How can i choose my gem Magnifier?

Question

hi, i bought a diamond , very happey for that

but i want to check very smal details inside it.

i saw so many loups some :20*10 ,

30 * 21

, 20 * 15 mm and 21 mm* 10

i need the begest Magnification times

how can i choose?

Answer 1

Please do not fall into the old trap that "biggest is best". The standard magnification used by gemmologists is 10x. and this is perfect for everything other than research needing a microscope. Diamonds are graded using a 10x lens. Buy the largest diameter lens you can get as the larger the diameter the brighter the image will be which is vital for observing fine details - 21mm. is very good. Always buy the VERY BEST THAT YOU CAN AFFORD - cheap lenses are rubbish and give rubbish results. You need a lens that is described as Achromatic, which means that it is corrected to avoid distorting colours and to stop the coloured fringe you see around objects when using a cheap lens. Not quite so necessary as achromatic but still important is Aplanatic which indicates that the lens gives a flat field of view and not a curved view as with lower quality optics. A lens will last you a lifetime if you look after it so look at the rather high price you pay for top quality example as an investment rather than an expense.

Good makes are Zeiss, Nikon, Rodenstock, Swift and others.

Answer 2

If you really want to see small details, you will need a microscope. However a hand lens is probably all you will need.

Check this site as they also offer some education on hand lens.

http://www.kooters.com/handlens.html