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Loose 3 Carat Sapphire

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Kashmir Sapphire Ring Gem 3 Carat Unheated Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary 3 carat plus, unheated Kashmir Sapphire, recognized with the esteemed "Classic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

1.17 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire Loose Unset 3-Stone Engagement Ring Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This petite blue sapphire is a lovely gem at an amazingly affordable price! Weighing 1.17 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

1.04 Carat Oval Pink Sapphire Loose Unset Engagement 3-Stone Ring Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sparkling cherry blossom pink sapphire will make a gorgeous ring or pendant! Weighing 1.04
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire

3.22 Carat Oval Yellow Sapphire Loose Unset 3-Stone Ring or Pendant Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This bright lemon yellow sapphire with its sparkling golden highlights will make a gorgeous piece
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow 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

Unheated 3.11 Carat Purple Pink Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
While sapphires are routinely heated to improve their color, this 3.11 carat unheated, lively pink
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire

Pink Violet Sapphire, Faceted Gem, 3, 04 Ct., Loose Gemstone, no treatments
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
We are delighted to be able to offer for sale, this 3,04 ct. Sapphire from our exclusive collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

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
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire

2.19 Carat Cornflower Blue Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
measures 8.56 x 6.70 x 4.85 millimeters and weighs 2.19 carats, making it a perfect size for a 3-stone or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

3 Carat Cushion Greenish Blue Sapphire GIA Unheated
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Cushion shape 3.01-carat Natural Greenish Blue color sapphire GIA certified has been hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

1 1/3 Carat Cushion Blue Sapphire GIA
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Cushion shape 1.28-carat Natural Blue color sapphire GIA certified has been hand-selected by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

1 1/3 Carat Octagonal Blue Sapphire GIA
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Octagonal shape 1.32-carat Natural Blue color sapphire GIA certified has been hand-selected by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

1 1/3 Carat Oval Purple-Pink Sapphire GIA
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Oval shape 1.33-carat Natural Purple-Pink color sapphire GIA certified has been hand-selected
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

2 3/4 Carat Cushion Bluish Violet Sapphire GIA
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Cushion shape 2.74-carat Natural Bluish Violet color sapphire GIA certified has been hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

3 1/5 Carat Octagonal Purplish Pink Sapphire GIA
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Octagonal shape 3.21-carat Natural Purplish Pink color sapphire GIA certified has been hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

1 1/3 Carat Oval Purple-Pink Sapphire GIA
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Oval shape 1.34-carat Natural Purple-Pink color sapphire GIA certified has been hand-selected
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

1 1/3 Carat Emerald Shape Teal Sapphire GIA Unheated
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Emerald shape 1.35-carat Natural Unheated Teal color sapphire GIA certified has been hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire

1 1/3 Carat Round Purplish Pink Sapphire GIA Unheated
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Round shape 1.28-carat Natural Purplish Pink color sapphire GIA certified has been hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

1.70 Carat Total Pair of Pear Shaped Yellow Sapphires for Earrings, Loose Gems
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
as side stones for a classic 3-stone ring! Yellow sapphires look wonderful set in white or yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire

1 2/3 Carat Oval Light Blue Sapphire GIA Unheated
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Oval shape 1.57-carat Natural Light Blue color sapphire GIA certified has been hand-selected
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

Peach Sapphire 3.16 ct Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
A magnificent large 3 carat certified natural unheated Madagascan peach sapphire skilfully cushion
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

3 3/4 Radiant Orange-Yellow Sapphire GIA
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Radiant shape 3.76-carat Natural Orange-Yellow color sapphire GIA certified has been hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Yellow Sapphire

2 3/4 Carat Oval Light Grayish Blue Sapphire GIA Unheated
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Oval shape 2.73-carat Natural Light Grayish Blue color sapphire GIA certified has been hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

