2.30 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
$307Sale Price|30% Off
4.93 Carat Natural Pastel Lilac-Pink Kunzite Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Kunzite ⚖️ WEIGHT: 4.93 Carat 🪚 SHAPE & CUT: Emerald Cut 📏 SIZE (MM): 12.13 x 7.35 x 6.09 🌈 COLOR: Soft Lilac-Pink 🔎 CLARITY: Eye Clean 🧪 TREATMENT: No...
Kunzite
5.65 Carat Natural Loose Parti Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
$551Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Gemstone 4.30 Carat Emerald Cut Ring, Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 4.30 Carats 🪚 SHAPE & CUT: Emerald Cut 💎 SIZE (MM): 12.36 x 6.77 x 5.62 🌈 COLOR: Bicolor 🔎 CLARITY: Slightly Included 🧪 TREATMENT: Heate...
Tourmaline
$471Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mix Color Natural Tourmaline Jewelry Size Loose Gemstones Lot 3.70Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Baby Pink, Green, Light Green and Bluish Green Mix Color Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones Jewelry Size Lot for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald...
Tourmaline
$509Sale Price / set|34% Off
Peachy Pink Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones Lot 4.95 Ct Emerald Cut-Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Peachy Pink Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones for Earrings, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet, or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cushion Cut from Kunar Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: ...
Tourmaline
$509Sale Price / set|40% Off
Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Earrings Loose Gemstone Pair Set 3.80 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone Pair for Earrings, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut from Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ W...
Tourmaline
3.20 Carat Natural Loose Parti Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
$835Sale Price|35% Off
Rich Green Bluish Hue Natural Tourmaline Pendant Gemstone 10.30 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rich Green with Bluish Hue Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Pendant Necklace, Bracelet, or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut from Kunar Province Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMS...
Tourmaline
$529Sale Price|20% Off
Vibrant Green Natural Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 3 Ct Emerald Cut-Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Mined from the renowned Kunar region of Afghanistan, this 100% natural and untreated gemstone has been expertly emerald-cut to enhance its depth, brilliance, and symmetry.
Tourmaline
3.35 Carats Natural Rubellite Tourmaline Loose Gemstone Emerald Cut
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Weight: 3.35 Carats Dimension: 10.4 x 7.1 x 5.6 Mm Shape: Emerald Colour: Pinkish-Red Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand .
Rubelite, Tourmaline, Other
3.50 Carat Natural Loose Tri Colour Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Tri Colour Tourmaline Weight: 3.50 Carat Dimension: 8.7 x 7.6 x 5.5 Mm Colour: Black, Sea Green And Blue Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Dema...
Tourmaline, Other
13.00 Carat Natural Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Bi Colour Tourmaline Weight: 13.00 Carat Dimension: 18.8 x 11.6 x 6.3 Mm Colour: Pink And Grey Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tour...
Tourmaline, Other
$190Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Vivid Bluish Green-White Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone, 1.70 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 1.70 Carats SHAPE: Emerald SIZE (MM): 9.98 x 4.68 x 4.11 COLOR: Neon Bluish Green CLARITY: Slightly Included TREATMENT: None ORIGIN: Af...
Tourmaline
$385Sale Price / set|20% Off
Hot Pink & Bluish Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones 2.90 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Hot Pink & Bluish Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones for Ring, Bracelet, Necklace Pendant, or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut from Kunar, Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE:...
Tourmaline
$390Sale Price / set|30% Off
Soft Peach & Light Bluish Green Tourmaline 4.95 Ct Emerald Cut Natural Gemstones
Located in Peshawar, PK
Soft Peach & Light Bluish Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones for Bracelet, Pendant Necklace or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut from Kunar Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE T...
Tourmaline
4.40 Carat Natural Loose Tri Colour Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Tri Colour Tourmaline Weight: 4.40 Carat Dimension: 11.4 x 8.0 x 5.2 Mm Colour: Black, Lagoon Green And White Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer...
