$1,260Sale Price|30% Off
4.90 Carat Natural Loose Bicolour Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Brisbane, AU
Faceted Tricolour Tourmaline Weight: 4.90 Carats Dimension: 10.4 x 8.3 x 6.3 Mm Colour: Blue, Black Shape: Emerald Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: None Certificate: On Demand .
Tourmaline
$560Sale Price|20% Off
5.05 Carats Bicolour Natural Loose Tourmaline
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Bicolour Tourmaline Weight: 5.05 Carats Dimension: 11.6 x 7.7 x 6 Mm Shape: Emerald Colour: Black & Maroon Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: None Certificate: On Demand .
Tourmaline
$1,487Sale Price|30% Off
Vibrant Intense Blue Natural Indicolite Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 1.90 CT
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vibrant Intense Blue Natural Indicolite Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, or any other Jewelry Setting-Step Emerald Cut from Kunar Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
$3,591Sale Price|20% Off
Indicolite Blue Natural Tourmaline Ring, Necklace Pendant Gemstone 10 Ct-Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Indicolite Blue Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut from Kunar, Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Indicolit...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
2.80 Carats Seafaom Faceted Tourmaline Natural Gemstone
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Seafaom Tourmaline Weight: 2.80 Carats Dimension: 8.9 x 6.2 x 6 Mm Shape: Emerald Colour: Seafoam Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: None Certificate: On Demand .
Tourmaline
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Indicolite Loose Tourmaline Gemstone, 1.50 Carats, SI Clarity
Located in Bangkok, TH
Lovely Indicolite Loose Tourmaline Gemstone, Tourmaline For Sale At Wholesale Price Natural High Quality 1.50 Carats SI Clarity Loose Tourmaline From Afghanistan. Product Informatio...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
$1,044Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Blue Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone, 4.35 Ct-Cushion Cut for ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type: Tourmaline Weight: 4.35 Carats Dimensions: 10.34 x 7.88 x 6.59 Color: Blue Green Clarity: Eye Clean Treatment: Not treated Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On demand ...
Tourmaline
$524Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Indicolite Tourmaline Gemstone 3.35 Carats
Located in Bangkok, TH
Natural Indicolite tourmaline gemstone, available for sale at wholesale price, natural high-quality, 3.35 carats Loose certified Indicolite tourmaline gemstone from Afghanistan. Pro...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
$265Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Grayish Blue Tourmaline Cocktail Ring in 925 Sterling Silver Handmade
Located in Peshawar, PK
Greyish Blue Natural Tourmaline Cocktail Ring in 925 Sterling Silver with side accent stones– Handmade Genuine Emerald Cut Gemstone Ring for Fine Jewelry, Engagement, Anniversary &am...
Tourmaline, Silver, Sterling Silver
3.95 Carats Bluish Green Tourmaline Natural Faceted Gemstone
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 3.95 Carats Dimension: 10.4 x 7.1 x 6 Mm Shape: Emerald Colour: Bluish-Green Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: None Certificate: On Demand .
Tourmaline
5.35 Carats Natural Bicolour Tourmaline Loose Gemstone
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Bicolour Tourmaline Weight: 5.35 Carats Dimension: 13.2 x 8.5 x 5 Mm Shape: Emerald Colour: Black & Maroon Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: None Certificate: On Demand .
Tourmaline
5.40 Carats Natural Loose Bicolour Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Bicolour Tourmaline Weight: 5.40 Carats Dimension: 15.3 x 6.3 x 6 Mm Shape: Emerald Colour: Lime Green & Pink Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: None Certificate: On Demand .
Tourmaline
$410Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Green Tourmaline Band Ring in 925 Sterling Silver — Handmade Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Green Tourmaline 3-Stone Band Ring in 925 Sterling Silver – Handmade Genuine Tourmaline Gemstone Ring for Fine Jewelry, Engagement, Anniversary & Gift 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: ...
Tourmaline, Silver, Sterling Silver
3.85 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Pair Gemstone
By Gilt Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Lagoon Tourmaline Pair Weight: 3.85 Carat Dimension: 14.2 x 4.1 x 3.2 Mm 14.7 x 4.1 x 3.3 Mm Colour: Lagoon Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer D...
Tourmaline, Other
2.25 Carat Natural Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Octagon Cut Gemstone
By Gilt Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Bi Colour Tourmaline Weight: 2.25 Carat Dimension: 7.3 x 6.4 x 5.3 Mm Colour: Green And Pink Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourma...
