Gia Loose Gems
8
to
22
377
52
961
594
26
8
5
3
3
2
1
1
58
30
25
9
7
Sort By
GIA Certified 1.48ct Natural Green Emerald Octagonal Emerald Cut Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GIA Certified 1.48ct Natural Green Emerald Octagonal Emerald Cut Loose Gem
GIA Certified Natural
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Free Shipping
H 0.24 in W 0.31 in D 0.17 in
Chrysoberyl Ring Gem 9.42 Carat GIA Certified Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
offered loose to a classy lady or gentleman.
The GIA certificate is attached to the images for your
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
quality gem, is offered loose, and it would make an exceptional unisex custom made jewelry creation.
The
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl, Other
GIA Certified 3.99 Carat Natural Sri Lankan Alexandrite, Alexandrite Loose Gem
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add this uniquely beautiful natural gem to your collection today. This stunning natural gem is from
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite
Free Shipping
W 0.36 in D 0.25 in L 0.35 in
3.70 Carat Colombian Emerald, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
millimeters, this gem is exceptionally well cut and proportioned, giving the emerald superior brilliance and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
1.37 Carat Emerald Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vibrant, bright green emerald is an exceptional gem with gorgeous color and clarity! It is a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
36.96 Carat Pink Tourmaline Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
brilliance. It is accompanied by GIA report #2151269368. With exceptional clarity, this vibrant gem is full
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
10.37 Carat Paraiba Tourmaline Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
” tourmaline from Mozambique, this loupe-clean gem weighs 10.37 carats and measures 15.49 x 12.62 x 8.12
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
Alexandrite Chrysoberyl 1.16 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified - RTP
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
fluorescent/daylight that changes to 100% purple in incandescent light. This chrysoberyl gem is the perfect
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl
76.22 Carat Pear Shaped Aquamarine, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
! Measuring 46.50 x 22.30 x 14.50 millimeters, this huge gem is well cut with excellent proportions and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine
Alexandrite Chrysoberyl .78 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified - RTP
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
and a very brilliant gem, it is accompanied by Gemological Institute of America Report #2205169890
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl
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
33.95 Carat Imperial Topaz Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This impressive, peachy orange gem is a beautiful example of Imperial topaz at its finest! It is an
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
dramatic, near complete color change to muted purple in incandescent light. The eye on this rare gem is a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl, Cat’s Eye
6.66 Carat Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous, 6.66 carat cat’s eye chrysoberyl is a real gem and would make a stunning ring!! It
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl, Cat’s Eye
Unheated 10.78 Carat Ceylon Yellow Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
improve their color, so to find a gem of this size and beautiful natural yellow hue is nearly impossible
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
W 0.43 in D 0.38 in L 0.45 in
Unheated 5.02 Carat Blue Spinel, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ..... A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Institute of America Report #6204170110, this gem weighs 5.02 carats and measures 10.44 x 11.35 x 6.18
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Unheated .75 Carat Padparadscha Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
blessed with this much vivid color naturally, especially in gems under a carat. This natural color .75
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire
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
W 0.28 in D 0.21 in L 0.33 in
Unheated 8.63 Carat Blue Green Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
such as this is extremely rare. This gem measures 12.89 x 9.62 x 6.97 millimeters and is cut in an
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Green Sapphire
2.00 Carat Heart Shaped Ruby, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sparkling diamonds. This gem has no secondary purple or brown and the way it is faceted makes it appear much
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
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
Unheated 2.14 Carat Purple Sapphire Octagon, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ...A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
princess-cut gem measuring 7.22 x 6.00 x 4.92 millimeters and is accompanied by Gemological Institute of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
79.78 Carat Golden Olive Tourmaline Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ...A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
proportioned with an even shape and symmetrical outline. This gem has exceptional clarity and brilliance that
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
W 1.06 in D 0.63 in L 1.19 in
.94 Carat Rare Green Demantoid Garnet, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ....A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
demantoid garnet measures 5.36 x 5.41 x 3.93 millimeters and weighs .94 carat. This gem is extremely well
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
