{"id":355331,"date":"2021-06-25T13:42:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-25T17:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/?p=355331"},"modified":"2021-12-15T05:18:09","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T10:18:09","slug":"loose-gemstones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/buy\/loose-gems\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"950\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage_horizontal-950x475.jpg\" alt=\"loose gemstones from Merkaba\" class=\"wp-image-355538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage_horizontal-950x475.jpg 950w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage_horizontal-700x350.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage_horizontal-120x60.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage_horizontal-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage_horizontal-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage_horizontal-1600x800.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage_horizontal.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Loose stones from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/dealers\/merkaba\/\">Merkaba<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Why might you purchase a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/buy\/loose-gemstones\/\">diamond or gemstone \u201cloose\u201d<\/a> \u2014 that is, on its own, not mounted in a piece of jewelry? Perhaps you&#8217;re a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment. The scarcity of high-quality <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/fancy-colored-diamond-engagement-rings\/\">colored diamonds<\/a>, for instance, especially <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/pink-diamonds\/\">pinks<\/a>, means that their value increases over time; the same is true of rare <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/buy\/kashmir-sapphire-ring\/\">Kashmiri sapphires<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/buy\/burmese-rubies\/\">Burmese rubies<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A more common scenario would be that you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/buy\/loose-ruby\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"599\" height=\"438\" src=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/2_13ct_ruby_1_master-1.jpeg\" alt=\"ring sketch with pigeon's blood ruby loose stone\" class=\"wp-image-356293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/2_13ct_ruby_1_master-1.jpeg 599w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/2_13ct_ruby_1_master-1-479x350.jpeg 479w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/2_13ct_ruby_1_master-1-120x88.jpeg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Harakh created a sketch of a ring that could be made with its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/jewelry\/rings\/engagement-rings\/harakh-ags-certified-213-carat-natural-pigeon-blood-ruby-custom-made\/id-j_10263622\/\">2.13-carat natural pigeon blood ruby<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you peruse 1stDibs with any regularity, you know there is no shortage of vendors who deal in top-quality <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/collections\/loose-gemstones\/jewelry\/\">loose gemstones<\/a>. Some also offer the option of designing a bespoke piece using a stone you have chosen from their inventory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But even the world\u2019s savviest gem hunter would never click to purchase without taking some basic precautions and requesting some reassurances. Read on for ways to make the process smooth, straightforward and stress-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" id=\"educate-yourself\"><strong>Educate Yourself <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/buy\/loose-peridot\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/7_34_o_c_PeridotIMG_4432_master.jpeg\" alt=\"7.34-carat oval peridot \" class=\"wp-image-356242\" width=\"797\" height=\"514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/7_34_o_c_PeridotIMG_4432_master.jpeg 797w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/7_34_o_c_PeridotIMG_4432_master-543x350.jpeg 543w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/7_34_o_c_PeridotIMG_4432_master-120x77.jpeg 120w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/7_34_o_c_PeridotIMG_4432_master-768x495.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 797px) 100vw, 797px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/jewelry\/rings\/three-stone-rings\/734-carat-peridot-oval-unset-loose-3-stone-engagement-ring-pendant-gemstone\/id-j_10885602\/\">7.34-carat oval peridot<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/creators\/sarosi-by-timeless-gems\/jewelry\/\">Sarosi By Timeless Gems<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When buying any piece of gem-set fine jewelry, you should familiarize yourself with the factors that determine a stone&#8217;s price. This will enable you to streamline your search for the perfect gem and have intelligent, productive conversations with sellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a wealth of information online, such as our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/4-cs-grading-diamonds\/\">diamond-buying guide<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/colored-gemstone-engagement-rings\/\">this overview of colored gemstones<\/a> for engagement rings. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gia.edu\/gem-encyclopedia\">buying guides<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMost reputable gemstone dealers love to transact with well-informed and educated consumers,&#8221; says Harakh Mehta, designer and founder of the Mumbai, India\u2013based fine-jewelry brand <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/dealers\/harakh-usa-llc\/\">Harakh<\/a>. Being well-informed extends to learning about applicable duties and taxes, as well as a dealer\u2019s shipping logistics and fees, return policies and delivery times, which can vary, particularly if you are buying overseas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" id=\"vet-your-vendor\"><strong>Vet Your Vendor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/jewelry\/stone\/yellow-diamond\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJ__master_comp-copy-950x695.jpg\" alt=\"\u00c9d\u00e9enne sketched a necklace for this GIA-certified 15.63-carat fancy yellow diamond\" class=\"wp-image-356256\" width=\"713\" height=\"521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJ__master_comp-copy-950x695.jpg 950w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJ__master_comp-copy-478x350.jpg 478w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJ__master_comp-copy-120x88.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJ__master_comp-copy-768x562.