$3,850
W 0.75 in D 0.38 in L 0.91 in
37.42 Carat Emerald Gigantic Piece Special Shape Cabochon Loose Gemstone
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An extraordinary gem: the 37.42 Carat Emerald, a gigantic piece with a special shape cabochon cut
Emerald
$1,999
W 0.36 in D 0.63 in L 0.75 in
Zambian Emerald Carved Cabochon Antique Pendant Style Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 19.25 Carats Size: 19x16x9 MM Pieces: 1 Shape: Carved Cabochon
Emerald
$4,499
W 0.79 in D 0.52 in L 1.03 in
Zambian Emerald Carved Cabochon Antique Pendant Style Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 49.36 Carats Size: 26x20x13 MM Pieces: 1 Shape: Carved Cabochon
Emerald
$1,399
W 0.56 in D 0.91 in L 0.52 in
Zambian Emerald Hexagon Carved Fancy Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 12.49 Carats Size: 13x14 MM Pieces: 4 Shape: Carved Fancy Hexagon Cabochon
Emerald
$5,999
W 0.71 in D 0.91 in L 0.87 in
Zambian Emerald Hexagon Carved Fancy Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 77.20 Carats Size: 20x22 To 23x18 MM Pieces: 4 Shape: Carved Fancy Hexagon Cabochon
Emerald
Emerald Sugarloaf Cabochon Cts 41.11
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This magnificent Emerald Sugarloaf Cabochon, weighing 41.11 carats, is a rare treasure mined from
Emerald
0.7ct Oval Cabochon Green Emerald from Colombia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Emerald Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.7 cts Measurements: 6.66 x 5.55 x
Emerald
2.75 Ct Natural Emerald Russia Cabochon Gemstone Neon green color eye clean
Located in bangkok, TH
EMA125 Natural Emerald Russia Cabochon Gemstone Neon green color eye clean quality GEM
Emerald
47.32 Carats Colombian Emerald Carved Cabochon & Round Layout Natural Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
47.32 Carats Colombian Emerald Carved Cabochon & Round Layout Natural Gemstone Gemstone - Emerald
Emerald
0.52ct Oval Cabochon Green Emerald from Colombia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Emerald Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.52 cts Measurements: 6.57 x 4.62 x
Emerald
1.07ct Oval Cabochon Green Emerald from Colombia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Emerald Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.07 cts Measurements: 7.23 x 5.78 x
Emerald
1.96ct Pear Cabochon Green Emerald from Colombia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Emerald Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.96 cts Measurements: 10.70 x 7.45 x
Emerald
23.14 Carats Colombian Top Emerald Carved Pear Cabochon Layout Natural Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
23.14 Carats Colombian Top Emerald Carved Pear Cabochon Layout Natural Gemstone Gemstone - Emerald
Emerald
Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald Cabochons Cts 39.54
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite collection of 80 sapphire, ruby, and emerald cabochons, totaling 39.54 carats
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
60.23 Carats Top Colombian Emerald Carved Cabochon For Jewelry Natural Gems
Located in Jaipur, RJ
60.23 Carats Top Colombian Emerald Carved Cabochon For Jewelry Natural Gems Gemstone - Emerald
Emerald
$11,000 / set
7.69 Carats Emerald Drops Cabochon Cut CD Certified
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
7.69 carats Emerald Drops Cabochon Cut CD Certified Matching Cabochon pair of Emerald Drops ready
Emerald
7.54ct Oval Cabochon Green Emerald GIA Certified Colombia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Emerald The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number
Emerald
2.85ct Hexagonal Cabochon Green Emerald GIA Certified Colombia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Emerald The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number
Emerald
$3,560
W 0.31 in D 0.19 in L 0.27 in
1.9ct Cushion Sugarloaf Cabochon Green Emerald GIA Certified Colombia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Emerald The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number
Emerald
5.06 Ct Natural Emerald Cabochon neon green transparent quality gemstone
Located in bangkok, TH
EMA83 5.06 Ct Natural Emerald Cabochon neon green transparent quality gemstone GEM DESCRIPTION
Emerald
$2,240
W 0.28 in D 0.18 in L 0.24 in
1.41ct Cushion Sugarloaf Double Cabochon Green Emerald GIA Certified Brazil
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Emerald The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number
Emerald
$3,450
W 0.32 in D 0.24 in L 0.32 in
2.77ct Cushion Sugarloaf Double Cabochon Green Emerald GIA Certified Zambia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Emerald The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number
Emerald
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
2.06 Ct Guild Certificate Natural Emerald Russia Cabochon Gemstone vivid green
