$384Sale Price|20% Off
7.10 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Exhibiting a mesmerizing blend of hues from delicate pinks to lush greens this gemstone showcases nature’s artistry at its finest.
Tourmaline
$271Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural Olive Green Bicolor Tourmaline 5.39 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones
Located in Peshawar, PK
💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 5.39 Carat 🪚 SHAPE & CUT: Emerald Cut 📏 SIZE (MM): 2.67 Ct (17.69 x 4.92 x 3.31) 2.72 Ct (15.18 x 4.60 x 4.03) 🌈 COLOR: Olive Green Bic...
Tourmaline
4.50 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Ametrine Stone For Jewelry Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.50 carat Dimensions 10.5x9.5x7.6mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup clean Shape Cut cushion AG283 This magnificent 4.50-carat natural bi-color ametrine ...
Other
$697Sale Price|30% Off
Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring, Pendant Loose Gemstone 6.20 Carat Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Bicolor Pink & Greenish Blue Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Step Emerald Cut!!
Tourmaline
$2,479Sale Price|30% Off
Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring, Pendant Loose Gemstone 12.65 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Step Emerald Cut!!
Tourmaline
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Gorgeous 6.35 Carats Mint Bicolor Loose Tourmaline Ring Gemstone Kunar Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
In conclusion, Green Mint Bicolor Tourmaline is a gemstone that captivates with its enchanting blend of green and mint hues.
Tourmaline
9.60 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Ametrine Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.60 carat Dimensions 14.4x10.6x8.7 mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This magnificent 9.60-carat natural ametrine enchants with ...
Other
$360Sale Price|20% Off
4.25 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Stones Emerald Cut Pakistan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Expertly crafted into a refined emerald cut, the gemstone enhances its clarity, brilliance, and sharp color zoning, making the transition of tones beautifully visible.
Tourmaline
3 Cts Bicolor Yellowish Green & Peach Pink Tourmaline Gemstones for Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Tourmaline Weight 3.70 carats Dimension 13.7*6.2*4.7 mm Origin Nuristan Afghanistan Treatment None Color Peach Pink with Mint Green Shape and Cut Eme...
Tourmaline
$466Sale Price|20% Off
Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Earrings Loose Gemstone Pair 6.30Ct Emerald Cut-Jewel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone Pair for Earrings, Necklace Pendant, or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut from Kunar Afghanistan!!
Tourmaline
$798Sale Price|30% Off
Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring Gemstone 3.80 Ct Scissors Cut Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
3.80 Carat Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Gemstone – Scissors Cushion Cut 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 3.80 Carats 🪚 SHAPE & CUT: Scissors Cut 📏 SIZE (MM): 12.10 x 6....
Tourmaline
$615Sale Price|30% Off
Golden & Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 5.65Ct Octagon Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Light Golden & Light Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Octagon Emerald Cut!!
Tourmaline
Bicolor Radiant Pink Olive Green Tourmaline Pair Gemstone for Earrings Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Tourmaline Pair Weight 1.25 carats Dimension 6.9 x 4.1 x 2.65 mm Origin Nuristan, Afghanistan Treatment None Shape and Cut Emerald Transparency Transp...
Tourmaline
$400Sale Price|20% Off
20.35 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Yellow Citrine Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 20.35 carat Dimensions 19.6x14.0x9.9mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 20.35 Carat Natural Bicolor Yellow Citrine from Brazil i...
Citrine
$551Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Gemstone 4.30 Carat Emerald Cut Ring, Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
4.30 Carats Emerald Cut Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 4.30 Carats 🪚 SHAPE & CUT: Emerald Cut 💎 SIZE (MM): 12.36 x 6.77 x 5.62 ...
Tourmaline
$944Sale Price|30% Off
Golden & Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 6.85Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Golden & Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Octagon Emerald Cut!!
Tourmaline
$693Sale Price / set|40% Off
Deep Green & Black Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Gemstones 23.10 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Darkish Green and Black Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones 23.10 Carats Emerald Cut from Kunar, Afghanistan!!
