Gia Loose Gems
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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
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
36.96 Carat Pink Tourmaline Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
brilliance. It is accompanied by GIA report #2151269368. With exceptional clarity, this vibrant gem is full
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
8.46 Carat GIA Colombian Emerald - Bluish Green Cushion Cut Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
: Clarity Enhanced (F3)
8.46 carat GIA Certified Colombian Emerald Cushion Cut.
This stone has superficial
Category
2010s Colombian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
10.37 Carat Paraiba Tourmaline Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
” tourmaline from Mozambique, this loupe-clean gem weighs 10.37 carats and measures 15.49 x 12.62 x 8.12
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
Unheated 5.02 Carat Blue Spinel, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
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
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
4.60 Carat Red Spinel Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
the natural shape of the crystal, but this gem has beautiful proportions, allowing for exemplary
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
22.39 Carat Golden Topaz Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This warm, golden precious topaz weighs 22.38 carats, has exceptional clarity, and would make an absolutely stunning pendant enhancer or impressive centerpiece for a gemstone collect...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz
Unheated 2.14 Carat Purple Sapphire Octagon, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
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
79.78 Carat Golden Olive Tourmaline Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
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
W 1.06 in D 0.63 in L 1.19 in
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
W 0.64 in D 0.46 in L 0.83 in
6.66 Carat Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous, 6.66 carat cat’s eye chrysoberyl is a real gem and would make a stunning ring!! It
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl, Cat’s Eye
.94 Carat Rare Green Demantoid Garnet, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
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
Natural Padparadscha Sapphire, .75 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified Unheated
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
blessed with such vivid color naturally, especially in gems under a carat. This .75 carat padparadscha
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire
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
W 0.28 in D 0.21 in L 0.33 in
7.43 Carat Parisian Blue Indicolite Tourmaline, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 7.43 carat indicolite tourmaline is a beautifully lively gem and an intense, rich, Parisian
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Indicolite
W 13.19 in D 7.14 in L 13.53 in
15.90 Carat Orange Imperial Topaz, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This peachy orange imperial topaz has spectacular color and a wonderfully elegant pear shape. It weighs 15.90 carats and is extremely clean, with exceptional brilliance and life! Bea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz, Imperial Topaz
4.90 Carat Blue Spinel Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pretty blue spinel cushion weighs 4.90 carats and would make a beautiful 3-stone ring, though its shape lends itself to a variety of possibilities! It measures 11.13 x 8.86 x 6....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Unheated 5.18 Carat Cinnamon Orange Sapphire Pear, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. The proportions of this gem would make a stunning 3-stone engagement ring, but its shape lends itself
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
5.77 Carat Royal Blue Sapphire Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This extremely fine cushion-shaped blue sapphire is what dreams are made of. This exquisite gem
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire
3.11 Carat "Pigeon's Blood" Burmese Ruby, Loose Gemstone, GIA, GRS Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
natural silk inside the stone. This gem is exceptionally well-cut; it faces up larger than gems of similar
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
Unheated 2.23 Carat Burmese Star Ruby, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
stone a vibrant, rich glow. The star is centered, straight and complete. This lovely gem is from Burma
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby, Star Ruby
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
3.11 Carat "Pigeon's Blood" Burmese Ruby Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. With rich, “Pigeon’s Blood” red color and excellent clarity, this vivid gem possesses a perfect balance
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
Unheated 1.39 Carat Burmese Pink Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1.39 carat vivid pink sapphire is magnificent! It is an unheated, perfectly symmetrical oval from Myanmar (formerly Burma), the historic source of some of the world’s finest sap...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire
Unheated 7.16 Carat Yellow Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 7.16 carat unheated yellow sapphire oval is the color of refreshing lemonade! Most yellow sapphires have been heated to improve their color, which is a well-known, accepted prac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
Unheated 9.26 Carat Purple Pink Spinel Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
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
Unheated 17.13 Carat Ceylon Violet Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This natural color, Ceylon violetish-blue sapphire is full of life! Unheated sapphires this large and with such even color and superior clarity are extremely rare. Weighing 17.13 car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
W 0.49 in D 0.42 in L 0.58 in
Fancy Intense Purplish Pink Natural Diamond, Loose .24 Carat Pear, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Institute of America (GIA) Colored Diamond Grading Report stating its color as "Natural, Fancy Intense
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, Pink Diamond
W 0.15 in D 0.1 in L 0.18 in
15.45 Carat Semi-Black Crystal Opal GIA, Double Cabochon Pendant Collector Gem
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
who can’t decide which color gem they love most! Opals exhibiting intense play-of-color with clearly
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Crystal
W 0.73 in D 0.3 in L 0.75 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 1.31ct 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
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire
GIA Certified Royal Blue Sapphire Gia Certified and Stated Unheated Kashmir Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
sapphire is unheated GIA certified and actually stated in the GIA report as "The color appearance of this
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Art Nouveau Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
2.11 Carat Pink Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
Located in Los Angeles, CA
millimeters and weighing 2.11 carats. This oval gem would make a lovely 3-stone or engagement ring and is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire
6 Carat Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline Oval – Rare Neon Gem for Collectors - GIA
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exceptional 6.47 Carat GIA Certified Paraiba Tourmaline Oval Gem: A Rare Masterpiece from
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
W 0.45 in D 0.28 in L 0.52 in
GIA 5.44 Carat Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline Pear Rare Neon Gem for Collectors
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
.
Presenting this gem loose gives you the opportunity to create a personalized design, adding a sentimental
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
12.11ct GIA Certified Yellowish Green Emerald Cut Gem 16x12 Genuine May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald
Weight: 12.11-carats
Shape: Emerald Cut
Clarity: Transparent
Luster: Excellent-Very Good
Color: Yellowish Green
Measurements: 16.04mm x 12.32mm x 8.52mm
Geographic Ori...
Category
2010s Colombian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
H 0.34 in W 0.49 in L 0.64 in
GIA Certified 1.77 carats Cobalt Blue Spinel Stone Brilliant Cut Natural Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Shape octagon
Cut Brilliant Cut
This GIA Certified Cobalt Blue Spinel weighs 1.77 carats and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
W 0.25 in D 0.18 in L 0.31 in
Intense 5.84 Carat Bluish Green Asscher Cut Colombian Emerald GIA Certified Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald
Weight: 5.84-carats
Shape: Emerald Cut
Clarity: Transparent
Luster: Excellent-Very Good
Color: Intense Bluish Green
Measurements: 11.67mm x 10.55mm x 7.37mm
Geographic...
Category
2010s Colombian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
H 0.3 in W 0.42 in L 0.46 in
1.46ct GIA Certified Bluish Green Emerald Cut Colombian Gem 7x6 Genuine May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald
Weight: 1.46-carats
Shape: Emerald Cut
Clarity: Transparent
Luster: Excellent
Color: Bluish Green
Measurements: 6.77mm x 6.44mm x 5.38mm
Geographic Origin: Colombia
Tr...
Category
2010s Colombian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
H 0.22 in W 0.26 in L 0.27 in
13.22ct GIA Muzo Yellowish Green Emerald Cut Gem 15x13 Genuine May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald
Weight: 13.22-carats
Shape: Emerald Cut
Clarity: Transparent
Luster: Excellent
Color: Muzo Yellowish Green
Measurements: 14.79mm x 12.80mm x 10.75mm
Geographic Origin:...
Category
2010s Colombian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
H 0.43 in W 50.4 in L 0.59 in
15.28ct GIA Large 15.5x14.5 Colombian Emerald Cut Gem Chivor Mine May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald
Weight: 15.28-carats
Shape: Asscher Cut
Clarity: Transparent
Luster: Excellent
Color: Medium Green
Measurements: 15.44mm x 14.65mm x 10.08mm
Geographic Origin: Colombi...
Category
2010s Colombian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
H 0.4 in W 0.58 in L 0.61 in
1.20 Carat GIA 9x6 Dark Green Colombian Emerald - Oval Cut May Birthstone Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald
Weight: 1.20-carats
Shape: Oval Cut
Clarity: Transparent
Luster: Very Good
Color: Dark Green
Measurements: 9.02mm x 6.04mm x 3.91mm
Geographic Origin: Colombia
Treatme...