Located in bangkok, TH
EMA84 2.06 Ct Guild Certificate Natural Emerald Russia Cabochon chon Gemstone vivid green color eye
Emerald
$3,828Sale Price|67% Off
W 0.79 in D 0.52 in L 1.07 in
GIA Certificated Oval Carved Double Sided Cabochon Emerald Weighing 53.64 Carats
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
cabochon emerald weighing 53.64 carats, certified by GIA (Gemological Institute of America), can be
Emerald
$54,000 / set
48.64 Carats, Zambian Square Cabochon Pair
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Presenting a stunning pair of Zambian emerald cabochons, expertly cut into elegant square shapes
Emerald
$17,500 / set
35.71 Carats, mango Shape Zambian Cabochon Pair
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Discover the allure of this stunning Zambian emerald cabochon, weighing an impressive 35.71 carats
Emerald
$4,599
H 0.32 in W 0.48 in L 0.75 in
20.71 carats Zambian Emerald Shield Pair cabochon for fine Jewelry Natural Gems
Located in Jaipur, RJ
20.71 carats Zambian Emerald Shield Pair cabochon stone for fine Jewelry Natural Gem Weight: 20.71
Emerald
7.95 Carats Oval Cabochon Gublin Certified No oil
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite 7.95-carat Oval Cabochon gemstone is a true testament to nature's beauty and
Emerald
7.95 Carats Oval Cabochon Gublin Certified No oil
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite 7.95-carat Oval Cabochon gemstone is a true testament to nature's beauty and
Emerald
9.05 Carat Zambian Emerald Sugarloaf Shape Piece
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning 9.05 Carat Emerald stone that is a gorgeous shade of vivid green and originates from
Emerald
6.24 Ct GIA certificate Natural Emerald Cat’Eye gemstone
Located in bangkok, TH
EMA161 6.24 Ct GIA certificate Natural Emerald Cat’Eye gemstone GEM DESCRIPTION Species: Natural
Emerald
$8,000
W 0.6 in D 0.25 in L 0.62 in
11.08ct Round Green and Black Trapiche Emerald GIA Certified Colombia (F1)
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Trapiche Emerald The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report
Emerald
Certified 120.00 Carat Zambian Emerald 12.80 Carat Diamonds 18K Gold Tiara
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Surprisingly exquisite emeralds and diamonds crown fit for royalty! This stunning piece of jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
10.64 Ct GIA Certificate Natural Cat‘s eye Emerald green color eye clean quality
Located in bangkok, TH
EMA07 10.64 Ct GIA Certificate Natural Cat‘s eye Emerald green color eye clean quality Gemstone
Emerald
$8,000 / set
22.35 carats, Zambian Bud Shape Cobochon Pair
Located in Hong Kong, HK
ntroducing a captivating pair of Zambian emerald cabochons, beautifully shaped like delicate buds
Emerald
10.90 Carat Natural Emerald Pear Cabochon Sugarloaf May Birthstone Loose Gem
Located in New York, NY
DETAILS Emerald Weight: 10.90 CT Measurements: 18.9 x 15.3 mm Shape: Pear Cabochon Color: Green
Emerald
10.20 Carat Natural Emerald Heart Cabochon Sugarloaf Unique Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
DETAILS Emerald Weight: 10.20 CT Measurements: 15.2 x 12.2 x 9 mm Shape: Heart Cabochon Color
Emerald
23.65 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Gemstone AAA
Located in Miami, FL
23.65 carat loose emerald. Superb loose sugar loaf cut emerald. 6.50 x 6.60 mm. Deep color and
Emerald
GIA Certified 80.32 Carat Oval Shape Natural Cabochon Emerald
Located in LA, CA
GIA Certified 80.32 carats Oval Shape Natural Emerald Cabochon F3 28.09 x 26.15 x 15.64 mm GIA
Emerald
Colombian Emerald Sugarloaf Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Bracelets Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A perfect set for a fine jewelry of colombian emeralds ! Weight: 18.67 Carats Size: 5 MM Pieces
Emerald
Zambian Emerald Fancy Crown Carved Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 12.01 Carats Size: 15x22 MM Pieces: 1 Shape: Carved Cabochon
Emerald
Zambian Emerald Flower Carved Fancy Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 28.80 Carats Size: 14x8 MM Pieces: 14 Shape: Carved Fancy Flower Cabochon
Emerald
Sold
W 0.08 in L 0.23 in
28.06 Cts Colombian Emerald Sugarloaf cabochon Loose Gemstone for Fine Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Colombian Emerald Sugarloaf Shape Loose Gemstone for Fine Jewelry Weight: 28.06 Carats Size: 2 To
Emerald
Sold
W 0.08 in L 0.24 in
30.69 Cts Colombian Emerald Sugarloaf cabochon Loose Gemstone for Fine Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Colombian Emerald Sugarloaf Shape Loose Gemstone for Fine Jewelry Weight: 30.69 Carats Size: 2 To 6
Emerald
Zambian Emerald Fancy Pair Wing Carved Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 32.20 Carats Size: 24x16.5 MM Pieces: 2 Shape: Carved Cabochon
Emerald
Natural Zambian Emerald 10.95 Carat Pear Cabochon Loose Gemstone
