10x Diamond Loupe by Swiss Axe L89

The only thing about this purchase less than perfect was that the seller shipped this $500 loupe in mailer bag instead of a box. Consequently, the case for the loupe has a small crease in the metal front panel, damaged through shipping. When you are paying this much money for a loupe, careless shipping is absolutely inexcusable. Now, about the loupe itself: If you are willing to pay the difference between this loupe and the very fine BeLOMO 10X loupe, you may find as I did that from an optical standpoint, the Triplet Hawk delivers an extra 5% optical benefit in a lot nicer package. To me, it's like the difference between a really good pair of binoculars at a few hundred bucks versus the top end Zeiss, Leitz, or Swarovski. If you are a professional gemologist who uses a loupe every day, and if you just cannot stand having anything but the absolute best, well then, the Triplett Hawk makes sense. From an optical standpoint, this loupe has a short working distance and a corresponding short depth of focus. If your aim is to view flaws in stones as though you are viewing down through layers, this loupe is ideal. If, however, you want a loupe for more general observations, the BeLOMO 10X may actually be a better choice. For those who think this is an absurd amount of money to pay for a loupe, I would submit that a pair of glasses costs about the same these days, and unlike the glasses, this loupe will last a lifetime, maybe several lifetimes.

this is simply the best jewelers loupe that I have ever used. I have worked for Harry Winston and for Tiffany's. I am a graduate gemologist earned in residence. I can see better with this loop at 10 power magnification then I can with a binocular microscope at the same power .

Excellent product