Unheated 10.21 Carat Pink Purple Spinel, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ...A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
life to a gem. Measuring 12.56 x 11.35 x 8.74 millimeters, this large and extremely lively gem is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Free Shipping
W 0.45 in D 0.35 in L 0.5 in
.19 Carat Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ..A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paraiba gems from Brazil. This gem is accompanied by Gemological Institute of America Report #6204186929
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
prettiest crystalline, rich blue sapphires are mined. Such a brilliant, lively gem and so well-proportioned
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
W 0.33 in D 0.24 in L 0.45 in
Unheated 3.11 Carat Purple Pink Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
inclusions that do not detract from the brilliance or life of this gem. This pink sapphire is perfect for
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire
2.19 Carat Cornflower Blue Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
gem from Sri Lanka, one of the world's premier sources of fine blue sapphires. This pretty oval
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
5.03 Carat Tsavorite Garnet Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ....A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
exceptional gem! We specialize in custom designs and would be happy to design something especially for you
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Tsavorite
Unheated 3.50 Carat Color Change Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
brilliant, eye clean gem with exceptionally vivid color. It measures 10.39 x 7.65 x 4.46 millimeters and is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
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
Unheated 17.13 Carat Ceylon Violet Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA CertifiedA
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This natural color, Ceylon violetish-blue sapphire is full of life! Unheated sapphires this large and with such even color and superior clarity are extremely rare. Weighing 17.13 car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.49 in D 0.42 in L 0.58 in
Unheated 1.39 Carat Burmese Pink Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1.39 carat vivid pink sapphire is magnificent! It is an unheated, perfectly symmetrical oval from Myanmar (formerly Burma), the historic source of some of the world’s finest sap...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire
Fancy Intense Purplish Pink Natural Diamond, Loose .24 Carat Pear, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Institute of America (GIA) Colored Diamond Grading Report stating its color as "Natural, Fancy Intense
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, Pink Diamond
W 0.15 in D 0.1 in L 0.18 in
Unheated 44.36 Carat Yellow Sapphire Pear, GIA, Pendant, Enhancer, Collector Gem
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
historically renowned sources for sapphires. A magnificent and world-class gem!
Custom designs available
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
W 0.66 in D 0.54 in L 0.96 in
8.60 Carat Total, Tsavorite Garnet Pair, GIA, Loose Ring or Earring Gemstones
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
combined, these exceptionally well-matched gems possess a bright, vivid, pure green hue. They are
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Tsavorite
Unheated 9.26 Carat Purple Pink Spinel Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified .A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated, purplish-pink spinel will lift your spirits! Accompanied by Gemological Institute of America Report #2151269774, this large spinel weighs 9.26 carats and measures 11.7...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
GIA Certified Fine Blue 1.19ct Untreated Sapphire Pear Cut Unheated Rare Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GIA Certifier Fine Blue Untreated Sapphire Gemstone.
Unheated blue sapphire with a beautiful deep
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
GIA Certified 1.36ct Untreated Vivid Green Yellow Sapphire Round Diamond Cut Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GIA Certified Untreated Green Yellow Sapphire Gemstone.
1.36 Carat unheated sapphire with a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire
Tsavorite Ring Gem 5.87 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exceptional 5.87 carat Tsavorite Garnet cushion gem, offered loose to a world-class gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Tsavorite
GIA Certified 1.31ct Parti Colour Sapphire Blue Yellow Untreated Emerald Cut Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
to see.
Fully certified by GIA confirming stone as natural, untreated and Australian in origin
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire
Paraiba Tourmaline Ring Gem 6 Carat Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
and paid by us within 7 days of delivery.
The GIA gem certificate is attached to the image selection
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
GIA 3.02 Carat Cushion Brilliant Cut Loose Diamond
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One GIA 3.02 Carat Cushion Brilliant Cut Loose Diamond. Accompanied by GIA #5231221039 stating the
Category
Late 20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond
GIA Certified 73.18 Carat Natural Gem Quality Peridot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Peridots have a rich and radiant color and this 73.18 carat cushion cut gem has a beautiful alpine
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Loose Gemstones
Materials
Peridot
Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire Ring Gem No Heat Ceylon 4 Carat Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, offered loose to avid gem collectors globally.
