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Loose Gemstones

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Loose Gemstones For Sale
Bespoke Loose Natural Old Round Brilliant Cut Diamond 0.29ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A Natural Loose Old Round Brilliant Cut Diamond, H Colour, SI1 Clarity. Total Carat weight 0.29ct. Metal: N/A Carat: 0.29ct Colour: H Clarity: SI1 Cut: Old Round Brilliant Cut Weigh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Bespoke Loose Rare Green Yttrium Aluminium Garnet 18.87ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A Loose Rare Green Yttrium Aluminium Garnet weighing 18.87ct. Metal: N/A Carat: 18.87ct Colour: Green Clarity: N/A Cut: Round Weight: N/A Eng...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, White Gold

0.58 Carat Padparadscha Sapphire Loose Gemstone Pear Shape 6x5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 0.58 carat pear shaped Padparadscha Sapphire loose gemstone! This Padparadscha Sapphire gemstone would be perfect for the jewelry setting for your choice and c...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire

19.60 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Gemstone. AAA Gem
Located in Miami, FL
This superb loose emerald boasts a remarkable 19.60 carats and features a stunning cushion cut, measuring 6.20 x 5.80 mm. With its deep color and intense green hue, this natural eart...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

15.50 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Gemstone. AAA Gem
Located in Miami, FL
Presenting this superb loose emerald, boasting a remarkable weight of 15.50 carats and measuring 3.40 x 8.80 mm. Its deep color and shine, along with its strong green hue, make it a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

0.59 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Loose Gemstone Pear Shape 6x5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 0.59 carat pear shaped Ceylon Sapphire loose gemstone. This Ceylon Sapphire gemstone would be perfect for the jewelry setting of your choice and can be a lovel...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

2.29ct Oval Natural No Heat Blue Sapphire
Located in Lanham, MD
Elevate your style with our exquisite 2.29-carat oval blue sapphire. Crafted from natural sapphire, this gemstone exudes timeless elegance and captivating allure. Whether you’re desi...
Category

2010s African Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

0.70 Carat Padparadscha Sapphire Loose Gemstone Pear Shape 6x4.5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 0.70 carat Padparadscha Sapphire loose gemstone! This Padparadscha Sapphire gemstone would be perfect for the jewelry setting of your choice and can be a lovel...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire

1 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Loose Gemstone Oval 7x5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 0.98 carat Ceylon Sapphire loose gemstone! This Ceylon Sapphire gemstone would be perfect for the jewelry setting of your choice and can be a lovely September ...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

GIA Certified Paraiba Tourmaline 1.52 Carat Natural
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
It comes with the Original GIA Certificate Natural Paraiba Tourmaline Carat Weight: 1.52 Carats Measurements: 6.99 x 6.13 x 5.57 mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Paraiba

7.38 Carat Black Opal Loose Gemstone Oval 16x12mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 7.38 carat loose Black Opal gemstone! Black Opal is often called the "king of opals". This gemstone would be perfect for the je...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

Bespoke Loose Natural Tanzanite 7.68ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A Loose Natural Emerald Cut Tanzanite, Deep Violetish Blue colour, weighting 7.68ct. 14.29 x 9.93 x 5.45mm. Metal: N/A Carat: 7.68ct Colour: Deep Violetish Blue Clarity: N/A Cut: Em...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite, White Gold

GIA Certified Paraiba Tourmaline 1.52 Carat Natural
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
It comes with the Original GIA Certificate Natural Paraiba Tourmaline Carat Weight: 1.52 Carats Measurements: 6.99 x 6.13 x 5.57 mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Paraiba

1.61 Carat Yellow Sapphire Loose Gemstone Emerald Cut 7x5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 1.61 carat emerald cut Yellow Sapphire loose gemstone! This Yellow Sapphire would be perfect for the jewelry setting of your choice! Specifications Stone: S...
Category

2010s American Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire

8.46 Carat Black Opal Loose Gemstone Pear Shape 21x14mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents an 8.46 carat pear shaped Black Opal loose gemstone! Black Opal is often called the "king of opals". This gemstone would be perfect for the jewelry setting of yo...
Category