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A Very Beautiful Zambia Emerald Pear Cabochon Loose Gemstone is Unique For Its Shape . 10.95 Carat
Emerald
Sold
W 0.24 in D 0.16 in L 0.36 in
Colombian Emerald Sugarloaf Ovals Mix Shape Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 34.65 Carats Size: 4x4 TO 9x6 MM Pieces: 40 Shape: Mix Shape Sugarloaf Oval Pear
Emerald
Sold
W 0.6 in D 0.48 in L 0.71 in
44 Carats Zambian Emerald Oval Cabochon Vivid Green Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 44.23 Carats Size: 23x18x15 MM Pieces: 1 Shape: Smooth Cabochon
Emerald
Sold
W 0.2 in D 0.36 in L 0.63 in
Lustrous Zambian Emerald Fancy Marquise Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 4.50 Carats Size: 16x9x5 MM Pieces: 1 Shape: Smooth Marquise Cabochon
Emerald
1.26ct Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstone Oval 8x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 1.26 carat Zambian Emerald gemstone! This gemstone would be perfect for the
Emerald
1.11 carat Natural Cabochon Cut Russian Emerald
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
An amazing Russian Emerald which allows jewelers to create a unique piece of wearable art. This
Emerald
Sold
W 0.44 in D 0.24 in L 0.71 in
Lustrous Vivid Green Zambian Emerald Carved Leaf Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Zambian Emerald Carved Leaf Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Jewelry Weight: 6.50 Carats Size: 18x11x6
Emerald
Sold
W 0.44 in D 0.24 in L 0.71 in
Lustrous Vivid Green Zambian Emerald Carved Leaf Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Zambian Emerald Carved Leaf Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Jewelry Weight: 6.50 Carats Size: 18x11x6
Emerald
75.00 carats Zambian Emerald Plain cabochon & Pear Top Fine Layout Natural Gems
Located in Jaipur, RJ
75.00 carats Zambian Emerald Plain cabochon & Pear Top Fine Layout Natural Gems Weight: 75.00
Emerald
72.50 carats Zambian Emerald Shield Pair cabochon Layout Jewelry Natural Gems
Located in Jaipur, RJ
72.50 carats Zambian Emerald Shield Pair cabochon stone for fine Jewelry Natural Gem Weight: 72.50
Emerald
Natural Emerald Plain Cushion Cabochon 24.66 Carat Loose Gemstone
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Beautiful Zambian Emerald plain Cushion Cabochon Loose Gemstone. 24.66 Carat with a elegant Green
Emerald
Natural 116.17ct Oval Cabochon Cut Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in Houston, TX
One loose gemstone described as follows... One (1) natural, oval-shaped, cabochon cut, emerald
Emerald
4.39 Carat Natural Zambian Emerald Pear Cabochon Loose Gemstone
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A Very Beautiful Zambia Emerald Pear Cabochon Loose Gemstone. 4.39 Carat with a elegant Green color
Emerald
Vivid Green Emerald Cabochon
Located in Melbourne, AU
A loose Zambia cabochon gem weight : 4.10 ct Vivid green colour Emerald’s lush green has
Emerald
Sold
H 0.21 in W 0.32 in L 0.45 in
Natural Best Quality Zambian Emerald Cabochon 3.02 Carat Loose Gemstone
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Natural Beautiful Zambia Emerald Gemstone. 3.02 Carat with a elegant Green color and excellent
Emerald
Eostre Vivid Green Emerald Cabochon
Located in Melbourne, AU
A loose Zambia cabochon gem weight : 16.66 ct Vivid green colour Emerald’s lush green has
Emerald
7.59 Carat Pear Shaped Carved Colombian Emerald Cabochon, Pair
Located in Hong Kong, HK
7.59 Carat Pear Shaped Carved Colombian Emerald Cabochon, Pair: A very beautiful and elegant pair
Emerald
2.86 Carat Sugarloaf Zambian Emerald
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning 2.86 Carat Emerald stone that is a gorgeous shade of vivid green and originates from
Emerald
Colombian Emerald Sugarloaf Layout 21.68 Carats Natural Gemstone for jewelry
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Gemstone - Emerald Weight - 21.68 carats Shape - Suagarloaf Size - Size - 4.5 To 5.5 MM Quantity
Emerald
Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Located in SE
Luxurious Antique Ring in Renaissance style, band and crown tested solid 18K Gold,not hallmarked, European, ca. XVIII - early XIX centuries. Huge cabochon of natural Light - Blue Sa...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$19,960Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Art Deco Style Sugarloaf Emerald and Diamond Ring Engagement Ring
By Gold Adore
Located in San Francisco, CA
I am seriously in LOVE with this ring. It might just be my favorite ring yet. Crafted in Platinum, the design features an amazing gemstone center, flanked by French Cut Diamonds, and...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified Vivid Pink Marquise Diamond
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, Featuring one of the rarest shapes, combined with the rarest color satur...
