2.20 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.20 carat Dimensions 8.2x6x5.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 2.20 carat Natural Bicolor Watermelon Tourmaline is a vibrant an...
Tourmaline
$880Sale Price|20% Off
24.60 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 24.60 carat Dimensions 20x12.7x10.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 24.60 carat Natural Pink Kunzite is a stunning gems...
Kunzite
$560Sale Price|20% Off
14.05 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 14.05 carat Dimensions 18.4x10.5x8.5xmm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 14.05 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite is a stunning g...
Kunzite
5.50 Carat Natural Loose Deep Bluish Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.50 carat Dimensions 10.4x8.9x7.0mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion This 5.50 Carat Natural Loose Deep Bluish Tourmaline, expertly fashioned...
Tourmaline
$680Sale Price|20% Off
4.15 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.15 carat Dimensions 13.2x6.5x5.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 4.15 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline is a c...
Tourmaline
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
5.00 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.00 carat Dimensions 18.1x6.7x4.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 5.00 carat Natural Bicolor Watermelon Tourmaline displ...
Tourmaline
2.45 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.45 carat Dimensions 14.7x5x3.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 2.45 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline is a captivating ge...
Tourmaline
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
10.25 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Blue Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.25 carat Dimensions 22.0x8.1x6.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 10.25 carat Natural Bicolor Blue Tourmaline is a cap...
Tourmaline
19.50 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 19.50 carat Dimensions 15.3x14.8x9.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 19.50 carat Natural Bicolor Tourmaline is a striking gemstone sho...
Tourmaline
26.50 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 26.50 carat Dimensions 17.8x13.0x13.0 mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 26.50 carat Natural Pink Kunzite is an exceptional g...
Kunzite
$760Sale Price|20% Off
23.30 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 23.30 carat Dimensions 19.1x12x11.5mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 23.30 carat Natural Pink Kunzite is an exceptional gemst...
Kunzite
3.80 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.80 carat Dimensions 8.9x7.2x6.7mm Treatment None for Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 3.80 carat Natural Pink Kunzite is a beautifully crafted gemston...
Kunzite
3.40 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.40 carat Dimensions 9x6.8x6.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 3.40 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline features an elegant ...
Tourmaline
6.70 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.70 carat Dimensions 17.2x7.5x5.6mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 6.70 carat Natural Bicolor Tourmaline showcases a stunning...
Tourmaline
1.50 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.50 carat Dimensions 11.9x4.5x Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This beautiful 1.50 carat natural green tourmaline features a refine...
Tourmaline
8.75 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.75 carat Dimensions 11.5x10.1x8.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 8.75 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline showcases a refi...
Tourmaline
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
47.35 Carat Natural Loose Quality Pink Kunzite Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 47.35 carat Dimensions 23.0x15.2x14.9MM Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This impressive 47.35 carat natural Pink Kunzite showcases a ra...
Kunzite
2.00 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstones
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.00 carat Dimensions 7.6x6.0x5.2mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 2.00 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline from Afghanistan showcas...
Tourmaline
$600Sale Price|20% Off
2.25 Carat Natural Loose Bubblegum Pink Spinel Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.25 carat Dimensions 7.1x6.4x5.5mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 2.25 Carat Natural Loose Bubblegum Pink spinel showcases a vi...
Spinel
$464Sale Price|20% Off
2.25 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.25 carat Dimensions 10.3x5.2x4.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 2.25 Carat Natural Green Tourmaline from Afghanistan is a beautif...
Tourmaline
19.00 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 19.00 carat Dimensions 18.3x9.3x11.2mm Treatment Heat Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 19.00 Carat Natural Pink Kunzite from Afghanistan is a stunning...
Kunzite
3.05 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Tourmaline Emerald Cut Natural Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.05 carat Dimensions 10x7.1x5.2mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 3.05 Carat Natural Bluish Tourmaline from Afghanistan is an exception...
Tourmaline
8.50 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.50 carats Dimensions 11.3x10.3x9mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 8.50 carat natural pink kunzite is a beautifully faceted emerald-cut...
Kunzite
$440Sale Price|20% Off
16.05 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 16.05 carat Dimensions 14.6x12.7x10.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 16.05 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite is an extraordinary gemst...
Kunzite
1.90 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.90 carat Dimensions 10.6x4.9x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 1.90 Carat Natural Loose Bi-Color Tourmaline is an eye-catching gem...
Tourmaline
2.20 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.20 carat Dimensions 14.3x4x3.2mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 2.20 Carat Natural Loose Bi-Color Tourmaline is a striking gemstone ...
Tourmaline
2.10 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.10 carat Dimensions 9.1x5.8x4.8mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 2.10 Carat Natural Loose Bi-Color Tourmaline is a captivating gemstone...
Tourmaline
$520Sale Price|20% Off
1.20 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Stone Cushion Cut Gemstone From Afghanistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.20 carat Dimensions 8.5x6.1x3.5mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 1.20 Carat Natural Loose Emerald is a charming gemstone showcasing...
Emerald
$344Sale Price|20% Off
8.65 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.65 carat Dimensions 11.2x10.6x9.6mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald Showcasing an impressive 8.65 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite,...
Kunzite
2.20 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Expertly crafted in a classic emerald cut, it features sharp step facets, clean lines, and excellent symmetry that highlight its depth, brilliance, and natural color zoning.
