Viewing in person: Loupe or microscope?

[RT82]

Is one any better than the other at 10x? Or is the microscope overkill?

One store I was at had microscopes and they said its easier for ppl to see stones in that and they don't even bother handing you a loupe ("they're for experienced jewelers in general" they said).

I'm not experienced but I actually found the loupe easier.
It was possible to see the laser inscriptions with the microscope at higher mag. however.

 

[oldminer]

If you can sit down and get comfortable, a microscope will show you the inclusions easier than a hand held loupe. However, if you are forced to stand at an uncomfortable angle to use the microscope, you might do better with the loupe. I knew one retailer who kept all the scopes in the store at 5x magnification so that they were just about worthless and they never supplied anyone a loupe.

If you want to see inclusions in VVS to VS1 diamonds you likely will need a microscope. VS2 and below you may be okay with a loupe. Certainly for SI2 and below, you don't need a microscope to see most inclusions fairly clearly.

 

[30yearsofdiamonds]

A microscope may look intimidating, but if you have ever looked through binoculars, it is very similar. Also the jeweler should secure the stone in stone holders that connect to the microscope. I use it all the time with new buyers and they love seeing a diamond in this manner. They are very fascinated, like a little kid looking at a hair follicle or a bug, LOL.

 

[marymm]

I think the microscope view is very cool, but at home I have a loupe so I'd view it in the store with a loupe as well.

 

[RT82]

Ya this was a sit down setup. The diamond had a holder and all.
just wondering.

 

[toaster]

i love looking at my diamonds in the microscope!!!!!! i'd love to have one at home! lol!

 

[OoohShiny]

I swear if I asked for a microscope (or even a loupe) in most UK stores (even high end jewellers) that I'd get a roll of the eyes and a look of 'Really??"...

 

[RT82]

I swear if I asked for a microscope (or even a loupe) in most UK stores (even high end jewellers) that I'd get a roll of the eyes and a look of 'Really??"...

Seriously? For loose diamonds?? I don't even undestand that, they could be selling you garbage. The widespread advice I've receive (from friends and here on PS) is to just stay away from CHAIN B&M stores, at both the high and low end.

There are good independent jewlers in B&M stores however. And all the ones I've visited have provided a loupe (and I didn't have to ask), in Toronto anyway. Only one had a microscope. This one also had a heart and arrows scope, and some other tools we didn't bother with (proportionscope or something?)

 

[heididdl]

My jeweler always used his microscope with us. It made us feel like he wanted us to see everything so we knew what we were getting. But never ever bring your best friend and put her ring under the microscope because when sh finds out that her stone has many inclusions it makes her feel sad about her ring and you feel like an idiot allowing her to view it.. Yes this happened to me.

 

[RT82]

Heididdl that sucks! In my experience in engagement ring shopping most women in general (and obviously non-PS posters) know nothing about diamonds other than how much they sparkle. No good can come from pointing out flaws in such instances.