Certified Loose Gemstones
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1.35ct Deep Blue Sapphire Rare Oval Cut IGI Certified Loose Gemstone in Blister
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.35ct Deep Blue Sapphire Rare Oval Cut IGI Certified Loose Gemstone in Blister
Natural Deep Blue
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
H 0.15 in W 0.29 in D 0.25 in
Chrysoberyl Ring Gem 9.42 Carat GIA Certified Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
world-class loose gemstone collection.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl
Vanadium Chrysoberyl Ring Gem 5.08 Carat GIA Certified Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
us to discuss.
For your convenience we carry an extensive world-class loose gemstone collection.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl, Other
Blue Sapphire 5.02 ct Oval Natural Heated GIA Certified, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
perfect example. GIA certified. Its vivid color and size is sure to make the perfect statement.
Colour
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.37 in D 0.22 in L 0.47 in
Blue Sapphire 3.07 Ct Oval Natural Heated GIA Certified, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
available to purchase as a loose sapphire or contact us to enquire regarding custom fine jewellery creation
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.29 in D 0.23 in L 0.36 in
1.22ct Deep Blue Natural Sapphire Rare Oval Cut IGI Certified Loose Gemstone VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.22ct Deep Blue Natural Sapphire Rare Oval Cut IGI Certified Loose Gemstone VVS
Natural Deep Blue
Category
21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry
Materials
Sapphire
1.39ct Pear Pink Tourmaline Loose unset gemstone certified
Located in Jupiter, FL
Pink tourmaline,pear shape., certified!
NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): Tourmaline
Clarity/Color: Slightly
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
1.37 Carat Emerald Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Institute of America Report #2151269762 certifying its authenticity. We offer complimentary design sessions
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Alexandrite Chrysoberyl .78 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified - RTP
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
certifying that it is a natural gemstone from Sri Lanka, one of the premier sources of world-class gemstones
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl
GIA Certified 1.06 Carat Natural Alexandrite, Alexandrite Loose Gemstone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Treat yourself to a perfect gift for this holiday season. Get a GIA certified Alexandrite gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite
Free Shipping
W 0.22 in D 0.14 in L 0.28 in
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat Natural Alexandrite, Loose Precious Gemstone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Treat yourself to a perfect gift for this holiday season. Get a GIA certified Alexandrite gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite
Free Shipping
W 0.2 in D 0.16 in L 0.27 in
36.96 Carat Pink Tourmaline Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
21.85 x 20.20 x 12.50 millimeters, this large gemstone is a beautiful example of the wonder of nature
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.8 in D 0.5 in L 0.87 in
1.76 Carat Brazilian Emerald, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
large inventory of emeralds, both loose and set in original designs. We would love to design a bespoke
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.70 Carat Colombian Emerald, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
characteristics and natural inclusions appear magnified by photography.
We have a large selection of loose
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
76.22 Carat Pear Shaped Aquamarine, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
collector quality gemstones in our inventory. Please inquire for details.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine
Free Shipping
W 0.88 in D 0.58 in L 1.84 in
Alexandrite Chrysoberyl 1.16 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified - RTP
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 1.16 carat cushion-shaped alexandrite chrysoberyl with beautiful blue-green body color in fluorescent/daylight that changes to 100% purple in incandescent light. This chryso...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl
10.37 Carat Paraiba Tourmaline Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular green paraiba tourmaline is exceptionally clean, with excellent brilliance and luster! It is a beautifully-proportioned oval with highly saturated medium green color...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
Free Shipping
W 0.5 in D 0.32 in L 0.61 in
.37 Carat Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare Brazilian tourmaline is a beautiful peacock greenish blue color, clearly recognizable as Paraiba! It is a faceted oval shape measuring 5.92 x 3.61 x 2.51 millimeters, with ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
Unheated 13.12 Carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, Certified Cushion
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Unheated 13.12 Carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, Certified
Certified 13.12 Carats Blue
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Natural Oval Cut Sandawana Emerald Certified 2.45Cts Emerald Loose Gemstone.
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Oval Cut Sandawana Emerald Certified 2.45Cts Emerald Loose Gemstone.