Pink Diamond
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your creativity. Designed with emeralds and diamonds that makes it a perfect fit to ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 12.00 Carat Greenish Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry New York, a well known and respected dealer located on New York's iconic Fifth Avenue, Our specialty are one of a kind jewels, and Natural Fancy Color diamonds a...
Diamond, Blue Diamond
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified Fancy Blue Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, Featuring a very special center diamond Gia Certified as Natural 4.00 Ca...
Blue Diamond
251.76 Carat Rough Black Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This lustrous, huge rough black diamond mined in Canada weighs 251.76 carats. Black diamonds owe their opaque color to natural impurities in the crystal lattice and make beautiful co...
Black Diamond
30.32 Carat No-Heat Sugarloaf Sapphire piece
Located in Bangkok, TH
A massive and breathtaking 30.32 Carat Sapphire, resplendent in a cornflower blue hue. It hails from the enchanting gem mines of Sri Lanka. This exquisite gem hasn't undergone any fo...
Sapphire
$3,200,000Sale Price|20% Off
No Oil Colombian 69 Ct Emerald Platinum Award Oval Luxury Necklace
Located in Kowloon, HK
Rarely large size in oval shape for the center stone, Colombian emerald is clearly present in the particular stone, A good color identified as intense to vivid green, good clarity an...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Antique Diamond Flower Brooch Set with old mine diamonds Made circa 1900 Measurements: 1.5" long Gold Type: 14K Yellow Gold
Diamond
$1,336Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Emerald Cocktail Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Ruby & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Oval Shape Ruby - 15.50 Carat Natural Round Brilliant Emeralds - 3.00 Carat This Ring is fr...
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,950
W 0.71 in D 0.4 in L 0.82 in
Water Melon Tourmaline 32.66 Carat Green And Red Natural Maginificient Loose Gem
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Water Melon Tourmaline 32.66 Carat Green And Red Natural Maginificient Loose Gem Details are mentioned below: Weight: 32.66 carats Dimensions:20.81x17.98x9.97 mm Treatment: None Cla...
Tourmaline
$9,245,071
W 13 in D 6 in L 18 in
Emerald Diamond Pendant 3 Ct 0.41 Ct White Gold Panjshir Afghanistan Great Color
Located in Viena, Viena
estimated value approx. 9.550,-- euros real emeralds make you happy, here a noble pendant decorated with diamonds in halo style, a fine emerald (oiled) approx. 2.13 ct, intensive co...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
10.40 Carat Natural Loose Amethyst Sugarloaf Cabochon For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stone: Amethyst Weight : 10.40 Carats Dimension: 15.4 x 11.9 x 8.3 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Sugarloaf Cabochon Color: Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethys...
Amethyst
Magnificent Sapphire and Diamond Gold Pendant Brooch Statement Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Magnificent Mid Century Modern Sapphire and Diamond Gold Brooch Pendant Necklace. Center of Pendant, securely Hand set with a Blue Sapphire, weighin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,999
W 0.44 in L 0.58 in
20.82 Carat Russian Emerald Cushion Cut for Fine Jewelry Natural emerald Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Russian Emerald Princess Cut for Fine Jewelry Ring Natural Gemstone Gemstone - Emerald Weight - 20.82 Carats Size - 14.5x11 MM
Emerald
No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”
There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!
There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany & Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces 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.