Beginner's Expectations
Looking through a loupe won't make you a jewelry expert, but even a beginner can learn to spot basic characteristics:
- Cracks and chips in gemstones
- Larger inclusions and blemishes if you look carefully
- A close up view of the quality of workmanship in the piece
Ask your jeweler to point out important characteristics, but don't pretend to be an expert. If you want to use the loupe as a learning tool, you'll need the help and cooperation of your jeweler--and jewelers can spot a fake "expert" just as quickly as they can detect a fake gemstone.
Ask questions. Are there characteristics to watch for to help you determine if a stone is fake or the real thing? What are the signs of a great cut? Are prongs secure and well made? The "best" questions depend on the type of jewelry you are viewing.
How to Hold the Loupe
The photo above gives you a pretty good idea of how to hold the loupe. An alternative is to make a tripod of sorts from your hands, placing wrists together and bracing them against your face as you hold the loupe in one hand and the jewelry in other.
Loupes come with instructions. Practice using yours on any small object to get a better feel for the distance the loupe must be from your eye and the item being magnified. It won't take long to become familiar with the best way to hold it, and after that you'll be hooked--and off to look at every piece of jewelry you own! Have fun.
Photo courtesy of National Jeweler’s Supplies.