Category
2010s Colombian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
GIA Certified Colour Change Sapphire 0.76ct Untreated Round Cut Unheated Rare
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
or artificial light. Very rare and stunning to see.
Fully certified by GIA confirming stone as
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
GIA Certified 1.19ct Parti Colour Thai Sapphire Blue Yellow Untreated Emerald
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
certified by GIA confirming stone as natural, untreated and Thailand in origin.
Also has excellent clarity
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire
GIA Certified 1.12ct Parti Colour Australian Sapphire Blue Untreated Cushion Cut
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
stunning to see.
Fully certified by GIA confirming stone as natural, untreated and Australian.
Also has
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire
1.27 Carat GIA Certified Burma No Heat Red Spinel
Located in Kowloon, HK
pure, unaltered beauty. Certified by the world-renowned GIA (Gemological Institute of America), it
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
1.64 Carat GIA Certified Burma No Heat Red Spinel
Located in Kowloon, HK
pure, unaltered beauty. Certified by the world-renowned GIA (Gemological Institute of America), it
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
1.91 Carat GIA Certified Burma No Heat Red Spinel
Located in Kowloon, HK
pure, unaltered beauty. Certified by the world-renowned GIA (Gemological Institute of America), it
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
2.47 Carat GIA Certified Burma No Heat Red Spinel
Located in Kowloon, HK
pure, unaltered beauty. Certified by the world-renowned GIA (Gemological Institute of America), it
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
6.12 Ct GIA Certified No Oil Emerald Zambia at High Clarity
Located in bangkok, TH
EMA19 ～
GIA Certified No Oil Emerald Zambia at High Clarity
GEM DESCRIPTION
Species: Natural
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
1.44 Ct GIA Certified No oil Russia Emerald Neon Green Color
Located in bangkok, TH
EMA136
GIA Certified No oil Russia Emerald Neon Green Color
GEM DESCRIPTION
Species: Natural
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
1.36 Ct GIA Certified Natural Unheated Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood Color
Located in bangkok, TH
RMA91
GIA Certified Natural Unheated Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood Color Gemstone
GEM DESCRIPTION
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
GIA Certified 1.83 Carat Burma No Heat Cushion Cut Pink Sapphire
Located in Kowloon, HK
and purity remain untouched by heat treatment. Certified by the prestigious GIA Gem Lab, this sapphire
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Pink Sapphire
1.09 GIA Certified Natural Unheated Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood Color Gemsto
Located in bangkok, TH
RMA86
1.09 GIA Certified Natural Unheated Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood Color Gemstone
GEM DESCRIPTION
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
0.51 Ct GIA Certified Natural Unheated Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood Color Gemstone
Located in bangkok, TH
RMA93
GIA Certified Natural Unheated Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood Color Gemstone
GEM DESCRIPTION
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
0.58 Ct GIA Certified Natural Unheated Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood Color Gemstone
Located in bangkok, TH
RMA95
0.58 ct GIA Certified Natural Unheated Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood Color Gemstone
GEM
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
1.12 Ct GIA certified Natural Burma Ruby pigeon blood unheated Eye clean
Located in bangkok, TH
RMA90
GIA Natural Burma Ruby pigeon blood Natural unheated Eye clean gemstone
GEM DESCRIPTION
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
GIA Certified 1.66 Carat Burma No Heat Natural Cushion Cut Ruby
Located in Kowloon, HK
, making it a true collector's gem.
What sets this ruby apart is its guaranteed authenticity and
Category
2010s Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
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Gia Loose Gems For Sale on 1stDibs
Find an expansive variety of gia loose gems available on 1stDibs. Artisan and Contemporary are consistently popular styles when it comes to gia loose gems. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Sarosi By Timeless Gems, Merkaba and Fine Jewels UK are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 23 Sapphire versions can add an especially stylish touch. There are many oval cut, cushion cut and pear cut gia loose gems for sale. Most of our gia loose gems for sale are for women, but there are 49 pieces available to browse for men.
How Much are Gia Loose Gems?
Prices for gia loose gems can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $373 and can go as high as $235,600, while gia loose gems, on average, fetch $18,942.
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.