What is the most convenient and inexpensive magnifier used for diamond grading?

The loupe is the most convenient and inexpensive magnifier used for diamond grading primarily due to its portability and ease of use. Typically, a loupe is a small, handheld magnifying glass with a lens that produces a clear, magnified image of the diamond, allowing graders to examine inclusions, clarity, and other characteristics closely.

Loupes usually have a magnification power of 10x, which is optimal for identifying details in gemstones without requiring a large setup or complicated equipment. Their compact size makes them easily transportable, which is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and appraisers who may need to inspect diamonds in various settings, such as at trade shows or in retail environments.

In contrast, more complex tools such as binocular microscopes or optical microscopes offer greater magnification and can provide more detailed observations but generally require a fixed setup and a higher investment. Such instruments are less convenient for on-the-go assessments compared to the loupe, which remains the preferred tool for quick evaluations in the field.