Certified Loose Gems
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Untreated Cushion Cut Blue Sapphire 0.63ct IGI Certified Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Untreated Cushion Cut Blue Sapphire 0.63ct IGI Certified Loose Gem 5.4x4.3mm
Natural Untreated
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
GRA Certified 2.06ct Green Blue Sapphire Loose Cushion Cut Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GRA Certified 2.06ct Green Blue Sapphire Loose Cushion Cut Gem 9.3x6.4mm
GRA Certified Deep Green
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire
Free Shipping
H 0.15 in W 0.37 in D 0.26 in
GIA Certified 1.48ct Natural Green Emerald Octagonal Emerald Cut Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GIA Certified 1.48ct Natural Green Emerald Octagonal Emerald Cut Loose Gem
GIA Certified Natural
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Free Shipping
H 0.24 in W 0.31 in D 0.17 in
Deep Blue Untreated Oval Cut Sapphire IGI Certified 0.61ct Loose Rare Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Deep Blue Untreated Oval Cut Sapphire IGI Certified 0.61ct Loose Rare Gem
Natural Deep Blue
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire
Free Shipping
H 0.13 in W 0.21 in D 0.17 in
1.02ct Fine Green Blue Sapphire GRA Certified Oval Cut Rare Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.02ct Fine Green Blue Sapphire GRA Certified Oval Cut Rare Loose Gem 6.3x5.3mm
GRA Certified
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire
Free Shipping
H 0.15 in W 0.25 in D 0.21 in
1.04ct Untreated Green Sapphire IGI Certified Unheated Oval Cut Rare Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.04ct Untreated Green Sapphire IGI Certified Unheated Oval Cut Rare Loose Gem
Natural Vivid Green
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Green Sapphire
Free Shipping
H 0.13 in W 0.28 in D 0.21 in
Blue Thailand Sapphire 1.18 Carat IGI Certified Oval Cut Loose Natural Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
. Fully certified by IGI in Antwerp, one of their best and most well equipped gem labs.
Standard heated
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Rare 4.28ct IGI Certified Green Jadeite Jade ‘A’ Grade Oval Cabochon Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare 4.28ct IGI Certified Green Jadeite Jade ‘A’ Grade Oval Cabochon Loose Gem
IGI Certified
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Jade
Free Shipping
H 0.2 in W 0.42 in D 0.4 in
Deep Royal Blue Untreated Oval Cut Sapphire IGI Certified 0.63ct Loose Rare Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Deep Royal Blue Untreated Oval Cut Sapphire IGI Certified 0.63ct Loose Rare Gem
Natural Deep Royal
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
H 0.12 in W 0.23 in D 0.18 in
Chrysoberyl Ring Gem 9.42 Carat GIA Certified Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural, unheated Chrysoberyl cushion cut gem, weighing a total of 9.42 carats.
This fine gem is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl
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
Free Shipping
W 0.39 in D 0.28 in L 0.54 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
Free Shipping
W 0.47 in D 0.38 in L 0.52 in
GRS Certified 7.12 Carat Santa Maria Aquamarine Loose Gem
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
and is definitely a collectible piece. As with any aquamarine, this spectacular gem is free of
Category
2010s Unknown Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine
GRS Certified 6.89 Carat Santa Maria Aquamarine Loose Gem
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
and is definitely a collectible piece. As with any aquamarine, this spectacular gem is free of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine
Vanadium Chrysoberyl Ring Gem 5.08 Carat GIA Certified Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
quality gem, is offered loose, and it would make an exceptional unisex custom made jewelry creation.
The
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl, Other
Alexandrite Oval, .86 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This .86 carat, GIA-certified oval alexandrite is the perfect shape for a 3-stone ring! It exhibits
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl
Certified 2.95 Carats Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Gem For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet
Weight: 2.95 Carat
Dimension: 10 x 8.4 x 4.4 Mm
Certificate: Available
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Central African Arts and Crafts Loose Gems...
Materials
Rhodolite
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W 0.34 in D 0.18 in L 0.4 in
Deep Blue Sapphire, Certified Gem, 4, 27 Ct., Loose Gemstone
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
collection.