2010s American Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

6.95 Carat Star Ruby Loose Gemstone Oval 11.5 x 9.4 mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 6.95 carat oval Star Ruby loose gemstone! A Star Ruby is a type of gemstone that displays a six-rayed star when light is shone onto it. Star rubies are unique ...
Category

2010s American Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby, Star Ruby

0.48 Carat Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone Emerald Cut 6x4.81mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 0.48 carat emerald cut Colombian Emerald loose gemstone! This Colombian Emerald would be perfect for the jewelry setting of your choice! This Colombian Emerald...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Bluish Green & Light Green Bicolor Tourmaline Ring Gemstone, 9.20 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 9.20 Carats SHAPE: Emerald SIZE (MM): 16.00 x 8.78 x 7.38 COLOR: Bluish Green & Light Green Bicolor CLARITY: Slightly Included Approx ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Natural Blue Aquamarine Gemstone 6.22 carats / JupiterGem
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the serene beauty of Aquamarine at 1stDibs, where nature's finest gemstones are curated for discerning collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. This exquisite Aquamarine captur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine

GIA Certified Paraiba Tourmaline 1.52 Carat Natural
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
It comes with the Original GIA Certificate Natural Paraiba Tourmaline Carat Weight: 1.52 Carats Measurements: 6.99 x 6.13 x 5.57 mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Paraiba

GIA Certified Round Brilliant Cut Diamond 1.83ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1.83-carat round brilliant cut diamond. GIA grade J color, i1 clarity. The two inclusions are located toward the edge and are hard to see without 10-power magnification. Measures 7.7...
Category

Mid-20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

8.40ct Baguette Cut Rubellite Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Lanham, MD
This exquisite natural gemstone features a rich, dark-red color that falls within the rubellite variety of tourmalines. With a carat weight of 8.40ct, this baguette-cut beauty measur...
Category

2010s African Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

GIA Certified 0.15 Carat Fancy Deep Brownish Purple Pink Diamond
Located in บางรัก, TH
Certificate: GIA Report Number: 5181816840 Shape And Cut: Marquise Carat Weight: 0.15 carat Measurements: 5.37 x 2.47 x 1.63 mm Color Grade: Fancy Deep Brownish Purple Pink FEATURE...
Category

2010s Asian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond

GIA Certified 1.00 Carat Fancy White Diamond
Located in บางรัก, TH
Certificate: GIA Report Number: 2205520636 Shape And Cut: Heart Carat Weight: 1.00 carat Measurements: 5.46 x 6.53 x 3.62 mm Color Grade: Fancy White This Fancy white diamonds are r...
Category

2010s Asian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

2.19 Carat Pink Sapphire Loose Gemstone Oval 9x7mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 2.19 carat oval Pink Sapphire loose gemstone! This Pink Sapphire gemstone would be perfect for the jewelry setting...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire

0.66 Carat Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone Emerald Cut 5.70x5.38mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 0.66 carat emerald cut Colombian Emerald loose gemstone! This Colombian Emerald would be perfect for the jewelry setting of your choice! This Colombian Emerald...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.10 Carat Natural Loose Amethyst And Citrine Gemstone For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Amethyst And Citrine Weight: 4.10 Carats Citrine Sizes: 2.45 Carat Amethyst Size: 1.60 Carat Colour: Purple Origin: Brazil Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Shape: Emera...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine

2.52 Carat Blue Sapphire Loose Gemstone Pear Shape 8x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents 2.52 carat pear shape Blue Sapphire loose gemstone! This Blue Sapphire gemstone would be perfect for the jewelry setting of your choice and can be a lovely Septe...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

Rare Purple Natural Amethyst Gemstone, 27.30 Ct Emerald Cut for Pendant Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Amethyst PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 27.30 Carats SHAPE: Step Emerald Cut SIZE (MM): 21.79 x 14.32 x 11.82 COLOR: Purple CLARITY: Eye Clean TREATMENT: None ORIGIN: Africa CER...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Congolese Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

5.20 Carat Pretty Natural Loose Green Lagoon Tourmaline Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Lagoon Tourmaline Weight: 5.20 Carats Dimension: 10.7 x 9 x 7 Mm Colour: Green Lagoon Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Tourmaline is a captiva...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Stunning 9 Carat Blue Sapphire Loose Gemstone Cushion Cut 12x9.5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a stunning 9 carat cushion cut Blue Sapphire gemstone! This Sapphire gemstone would be perfect for the statement ring setting or pendant setting of your choice a...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