Tourmaline, Other
Watermelon Tourmaline 4.15 Carat Natural Loose Gemstone
By Gilt Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Bi-Colour Tourmaline Weight: 4.15 Carat Dimension: 13.8 x 7 x 4.5 Mm Colour: Green And Pink Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourmal...
Tourmaline, Other
Tri-Color Tourmaline Pair 19.40 Carat Loose Gemstone For Earring
By Gilt Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Tri-Colour Tourmaline Weight: 19.40 Carat Dimension: 16.1 x 10 x 6.4 Mm 16.2 x 10.2 x 6.5 Mm Colour: Black, Green And Pink Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificat...
Tourmaline, Other
$168Sale Price|20% Off
Brilliant Natural Loose Tourmaline Gemstone 1.55 Carats Green Tourmaline
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brilliant Natural Loose Tourmaline Gemstone, available for sale at wholesale price natural high quality 1.55 Carats Loose Tourmaline From Afghanistan. Product Information: GEMSTONE ...
Tourmaline
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
6.35 Carats Loose Lagoonish Green Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Brisbane, AU
Faceted Tourmaline Weight: 6.35 Carats Dimension: 12.8x8.9x6.9 Mm Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Cut: Scissors Treatment: Non Color: Lagoon Green Certificate: On Custome...
Tourmaline
3.80 Carats Natural Bicolor Loose Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Bicolour Tourmaline Weight: 3.80 Carats Dimension: 10.4 x 7 x 5.8 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Colour: Green & Seafaom Treatment: None Certificate: On Demand .
Tourmaline, Other
2.45 Carats Natural Seafaom Tourmaline Loose Gemstone
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Seafoam Tourmaline Weight: 2.45 Carats Dimension: 10.6 x 5.9 x 4.5 Mm Shape: Emerald Colour: Seafoam Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: None Certificate: On Demand .
Tourmaline, Other
$920Sale Price|20% Off
3.25 Carat Natural Loose Blue Green Tourmaline Pair Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Blue Green Tourmaline Pair Weight: 3.25 Carat Dimension : 8.8 x 5.2 x 4.2 Mm 8.8 x 5.1 x 4.2 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Colour: Blue Green Treatment: Non Certificate: On Cu...
Tourmaline, Other
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
5.00 Carat Natural Loose Blue Green Tourmaline Pair Gemstone For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Blue Green Tourmaline Weight: 5.00 Carat Dimension : 9.6 x 5.7 x 5.3 Mm 9.7 x 5.7 x 5.4 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Colour: Blue Green Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer ...
Tourmaline, Other
$448Sale Price|20% Off
1.05 Carat Natural Loose Reverse Pairs Tourmaline For Earring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Reverse colour Tourmaline Pair Weight: 1.05 Carats Dimension: 6 x 3.6 x 2.8 Mm And 6 x 3.6 x 3 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: N...
Tourmaline
$156Sale Price|20% Off
Deep Indicolite Loose Tourmaline 1.80 Carats Tourmaline Jewelry
Located in Bangkok, TH
Deep Indicolite Loose Tourmaline of 1.80 carats from Madagascar has a wonderful cut in a Octagon shape, incredible greenish-blue color. Great brilliance. This gem is SI Clarity. Pr...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
$384Sale Price|20% Off
11.60 Carat Exquisite Natural Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline October Birthstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Weight: 11.60 Carats Sizes: 5.55 And 6.00 Carat Dimension: 12.2 x 8.5 x 5.8 Mm And 12.5 x 8.5 x 6.2 Mm Colour: Black And Pink Ori...
Tourmaline
$520Sale Price|20% Off
2.50 Carats Natural Loose Baby Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 2.50 Carats Dimension: 8.3x6.2x5.8 Mm Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Treatment: Unheated/ Untreated Color: Pink Certificate: On Customer Demand...
Tourmaline
$520Sale Price|20% Off
2.40 Carat Natural Loose Tourmaline Set For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Tourmaline Set Weight: 2.40 Carat Sizes: Pink: 1.05 Carat Green: 0.75 Carat Seafoam: 0.75 Carat Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tou...
Tourmaline, Other
3.40 Cts Natural Bluish Green Tourmaline Loose Gemstone
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 3.40 Carats Dimension: 10.3 x 7.4 x 5.6 Mm Shape: Emerald Colour: Bluish-Green Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: None Certificate: On Demand .
Tourmaline, Other
$384Sale Price|20% Off
1.55 Carat Natural Loose Parti Tourmaline Pair Gemstone For Earrings
Located in Peshawar, PK
Tourmaline deposits are found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the United States, each producing unique specimens with distinct characteri...
