Learn How To Use Watch Tools

JEWELER’S LOUPES & DIAMOND TESTERS

WHICH DIAMOND TOOLS ARE THE BEST TO BUY AND WHY

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Jewelers Loupes And Diamond Testers

I’ve sold a lot of Jeweler’s Loupes and Diamond Testers over the past seven years. Amazon makes that easy.

I’ve also written plenty about magnifying your stone and looking for Flaws, Inscriptions, or Cracks. Like so…

View the Diamond from the Side
Hidden Flaws and Cracks
Laser Inscriptions

I’ve also talked about the importance (for both Jewelers and Consumers) to test the stones and make sure they’re real and not some fake knockoffs.

Diamond or CZ?
What is Moissanite?

But lately, I’ve been seeing a trend starting that I think needs to be addressed. A couple of companies; Hy Huntech, Culti, Meco, PuriTEST, CoolLife, and more, have started to sell cheap combo packages that include both a Diamond Tester and a Jeweler’s Loupe. Here are two examples:

Diamond Tester 30x Loupe Combo!

Portable Gemstone Gems Diamond Tester Selector II + 30X Magnifier Jeweler Loupe

And…

Diamond Tester and Jeweler's Loupe!

Jeweler’s Diamond Testing Pieces – Professional Loupe and Electronic Diamond Tester

These deals look and sound wonderful, but I wouldn’t recommend any of them.

And there are plenty of reasons why:

  • They are Battery-Operated
  • They don’t Test for Moissanite
  • They are 30x Magnification
  • They could add Color to your Diamond

So now, let’s take a closer look…

They are Battery-Operated

Both Testers shown above take a 9v battery. That’s not a big issue.

But, the problem is, 9 times out of 10, when you want to use the Tester, the battery will be low or dead and will give you false readings or no readings at all. You will be constantly changing batteries just to use it (so keep a fresh supply on hand). And also hope and pray that the battery inside doesn’t leak or corrode in the Diamond Tester and ruin the item.

I mean, think about how many battery operated gizmos you’ve had to throw away just because the stupid battery corroded it. I’m sure I’m not the only one. It happens, and it can happen to this Tester just as easy.

They don’t Test for Moissanite

Moissanite is one of the leading Diamond knockoffs on the market today. And if you don’t have a Tester that can test for this substance, then you could be testing a Moissanite stone and it could read that it’s a REALLY Diamond instead. That’s not good!

Moissanite’s are man-made, lab grown Diamond Substitutes. Don’t be fooled!

Buy a Diamond Tester that specifically says it will test BOTH Diamond and Moissanite, or you’ll be sorry!

Test Diamond or Moissanite!

They are 30x Magnification

The Loupe’s that come with the Testers above are all 30x.

30x is extremely powerful. It’s great if you’re a Jeweler, Collector, or a Gemologist, but for the average consumer I don’t recommend it.

30x is too powerful and it will show you Flaws in the stone that you shouldn’t be seeing. That’s because Diamonds and Gems are NOT graded with 30x (which is 30 times magnification). They are graded with 10x instead.

10x is the standard across the country, and that’s what all Jewelers, Experts, Graders and Certifiers (like GIA and AGS) use. 10x is the power used to Plot out Diamond Flaws on a Diamond Report. As shown here…

Diamond Flaws on a Diamond Report Plot!

10x is what should be Used, Viewed, and Scoped. NOT 30x!

30x will only confuse you and show you characteristics in the stone (even and a Flawless Diamond) that don’t matter and aren’t supposed to be visible.

30x can be useful if you want to zoom in closer and scrutinize a certain Flaw or Inscription. But they shouldn’t be used to Identify or Grade a stone in any way.

Use a 10x Loupe instead.

They could add Color to your Diamond

It the Loupe is Gold, as in the Loupe shown above, then it can actually add a Yellow Color or Hue to the stone itself. Which means, your Pure White Diamond could look tinted. Not cool! Use a Black Loupe and it won’t change the Color of your stone.

My Recommendation:

Instead of buying a combo package… By the individual pieces instead.

Like for example, here’s a Diamond-Moissanite Tester that also comes with a Gem Tray that makes it easy to hold and test your stone.

Diamond Tester and Gem Tray!

Diamond & Moissanite Gemstone Jewelry Tester Selector + Case & Gemstone Platform

Sadly, that Moissan/Dia Tester shown above is battery operated as well! :(

Most inexpensive Testers usually are. Which is fine if you remove the battery after use so you don’t wear down the cell or corrode the insides.

But…

If you want the Ultimate Diamond Tester, where you don’t have to worry about a drained battery, I’d advise this one:

Mizar Diamond Tester!

MIZAR 2-in-1 Diamond + Moissanite Dual Tester Jewellery Tool With Power Adapter

This Mizar Diamond Tester comes with a power adapter and can be fully charged any time you need it. That’s not only a GREAT Tester, but a Professional Tester that the Jewelers use!

As far as the Loupe goes…

Buy yourself a 10x Jeweler’s Loupe (preferably with a black case so it doesn’t add Color to the stone).

This particular Triplet Loupe (and a Triplet Lens is the best type to get it because it doesn’t distort your view) shown below is black and comes with a protective carrying case.

Triplet 10x Jeweler's Loupe!

10X, 21mm Triplet Professional Loupe, Black Round Body

BUT…

If you want the BEST and most Professional Loupe there is, get the BelOMO instead.

BelOMO 10x Jeweler's Loupe!

BelOMO 10x Triplet Loupe Magnifier – high-quality optical glass with antireflection coating

The BelOMO is a 10x Triplet Loupe, Black Casing, Durable Folding Loupe with Undistorted Views, a Large Optical Area, Long Focal Length, and has an Anti-Reflective Coating.

It’s the BEST there is!

You’ll LOVE it! :)

So hopefully these pointers will help you decide on the right items to purchase.

Because, if it tests as a Diamond, and you see Flaws in the stone that aren’t on the actual Report, then whose word are you going to believe? The Jewelers or your Faulty Equipment?

See, the right tools really do make a BIG difference!

Best Jeweler's Loupe and Diamond Tester!

Cheers! :-)




Recommended Jewelry Supplies:

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Jewelry Steam Cleaner Complete Jewelry Cleaner Kit Diamond Dazzle Stick
Gold Silver Jewelry Polishing Cloths Jewelry Making Supplies Kit Gold Acid Test Kit Watch Tool Repair Kit
Ring Adjusters EMT Emergency Ring Cutter 10x Jewelers Loupe Jewelers Microscope

Recommended Jewelry Supplies:

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Jewelry Steam Cleaner
Complete Jewelry Cleaner Kit Diamond Dazzle Stick
Gold Silver Jewelry Polishing Cloths Jewelry Making Supplies Kit
Gold Acid Test Kit Watch Tool Repair Kit
Ring Adjusters EMT Emergency Ring Cutter
10x Jewelers Loupe Jewelers Microscope

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