A loupe magnifier is a small, powerful device featuring a glass lens that can magnify objects up to 10x and sometimes 20x their size. Jewelers’ loupes are highly versatile and can be used for various purposes such as inspecting diamonds, gemstones, jewelry markings, and more.
So, when it comes to inspecting jewelry, a jeweler’s loupe is an essential tool. With so many choices on the market, it’s important to know which loupe is the best for your needs. This is why we have summarized below the 7 best Jewelers Loupe. Note that these can also be used as best jewelers loupe for coins collectors.
#1. Schneider L2 10X Achromatic Aplanatic Triplet Professional Jeweler’s Loupe – Best overall
We really like the Schneider L2 branded loupe and think that it is the best jeweler’s loupe for diamonds and for those who want a great durable product with tons of clarity.
It has a powerful 10x triplet loupe and is just made much better than most of the other loupes out there on the market. And we think that the price is a bit high, but you are getting a great tool if you want to turn professional.
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Best Jewelers Loupe Reviews
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- #1. Schneider L2 10X Achromatic Aplanatic Triplet
- #2. Beemoon Jewelry Loupe
- #3. XYK Jewelry Loupe
- #4. DreamZE Jewelry Loupe
- #5. Jarlink Jewelers Loupe
- #6. Lupe LED Illuminated Jewelers Loupe
- #7. Nikon 10x Jewelry Triplet Loupe
Best Jewelry Loupe – Buying Guide
Below provide a buying guide that provides you with information to select the most appropriate jewelry loupe for you.
What does the best jeweler’s loupe do?
The best jewelry loupe is an essential tool that no jeweler should be without. Such a loupe provides a clear view of the item being examined and allows you to see even the smallest details of a piece. Whether you are inspecting diamonds, gemstones, or precious metals, having a high-quality loupe on hand can make all the difference in your work.
One of the most important features of a jewelry loupe is its magnification power. The higher the magnification level, the more detail you can see in your jewelry piece. Some loupes come with fixed magnification levels while others feature adjustable settings. It’s crucial to choose one that provides ample magnification for your specific needs as too little or too much could hinder your ability to properly examine and assess jewelry pieces.
Jewelers loupe versus magnifying glass
When it comes to examining small objects or intricate details, a magnifying glass is often the go-to tool for many people. However, for those who require higher levels of magnification and precision, a jeweler’s loupe is the better choice. While both devices serve similar purposes in terms of magnifying small objects, there are some key differences that set them apart.
One of the most significant differences between a jeweler’s loupe and a magnifying glass is their level of magnification. A typical magnifying glass usually offers around 2x to 5x magnification, while a jeweler’s loupe can provide much higher levels, ranging from 10x all the way up to 30x or more. This means that when working with tiny objects such as gemstones or watch components, even the smallest details can be examined with great clarity and accuracy.
What size loupe do jewelers use?
Jewelers and gemologists are meticulous when it comes to identifying gems, and a loupe is one of the essential tools that they use. The size of the loupe is critical in determining the accuracy of their observations. For most jewelers, a 10X loupe with ten-power magnification is standard for handheld gem identification. The advantage of using a 10X loupe is that it allows for better clarity in observing gemstones’ features such as color, cut, and carat weight.
The reason why many professionals prefer a 10X loupe is based on its ease of use and portability. A higher magnification than 10X can be difficult to handle due to the small field of view and depth of field. The depth of field is the area that’s in focus. This is usually so small above 10X that loupes are pretty hard to use beyond this magnifying zoom. Therefore, a microscope may be necessary when higher magnification levels are needed.
Close one eye when using a loupe for jewelry making
It is common for people to experience eye strain when using a loupe due to the intense focus required. Most of the time, this is due to closing one eye while using the loupe. Doing so usually leads to issues such as headaches and difficulty with depth perception.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution that may feel a little strange at first but becomes easy with practice. Instead of closing one eye, hold the loupe up to your dominant eye while keeping both eyes open. This technique allows you to maintain your natural depth perception while still focusing intently on the object being examined through the magnifying lens of the loupe.