Tourmaline
$12,160Sale Price|20% Off
19.05 Carat Natural Loose Blue Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 19.05 carat Dimensions 15.9x14.2x10.1mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 19.05 Carat Natural Loose Blue Tourmaline showcases a s...
Tourmaline
$376Sale Price|20% Off
1.45 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.45 carat Dimensions 8.3x5.2x4.0mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 1.45 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Tourmaline features a soft, r...
Tourmaline
$448Sale Price|20% Off
23.65 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 23.65 carat Dimensions 18.4x11.3x12.1mm Treatment Irradiated Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 23.65 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite radiates a soft, e...
Kunzite
$6,560Sale Price|20% Off
10.35 Carat Natural Loose Blue Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.35 carat Dimensions 13.4x11.5x8.0mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 10.35 Carat Natural Loose Blue Tourmaline exhibits a cap...
Tourmaline
$400Sale Price|20% Off
8.05 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.05 carat Dimensions 15.4x8.4x7.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This stunning 8.05 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite is a gemstone of ...
Kunzite
$280Sale Price|20% Off
1.05 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.05 carat Dimensions 7.0x5.3x3.9mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 1.05 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Green Tourmaline is a vibran...
Tourmaline
$768Sale Price|20% Off
5.05 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.05 carat Dimensions 12.9x7.9x6.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald Introducing a stunning 5.05 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Green Tour...
Tourmaline
$36,400Sale Price|20% Off
47.15 Carat Natural Loose Blue Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 47.15 carat Dimensions 36.1x13.9x10.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald Presenting a breathtaking 47.15 Carat Natural Loose Blue To...
Tourmaline
$7,040Sale Price|20% Off
11.65 Carat Natural Loose Blue Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 11.65 carat Dimensions 17.8x10.5x7.1mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 11.65 Carat Natural Loose Blue Tourmaline exhibits a stu...
Tourmaline
$704Sale Price|20% Off
3.55 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Blue Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.55 carat Dimensions 8.5x7.2x6.2mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 3.55 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Blue Tourmaline from Afgh...
Tourmaline
$520Sale Price|20% Off
9.10 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.10 carat Dimensions 11.1x9.6x9.6mm Treatment Irradiated Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 9.10 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone from Afghanist...
Kunzite
$384Sale Price|20% Off
7.10 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 7.10 carat Dimensions 10.9x9.9x8.2mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 7.10 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Stone from Afghanistan...
Tourmaline
$344Sale Price|20% Off
1.35 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Blue Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.35 carat Dimensions 11.1x4.2x3.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 1.35 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Blue Tourmaline from Afg...
Tourmaline
$336Sale Price|20% Off
0.80 Carat Natural Loose Reverse Tourmaline Pair Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Originating from Afghanistan, these gemstones are expertly crafted in a clean emerald cut, enhancing their clarity, symmetry, and natural brilliance.
Tourmaline
$336Sale Price|20% Off
2.15 Carat Natural Loose Pinkish Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.15 carat Dimensions 10.2x5.4x4.5mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 2.15 Carat Natural Loose Pinkish Tourmaline showcases a graceful ...
Tourmaline
$336Sale Price|20% Off
1.10 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.10 carat Dimensions 7.2x5.1x4.1mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 1.10 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Stone displays a mesmeri...
Tourmaline
$584Sale Price|20% Off
8.00 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.00 carat Dimensions 12.7x7.4x8.8mm Treatment Irradiated Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 8.00 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone showcases...
Kunzite
$1,240Sale Price|20% Off
3.65 Carat Natural Loose Blue Greenish Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.65 carat Dimensions 10.3x7.4x5.9mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 3.65 Carat Natural Loose Blue Greenish Tourmaline is a captivati...
Tourmaline
$584Sale Price|20% Off
12.70 Carat Natural Loose Stylish Purple Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 12.70 carat Dimensions 16.7 x 10.3 x 7.8 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 12.70 Carat Natural Loose Purple Tourmaline features a str...
Tourmaline
$336Sale Price|20% Off
2.30 Carat Natural Loose Pink Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.30 carat Dimensions 10.7x6.8x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 2.30 Carat Natural Loose Pink Tourmaline Stone is a captivating ge...
Tourmaline
$576Sale Price|20% Off
2.00 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Blue Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.00 carat Dimensions 11.7x5.5x3.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald Experience the allure of this 2.00 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon B...
Tourmaline
$544Sale Price|20% Off
3.60 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.60 carat Dimensions 14.7x5.3x4.8mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald Discover the elegance of this 3.60 Carat Natural Loose Light Green To...
Tourmaline
$304Sale Price|20% Off
1.20 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Blue Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.20 carat Dimensions 5.9x5.3x4.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 1.20 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Blue Tourmaline is a captivating ...
Tourmaline
$336Sale Price|20% Off
2.35 Carat Natural Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.35 carat Dimensions 11.4x5.4x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 2.35 Carat Natural Loose Mint Green Tourmaline showcases a refresh...
Tourmaline
$360Sale Price|20% Off
1.80 Carat Natural Loose Baby Pink Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.80 carat Dimensions 8.2x6.3x4.5mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald Add elegance to your collection with this 1.80 Carat Natural Loose Baby...
Tourmaline
$304Sale Price|20% Off
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 8.7x5.2x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 1.65 Carat Natural Loose Mint Green Tourmaline is a refreshing gem...
Tourmaline
$480Sale Price|20% Off
2.40 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.40 carat Dimensions 10.4x5.6x4.9mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 2.40 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Tourmaline is a refre...
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.