I love it when people come into the store acting like they know everything. They act like they know all about Cut, Color and Clarity because they
don't want the Jeweler to scam them. Then they ask for a Jeweler's Loupe, (not spelled loop, like most would think) which is
10x magnification, (or
Ten Powered, which is what Jewelers, Appraisers and Certifiers across America use to scope your Diamonds), and then the fun begins...
Customers do the stupidest thing with the loupe. They hold the loupe out at arms length over the Diamond to view the inclusions! Ha ha, the Diamond is like 3 feet away from their eyes and they're squinting to try to focus and saying "Yes, I see what you're talking about!" It makes me want to laugh so hard, because these people came into the store like they knew everything! Instead, they just look like morons. You can't see microscopic inclusions from 3 feet away. What the hell are they thinking?
Listen, if you're going to act like you know how to hold a loupe, then learn how to hold a loupe correctly! Rule of thumb: Watch how any Jeweler uses a Jeweler's Loupe and mimic them! Watching a Jeweler is the quickest way to learn how to hold a 10x Loupe the right way. Learn from the Pros!
This is how you hold a loupe... Open the Loupe up. It's on a hinge so it swings open. The magnifying lens comes out leaving an opening in the case. Stick your index finger into that opening if it will fit. (if not just hold the loupe between your index finger and thumb) Raise the loupe to your best eye. Position it about a 1/2" away from your eye. Try not to lean forward when you do so, because your shadow will fall over the Diamond and make it harder to see. Standing up straight or even looking slightly up lets light in and brightens the stone. It makes it easier to see.
Working with 10x (or Ten Powered) magnification takes a little bit to get used to. Your eyes aren't used to focusing on images that size and you'll have to play around with distance to see what works best.
So what is the key to holding a Jeweler's Loupe? Read on...
