Burmese Loose Gems
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Unheated Burma Sapphire Cabochon Ring Gem 15 Carat Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and exceptional 15 carat unheated Burma Sapphire cabochon, offered loose to the world's most
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Gorgeous 1.05 Carats Natural Red Burmese Loose Spinel Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Spinel
Weight: 1.05 Carats
Dimension: 6.7x5.7x3.1 Mm
Origin: Myanmar Burma
Treatment: Non
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Baroque Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.23 in D 0.13 in L 0.27 in
1.05 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel Ring Gem From Myanmar Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Spinel
Weight: 1.05 Carats
Dimension: 5.5x5.5x4 Mm
Origin: Burma Myanmar
Shape: Cushion
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.22 in D 0.16 in L 0.22 in
Sweet Pink Spinel From Burma 1.50 CTS Natural Spinel Loose Spinel Certified Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Jewellery Spinel Necklaces Spinel Bracelets Spinel Stone Spinel Gems Spinel Burma
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.23 in D 0.13 in L 0.34 in
Unheated 1.39 Carat Burmese Pink Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
from Myanmar (formerly Burma), the historic source of some of the world’s finest sapphires. With an
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire
Burmese Unheated Spinel Loose Gemstone
Located in Taipei, TW
This gem comes from the famous Burma origin, the weight is over 3 carats 3.06 carats to be exact
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Burmese Unheated Spinel Loose Gemstone
Located in Taipei, TW
This gem comes from the famous Burma origin, the weight is over 3 carats 3.78 carats to be exact
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
1.40 Carat Loose Burmese Red Spinel Faceted Red Spinel from Myanmar
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel
Weight: 1.40 Carats
Dimension: 6.1x6.1x4.6 Mm
Origin: Burma / Myanmar
Color: Red
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
GGI Certified 1.05 Carat Faceted Red Spinel From Myanmar, Loose Burmese Spinel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Spinel
Weight : 1.05 Carats
Dimensions : 5.9x5.8x4.1 Mm
Origin : Burma Myanmar
Clarity : Eye
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Stunning 1.60 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel from Myanmar Burma Cushion Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Red Spinel
Weight: 1.60 Carats
Dimension: 6.8x6.9x4 Mm
Origin: Burma Myanmar
Shape: Cushion
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Baroque Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
GGI Certified 0.76 Carats Loose Red Spinel from Burma, Faceted Burmese Spinel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gorgeous Loose Spinel
Weight: 0.76 Carats
Dimension: 5.81x4.45x3.38 Mm
Origin: Burma
Color: Red
Category
2010s Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
1.05 Carat Loose Red Spinel from Myanmar Burma Available for Jewelry Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Spinel
Weight : 1.05 Carats
Dimensions : 6.8x5.4x3.7 Mm
Origin : Burma Myanmar
Clarity : Eye
Category
2010s Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel, Black Spinel
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H 0.27 in W 0.22 in D 0.15 in L 0.27 in
Beautiful 1.45 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel From Burma Myanmar Cushion Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Red Spinel
Weight: 1.45 Carats
Dimension: 7.4x5.8x3.8 Mm
Origin: Burma Myanmar
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Exquisite Jadeite Loose Stones from Exclusive Burmese Mining Routes
Located in 渋谷区, JP
jadeite from Myanmar is becoming increasingly challenging, making the showcased gems of excellent quality
Category
2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Jade
GRS Certified 9.16 Carat Blue Sapphire Untreated Loose Gem
Located in Taipei, TW
mineral composition as sapphires. The gem trade in Burma is influenced by the country’s political