Size
Category
2010s Zimbabwean Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
GIA Certified 67.75 Carat Natural Quartz Citrine Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Trumbull, CT
This GIA certified 67.75 Carat Natural Quartz Citrine Oval loose gemstone has modified brilliant
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine, Quartz
No Reserve
W 0.89 in D 0.65 in L 1.22 in
Stunning Red Loose Garnet Gemstone 2.20 Carats Malawi Garnet Loose Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning Red Loose Garnet Gemstone, available for sale at wholesale price natural high quality
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malawian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
GIA Certified 25.04 Carat Natural Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye Loose Gemstone
Located in Stamford, CT
25.04ct GIA certified Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye. Well polished, with a strong eye. It's no common for a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl
2.39 Carat Unheated Madagascar Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful 2.39 carat unheated loose blue sapphire is absolutely stunning! It is a perfectly
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.28 in D 0.21 in L 0.33 in
Unheated 7.84 Carat Red Spinel Round, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
Located in Los Angeles, CA
gemstone just waiting to be made into a timeless piece of heirloom jewelry!
Custom designs available
Category
2010s Unknown Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Unheated 5.18 Carat Purple Pink Spinel, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
Located in Los Angeles, CA
appear magnified by photography.
We have a large selection of loose fancy colored spinel in our inventory
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
2.00 Carat Heart Shaped Ruby, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
lovely gemstone is a timeless symbol of love!
Custom designs available. Please send us a message to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
Free Shipping
W 0.35 in D 0.12 in L 0.37 in
Emerald Cut Emerald Loose Gemstone 0.57 Carat Weight ICL Certified
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
wearable art.
This exceptional quality gemstone would make a custom-made jewelry design. Perfect for a Ring
Category
2010s Russian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
6.66 Carat Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
excellent luster. A purrr-fectly wonderful gemstone!
Custom designs available. Please send us a message to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl, Cat’s Eye
Untreated Russian Emerald Loose Gemstone 0.37 Carat Weight ICL Certified
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
exceptional quality gemstone would make a custom-made jewelry design. Perfect for a Ring or Pendant.
Shape
Category
2010s Russian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
33.95 Carat Imperial Topaz Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
large selection of unmounted collector gemstones in our inventory. Please inquire for details.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz, Imperial Topaz
Free Shipping
W 0.64 in D 0.46 in L 0.83 in
Cat’s Eye Alexandrite Chrysoberyl, 5.24 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
alexandrite chrysoberyl. Measuring 11.08 x 8.04 x 6.45 millimeters, this is a stunning collector gemstone that
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl, Cat’s Eye
Deep Blue Sapphire, Certified Gem, 4, 27 Ct., Loose Gemstone
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
enable an very high light return from every angle!
It is certified by the German Foundation for Gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Natural Horsetail 1.4 Ct Russian Demantoid Loose Gemstone ICL Certified
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
The Demantoid Garnet is a rare gemstone full of brilliance. It's dispersion is higher than diamond
Category
2010s Russian Russian Empire Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
Unheated 8.63 Carat Blue Green Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 8.63 carat unheated sapphire has a beautiful, rich bluish-green color and is exceptionally well-cut. Most sapphires are heated to deepen their color, so a sapphire with a natura...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Green Sapphire
Unheated 5.02 Carat Blue Spinel, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ..... A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated blue spinel has exceptional brilliance and luster! Accompanied by Gemological Institute of America Report #6204170110, this gem weighs 5.02 carats and measures 10.44 x ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Unheated 10.78 Carat Ceylon Yellow Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare, unheated yellow sapphire is the color of sunshine! Sapphires are routinely heated to improve their color, so to find a gem of this size and beautiful natural yellow hue is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.43 in D 0.38 in L 0.45 in
Unheated .75 Carat Padparadscha Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated petite padparadscha packs a punch with its intense color, and is a brilliant way to celebrate Pantone's 2024 Color of The Year, fuzzy peach! Padparadscha sapphires are ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire
15.90 Carat Orange Imperial Topaz, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified\
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This peachy orange imperial topaz has spectacular color and a wonderfully elegant shape. It weighs 15.90 carats and is extremely clean, with exceptional brilliance and life! Beautif...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz, Imperial Topaz
Free Shipping
W 0.46 in D 0.34 in L 1 in
2.11 Carat Pink Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sapphire is an eye catching, vibrant purplish pink color measuring 9.09 x 6.70 x 3.39 millimeters and weighing 2.11 carats. This oval gem would make a lovely 3-stone or engageme...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire
Natural Horsetail 0.54 Ct Russian Demantoid Loose Gemstone ICL Certified
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ural Mountains of Russia is the most important and consistent source of the rarest variety of Garnets - Demantoid.