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJ__master_comp-copy-1536x1124.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJ__master_comp-copy-2048x1499.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJ__master_comp-copy-1275x933.jpg 1275w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>\u00c9d\u00e9enne sketched a necklace for this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/jewelry\/necklaces\/drop-necklaces\/gia-certified-1563-carat-fancy-yellow-diamond-bespoke-jewel\/id-j_12380802\/\">GIA-certified 15.63-carat fancy yellow diamond<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u2014 and consult customer reviews \u2014 before making contact. As a fourth-generation member of a family of diamantaires, Mehta has an innate understanding of proper client relations, especially when the customer is in unfamiliar territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His advice: \u201cStart chatting with the dealer, get to know them better. It\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a bad feeling about the transaction, trust your gut. Adrianne Sanogo, chair of education for the <a href=\"https:\/\/blackinjewelry.org\/\">Black in Jewelry Coalition<\/a>, says, \u201cWalk away if the seller is reluctant or unable to answer questions on treatments, is impatient or angers easily, is reluctant to provide a return policy, cannot guarantee authenticity or is pressuring you to buy.\u201d<em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" id=\"request-documentation\"><strong>Request Documentation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/buy\/loose-emerald\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"454\" src=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/mobilejpegupload_BCE0636B49FD4212B3FAB327FC182B47_master.jpeg\" alt=\"Colombian Emerald Earrings Gemstone Pair 3.11 Carats Cushion Loose Gems\" class=\"wp-image-356283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/mobilejpegupload_BCE0636B49FD4212B3FAB327FC182B47_master.jpeg 849w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/mobilejpegupload_BCE0636B49FD4212B3FAB327FC182B47_master-655x350.jpeg 655w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/mobilejpegupload_BCE0636B49FD4212B3FAB327FC182B47_master-120x64.jpeg 120w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/mobilejpegupload_BCE0636B49FD4212B3FAB327FC182B47_master-768x411.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/jewelry\/earrings\/stud-earrings\/colombian-emerald-earrings-gemstone-pair-311-carats-cushion-loose-gems\/id-j_12093522\/\">Pair of cushion-cut Colombian emeralds, 3.11 carats from Merkaba<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Any precious gemstone you plan to insure should be accompanied by a grading certificate from a gemological laboratory, the GIA being the most prestigious. \u201cCertificates are put in place to create transparency and boost the consumer\u2019s confidence in a product,\u201d says Zhanna Beissekova, head gemologist at International Gemological Reports (IGR), in London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best dealers go to great lengths to furnish clients with documents verifying the quality rating, natural origin and provenance of a stone \u2014 showing, for example, that an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/jewelry\/rings\/engagement-rings\/175-carat-grs-certified-no-oil-muzo-green-octagon-cut-colombian-emerald\/id-j_12291452\/?utm_content=condensed&amp;dibs_campaign=buyer&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw_JuGBhBkEiwA1xmbReAR3SNJJzDS0eEd7jQ0XRzTJLPMkPkz3LXskeIkGGFDRkapr9wIPRoCEqEQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\">emerald<\/a> hails from the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/dealers\/muzo-emerald-colombia\/\">Muzo mine<\/a> in Colombia \u2014 and disclosing any treatments applied to enhance its appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under what circumstances would it be okay to purchase a stone<em> without<\/em> certification? \u201cThe only exceptions are with diamonds below three-quarters of a carat or if it&#8217;s an antique ring in which the diamonds are bezel-set \u2014 GIA will only grade loose diamonds,\u201d says Jonathan Birnbach, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/dealers\/j-birnbach\/\">J. Birnbach<\/a> in New York, noting that a bezel setting makes it difficult to pry a diamond out. \u201cIn that case, we offer an appraisal based upon our analysis of the diamonds. Outside of these two categories, we strongly recommend that every diamond comes with a GIA certificate.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But whatever reassurance a lab certificate offers, don&#8217;t let technical details distract you from focusing on finding a gem you love. \u201cThe most important thing to keep in mind is that what you prefer does not necessarily have to be the best-graded gem,\u201d says Sanogo. \u201cBuy what you like, and you will never be disappointed.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" id=\"ask-for-videos-visuals\"><strong>Ask for Videos &amp; Visuals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/jewelry\/stone\/blue-diamond\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"918\" height=\"471\" src=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/V2116_on_Hand_master.jpeg\" alt=\"J. Birnbach GIA-certified 2.61-carat fancy vivid blue VS2 pear brilliant diamond\" class=\"wp-image-356270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/V2116_on_Hand_master.jpeg 918w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/V2116_on_Hand_master-682x350.jpeg 682w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/V2116_on_Hand_master-120x62.jpeg 120w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/V2116_on_Hand_master-768x394.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>If the dealer has not already posted one, ask to see an image of the stone on a hand to get a sense of scale, like J. Birnbach did with this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/jewelry\/rings\/engagement-rings\/j-birnbach-gia-certified-261-carat-fancy-vivid-blue-vs2-pear-brilliant-diamond\/id-j_10913032\/\">GIA-certified 2.61-carat fancy vivid blue VS2 pear brilliant diamond<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Specify photos shot under different lighting conditions, including both natural and incandescent light (from a standard bulb), to get a more accurate idea of the stone&#8217;s color and sparkle in real life. Beissekova further recommends that you \u201cask for the videos to be taken on a hand, as it can help with understanding the size of the stone better.