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
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W 0.39 in D 0.28 in L 0.54 in
1.60 Carats Natural Loose Red Burmese Spine Ring Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Spinel
Weight: 1.60 Carats
Dimension: 6.3x6.2x4.5 Mm
Origin: Burma / Myanmar
Treatment: Non
Category
Late 20th Century Burmese Aesthetic Movement Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.25 in D 0.18 in L 0.25 in
Exceptional Red Spinel Loose Gemstone 1.20 Lovely Spinel Loose Spinel Gems
Located in Bangkok, TH
Exceptional Red Spinel Loose Gemstone, Available For Sale At Wholesale Price Natural High Quality
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malawian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Vivid Red Burmese Loose Spinel 2.70 carats Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Vivid Red Burmese Loose Spinel, a captivating gemstone that exudes sophistication and charm. This
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.3 in D 0.19 in L 0.35 in
Captivating Burmese Jadeite: Unveiling the Finest Loose from Exclusive Mining#13
Located in 渋谷区, JP
Myanmar's challenging deposits, the featured gems boast exceptional qualities in terms of transparency
Category
2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Jade
Natural Loose Red Burmese Spinel Cushion Cut Gemstone 1.60 Carat
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gorgeous Loose Spinel
Weight: 1.60 Carats
Dimension: 7x5.9x4.6 Mm
Origin: Burma
Color: Red
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
1.65 Carats Natural Red Burmese Loose Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carats
Dimensions 7.22x6.12x4.5 mm
Treatment none
Origin Burma
Clarity eye clean
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.25 in D 0.18 in L 0.29 in
1.50 Carats Red Burmese Loose Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.50 carats
Dimensions 6.5x6.5x4.5 mm
Treatment none
Origin Burma
Clarity VVS
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.26 in D 0.18 in L 0.26 in
1.40 Carats Natural Red Loose Burmese Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.40 carats
Dimensions 7.0x5.8x4.0 mm
Treatment none
Origin Burma
Clarity eye clean
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.23 in D 0.16 in L 0.28 in
1.75 Carats Gray Loose Burmese Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.75 carats
Dimensions 6.9x6.2x4.9 mm
Treatment None
Origin Burma
Clarity VVS
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.25 in D 0.2 in L 0.28 in
1.35 Carats Natural Loose Burmese Red Spinel Ring Gemstone Cushion Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Spinel
Weight: 1.35 Carats
Dimension: 6.4x5.3x4.4 Mm
Origin: Myanmar
Color: z Red
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artist Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.21 in D 0.18 in L 0.26 in
certified 3.02 carats burmese red spinel natural triangular cutstone natural gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
certified 3.02 carats burmese red spinel natural triangular cut stone natural gem
Weight: 3.02
Category
2010s Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.32 in D 0.21 in L 0.49 in
Grey Violet Spinel Ring Gem 6.18 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exclusive 6.18 carat Greyish Violet Spinel emerald cut gem, offered unmounted to a fine gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Silvery Gray Burmese Spinel 2.60 carats Heart Cut Natural Loose Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
unique addition to your jewelry collection. Sourced directly from Burma, this authentic gem embodies the
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.39 in D 0.17 in L 0.35 in
80.28 Carat Burmese Spinel Cabochon Plain for Fine Jewellery Natural Gems
Located in Jaipur, RJ
80.28 Carat Burmese Spinel Cabochon Plain for Fine Jewellery Natural Gems
Gemstone - Spinel
Weight
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.28 in L 0.54 in
Gorgeous 1.40 Carat Cushion Shape Natural Loose Red Burmese Spinel Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Red Spinel
Weight: 1.40 Carats
