subject: How to use a jewelers loupe [print this page] How to use a jewelers loupe How to use a jewelers loupe
Utilising a jeweler's Loupe it's quite easy. The stronger the magnification the tougher it is to use. In order to find out how to make use of one, you have to know which sort you have. The most typical type of jeweler's Loupe is one that you keep in your hand. There are also head mounted loupes that allow you the freedom of making use of both hands while you view the item. You wear these just like you would a pair of glasses.
Every loupe has a specific focal range. This is simply the distance at which to hold a loupe from the object in order to keep it in focus. The magnification will determine the focal range. For instance, a 10x loupe will have a longer focal range than a 20x loupe. With practice using a loupe is really quite easy.
I am right handed, so I hold the loupe in my right hand and the object I want to look at in my left hand. I rest the knuckle of my right thumb just under my eye on my cheek bone. This keeps my right hand steady and keeps the loop at about the right distance away from my eye. I then hold the object in my left hand and bring it towards the loupe until the area in question comes into focus.
Using a head mounted loupe is much simpler. With a head mounted version the loupe is the appropriate distance from your eye and you have both hands free to either work or move the object into focus. With a little patience and experience you will soon be able to pick up your loupe and quickly focus on anything that you would like to magnify.