Light Pink Sapphire 3.03 ct Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
from this cushion shaped sapphire of over 3 carat. Of Madagascan origin this natural light pink
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

1 1/3 Carat Oval Zoned Yellow and Blue Sapphire GIA Unheated
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Oval shape 1.30-carat Natural Zoned Yellow And Blue color sapphire GIA certified has been hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire

Vivid Yellow Sapphire 2.70 Ct Emerald Cut Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
A large yellow sapphire masterfully emerald cut into just under 3 carat with gleaming facets
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Deep Cornflower Blue Sapphire 3.25 Ct Cushion Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
skilled cutter into a cushion shape of over 3 carat which strengthens the intensity of colour and gives it
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Blue Sapphire 3.07 Ct Oval Natural Heated GIA Certified, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
shaped into a large 3 carat oval cut to brilliantly expose the blended blue hues. This high quality blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

2.00 Carat Natural Loose Cushion Shape Colourless African Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 2.00 Carats Dimension: 7.9 x 7 x 5.2 Mm Colour: Colourless Origin
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central African Arts and Crafts Loose Gems...

Materials

Tourmaline

2.08 Carat Pear Blue Sapphire from Thailand Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.08 cts Measurements: 11.30 x 8.15 x
Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.08 Carat Pear Blue Sapphire from Thailand Unheated
2.08 Carat Pear Blue Sapphire from Thailand Unheated
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W 0.45 in D 0.13 in L 0.33 in
2.13 Carat Cushion Pink Sapphire GIA Certified Madagascar Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Sapphire Geographic Origin: Madagascar Treatment: No Indications of Heating Item Description: One loose
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

1.87 Carat Pastel Pink Sapphire Oval GIA Certified Sri Lanka
Located in Toronto, Ontario
: Heated Item Description: One loose stone Weight: 1.87 carats Measurements: 8.51 x 6.49 x 3.78 mm Comments
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire

1.87 Carat Pastel Pink Sapphire Oval GIA Certified Sri Lanka
1.87 Carat Pastel Pink Sapphire Oval GIA Certified Sri Lanka
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W 0.34 in D 0.15 in L 0.26 in
1.73 Carat Yellow Sapphire Octagonal GIA Certified Unheated, Sri Lanka
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: One Loose Yellow Sapphire Report Number: 1196944957 Weight: 1.73 cts Measurements
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire

0.77 Carat Oval Orangy Pink Padparadscha Sapphire GIA Certified East Africa
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Item Description: One loose stone Weight: 0.77 carats Measurements: 6.92 x 4.95 x 2.77 mm Comments
Category

2010s Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Padparadscha Sapphire , Sapphire

Natural Pink Sapphire Bracelets 3 sets asscher cut stone For Fine Jewelry gems
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Pink Sapphire 3 Set For Bracelets asscher cutstone For Fine Jewellery gem Size & Weight : 3.00 MM
Category

2010s Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

0.88 Carat Oval Orangy Pink Padparadscha Sapphire GIA Certified Sri Lanka
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Item Description: One loose stone Weight: 0.88 carats Measurements: 6.57 x 4.83 x 2.93 mm Comments
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire

GIA Certified #5231058390 No Heat Ceylon Cabochon Sapphire Weighing 17.16 carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
rarity. Weighing an impressive 17.16 carats, this sapphire is a testament to nature's remarkable artistry
Category

20th Century Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

10.90 Carat Natural Emerald Pear Cabochon Sugarloaf May Birthstone Loose Gem
Located in New York, NY
quality gemstones and diamonds. Please allow custom order 1-3 weeks. • Extensive collection of colored
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

0.59ct Oval Pink Sapphire GIA Certified Madagascar
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Sapphire The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire

0.59ct Oval Pink Sapphire GIA Certified Madagascar
0.59ct Oval Pink Sapphire GIA Certified Madagascar
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W 0.23 in D 0.12 in L 0.18 in
11.99ct Oval Cabochon Blue Star Sapphire GIA Certified
Located in Toronto, Ontario
: One loose stone Weight: 11.99 carats Measurements: 11.33 x 10.64 x 9.48 mm Comments: Internal notes
Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