Tourmaline
$1,429Sale Price|40% Off
Watermelon Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 4.45 Carat Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Watermelon Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut!!
Tourmaline
$769Sale Price|30% Off
Green & Pink Watermelon Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring Gemstone 3.65 Ct Cushion
Located in Peshawar, PK
Green & Pink Watermelon Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Gemstone – Square Cushion Cut 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 3.65 Carats 🪚 SHAPE & CUT: Cushion Cut 📏 SIZE (MM): 8.35 x...
Tourmaline
Pink Bicolor Natural Tourmaline 6.25 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Pink Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones – Premium Quality Emerald Shape Faceted Jewelry Stone, Investment Grade Collector Gem, Fine Loose Tourmaline for Ring...
Tourmaline
$625Sale Price|49% Off
Light Seafoam & Pink Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 5.75Ct-Jewel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Light Seafoam & Pink Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring, Pendant Loose Gemstone – Emerald Cut from Kunar Afghanistan!!
Tourmaline
$664Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Bicolor Tourmaline 9.55 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring, Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Bicolor Natural Parti Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Pendant or any other Jewelry Setting
Tourmaline
$179Sale Price / set|25% Off
Black-Blue Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone Pairs, 2.95 Ct Emerald Cut-Earrings
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): Pair WEIGHT: 2.95 Carats SHAPE: Emerald SIZE (MM): 1.50 Carat: 8.13 x 5.92 x 4.03 1.45 Carat: 8.21 x 5.88 x 3.81 COLOR: Bicolor Black and Blue CL...
Tourmaline
$212Sale Price / set|20% Off
Black-Blue Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone Pairs, 2.75 Ct Emerald Cut-Earrings
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): Pair WEIGHT: 2.75 Carats SHAPE: Emerald SIZE (MM): 1.35 Carat: 7.60 x 5.67 x 3.85 1.40 Carat: 7.56 x 5.63 x 3.94 COLOR: Bicolor Black and Blue CL...
Tourmaline
$223Sale Price / set|20% Off
Black-Blue Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone Pairs, 3.40 Ct Emerald Cut-Earrings
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): Pair WEIGHT: 3.40 Carats SHAPE: Emerald SIZE (MM): 1.70 Carat: 7.86 x 5.52 x 4.53 1.70 Carat: 7.85 x 5.62 x 4.56 COLOR: Bicolor Black and Blue CL...
Tourmaline
$478Sale Price|20% Off
Pink & Light Golden Hue Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Ring, Pendant Gemstone 6.10Ct
Located in Peshawar, PK
Pink and Light Golden Hue Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Pendant in Emerald Cut from Afghanistan!!
Tourmaline
Purple-Black Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Pair 10.89 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Purple and Black Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Emerald Cut Well Matched Loose Gemstone Perfect Pair – Premium Quality Emerald Shape Faceted Tourmaline Jewelry Stones, Investment Gr...
Tourmaline
$961Sale Price / set|35% Off
Subtle Peach Greenish Blue Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones 4.35 Ct
Located in Peshawar, PK
Subtle Peach Greenish Blue Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Cushion Cut!!
Tourmaline
Pink-Greenish Blue Bicolor Natural Tourmaline 6.68 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Pink and Neon Greenish Blue Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone – Premium Quality Emerald Shape Faceted Jewelry Stone, Investment Grade Collector Gem, Fine Loo...
Tourmaline
1.7 Ct Blue Black Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone Emerald Cut for Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Tourmaline Weight 1.75 carats Dimension 10.9 x 5.0 x 3.5 mm Origin Kunar, Afghanistan Treatment None SKU-TYB Color Pastel Blue with black Shape and Cu...
Tourmaline
$202Sale Price / set|30% Off
Bicolor Black & Blue Tourmaline Gemstone Pair, 3.70 Ct Emerald Cut-Earrings
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): Pair WEIGHT: 3.70 Carats SHAPE: Emerald SIZE (MM): 1.85 Carat: 7.63 x 6.08 x 4.75 1.85 Carat: 7.56 x 6.18 x 4.96 COLOR: Bicolor Blue and Black CL...