It may take some time and practice to adjust to this new method of using a loupe, but in the long run, it can help reduce eye strain and increase productivity.
Singlet, doublet, and triplet loupes
Loupes come in different shapes and sizes, but the most common ones include the singlet, doublet, and triplet loupe. As the terms suggest imply, the singlet is a single loupe. Now, the doublet is two loupes. And obviously, the triplet is three loupes. A triplet loupe is considered as the highest quality of hand lenses among jewelers.
The triplet lens comprises three lenses that are cemented together to form a single unit. Each layer has its unique purpose; the first layer collects light, the second one corrects color distortion and the third one magnifies the image. This combination results in an incredibly sharp and clear image with minimal distortion.
The doublet consists of two lenses to form a loupe and is better than a singlet.
#1. Schneider L2 10X Achromatic Aplanatic Triplet Glass Lens – Top pick
If you are wondering what is the best jewelry loupe to buy, then the Schneider L2 10X Achromatic Aplanatic Triplet Professional Jeweler’s Loupe is the ultimate tool. This product is made for professional jewelers looking for a high-quality jeweler loupe magnifier glass.
The loupe offers 10X magnification, providing a sharp view from edge to edge, and is color-corrected to prevent eye strain.
The triplet lens is made of high-quality “glass,” which makes it fully achromatic (no fringing color) and aplanatic (sharp/no distortion). The 20mm lens diameter creates a wider field of view, keeping your eyes relieved longer from fatigue.
Overall, this exceptional jeweler’s loupe is the best overall choice for jewelry professionals looking for a magnifying glass. The loupe comes with a carry case and neck strap for added convenience. Although expensive, this authentic German-made loupe by the famous Harald Schneider is worth the investment.
The Schneider L2 10X Achromatic Aplanatic Triplet Professional Jeweler’s Loupe will provide a clear and precise view of diamond appraisal and will become an indispensable tool for any seasoned professional jeweler.
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#2. Beemoon Jewelry Loupe
Another great option when it comes to the best jewelers’ loupe is the Beemoon Jewelry Loupe. This device is a budget-friendly option for jewelers to have a loupe without paying too much. In our opinion, it is not as good as the premium quality loupes but it’ll get you a good 75% of the way there. The standout feature is the fact that it has a dual lens so you have a 30x22mm and a 60x12mm.
We also like the fact that there are directional LEDs to illuminate the object when looking through either lens. Unfortunately, there is no zoom feature, which is kind of disappointing.
Overall, the loupe has a decent build quality that is acceptable. It is definitely not cheap nor is it anything close to being premium. It functions and is lightweight to be carried around in your pocket.
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#3. XYK Loupe For Jewelry
Next, we recommend the XYK Jewelry Loupe, which is the best jeweler’s loupe for those who want an all-metal loupe with a 40x magnification.
It folds ups into a nice pocket-sized loupe which is easy to carry. We would say what separates this loupe from the rest of the brands is the ease of use. Although it has a fixed magnification of 40x, it sure does focus quite easily. In other words, the focus area is flexible.
The all-metal construction seems sturdy enough to prevent damage if you accidentally drop it. And it holds the 40x25mm optical in quite snugly. It also requires 3 LR1130 batteries, which are easily replaceable. Furthermore, we think with the dual LED lights, you can definitely see things more clearly than with other brands. There’s also a UV light included to detect counterfeits.
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#4. DreamZE Jewelry Loupe
The DreamZE Jewelry Loupe is a great deal for those who want a cheap loupe with tons of options. This jewelry loupe has 3 magnifications at 30x, 60x, and 90x to cover all different levels of zoom. Although we would have preferred a zoom magnification, those tend to be a lot more expensive and they are harder to focus properly. This loupe also features built-in LED lights and UV blacklight.
We like the fact that this is a dual-lens loupe, so you can load it with a primary lens based on the magnification that you tend to use the most and then load the secondary lens with one of the remaining lenses.