The stones from this region are famous for their vivid green hue,...
Category
2010s Russian Russian Empire Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
Exceptional Brilliance 0.62 Ct Russian Demantoid Loose Gemstone ICL Certified
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ural Mountains of Russia is the most important and consistent source of the rarest variety of Garnets - Demantoid.
The stones from this region are famous for their vivid green hue,...
Category
2010s Russian Russian Empire Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
0.56 Ct Demantoid Garnet from Russia Loose Gemstone ICL Certified
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ural Mountains of Russia is the most important and consistent source of the rarest variety of Garnets - Demantoid.
The stones from this region are famous for their vivid green hue,...
Category
2010s Russian Russian Empire Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
Rare Horsetail 0.85 Ct Russian Demantoid Loose Gemstone ICL Certified
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
The first known Demantoids were discovered in the Ural Mountain of Russia.
The Demantoid Garnet became famous around the world because of its highly-refractive index which is greate...
Category
2010s Russian Russian Empire Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
Pinkish Purple Spinel Gemstone 1.41 Carats Certified Loose Spinel for Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
, cushion cut, 1.41 carats loose certified spinel from Burma.
Product Information:
GEMSTONE TYPE Pinkish
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Free Shipping
W 0.25 in D 0.16 in L 0.28 in
1.09ct AIG Certified Deep Rare Blue Sapphire Oval Cut Loose Gemstone
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.09ct AIG Certified Deep Rare Blue Sapphire Oval Cut 6.6x5mm Loose Gemstone
AIG Certified Deep
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
H 0.15 in W 0.27 in D 0.2 in
GIA Certified 0.53 Carat Natural Paraiba Tourmaline Loose Gemstone Oval Shape
Located in Los Angeles, CA
characteristics. Certified Paraiba tourmaline here is a gemstone that comes alive as light hits its facets. An
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
Free Shipping
W 0.19 in D 0.11 in L 0.26 in
GIA Certified 28.37 Carat Imperial Precious Topaz Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Stamford, CT
28.37ct Imperial precious Topaz. This GIA certified natural gemstone is unique in its color, orange
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz
GIA Certified 0.87 Ct Paraiba Tourmaline Oval Shape, Tourmaline Gemstone Loose
Located in Los Angeles, CA
characteristics. Certified Paraiba tourmaline here is a gemstone that comes alive as light hits its facets. An
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
Free Shipping
W 0.24 in D 0.16 in L 0.21 in
.94 Carat Rare Green Demantoid Garnet, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ....A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Demantoid garnets are among the rarest gemstones in the world. This vivid, bright green round
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
Blue Sapphire 5.35 ct Ceylon Natural GIA Certified Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
blue sapphire is available to purchase as a loose sapphire or contact us to create a custom jewellery
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.31 in D 0.27 in L 0.44 in
79.78 Carat Golden Olive Tourmaline Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ...A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, attention-getting gemstone that will turn heads as the focal point of any gem collection or important piece
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 1.06 in D 0.63 in L 1.19 in
Unheated 2.14 Carat Purple Sapphire Octagon, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ...A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
characteristics and natural inclusions may appear magnified by photography.