This beautiful gem has a rich blue color and a great fire. Cutting, proportion and cleaness
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
GRA Certified 1.17ct Blue Sapphire Untreated Heart Cut Loose Rare Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
GRA Certified 1.17ct Blue Sapphire Untreated Heart Cut Loose Rare Gem 7.1x6mm
GRA Certified
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
H 0.24 in W 0.28 in
GRA Certified 1.43ct Fine Blue Sapphire Oval Cut Rare Loose Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
GRA Certified 1.43ct Fine Blue Sapphire Oval Cut Rare Loose Gem 7.7x5.5mm
GRA Certified Deep Blue
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
1.37 Carat Emerald Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vibrant, bright green emerald is an exceptional gem with gorgeous color and clarity! It is a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.70 Carat Colombian Emerald, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
millimeters, this gem is exceptionally well cut and proportioned, giving the emerald superior brilliance and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
GIA Certified 3.99 Carat Natural Sri Lankan Alexandrite, Alexandrite Loose Gem
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add this uniquely beautiful natural gem to your collection today. This stunning natural gem is from
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite
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W 0.36 in D 0.25 in L 0.35 in
Alexandrite Chrysoberyl .78 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified - RTP
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
and a very brilliant gem, it is accompanied by Gemological Institute of America Report #2205169890
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl
Alexandrite Chrysoberyl 1.16 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified - RTP
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
fluorescent/daylight that changes to 100% purple in incandescent light. This chrysoberyl gem is the perfect
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl
76.22 Carat Pear Shaped Aquamarine, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
! Measuring 46.50 x 22.30 x 14.50 millimeters, this huge gem is well cut with excellent proportions and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine
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W 0.88 in D 0.58 in L 1.84 in
1.53 Carat Certified Pretty Loose Blue Sapphire Cushion Shape Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Blue Sapphire
Weight: 1.53 Carats
Dimension: 7.8 x 6.3 x 3.3 Mm
Colour: Blue
Origin
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Central African Arts and Crafts Loose Gems...
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.25 in D 0.13 in L 0.31 in
1.76 Carat Brazilian Emerald, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
large inventory of emeralds, both loose and set in original designs. We would love to design a bespoke
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
1.01ct Fine Blue Sapphire GRA Certified Cushion Cut Rare Loose Gem 6.4x5.3mm
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.01ct Fine Blue Sapphire GRA Certified Cushion Cut Rare Loose Gem 6.4x5.3mm
GRA Certified Deep
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones
Free Shipping
H 0.21 in W 0.26 in
1.12ct Deep Blue Sapphire Pear Teardrop Cut IGI Certified Loose Rare Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.12ct Deep 0Blue Sapphire Pear Teardrop Cut IGI Certified Loose Rare Gem
Deep Blue Sapphire In
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
33.95 Carat Imperial Topaz Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This impressive, peachy orange gem is a beautiful example of Imperial topaz at its finest! It is an
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz, Imperial Topaz
Free Shipping
W 0.64 in D 0.46 in L 0.83 in
Cat’s Eye Alexandrite Chrysoberyl, 5.24 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
dramatic, near complete color change to muted purple in incandescent light. The eye on this rare gem is a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl, Cat’s Eye
Unheated 10.78 Carat Ceylon Yellow Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
improve their color, so to find a gem of this size and beautiful natural yellow hue is nearly impossible
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
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W 0.43 in D 0.38 in L 0.45 in
Unheated 5.02 Carat Blue Spinel, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ..... A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Institute of America Report #6204170110, this gem weighs 5.02 carats and measures 10.44 x 11.35 x 6.18
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Unheated .75 Carat Padparadscha Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
blessed with this much vivid color naturally, especially in gems under a carat. This natural color .75
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire
2.00 Carat Heart Shaped Ruby, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sparkling diamonds. This gem has no secondary purple or brown and the way it is faceted makes it appear much
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
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W 0.35 in D 0.12 in L 0.37 in
2.39 Carat Unheated Madagascar Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful 2.39 carat unheated loose blue sapphire is absolutely stunning! It is a perfectly
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.28 in D 0.21 in L 0.33 in
Purple Pink Sapphire, No Heat, Certified Gem, 4, 46 Ct., Loose Gemstone
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
exclusive collection.
This beautiful gem has a intense purple-pink color and a great fire. Cutting
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
One-of-the-kind Untreated Russian Emerald Loose Gem 0.85 Carat Certified
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
jewelry pieces featuring primarily unique stones we facet in-house from rough gems we source in Russia. We
Category
2010s Russian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.10 Carat Natural Loose Certified Yellow Chrome Tourmaline Oval Shape Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Chrome Tourmaline
Weight: 3.10 Carat
Dimension: 9.8 x 8.4 x 5.7 Mm
Colour: Orangish Yellow
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Central African Arts and Crafts Loose Gems...
