Back to: The Diamond Insider
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Here is how to use a 10\times loupe like a seasoned gemologist in under 120 seconds.
1. The “Anchor” Technique
The biggest mistake amateurs make is holding the loupe out in mid-air. This leads to “the shakes.” To get a steady image, you need to create a physical bridge between your face and the object.
- Tuck your elbows: Keep them tight against your ribs.
- The Face Plant: Rest the back of your thumb (the hand holding the loupe) firmly against your cheekbone or the side of your nose.
- Both eyes open: This feels weird at first, but keeping both eyes open prevents eye strain and headaches. Your brain will eventually learn to ignore the “non-loupe” eye.
2. Move the Object, Not the Lens
Once the loupe is anchored against your face, do not move it. * Hold the stone (or the item) in your other hand using tweezers or your fingertips.
- Slowly bring the object toward the lens until it snaps into focus.
- For a $10\times$ triplet, the “sweet spot” (focal length) is usually about one inch (2.5 cm) away from the lens.
3. Let There Be Light
A loupe acts like a tunnel; it cuts off ambient light.
- Position yourself so the light source is coming from behind or beside your shoulder, hitting the front of the object.
- If you’re looking into a diamond to see inclusions, you want the light to enter from the side to “light up” the internal flaws.
The “Pro Checklist” Summary
| Step | Action | Why? |
| Brace | Loupe hand against cheek. | Eliminates shaky hands. |
| Focus | Bring object to the loupe. | Keeps the focal plane steady. |
| Relax | Keep both eyes open. | Prevents “squint fatigue.” |
| Angle | Tilt the object, not your head. | Catches the light on different facets. |
Common Myth: “The higher the power, the better.”
The Reality: A 10\times “Triplet” (three lenses bonded together) is the industry standard. Anything higher usually has a tiny field of view and distorted edges, making it much harder to use for more than a few seconds.