Dimension: 7x6.5x3.6 Mm
Origin: Burma Myanmar
Shape: Cushion
Category
Antique 16th Century Burmese Baroque Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Grey Violet Spinel Earrings Gemstone Pair 13.12 Carat Loose Gems Loupe Clean
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Supreme Grey-Lavender Spinel earring, emerald-cut gems, weighing a total of 13.12 carats, offered
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Bright Blue Burmese Loose Spinel 2.45 carats Step Oval Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
loose setting provides endless possibilities for creative and custom designs, allowing the gem to shine
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.28 in D 0.19 in L 0.37 in
1.15 Carats Orange Red Burmese Loose Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
sense of warmth and vibrancy. Originating from the renowned mines of Burma, this gem bears the hallmarks
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.22 in D 0.16 in L 0.25 in
2.05 carats Red Burmese Loose Spinel Stone Step Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
2.05 carats
7.48x6.69x4.90 mm
Treatment None
Clarity VVS
Origin Burma
Shape Cushion
Cut Step
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.27 in D 0.2 in L 0.3 in
1.55 Carats Deep Red Burmese Loose Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.55 carats
Dimensions 7.0x6.2x4.2 mm
Treatment none
Origin Burma
Clarity loupe clean
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.25 in D 0.17 in L 0.28 in
1.30 Carats Natural Red Loose Burmese Spinel Stone Fancy Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.30 carats
Dimensions 6.39x5.78x4.00 mm
Treatment none
Origin Burma
Clarity VVS
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.23 in D 0.16 in L 0.26 in
1.50 Carats Deep Gray Burmese Loose Spinel Stone Emerald Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.50 carats
Dimensions 7.15x5.6x3.96 mm
Treatment none
Clarity VVS
Origin Burma
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.23 in D 0.16 in L 0.29 in
1.35 Carats Natural Loose Red Burmese Spinel Stone Fancy Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.35 carats
Dimensions 6.75x6.22x3.92 mm
Treatment none
Origin Burma
Clarity VVS
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.25 in D 0.16 in L 0.27 in
1.60 Carats Red Burmese Loose Spinel Stone Fancy Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.60 carats
Dimensions 6.95x5.95x4.59 mm
Treatment none
Origin Burma
Clarity SI
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.24 in D 0.19 in L 0.28 in
1.45 Carats Natural Loose Red Burmese Stone Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.45 carats
Dimensions 6.35x6.35x4.25 mm
Treatment none
Origin Burma
Clarity VVS
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.25 in D 0.17 in L 0.25 in
15.71 Carat Burmese Top Quality Spinel Cabochon for Fine Jewellery Natural Gems
Located in Jaipur, RJ
15.71 Carat Burmese Top Quality Spinel Cabochon for Fine Jewellery Natural Gems
Piece - 1
Weight
Category
2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.51 in L 0.57 in
113.35 Carat Burmese Tourmaline Tumbled Plain for Fine Jewelry Natural Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Gemstone - Tourmaline
Weight - 113.35 Ct
Size - 34x24x17 mm
Shape - Tumble
Category
2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
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W 0.95 in D 0.67 in L 1.34 in
1.37 Carats Red Burmese Loose Spinel Stone Fancy Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.37 carats
Dimensions 6.94x6.09x3.90 mm
Treatment none
Origin Burma
Clarity VVS
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modernist Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.24 in D 0.16 in L 0.28 in
Vivid Blue Loose Spinel 1.15 carats round brilliant cut Natural Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.15 carats
Dimensions 6.60x6.58x3.60 mm
Treatment none
Origin Burma
Clarity eye clean
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.26 in D 0.15 in L 0.26 in
Stunning Natural Purple Spinel Gemstone 1.17 Cts Loose Spinel Gem for Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