Materials
Chrome Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.34 in D 0.23 in L 0.39 in
Certified 1.46 Carats Natural Pink Loose Ruby Ring Gem From Afghanistan Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Ruby
Weight: 1.46 Carats
Dimension: 6.38x6.05x3.92 Mm
Origin: Jagdalek Afghanistan
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Star Ruby, Ruby
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W 0.24 in D 0.16 in L 0.26 in
Unheated 2.14 Carat Purple Sapphire Octagon, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ...A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
princess-cut gem measuring 7.22 x 6.00 x 4.92 millimeters and is accompanied by Gemological Institute of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
4.18 Carat Unheated Natural Blue Sapphire Pear, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sapphire that is certified "unheated" is rare and particularly valuable. This gorgeous pear shape has
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.33 in D 0.24 in L 0.45 in
1.09ct AIG Certified Deep Rare Blue Sapphire Oval Cut Loose Gemstone
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.09ct AIG Certified Deep Rare Blue Sapphire Oval Cut 6.6x5mm Loose Gemstone
AIG Certified Deep
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
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H 0.15 in W 0.27 in D 0.2 in
79.78 Carat Golden Olive Tourmaline Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ...A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
proportioned with an even shape and symmetrical outline. This gem has exceptional clarity and brilliance that
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
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W 1.06 in D 0.63 in L 1.19 in
.94 Carat Rare Green Demantoid Garnet, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ....A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
demantoid garnet measures 5.36 x 5.41 x 3.93 millimeters and weighs .94 carat. This gem is extremely well
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
Unheated 10.21 Carat Pink Purple Spinel, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ...A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
life to a gem. Measuring 12.56 x 11.35 x 8.74 millimeters, this large and extremely lively gem is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.45 in D 0.35 in L 0.5 in
.19 Carat Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ..A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paraiba gems from Brazil. This gem is accompanied by Gemological Institute of America Report #6204186929
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
2.19 Carat Cornflower Blue Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
gem from Sri Lanka, one of the world's premier sources of fine blue sapphires. This pretty oval
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Sweet Pink Spinel From Burma 1.50 CTS Natural Spinel Loose Spinel Certified Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Certified Spinel Loose Spinel Gemstone Cuttingstone Cuttingshapes Pink Spinel Spinel Gemstones Spinel
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
0.87ct Deep Blue Sapphire Square Cushion Cut IGI Certified Rare Loose Gemstone
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
0.87ct Deep Blue Sapphire Square Cushion Cut IGI Certified Rare Loose Gemstone
Natural Deep Blue
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
H 0.12 in W 0.23 in D 0.22 in
Fancy Intense Purplish Pink Natural Diamond, Loose .24 Carat Pear, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
magnified by photography.
We have a large selection of loose colorless and fancy colored diamonds in our
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, Pink Diamond
Free Shipping
W 0.15 in D 0.1 in L 0.18 in
Unheated 9.26 Carat Purple Pink Spinel Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified .A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated, purplish-pink spinel will lift your spirits! Accompanied by Gemological Institute of America Report #2151269774, this large spinel weighs 9.26 carats and measures 11.7...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
1.35ct Deep Blue Sapphire Rare Oval Cut IGI Certified Loose Gemstone in Blister
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.35ct Deep Blue Sapphire Rare Oval Cut IGI Certified Loose Gemstone in Blister
Natural Deep Blue
Category
20th Century Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
H 0.15 in W 0.29 in D 0.25 in
GIA Certified Fine Blue 1.19ct Untreated Sapphire Pear Cut Unheated Rare Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GIA Certifier Fine Blue Untreated Sapphire Gemstone.
Unheated blue sapphire with a beautiful deep
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
GIA Certified 1.36ct Untreated Vivid Green Yellow Sapphire Round Diamond Cut Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GIA Certified Untreated Green Yellow Sapphire Gemstone.
1.36 Carat unheated sapphire with a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
GIA Certified 1.31ct Parti Colour Sapphire Blue Yellow Untreated Emerald Cut Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
to see.
Fully certified by GIA confirming stone as natural, untreated and Australian in origin
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Incredible Natural Loose Aquamarine Gem 6.40 Carats Aquamarine Bracelets
Located in Bangkok, TH
Incredible Natural Loose Aquamarine Gem, available for sale at wholesale price, natural high
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine
GEM certified 3.43 carats Colombian Emerald
Located in PARIS, FR
3.43 carats colombian emerald
Dimensions : 9.37 x 8.65 x 5.73 mm
Moderate oiling
GEM
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Emerald Cut Loose Emerald from Russia Ring Gem 2.1 Carat
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
-house from rough gems we source in Russia. We use only natural, untreated and certified Emeralds
Category
2010s Russian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
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Certified Loose Gems For Sale on 1stDibs
Browse a vast assortment of certified loose gems for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and white gold. Find a collection of 26 vintage versions or 654 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 19th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of certified loose gems includes designs that are universally popular, but artisan and contemporary styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Gems and Jewels UK, Sarosi By Timeless Gems and Merkaba are consistently popular. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of sapphire versions from the 292 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. There are many brilliant cut, oval cut and cushion cut certified loose gems for sale. When shopping our range of certified loose gems, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.
How Much are Certified Loose Gems?
Prices for certified loose gems start at $112 and top out at $6,675,000 with these loose-gemstones, on average, selling for $3,092.
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.
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