We have a large selection of loose
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
3.11 Carat "Pigeon's Blood" Burmese Ruby Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular 3.11 carat Burmese beauty is the reason rubies are known as the king of gemstones
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
.19 Carat Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ..A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This neon blue-green Paraiba tourmaline gemstone weighs 0.19 carat and would make a beautiful ring
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
4.18 Carat Unheated Natural Blue Sapphire Pear, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sapphire that is certified "unheated" is rare and particularly valuable. This gorgeous pear shape has
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.33 in D 0.24 in L 0.45 in
Oval Cut Emerald Loose Gemstone Ring 0.73 Carat Weight ICL Certified
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emeralds from Russia are highly appreciated among gemstone connoisseurs due to its rarely
Category
2010s Russian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Unheated 2.23 Carat Burmese Star Ruby, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated Burmese star ruby is a near perfect round, weighs 2.23 carats and has a beautiful, delicate 6-rayed star! It is a vivid, highly-saturated, purplish red color and semi-t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby, Star Ruby
Unheated 7.16 Carat Yellow Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 7.16 carat unheated yellow sapphire oval is the color of refreshing lemonade! Most yellow sapphires have been heated to improve their color, which is a well-known, accepted prac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
2.19 Carat Cornflower Blue Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This deep "cornflower" blue sapphire is brilliant and lively, exhibiting a classic shade of this gem from Sri Lanka, one of the world's premier sources of fine blue sapphires. This p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
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Certified Loose Gemstones For Sale on 1stDibs
On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of certified loose gemstones. Pieces in our collection of certified loose gemstones made by Contemporary jewelers — as well as those associated with Modern — are very popular. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Merkaba, Fine Jewels UK and Tamir produced popular versions that are worth a look. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 9 Sapphire versions can add an especially stylish touch. Today, if you’re looking for cushion cut certified loose gemstones and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and emerald cut alternatives. When shopping our range of certified loose gemstones, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for women today than there are for men.
How Much are Certified Loose Gemstones?
Prices for certified loose gemstones start at $351 and top out at $260,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $19,858.
Finding the Right loose-gemstones for You
Are you shopping for diamonds and other loose gemstones to create your own custom jewelry?
Why might you purchase a diamond or gemstone “loose” — that is, on its own, not mounted in a piece of jewelry? Perhaps you’re a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment. The scarcity of high-quality colored diamonds, for instance, especially pink diamonds, means that their value increases over time; the same is true of rare Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies. Far rarer than diamonds, Paraiba tourmaline, discovered only in the 1980s, is treasured as much for its extraordinary color as its scarcity, both of which contribute to its high value.
A more common scenario would be that you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation.
If this sounds like you, read on for tips on becoming one of the world’s savviest gem hunters.
Educate yourself: When buying any piece of gem-set fine jewelry, you should familiarize yourself with the factors that determine a stone’s price. This will enable you to streamline your search for the perfect gem and have intelligent, productive conversations with sellers.
There is a wealth of information online, such as our diamond-buying guide and this overview of colored gemstones for engagement rings. The buying guides of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), searchable by stone type, are also a widely trusted source for consumers venturing into the world of diamonds and gems for the first time.
Vet your vendor: If you peruse 1stDibs with any regularity, you know there is no shortage of vendors who deal in top-quality loose gemstones. (Read about our vetted sellers.) Finding a trustworthy, established dealer may be as easy as getting a recommendation from friends or family. And, although it may sound obvious, it pays to Google your candidates — and consult customer reviews — before making contact.
Harakh Mehta, designer and founder of the Mumbai, India–based fine-jewelry brand Harakh, has an innate understanding of proper client relations, especially when the customer is in unfamiliar territory. “Start chatting with the dealer, get to know them better," he says. "It’s very important to establish a comfort level. We never push a sale, as we want it to be a carefully considered purchase. So, if the client is not in a rush, we do it over a few virtual meetings or phone calls.”
Request documentation: The best dealers go to great lengths to furnish clients with documents verifying the quality rating, natural origin and provenance of a stone — showing, for example, that loose emerald hails from the famous Muzo mine in Colombia — and disclosing any treatments applied to enhance its appearance. (And who doesn't love emerald jewelry? The most valuable emeralds are the ones that have a deep bluish-green to true green color and no visible inclusions.)
If no grading report is available for a stone you are interested in, the dealer should be able to provide an authenticity document, such as an appraisal or info sheet, that has been signed by an in-house gemologist or professional appraiser. Google those names, too, for extra peace of mind.
Ask for videos and visuals: When transacting with a gem dealer online, you should always request real-time videos and photographs, since professional photos of a stone, usually on a white background, have likely been retouched for optimal presentation.
Read more about how to buy loose gemstones and find your dream gems today on 1stDibs.
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