directly.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GIA Instruments at (800) 421-8161 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gia.edu