GIA report attached to the image selection for your
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire
W 0.32 in D 0.21 in L 0.43 in
GIA Certified 0.76 Carat Natural Brazilian Alexandrite, Loose Alexandrite
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Need a sparkle in your life? This is it. This gem brings you the royalty of Brazilian Alexandrite
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite
Free Shipping
W 0.18 in D 0.13 in L 0.27 in
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
GIA Certified Royal Blue Sapphire Gia Certified and Stated Unheated Kashmir Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
sapphire is unheated GIA certified and actually stated in the GIA report as "The color appearance of this
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Art Nouveau Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
.37 Carat Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
Located in Los Angeles, CA
of this highly sought after collector gem. We have a large selection of tourmalines in our inventory
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
GIA Certified 2.47 ct Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline, Paraiba Tourmaline Loose
Located in Los Angeles, CA
breathtaking and elegant. Natural Mozambique Tourmaline 2.47 carats with GIA Report is one of them. Captivating
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
Free Shipping
W 0.31 in D 0.21 in L 0.43 in
GIA Certified Carved Colombia Emerald Loose Stone Weighing 4.35 Carats
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite GIA certified carved Colombia Emerald loose stone, a true masterpiece of
Category
20th Century Colombian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
1.32 Carat Loose Natural Emerald Gemstone GIA Emerald Cut Solitaire
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gem: Natural Emerald
Carat: 1.32ct
Measurements: 7.68 x 5.64 x 4.89 mm
Cut: Step Cut Octagonal
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South American Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Free Shipping
H 0.31 in W 0.23 in D 0.2 in
2.11 Carat Pink Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
Located in Los Angeles, CA
millimeters and weighing 2.11 carats. This oval gem would make a lovely 3-stone or engagement ring and is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire
NATURAL 1.92ct Fine Pink Zircon Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone 8.8x5.2mm VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
the Gemmological association of Great Britain (Gem-A)
- Accredited jewellery professional (AJP) with
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Zircon
GIA Certified 0.53 Carat Natural Paraiba Tourmaline Loose Gemstone Oval Shape
Located in Los Angeles, CA
breathtaking and elegant. Natural Mozambique Tourmaline 0.53 carats with GIA Report is one of them. Captivating
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 0.46 Carat Natural Paraiba Tourmaline Loose Stone Oval Shape
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. breathtaking and elegant. Natural Mozambique Tourmaline 0.46 carats with GIA Report is one of them. Captivating
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
Free Shipping
W 0.16 in D 0.11 in L 0.24 in
Blue Sapphire 3.07 Ct Oval Natural Heated GIA Certified, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
Sourced and hand selected on the gem isle of Sri Lanka is this beautiful natural, blue sapphire
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
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Gia Loose Gems", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Gia Loose Gems For Sale on 1stDibs
Find an expansive variety of gia loose gems available on 1stDibs. Artisan and Contemporary are consistently popular styles when it comes to gia loose gems. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Sarosi By Timeless Gems, Merkaba and Fine Jewels UK are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 23 Sapphire versions can add an especially stylish touch. There are many oval cut, cushion cut and pear cut gia loose gems for sale. Most of our gia loose gems for sale are for women, but there are 49 pieces available to browse for men.
How Much are Gia Loose Gems?
Prices for gia loose gems can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $373 and can go as high as $235,600, while gia loose gems, on average, fetch $18,942.
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.
More Ways To Browse
Genuine Alexandrite
Canary Crystal
Diamond Type 2a Loose
Color Change Sapphire Green Purple
Large Enhancer Topaz
Unheated Kashmir
Teal Sapphire Pendant
Kashmir Sapphire Unheated
Unheated Ceylon Sapphire Necklace
Sarosi Topaz
5 Ct Loose Gemstones
3 Carat Sapphire Loose Stone
Loose Pear Shape Diamond
Loose Rubelite
Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Gems
Ceylon Photography
Andradite Garnet
Gia D Vvs1 Marquise Diamond