A loupe is a small, hand-held device that is used to magnify the details of small objects. Loupes do not have handles like a magnifying glass. The lens is installed in a metal or plastic housing. Some loupes fold into the housing to protect the lens when not in use.

There are three different types of lens configurations found in most jewelers’ loupes or watchmaker’s loupes:

Single lens, an economical loupe for use when optical aberration and distortion are not important

Multiple lens, doublet (two lenses) or triplet (three lenses), extremely accurate viewing with greatly reduced optical aberration and distortion

Prismatic, where multiple lenses and prisms are used to change the viewer’s perspective

Loupes are often used for inspecting coins, jewelry, watches and clocks, photography, printing, dentistry and small parts. Those in the life sciences like geology and biology often have need for the extra magnification of a loupe.

For more information see the category list to the left for magnifiers, eye loupes and loupe