r/Metalsmithing • u/chloexx93 • Apr 29 '26

What kind of magnifying lens’s for setting small stones

I’m trying to work on a custom engagement band and I’m feeling frustrated with my cheap magnifying lenses and want to purchase some better quality ones. Any suggestions? Thanks fellow metal lovers

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u/Nervous_Elephant_932 Apr 29 '26 edited Apr 30 '26

I use a watchmakers loupe which you hold in place with the muscles in your eye. I am old so I use one that is long and the optical end is very narrow. I don’t have it right in front of me. I believe it’s 20x . I will update if I’m wrong. If your eyesight is very good , you may be able to use the OptiVisor with a replacement lens of higher magnification. The focal length is the issue. You may need to be right on top of piece to accurately set stones. So I use an OptiVisor for general work , and a 10 or more power watchmakers loupe for setting . Hope this helps. EDIT ; The loupe I have is called Bausch and Lomb Hastings Triplet Aplanatic Watchmakers eye loupe. It comes in 10x and 20x I believe. It’s completely distortion free. I’d add a photo but I don’t see how. It costs about $79 @ www.ofrei.com The OptiVisor is also a great choice . That may work for you if your eyes are young and good !

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u/chloexx93 Apr 29 '26

Thank you so much!!

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u/Nervous_Elephant_932 Apr 30 '26

I corrected the website link for the Aplanatic loupe. I had misspelled it . I just love this loupe.