Tourmaline, Other
$311Sale Price|20% Off
Light Peachy Pink Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 1.95 Ct Emerald
Located in Peshawar, PK
Light Peachy Pink Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for, Ring, or any other Jewelry Setting- Emerald Cut!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 1.95 Carats 🪚 SHAPE & C...
Tourmaline
$485Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Seafoam Natural Tourmaline Gemstone, 3.65 Ct Emerald Cut for Ring/Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 3.65 Carats SHAPE: Emerald Cut SIZE (MM): 13.82 x 6.31 x 4.97 COLOR: Seafoam CLARITY: Slightly Included TREATMENT: None ORIGIN: Afghani...
Tourmaline
1.90 Carat Natural Loose Pink Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
1.75 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
2.25 Carat Natural Loose Mint Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
$272Sale Price|30% Off
Vibrant Green Tourmaline 5.15 Ct Elongated Emerald Cut Natural Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type: Tourmaline Weight: 5.15 Carats Dimensions: 25.97 x 5.23 x 3.91 Color: Green Clarity: Chip on Girdle Approx 95% Eye Clean Treatment: Not Treated Origin: Afghanistan Cer...
Tourmaline
$294Sale Price|50% Off
Vivid Bluish Green Two Tone Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone 4.25Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Bluish Green Two Tone Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 4.25 Car...
Tourmaline
2.95 Carat Natural Loose Seafoam Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
$297Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vivid Blue & Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Gemstones Lot 3.10 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Blue and Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones for Bracelet, Necklace Pendant, or any other Jewelry Setting Emerald Cut from Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmal...
Tourmaline
2.65 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
4.80 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
2.20 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
$304Sale Price / set|30% Off
Darkish Black-Blue Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Gemstones Set 4.90 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Darkish Black-Blue Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones Jewel Set for Ring, Earrings or any other Jewelry Setting from Kunar Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIG...
Tourmaline
5.40 Carat Natural Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Emerald Shape
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
3.30 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
4.40 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
3.40 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
$546Sale Price|30% Off
Vivid Neon Bluish Lagoon Green Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 1.75Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 1.75 Carat SHAPE: Emerald SIZE (MM): 12.93 x 4.80 x 3.24 COLOR: Vivid Neon Blue CLARITY: Approx 97% Eye Clean TREATMENT: None ORIGIN: Af...
Tourmaline
$490Sale Price|30% Off
Vivid Lime Green Natural Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 6.25Ct Emerald Cut Jewel
Located in Peshawar, PK
A stunning 6.25-carat natural lime hue green tourmaline from Afghanistan, showcasing a vibrant hue with excellent brilliance. Measuring 11.03 x 9.80 x 7.12 mm, this gem features appr...
Tourmaline
$439Sale Price|20% Off
Deep Green Natural Tourmaline Ring, Pendant Loose Gemstone 6.50 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Originating from Afghanistan, this gemstone’s captivating color and elegant emerald cut make it ideal for a sophisticated ring or pendant, adding a touch of timeless beauty to any de...
Tourmaline
$300Sale Price|35% Off
Natural Dark Blue Green Tourmaline 5.98 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 5.98 Carat 🪚 SHAPE & CUT: Emerald Cut 📏 SIZE (MM): 16.97 x 7.09 x 5.31 🌈 COLOR: Dark Blue Green 🔎 CLARITY: Eye Clean with a tiny dot on th...
Tourmaline
$542Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Light Pink Tourmaline 3.50 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Light Pink Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone Set for Earrings, Ring, Necklace Pendant or any other Jewelry Setting- Emerald Cut!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 3.50 Carat...
Tourmaline
$408Sale Price|40% Off
6.95 Ct Light Green Two Tone Natural Tourmaline Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Light Lemon Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 6.95 Carats 🪚 SHAPE...
Tourmaline
2.35 Carat Natural Loose Pink Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Pink Tourmaline Weight: 2.35 Carats Dimension: 8.9 x 6.1 x 4.8 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Tourmaline is a captivating gemstone known for i...