Tourmaline
$240Sale Price|20% Off
1.10 Carat Natural Loose Blueish Tourmaline Asscher Cut Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Tourmaline deposits are found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the United States, each producing unique specimens with distinct characteri...
Tourmaline
$480Sale Price|20% Off
2.35 Carat Natural Loose Pink Tourmaline Ring Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Tourmaline deposits are found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the United States, each producing unique specimens with distinct characteri...
Tourmaline
$144Sale Price|20% Off
2.05 Carat Natural Loose Pink Tourmaline Pieces For Earrings
Located in Peshawar, PK
Tourmaline deposits are found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the United States, each producing unique specimens with distinct characteri...
Tourmaline
$232Sale Price|20% Off
Gorgeous 3.40 Carats Natural Loose Mint Tourmaline Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Tourmaline deposits are found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the United States, each producing unique specimens with distinct characteri...
Tourmaline
$280Sale Price|20% Off
1.85 Carat Natural Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Octagon Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Weight: 1.85 Carats Dimension: 6.6 x 6.1 x 5.5 Mm Shape: Octagon Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Tourmaline is a captivating ...
Tourmaline
$400Sale Price|20% Off
3.60 Carat Natural Loose Tourmaline Lot For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Lot Weight: 3.60 Carats Sizes: 1.25, 1.25 And 1.15 Carat Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Colour: Green And Pink Tourmaline is a capti...
Tourmaline
$240Sale Price|20% Off
2.40 Carat Natural Loose Dual Tourmaline For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Dual Tourmaline Weight: 6.80 Carats Dimension: 6.7 x 5.2 x 3.9 Mm And 8.5 x 5.4 x 3.7 Mm Colour: Green Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Tourmaline ...
Tourmaline
$400Sale Price|20% Off
1.30 Carat Natural Loose Rose Pink Tourmaline Long Cushion Shape Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Pink Tourmaline Weight: 1.30 Carat Dimension: 7.7 x 5.2 x 4.1 Mm Colour: Rose Pink Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Shape: Long Cushion Tourmaline is a cap...
Tourmaline
$696Sale Price|20% Off
4.75 Carat Adorable Natural Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Weight: 4.75 Carats Dimension: 9.8 x 9 x 7.4 Mm Colour: Ink Blue Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Shape: Cushion Tourmaline i...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
$640Sale Price|20% Off
3.80 Carat Natural Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Included Gemstone From Earth Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Weight: 3.80 Carats Dimension: 10.6 x 6.8 x 5.3 Mm Colour: Blue Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Indicolite tourmaline, prized f...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
$160Sale Price|20% Off
2.35 Carats Loose Fancy Cut Peridot Pakistan Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Peridot Weight: 2.35 Carats Dimension: 7.5 x 6.9 x 5.8 Mm Colour: Green Origin: Supat Valley, Pakistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Peridot, a vibrant and lustrous...
Peridot
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Gorgeous Clean Faceted Tourmaline Lot Set For Jewelry Making 2.70 Carats
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Tourmaline Lot Weight: 2.70 Carats Size: 0.60 to 0.85 Carats Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourmaline is a captivating and div...
Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline
$320Sale Price|20% Off
4.30 Carats Natural Loose Tri Color Tourmaline Gemstone For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight; 4.30 Carats Dimension: 13.4x6.6x5.6 Mm Origin: Paprook Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Color: Black, Green & Pink Certificate; On Demand Treatment: Non Tri-co...
Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, Other
$1,815Sale Price|20% Off
Bluish Green Natural Tourmaline 4.05 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Bluish Green Natural Afghan Tourmaline Loose Gemstone – Emerald Cut Earth Mined Tourmaline from Kunar, Afghanistan, Premium Faceted Gem for Engagement Ring, Pendant, Earrings, C...
Tourmaline
2 Cts Dual Shades Pastel Seafoam Green Tourmaline Gemstone for Jewellery 10 mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
With its soothing mint-green hue, exceptional brilliance, and prestigious Afghan origin, this natural emerald-cut tourmaline is a timeless gemstone suited for both fine jewelry and d...
Tourmaline
Bicolor Pastel Pink with Soft Champagne Color Tourmaline Gemstone for Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
With its rare pastel color palette, natural bi-color zoning, and masterfully executed emerald cut, this Afghan tourmaline is a refined gemstone that will appeal to discerning collect...
Tourmaline
Tricolor Rare Tourmaline Gemstone Neon Pink Sky Blue Lavender Gem for Collection
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Tricolor Tourmaline Weight 2.30 carats Dimension 12.2 x 5.4 x 3.9 mm Origin Nuristan, Afghanistan Shape and Cut Rectangular Emerald Transparency Tr...