Tourmaline
2.7 Cts Bicolor Parti Tourmaline Pair Gemstone for Earings Jewellery 9mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Tourmaline Pair Weight 2.70 carats Dimension 9.5 x 4.5 x 3.9 mm Origin Kunar, Afghanistan Treatment None Shape and Cut Baguette Transparency Transpar...
Tourmaline
$263Sale Price|30% Off
Green & Golden Bicolor Tourmaline 3.06 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Green & Golden Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Pendant or any other Jewelry Setting
Tourmaline
$256Sale Price|20% Off
13.60 Carat Loose Bicolor Ametrine Stone Pixel Cut Natural Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Sourced from Brazil, one of the world’s most renowned regions for ametrine, this gemstone displays a perfectly balanced blend of golden citrine and royal purple amethyst within a sin...
Other
5.95 Carat Natural Loose Blue Hue Bicolor Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cherished for its rarity and vibrant beauty, bicolor tourmaline is also associated with balance, creativity, and positive energy, making this exquisite gemstone a meaningful and valu...
Tourmaline
2.20 CRTs Bicolor Blue Green Emerald Cut Tourmaline Gemstones for Ring Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Bicolor Tourmaline Weight 2.20 carats Dimension 13.3*5.7*3.4 mm Origin Kunar, Afghanistan Treatment None Shape and Cut Emerald Transparency Transpare...
Tourmaline
$1,496Sale Price|25% Off
Bicolor Tourmaline 5.80 Ct-Natural Loose Gemstone Emerald/Octagon Cut -Jewelr
Located in Peshawar, PK
Introducing our stunning 5.80 Carat Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone, sourced from Africa and meticulously crafted in an elegant emerald cut.
Tourmaline
$827Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Gemstone, 9.85 Carat Elongated Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 9.85 Carats SHAPE: Elongated Emerald Cut SIZE (MM): 19.01 x 8.17 x 6.68 COLOR: Green Bicolor CLARITY: Slightly Included TREATMENT: None...
Tourmaline
3.9 Cts Bicolor Natural Emerald Cut Tourmaline Gemstone for Ring Jewelry 14mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
Description: This striking natural bicolor tourmaline showcases two distinct shades—delicate light blue and fresh green—within a single beautifully cut gemstone.
Tourmaline
$193Sale Price / set|49% Off
Black & Olive Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Gemstone Pair 7.70 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
These natural tourmaline gemstones feature a mesmerizing bicolor effect, seamlessly transitioning from deep black to rich olive green.
Tourmaline
$280Sale Price|20% Off
12.70 Carat Loose Bicolor Ametrine Pair Pixel Cut Natural Brazilian Gemstones
Located in Bangkok, TH
Sourced from the legendary mines of Brazil, each gemstone in this perfectly matched pair weighs approximately 6.35 carats and is expertly cut in the unique and contemporary pixel cut...
Other
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
$718Sale Price|30% Off
Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline 7.19 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Green and Black Bicolor Tourmaline Elongated Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Two Tone Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone for Ring, Pendant, Earrings – Fine Jewelry Making Stone High Clar...
Tourmaline
$1,047Sale Price|30% Off
Bicolor Natural Tourmaline 3.38 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Pair for Earrings
Located in Peshawar, PK
Neon Bluish Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones Well Matched Pair – Premium Emerald Shape Faceted Jewelry Stone, Investment Grade Collector Gem, Fine Loose T...
Tourmaline
$412Sale Price / set|30% Off
Yellow & White Bicolor Natural Citrine 30.40 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Pair
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Yellow and White Bicolor Citrine Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones Pair – Faceted Earth Mined Bicolor Citrine for Earrings, Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, November B...
Citrine
$446Sale Price|30% Off
Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline 5.06 Ct Baguette Cut Loose Gemstone for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Green and Black Bicolor Tourmaline Elongated Baguette Cut Loose Gemstone Two Tone Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone for Ring, Pendant, Earrings – Fine Jewelry Making Stone High Cla...