9.95 Carats Natural Loose Amethyst Pixelated Cut Gem For Necklace
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Amethyst Weight: 9.95 Carats Dimension: 18 x 10 x 7.6 Mm Colour: Purple Origin: Brazil Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Shape: Emerald Cut : Pixel Cut Amethyst, a stunni...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

230.25 Carat Carbonado Black Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This huge 230.25 carat completely natural and lustrous black diamond is the most unique treasure you will ever buy. Scientists agree that these rare gemstones may have been formed in...
Category

2010s Canadian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Black Diamond

Heart-Shaped Pink Sapphire Cts 1.74
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Fall head over heels for this 1.74 Cts heart-shaped pink sapphire, which has been skillfully fashioned into the shape of a heart to symbolize passion and love. This gemstone reflec...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

GIA Certified Paraiba Tourmaline 1.52 Carat Natural
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
It comes with the Original GIA Certificate Natural Paraiba Tourmaline Carat Weight: 1.52 Carats Measurements: 6.99 x 6.13 x 5.57 mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Paraiba

Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 6.03ct Radiant Diamond J SI1
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose radiant cut diamond, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made into a ring of your liking. Crafted by some of the most prestigious bench jewelers in ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond

1.01 Carat Brazilian Opal Loose Gemstone Marquise 13x5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Presenting a 1.01 carat marquise shape brazilian opal gemstone! Nothing beats this gem’s play-of-color! This gemstone is ideal for creating elegant and ...
Category

2010s American Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Rare Pink Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone, 6.40 Carat Baguette Cut for Ring/Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 6.40 Carats SHAPE: Baguette SIZE (MM): 17.65 x 7.18 x 5.10 mm COLOR: Pink Bicolor CLARITY: 90% Eye Clean TREATMENT: Heated ORIGIN: Afg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

7.33 Carat Ethiopian Opal Gemstone Oval 17x12.5mm Loose Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
Presenting a 7.33 carat ethiopian opal loose gemstone. Nothing beats this gem’s play-of-color! This gemstone is ideal for creating elegant and enchanting jewelry pieces! Specificat...
Category

2010s American Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural Blue Sapphire Pear and Pink Sapphire Pear & Emerald Pear Loose Gemstones
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Discover an exquisite collection of loose gemstones that encapsulate elegance and sophistication. The Blue Sapphire Pear, boasting a majestic 1.84 carat gem from Madagascar, shines in its natural beauty with measurements of 9.91x5.76x4.49mm. Next in this stunning assortment is the Pink Sapphire Pear, a remarkable 1.74-carat gemstone from the landscape of Sri Lanka with harmonious dimensions of 9.67x5.89x4.15mm. Completing this elegant trio is the Emerald Pear, a captivating 1.42-carat gem measuring 9.94x5.59x4.67mm sourced from Zambia, Africa. Together, these exquisite gemstones create a total weight of 5.00 carats. These three stones work...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire

Rare Green Emerald/Octagon Cut Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone, 6.25 Ct-Afghan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Fantastic Yellowish Green Emerald/Octagon Cut Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones from Afghanistan! This exquisite Emerald Cut gemstone is a radiant celebration of elegance and sophis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

GIA Certified Paraiba Tourmaline 1.52 Carat Natural
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
It comes with the Original GIA Certificate Natural Paraiba Tourmaline Carat Weight: 1.52 Carats Measurements: 6.99 x 6.13 x 5.57 mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Paraiba

Rare Lagoon Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone, 7.65 Ct-Cushion Cut Afghani
Located in Peshawar, PK
Introducing our exquisite Lagoon Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone, a rare find of top-tier quality. Meticulously cut and polished in a captivating cushion cut design, this gem...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