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" id=\"research-comps\"><strong>Research Comps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/buy\/loose-diamonds\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/11711092_master-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Flawless D color GIA-certified 5.13-carat emerald cut diamond\" class=\"wp-image-356275\" width=\"475\" height=\"345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/11711092_master-1.jpeg 950w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/11711092_master-1-483x350.jpeg 483w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/11711092_master-1-120x87.jpeg 120w, https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/11711092_master-1-768x557.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/jewelry\/rings\/solitaire-rings\/flawless-d-color-gia-certified-513-carat-emerald-cut-diamond\/id-j_11711092\/\">Flawless D color GIA-certified 5.13-carat emerald cut diamond from Antinori Fine Jewels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, how do you know if you\u2019re getting a good deal? If it were a house, you\u2019d go on Zillow to see what comparable homes have recently sold for in the same neighborhood. For colored gems, unfortunately, \u201cthere is no perfect indicator for a &#8216;good deal,&#8217; &#8221; says Sanogo, &#8220;because of the many factors that must be taken into account before assigning value.\u201d Different colored-stone categories have different criteria for determining value, but <a href=\"https:\/\/gemstoneacademy.com\/colored-gemstone-price-guide\/\">this list<\/a> on the Gemstone Academy website is a good place to crunch the numbers on a very basic level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHowever,&#8221; she continues, &#8220;prices for diamonds in the D-Z color range are somewhat more straightforward or standardized.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Head to <a href=\"https:\/\/rapaport.com\/diamondprices\/\">Rapaport<\/a> for the definitive price list that most diamond dealers use as a guideline, to aid in your negotiations. And again, working with a seller who has a sterling reputation can boost your confidence in the fairness of the quoted price.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"interstitial-banner interstitial-banner-collection interstitial-container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"interstitial-content\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"interstitial-background-image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage_horizontal-1-1000x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-interstitial size-interstitial\" alt=\"gemstones\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container interstitial-text\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"interstitial-link-around-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/collections\/loose-gemstones\/jewelry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"interstitial-heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover Loose Gemstones on 1stDibs\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"interstitial-subheading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"gold-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/collections\/loose-gemstones\/jewelry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Shop All<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why might you purchase a diamond or gemstone \u201cloose\u201d \u2014 that is, on its own, not mounted in a piece of jewelry? Perhaps you&#8217;re a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment. The scarcity of high-quality colored diamonds, for instance, especially pinks, means that their value increases over time; the same is true of rare [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":293,"featured_media":356248,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"2021-06-25T17:47:02Z","apple_news_api_id":"95e39669-a325-4b96-ae3a-1699164bebd5","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2021-10-08T15:26:17Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAw==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AleOWaaMlS5auOhaZFkvr1Q","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15523143],"tags":[15550746,15567575,15540883,3433553,15540863,15525873,9772243,4476543,7396093,15568060,15567862,102,14480473,140,15567568,15567225],"dibs-categories":[],"dibs-designs":[],"dibs-styles":[],"dibs-creators":[],"dibs-sellers":[],"class_list":["post-355331","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-jewelry-2","tag-amy-elliott","tag-colombian-emeralds","tag-cushion-cut","tag-diamonds","tag-emerald-cut","tag-emeralds","tag-gemological-institute-of-america","tag-gemstone","tag-gemstones","tag-harakh","tag-j-birnbach","tag-jewelry","tag-muzo","tag-peridot","tag-pigeons-blood-rubies","tag-yellow-diamonds"],"acf":{"post_format":"article","subtitle":"Be a rock star \u2014 here\u2019s what to expect from your transactions with stone dealers, ways to prepare and how to determine if you\u2019re getting a good deal. \r\n","show_date":true,"interstitial_banners":[{"acf_fc_layout":"collection","interstitial_banner_shortcode":"loose-gemstones","interstitial_banner_background_image":356249,"interstitial_banner_heading":"Discover Loose Gemstones on 1stDibs","interstitial_banner_subheading":"","interstitial_banner_button_text":"Shop All","interstitial_banner_button_url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/collections\/loose-gemstones\/jewelry\/"}],"show_related_items_footer_popup":false,"slideshows":false,"contributors":{"hide_byline":false,"columnist":[{"ID":361857,"post_author":"293","post_date":"2021-12-14 22:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-15 03:36:15","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph {\"placeholder\":\"Add Bio...\"} -->\n<p>Amy Elliott is a freelance writer who specializes in fine jewelry. A lively presence in the editorial community for more than two decades, she has held senior staff positions at the <em>Knot<\/em>, <em>Brides<\/em> and <em>Lucky<\/em> magazines, was the engagement rings expert at About.com and currently writes jewelry stories for an array of print and online media, including <em>JCK<\/em> (where she is a contributing editor), the <em>Zing Report<\/em> and the <em>New York Times<\/em>. Her byline has also appeared in <em>DuJour<\/em>, <em>Galerie<\/em>, <em>Martha Stewart Weddings<\/em>, <em>Wynn<\/em>, <em>Gotham<\/em> and <em>Hamptons<\/em>, among other publications.