You’ve seen a jeweler reach into a toolkit or pocket to pull out what looks like a special magnifying glass before examining a piece of jewelry. It’s a small, handheld tool called a loupe. What is a loupe? Preusser Jewelers explains how we use a loupe in our daily duties at our jewelry store.
What Is a Loupe?
A loupe is a small magnifier used by jewelers to examine gemstones and metals in fine jewelry. The loupe can help authenticate diamonds and determine their value.
A loupe is about half an inch in diameter and is usually made small enough to be portable. Some jewelers keep one around the neck on a pendant for easy access. A loupe can typically magnify 10X or ten times the size. This is considered the industry standard.
How Does It Work?
A loupe consists of three lenses. There is a lens on either side of the loupe, but there is a third lens embedded inside. Normal magnifying glasses have two lenses, but there is a distortion effect, which means you must change the focal length of the glass. The third lens fixes this issue.
Why Use a Loupe?
The point of a loupe is to inspect a diamond for any issues relating to its clarity and identity. Artistically, a loupe brings to light the inner beauty of gemstones. If there are any imperfections or inclusions, a loupe will bear them out on a close inspection.
Documenting a Gemstone
One main reason to use a loupe is for a diamond’s paperwork. Any good jeweler will create documentation and illustrations outlining the diamond’s condition. A jeweler will use a diagram of a gem and then make markings on it to show the inclusions and imperfections on the surface or inside.
Preusser Jewelers and Fine Jewelry
Preusser Jewelers has a wide selection of fine jewelry and designer collections. Stop by our storefront in downtown Grand Rapids to see our showroom. Contact us online or call 616-458-1425 for more details on what we offer!