1.17 Carats Pear Shape Natural Spinel from Burma.
Product Information:
GEMSTONE TYPE: Stunning Natural
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Purplish Pink Loose Burmese Spinel 3.75 carats Step Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
allure of the Purplish Pink Burmese Spinel, a dazzling gemstone that exudes sophistication and charm
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.34 in D 0.23 in L 0.39 in
Hot Pink Sakura Spinel Loose Stone 3.0 Carats Natural Spinel Faceted Spinel Gems
Located in Bangkok, TH
Hot Pink Sakura Spinel Loose Stone of 3.0 carats from Burma has a wonderful cut in a Cushion shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.28 in D 0.21 in L 0.39 in
Stunning 1.25 Carat Natural Loose Burmese Red Spinel Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Red Spinel
Weight: 1.25 Carats
Dimension: 6.4x5.7x4.3 Mm
Origin: Burma Myanmar
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel, Black Spinel
16.41 Carats Burmese Blue Sapphire No Heat Round cabochon Natural sapphire gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Burmese Blue Sapphire Round for Fine Jewellery
Gemstone: Blue Sapphire No Heat
Type : Burmese
Category
2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
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W 10 in L 12 in
certified 5.11 carats burmese red spinel natural cushion cut stone natural gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
certified 5.11 carats burmese spinel natural cushion cut stone natural gemstone
Weight: 5.11
Category
2010s Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.32 in D 0.23 in L 0.48 in
certified 5.56 carats burmese red spinel natural cushion cut stone natural gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
certified 5.56 carats burmese spinel natural cushion cut stone natural gemstone
Weight: 5.56
Category
2010s Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.38 in D 0.27 in L 0.39 in
41.73 Carats Burmese Sapphire Cabochon Sugarloaf No-Heat Top Quality Natural Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
41.73 Carats Burmese Sapphire Cabochon Sugarloaf No-Heat Top Quality Natural Gem
Gemstone: Blue
Category
2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire
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W 16 in L 22.8 in
Certified 3.28 Cts vivid red Burmese spinel cutstone natural gem quality spinel
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Burmese no heat red spinel cushion
Rare color and quality
Can be easily set into a beautiful ring
Category
2010s Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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H 0.2 in W 0.28 in L 0.4 in
No Heat Loose Burmese Round Sapphire Cts 8.76
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Its pristine beauty remains untouched by heat treatment.
This exquisite 8.76 ct gem is sourced
Category
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Certified 22.51 Carats No Heat Burmese Ruby Oval Faceted Cutstone Natural Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Very Rare Burmese Myanmar ruby no heat no treatment
Weight: 22.51 Carats
Size: 16x14.5x11 MM
Pieces
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
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W 0.58 in D 0.44 in L 0.63 in
Certified 11.03 Carats No Heat Burmese Ruby Oval Faceted Cutstone Natural Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Rare Burmese Myanmar ruby no heat no treatment
Weight: 11.03 Carats
Size: 15.5x12x6 MM
Pieces: 1
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
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W 0.48 in D 0.24 in L 0.62 in
Certified 9.58 Carats No Heat Burmese Ruby Round Faceted Cutstone Natural Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Rare Burmese Myanmar ruby no heat no treatment
Weight: 9.58 Carats
Size: 11X9 MM
Pieces: 1
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
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W 0.36 in L 0.44 in
Certified 9.55 Carats No Heat Burmese Ruby Oval Faceted Cutstone Natural Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Rare Burmese Myanmar ruby no heat no treatment
Shape: Roundish Oval
Weight: 9.55 Carats
Size: 10x9
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
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W 0.36 in L 0.43 in
GRS Certified 12.68 Carat Blue Sapphire Untreated Loose Gem
Located in Taipei, TW
rubies for over a thousand years, and is famous for its high-quality and beautiful gems. Burmese blue
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
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W 0.47 in D 0.38 in L 0.52 in
Invest in Fine Quality Red Burmese Spinel 1.55 carats Cushion Cut Natural Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.55 carats
Dimensions 6.95 x 6.50 x 4.40 mm
Treatment None
Origin Burma
Clarity SI
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Free Shipping
W 0.26 in D 0.18 in L 0.28 in
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Burmese Loose Gems For Sale on 1stDibs
On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of burmese loose gems. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 14k gold and 18k gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 7 vintage editions and 273 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of burmese loose gems made by modern jewelers — as well as those associated with contemporary — are very popular. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Merkaba, Gems and Jewels UK and OGI Ltd are consistently popular. Browse our collection of 139 spinel versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. A selection of cushion cut, oval cut and emerald cut can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of burmese loose gems for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.
How Much are Burmese Loose Gems?
On average, burmese loose gems at 1stDibs sell for $1,033, while they’re typically $100 on the low end and $250,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.
Finding the Right loose-gemstones for You
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.