20.27 Carat Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone Oval 24x17mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 20.27 carat loose Ethiopian Opal gemstone! Opals are celebrated for thier briliiant flashes of color and stunning patterns,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Rare Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone, 5.80 Carat-Emerald/Octagon Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Introducing our stunning 5.80 Carat Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone, sourced from Africa and meticulously crafted in an elegant emerald cut. Revel in its exceptional luster...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Congolese Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Huge Gigantic 77.15 Carats Loose Dark London Blue Topaz Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose London Blue Topaz Weight: 77.15 Carats Dimension: 29 x 22 x 14.9 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: long Cushion Color: Deep Blue Certificate: On Customer Demand London Blue Topaz is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

1.65 Carat Natural Loose Blue Sapphire Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Sapphire Weight: 1.65 Carats Dimension: 6.9x6.6x3.6 Mm Origin: Madagascar Africa Shape: Cushion Color: Blue Treatment: Non Certificate; On Demand Blue sapphire, with its mes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Baroque Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire

7.75 Carats Natural LoosePurple Amethyst Ring Gem Round Shape Brazil Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Facet Amethyst Weight: 7.75 Carats Dimension: 13.3x13.1x8.3 Mm Origin: Brazil Color: Purple Shape: Round Treatment: Non Certificate; On Customer Demand Amethyst, a gemstone of ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Anglo-Indian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

3.70 Carat Natural Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Cushion Shape Gem For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Weight: 3.70 Carats Dimension: 8.3 x 8 x 6.5 Mm Colour: Aqua Blue And Mint Green Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Tourmaline is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

2.00 Carat Natural Loose Cushion Shape Colourless African Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 2.00 Carats Dimension: 7.9 x 7 x 5.2 Mm Colour: Colourless Origin: Africa Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Shape: Cushion Tourmaline, a gemston...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central African Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Rare Purple Pink Kunzite Gemstone, 25.80 Carat Cushion Cut for Necklace Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Kunzite PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 25.80 Carats SHAPE: Square Cushion SIZE (MM): 16.94 x 16.57 x 12.90 COLOR: Purple Pink CLARITY: Approx Eye Clean TREATMENT: Heated ORIGIN: Afghanistan CERTIFICATE: On demand A very breathtaking rare purple pink color natural Kunzite loose Gemstone...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Kunzite

12.7ct Triangular Cut Amethyst Loose Gemstone
Located in Lanham, MD
Introducing our stunning 12.7ct Triangular Cut Amethyst Loose Gemstone, a dazzling masterpiece that combines size, shape, and color in perfect harmony. This exceptional gemstone boas...
Category

2010s African Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

3.07 Carat Peacock Sapphire Loose Gemstone Pear Shape 8x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 3.07 carat pear shaped Peacock Sapphire loose gemstone! This Blue Sapphire gemstone would be perfect for the jewelry setting of...
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Pretty Natural Loose Green Lagoon Tourmaline 3.55 Carat Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Lagoon Tourmaline Weight: 3.55 Carats Dimension: 11 x 7 x 5.4 Mm Colour: Green Lagoon Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Tourmaline is a captivat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

2 Amethyst Cube Cts 26.42
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Illuminate your world with this pair. Each of these two exquisite amethyst cube stones is 10.1 x 10.1 mm, perfect squares with a combined weight of 26.42 carats. They have a uniqu...
Category

2010s Asian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

Watermelon Bicolor Green & Pink Natural Tourmaline (Elbaite) Gemstones, 2.60 Ct
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type: Tourmaline Weight: 2.60 Carats Dimensions: 0.90 Carat: 7.23 x 4.51 x 3.22 0.95 Carat: 7.96 x 4.28 x 3.13 0.75 Carat: 6.20 x 4.22 x 3.39 Color: Watermelon Bicolor (Gre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Rare Black-Blue Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone Pairs, 2.20 Ct Emerald Cut-Earrings
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): Pair WEIGHT: 2.20 Carats SHAPE: Emerald SIZE (MM): 1.25 Carat: 8.12 x 4.61 x 3.70 0.95 Carat: 7.99 x 4.31 x 3.36 COLOR: Bicolor Black and Blue CL...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Exceptional Vivid Tanzanite Loose Stone 11.01 Carats GIA Certified
Located in Media, PA
GIA REPORT NUMBER: 6234199403 This exceptional loose tanzanite stone, weighing 11.01 carats, has been certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for its authenticity. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite

Loose Gemstones for Sale on 1stDibs

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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