Tourmaline
3.3 Ct Bicolor Ruby Red & Violet Color Tourmaline Gemstone for Jewellery 8mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Bicolor Tourmaline Weight 3.30 carats Dimension 8.3 x 7.4 x 6.0 mm Origin Nuristan, Afghanistan Shape and Cut Emerald Transparency Transparent Clari...
Tourmaline
3 Cts Tricolor Tourmaline Neon Pink Sky Blue Lavender Shades Collector Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Tricolor Tourmaline Weight 3.50 carats Dimension 12.2 x 6.9 x 4.6 mm Origin Nuristan, Afghanistan Shape and Cut Rectangular Emerald Transparency Tran...
Tourmaline
2.3 cts Rare Bicolor Pink Green Tourmaline Gemstone for Jewellery 10 mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Bicolor Tourmaline Color Pink Green with Amazing Transition Weight 2.30 carats Dimension 10.3 x 5.6 x 4.6 mm Origin Nuristan, Afghanistan Shape and Cut...
Tourmaline
Rare Tricolor Tourmaline Pair Gemstone Rose Pink Aqua Blue Lavender Periwinkle
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Tricolor Tourmaline Matching Pair Weight 2.80 carats Dimension 9.5 x 4.3 x 3.8 mm Origin Nuristan, Afghanistan Shape and Cut Rectangular Emerald Tran...
Tourmaline
$176Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Greenish Blue Tourmaline Stone 1.25 Carats Tourmaline Gemstone Jewelry
Located in Bangkok, TH
Product Information GEMSTONE TYPE: Beautiful Greenish Blue Tourmaline Stone WEIGHT: 1.25 Carats DIMENSIONS: 6.2 x 6.1 x 4.7mm CLARITY: SI SHAPE: Octagon CUT: Emerald Cut ORIGIN: Afgh...
Tourmaline
$200Sale Price / set|39% Off
Gorgeous Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Lot 4.65 Carat from Kunar Mine for Ring Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Tourmaline Weight : 4.65 Carats Sizes: 0.65 to 1.50 Carat Origin : Kunar Afghanistan Clarity : SI Shape: Emerald & Cushion Color: Bluish green ( Lagoon) Certificate: ...
Tourmaline, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
4.55 Carat Natural Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Bi Colour Tourmaline Weight: 4.55 Carat Dimension : 8.8 x 8.3 x 7.5 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Colour: Green And Pink Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer...
Tourmaline, Other
Aurora Gemma - Afgan Tourmaline set in Classic Ring in 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
At its center rests a striking 5.78‑carat emerald‑cut Afghan tourmaline, glowing with a crystalline green that feels both refreshing and luminous.
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
$256Sale Price|20% Off
3 Carats Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Pieces For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 3.0 Carats Dimension: 10x4.8x3.1 Emerald 7.5x6.2x4.4 cushion Origin: Afghanistan Shape: Cushion & Emerald Certificate: On Demand Green Tourmaline, a ge...
Tourmaline
$280Sale Price / set|20% Off
4.25 Carats Natural Loose Tourmaline Pieces For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 4.25 Carats Size: 1.85 , 1.35 , 0.95 Carats Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Shape: Emerald, Trillion, Cushion Treatment: Non Color: Pink , Green & Red Tourmali...
Tourmaline
Very few gems dazzle quite in the manner that tourmaline does — vintage and antique tourmaline jewelry is a showstopper, and you can blame this on its wide range of spectacular colors. In fact, when Dutch traders brought stones back home from Sri Lanka that they couldn't identify, they called them "toramalli," a Sinhalese term for "mixed gems."
If you could transform the ocean to a gem, this is what it would look like: a clear, translucent azure, bordering on turquoise, hypnotizing in its depth and sparkling in the sun.
There is, in fact, such a stone, although it comes from deep in the copper-rich mountains of Paraíba, Brazil, and not from the oceans along its coast. Far rarer than diamonds, Paraíba tourmaline, a kind of 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.
While diamonds generally sell for about $6,000 per carat, a carat of Paraíba tourmaline is likely to fetch about $16,000. Fans of the gem are said to include singer Taylor Swift and actress Zooey Deschanel, as well as some of the finest jewelers.
“No other stone can have a color as magnetic and captivating as Paraíba tourmaline,” says Vania Leles of VanLeles Diamonds, who combines the stone with diamonds and other gems in several of her designs.
You don't have to stop at Paraíba tourmaline jewelry — on 1stDibs, find the most extraordinary antique and vintage tourmaline rings, tourmaline and diamond earrings and other accessories.
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.