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Amy Elliott","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"amy-elliott","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-09-03 16:23:37","post_modified_gmt":"2025-09-03 20:23:37","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/contributors\/amy-elliott\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"contributors","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"photographer":"","custom_byline":false}},"dibs_designs_tags":null,"dibs_sellers_tags":null,"dibs_creators_tags":null,"dibs_styles_tags":null,"dibs_categories_tags":null,"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage-640x450.jpg","post_title":"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry","fimg_url":{"thumbnail":{"source_url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage-120x120.jpg","width":120,"height":120},"medium":{"source_url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage-350x350.jpg","width":350,"height":350},"full":{"source_url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage.jpg","width":1000,"height":1000}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage.jpg","apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry | The Study<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Be a rock star \u2014 here\u2019s what to expect from your transactions with stone dealers, ways to prepare and how to determine if you\u2019re getting a good deal.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Be a rock star \u2014 here\u2019s what to expect from your transactions with stone dealers, ways to prepare and how to determine if you\u2019re getting a good deal.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Study\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/1stdibs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-06-25T17:42:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-12-15T10:18:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Amy Elliott\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@1stDibs\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@1stDibs\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Amy Elliott\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/\",\"name\":\"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry | The Study\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-06-25T17:42:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-12-15T10:18:09+00:00\",\"description\":\"Be a rock star \u2014 here\u2019s what to expect from your transactions with stone dealers, ways to prepare and how to determine if you\u2019re getting a good deal.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage.jpg\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":1000,\"caption\":\"loose gemstones\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/\",\"name\":\"The Study\",\"description\":\"1stDibs Blog about antique and modern furniture, jewelry, fashion &amp; art\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#organization\",\"name\":\"1stDibs\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/1stDibs_favicon_512x512-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/1stDibs_favicon_512x512-1.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"1stDibs\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/1stdibs\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/1stDibs\",\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/1stdibs\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/1stdibs-com\/\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/1stdibs\/\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry | The Study","description":"Be a rock star \u2014 here\u2019s what to expect from your transactions with stone dealers, ways to prepare and how to determine if you\u2019re getting a good deal.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry","og_description":"Be a rock star \u2014 here\u2019s what to expect from your transactions with stone dealers, ways to prepare and how to determine if you\u2019re getting a good deal.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/","og_site_name":"The Study","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/1stdibs","article_published_time":"2021-06-25T17:42:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2021-12-15T10:18:09+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":1000,"url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Amy Elliott","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry","twitter_creator":"@1stDibs","twitter_site":"@1stDibs","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Amy Elliott","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/","url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/","name":"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry | The Study","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage.jpg","datePublished":"2021-06-25T17:42:00+00:00","dateModified":"2021-12-15T10:18:09+00:00","description":"Be a rock star \u2014 here\u2019s what to expect from your transactions with stone dealers, ways to prepare and how to determine if you\u2019re getting a good deal.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/gemstones_collage.jpg","width":1000,"height":1000,"caption":"loose gemstones"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/loose-gemstones\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Buy Loose Gemstones and Create Custom Jewelry"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/","name":"The Study","description":"1stDibs Blog about antique and modern furniture, jewelry, fashion &amp; art","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#organization","name":"1stDibs","url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/1stDibs_favicon_512x512-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-content\/uploads\/1stDibs_favicon_512x512-1.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"1stDibs"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/1stdibs","https:\/\/x.com\/1stDibs","https:\/\/instagram.com\/1stdibs\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/1stdibs-com\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/1stdibs\/"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/355331","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/293"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=355331"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/355331\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":362687,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/355331\/revisions\/362687"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/356248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=355331"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=355331"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=355331"},{"taxonomy":"dibs-categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dibs-categories?post=355331"},{"taxonomy":"dibs-designs","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dibs-designs?post=355331"},{"taxonomy":"dibs-styles","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dibs-styles?post=355331"},{"taxonomy":"dibs-creators","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dibs-creators?post=355331"},{"taxonomy":"dibs-sellers","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dibs-sellers?post=355331"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}