Tourmaline
3.00 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape 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
$1,272Sale Price|25% Off
Natural Green Tourmaline Ring, Pendant Loose Gemstones 5.30 Ct Emerald Cut-Jewel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones for Ring, Necklace Pendant or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 5.30 Carats 🪚 SHAPE & C...
Tourmaline
1.90 Carat Natural Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Indicolite Tourmaline Weight: 1.90 Carat Dimension: 7.6 x 6 x 4.4 Mm Colour: Blue Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourmaline is a capti...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
2.70 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Tourmaline Weight: 2.70 Carats Dimension: 10.2 x 6 x 4.5 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Colour: Green Tourmaline is a captivating gemsto...
Tourmaline
$244Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Green Emerald Round Cut Statement Ring in Handmade 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Peshawar, PK
Sourced from Panjshir, Afghanistan, the emerald is 100% natural and untreated, making this ring a meaningful choice for gemstone lovers and collectors.
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$222Sale Price|20% Off
Vivid Pink Natural Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 1.50 Ct Emerald Cut-Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vibrant Pink Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring-Emerald Cut!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 1.50 Carats 🪚 SHAPE & CUT: Emerald Cut 📏 SIZE (MM): 7.95 x 5.45 x 4....
Tourmaline
$298Sale Price|24% Off
Rare Vivid Green Tourmaline Gemstone, 3.35 Ct Emerald Cut for Ring/Necklace
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 3.35 Carats SHAPE: Emerald SIZE (MM): 10.79 x 6.79 x 4.82 COLOR: Vivid Green CLARITY: Slightly Included TREATMENT: None ORIGIN: Afghanis...
Tourmaline
$360Sale Price|20% Off
1.05 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Gemstone From Swat, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Gemstone Weight: 1.05 Carats Dimension: 6.2 x 5.4 x 4.5 Mm Origin: Swat Pakistan Shape: Octagon Treatment: Minor Oil(Normal for trade) Certificate: On Customer Demand...
Emerald, Other
$228Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Green Emerald Oval Cut Statement Ring in Handmade 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Peshawar, PK
Sourced from Panjshir, Afghanistan the emerald is 100% natural and untreated, making this ring a meaningful choice for gemstone lovers and collectors.
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
2.10 Carat Natural Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Indicolite Tourmaline Weight: 2.10 Carat Dimension: 9.0 x 6.3 x 3.8 Mm Colour: Indicolite Blue Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourmali...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
2.30 Carat Natural Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Bi Colour Tourmaline Weight: 2.30 Carat Dimension : 9.1 x 6.7 x 4.1 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Colour: Black And Blue Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourma...
Tourmaline, Other
$3,849Sale Price|30% Off
Vivid Pink Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Gemstone 16.95 Ct Emerald Cut for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Rich Pink Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone in a beautiful Emerald Cut design from Kunar, Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 16.95 Carats 🪚 SHAPE &...
Tourmaline
$450Sale Price|40% Off
Neon Bluish Green Bicolor Tourmaline 2.5 Ct Loose Gemstone Modified Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 2.50 Carat SHAPE: Modified Step Emerald Cut SIZE (MM): 10.16 x 6.01 x 4.87 COLOR: Bicolor CLARITY: Approx 98% Eye Clean TREATMENT: Not ...
Tourmaline
$432Sale Price|20% Off
2.15 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Africa Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.15 carat Dimensions 12.4x4.7x4.1mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This exquisite 2.15 carat bi-color Tourmaline features a beautiful natur...
Tourmaline
$2,592Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Olive Green Bicolor Tourmaline 50 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Olive Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone Lot for Earrings, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut from Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tour...
Tourmaline
25.20 Carat Natural Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Bicolour Tourmaline Weight: 25.20 Carat Dimension : 21 x 13.2 x 9.2 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Colour: Black And Pink Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourma...
Tourmaline, Other
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.