How much does a good loupe cost for viewing diamonds?

[abefroman]

How much does a good loupe cost for viewing diamonds?

TIA

 

[ficklefaye]

are you looking for a 10x or 30x magnification? i purchased my 10x from a coin shop for about $20

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/19/2009 1:44:27 PM
Author: ficklefaye
are you looking for a 10x or 30x magnification? i purchased my 10x from a coin shop for about $20

You can find them around that price as faye says, you can also purchase one from this link for $35

http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_order.asp

 

[abefroman]

I am looking for 30x

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/19/2009 2:18:05 PM
Author: abefroman
I am looking for 30x

To view inclusions in your diamond? X 10 power should be sufficient as diamonds are graded using 10X anyway, if you want to read an inscription then X 20 might be best.

 

[Moh 10]

Define good.

I''ve seen them sold for $2 to $485.

 

[strmrdr]

30x is pretty useless for diamonds the dof is very shallow.
10x for inclusions and 20x for inscriptions is a better pick.

The best 10x that you would have to spend 5x more to maybe get a hair better is the nikon.

http://national-jewelers-supplies.amazonwebstore.com/Nikon-Triplet-Loupe-13mm-10X/M/B001G71H4Y.htm?traffic_src=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle

 

[strmrdr]

This one is very good for a lot less money

http://www.amazon.com/BelOMO-Triplet-Loupe-Folding-Magnifier/dp/B0002OVC9W

 

[strmrdr]

This one is a better one out of the cheapies.

http://www.closeout.com/rj-51-006-2.html

 

[mariel]

I got mine 7 years ago and paid $30 and it''s a 10x loop.

 

[arjunajane]

I bought one of the 10x Gemoro triplets on this page and have been more than happy
with it for viewing diamonds and other gems.
link

You can also try kassoy
but I found their prices slightly higher.

To answer your question, for diamond viewing (ie. inclusions), no more than 10x or maybe 20x and about 20-$30.
Why do you want 30x? As strm mentioned it's likely not suitable..

 

[freefly]

I have the Nikon one, and it''s the best loupe I''ve ever used. I also have a 30x Bausch and Lomb, but it''s very difficult to use, especially for someone not used to using loupes. It takes a lot of practice and strains your eyes. You shouldn''t really need much more than a good 10x loupe for most uses.