Tourmaline
3 Cts Bicolor Pink & Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Gemstone for Ring Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Description: This elegant natural bicolor tourmaline showcases a captivating combination of fresh green and delicate light Pink, creating a beautifully balanced two-tone appearance...
Tourmaline
$414Sale Price|30% Off
Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline 4.89 Ct Baguette Cut Loose Gemstone for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Green and Black Bicolor Tourmaline Elongated Baguette Cut Loose Gemstone Two Tone Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone for Ring, Pendant, Earrings – Fine Jewelry Making Stone High Cla...
Tourmaline
$405Sale Price|30% Off
Teal Bicolor Natural Tourmaline 1.89 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Teal Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone for Ring, Pendant, Earrings – Fine Jewelry Making Stone High Quality Natural Tourmaline L...
Tourmaline
$516Sale Price|30% Off
Blue Green Bicolor Natural Tourmaline 1.97Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Blue and Green Two Tone Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone for Ring, Pendant, Earrings – Fine Jewelry Making Stone High Quality Natural...
Tourmaline
10.60 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Its substantial size makes it an outstanding choice for a statement ring, pendant, or bespoke jewelry creation. Whether added to a gemstone collection or set into a custom design, th...
Kunzite
$4,309Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Bicolor Natural Tourmaline 44.90 Ct Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Huge Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone Rare Bi-Color Parti Tourmaline Faceted Gemstone for Pendant, Ring & Fine Jewelry Making High Clarity Natural Tourmaline...
Tourmaline
$296Sale Price|20% Off
1.15 Carat Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Stone Cushion Cut Natural Afghani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.15 carat Dimensions 6x5.5x4.1mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion NA This 1.15-carat natural bi-color Tourmaline gemstone is a charming exa...
Tourmaline
2 Cts Bicolor Peach Pink & Champagne Tone Baguette Cut Tourmaline Gemstone 12mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
Tourmaline is a complex boron-rich gemstone group renowned for its exceptional range of colors.
Tourmaline
$262Sale Price|25% Off
Olive Green and White Bicolor Tourmaline Gemstone Emerald Cut for Jewellery 13mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Bicolor Tourmaline Weight 2.40 carats Dimension 13.9 x 5.4 x 3.5 mm Color Green to colorless Origin Kunar, Afghanistan Treatment None Shape and Cut R...
Tourmaline
2.7 Cts Bicolor Peach Pink & Pale Olive Green Baguette Cut Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
The combination of pink and pale olive-green hues gives this gemstone an uncommon and elegant appearance. The term “bicolor” should ideally be reserved for clearly defined color zone...
Tourmaline
$337Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural Hot Pink & Bicolor Tourmaline 2.97 Ct Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Hot Pink, Purple Pink and Watermelon Bicolor Natural Tourmaline Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Jewelry Size Parcel, Earth-Mined Faceted Tourmalines for Earrings, Ring, Pendant, Custom ...
Tourmaline
$520Sale Price|20% Off
2.80 carats Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Stone Cushion Cut Natural Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.80 carat Dimensions 9x6.7x5.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cushion Cut Fancy Cushion NA This stunning 2.80-carat loose bi color tourmaline gemstone fe...
Tourmaline
$594Sale Price|30% Off
3.96 Ct Natural Bicolor Tourmaline, Baby Pink & Green Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Baby Pink and Neon Green Bicolor Tourmaline Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone, Rare Multicolor Tourmaline Stone for Custom Engagement Ring, Pendant, Statement Ring or Fine Handmade ...
Tourmaline
3.8 Cts Bicolor Blue Green Tourmaline Natural Gemstone Emerald Cut for Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Bicolor Tourmaline Weight 3.85 carats Dimension 10.3 x 7.3 x 5.8 mm Origin Kunar, Afghanistan Treatment None Shape and Cut Rectangular Emerald SKU-TB...
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.