This way, you have plenty of versatility without having to go through the trouble of changing out the lens every time you want to change the magnification.
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#5. Jarlink Jewelers Loupe
Lastly, we have the Jarlink Jewelers Loupe, which is certainly a popular choice amongst jewelers who want something durable and lightweight. In terms of magnification, there‘s a 60x primary and a 30x secondary. This is a duplet loupe.
In our opinion, what separates this loupe from the rest of the competition is the fact that it is incredibly easy to focus. While other loupes make it hard to find the right focal point, this one is quite easy.
This actually saves you a lot of trouble from having to constantly bring the object closer or further away until you have found the point where it is perfectly in focus. Finally, the LED light that it comes with is pretty bright and will last a long time. In terms of industry standards, this light is brighter and last longer than most other brands.
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#6. Lupe LED Illuminated Jewelers Loupe
When it comes to one of the best jewelers’ loupe with light, we have to give the Lupe brand the right credentials. In our opinion, this loupe represents the best combination of performance, quality, durability, LED light, and price. Note this is a triplet loop, hence proving the highest possible 20X magnification.
So first and foremost, we think that the standout feature of this jeweler’s loupe is the fact that it has excellent clarity and tends to be more clear than most of the loupes on the market.
Next, it has an amazing 20x power zoom, which is more than enough to get up close and personal with your stones and coins.
This zoom is also easily adjustable and seems to function more seamlessly than other brands. It also has an illuminated loupe that uses LED technology. This provides the bright led light you need to look at your gemstones. And finally, we just want to add that it is lightweight and durable. It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and comes with a black PU leather sleeve, which gives it extra protection.
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#7. Nikon 10x Jewelry Triplet Loupe
Presenting the Nikon 10x Jewelry Triplet Loupe, perfect for identifying small objects with exceptional clarity. This impressive loupe boasts a triplet design which enables color-corrected and blur-free viewing. This quality of your jeweler’s loupe can hardly be matched by other brands (only the top brands can match this).
The lens delivers a seriously sharp view from edge to edge, providing a crystal-clear experience for identifying even the smallest details.
While the lens diameter is smaller than some other loupes on the market, this 13mm limitation is more than compensated by the high-quality optics of the brand. However, it is worth noting that Nikon has no AR (Anti Reflection) coating which may result in slightly less contrast than other loupes.
This loupe also features an eyelet, allowing for easy attachment to a lanyard or wrist strap for added convenience. If you are a proud owner of Nikon products, this loupe is the perfect addition to your collection. Discover the intricate details of your jewelry, gemstones, and other small objects with unparalleled precision and reliability with the Nikon 10x Jewelry Triplet Loupe.
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Where can I buy a jeweler’s loupe?
If you’re looking for a high-quality eye loupe magnifier, there are several options available to purchase online like Amazon. You can also go to your local diamond and gemstone shop, they’ll be able to provide you with a led loupe, or lens loupe depending on your needs. So if you are still winding what is the best place to buy jewelers loupe, then we believe it is via online services with next-day delivery.
How much does a jeweler’s loupe cost?
There are many loupes available on the market today at a wide range of price points. At the lower end of the spectrum, you can find basic loupes for less than 10 dollars.
However, keep in mind that with these budget-friendly options, you may not get the highest quality of magnification or clarity. If you’re serious about your craft and want to ensure accuracy in your evaluations, investing in a higher-end loupe may be worth considering. Some mid-priced loupes can provide excellent magnification and clarity without breaking the bank.
On the other end of the pricing spectrum, some high-end loupes can cost several hundreds of dollars or more.
Final verdict on the best jewelry loupe
Finding the right and best jeweler loupe for jewelry is mainly a matter of personal preference. However, these seven magnifying loupes can provide you with an enhanced view of fine details in jewelry and other small objects. Whether you are a professional jeweler or someone who just wants to inspect their jewelry more closely, each of these options provides excellent quality at a reasonable price.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loupe
http://www.mazaldiamond.com/blog-en/the-jewelers-loupe-for-diamond-inspection/