11.99ct Oval Cabochon Blue Star Sapphire GIA Certified
11.99ct Oval Cabochon Blue Star Sapphire GIA Certified
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W 0.45 in D 0.38 in L 0.42 in
1.08ct Trillion Purple Sapphire from Madagascar Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.08 cts Measurements: 6.63 x 6.53 x 3
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

1.08ct Trillion Purple Sapphire from Madagascar Unheated
1.08ct Trillion Purple Sapphire from Madagascar Unheated
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W 0.27 in D 0.12 in L 0.26 in
2.2ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
Located in Toronto, Ontario
: Blue Hue: Blue Tone: 7 Dark Saturation: 3 Moderate Species: Corundum Variety: Sapphire Treatment: Heat
Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.2ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
2.2ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
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W 0.37 in D 0.16 in L 0.29 in
0.77ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
Located in Toronto, Ontario
: Blue Hue: Blue Tone: 5 Medium Saturation: 3 Moderate Species: Corundum Variety: Sapphire Treatment
Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

0.77ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
0.77ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
Free Shipping
W 0.27 in D 0.12 in L 0.19 in
0.91ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
Located in Toronto, Ontario
: Blue Hue: Blue Tone: 5 Medium Saturation: 3 Moderate Species: Corundum Variety: Sapphire Treatment
Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

0.91ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
0.91ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
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W 0.28 in D 0.12 in L 0.24 in
2.39ct Pear Blue Sapphire GIA Certified Thailand
Located in Toronto, Ontario
: Thailand Treatment: Heated Item Description: One loose stone Weight: 2.39 carats Measurements: 10.74 x 8.65
Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.39ct Pear Blue Sapphire GIA Certified Thailand
2.39ct Pear Blue Sapphire GIA Certified Thailand
Free Shipping
W 0.43 in D 0.14 in L 0.35 in
0.87ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.87 cts Measurements: 6.97 x 4.94 x
Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

0.87ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
0.87ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
Free Shipping
W 0.28 in D 0.12 in L 0.2 in
0.9ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.9 cts Measurements: 6.93 x 4.93 x
Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

0.9ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
0.9ct Oval Blue Sapphire from Thailand
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W 0.28 in D 0.12 in L 0.2 in
6.91ct Cushion Sugarloaf Cabochon Purplish Pink Sapphire GIA Certified Madagasca
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Sapphire The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Sapphire

1.87ct Oval Dark Blue Sapphire from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Tone: 8 Very Dark Saturation: 3/6 Moderate Species: Corundum Variety: Sapphire Treatment: Heated Origin
Category

2010s Australian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

1.87ct Oval Dark Blue Sapphire from Australia
1.87ct Oval Dark Blue Sapphire from Australia
Free Shipping
W 0.36 in D 0.17 in L 0.24 in
1.51ct Cushion Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Light Saturation: 3 Moderate Species: Corundum Variety: Sapphire Treatment: Heat Origin: Sri Lanka Notes
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

1.51ct Cushion Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka
1.51ct Cushion Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka
Free Shipping
W 0.3 in D 0.18 in L 0.21 in
2.13ct Cushion Pink Sapphire GIA Certified Madagascar Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Sapphire Geographic Origin: Madagascar Treatment: No Indications of Heating Item Description: One loose
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

2.13ct Cushion Pink Sapphire GIA Certified Madagascar Unheated
2.13ct Cushion Pink Sapphire GIA Certified Madagascar Unheated
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W 0.35 in D 0.15 in L 0.26 in
1.96ct Oval Brownish Pinkish Orange Sapphire GIA Certified Madagascar
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Geographic Origin: Madagascar Treatment: Heated Item Description: One loose stone Weight: 1.96 carats
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

2.08ct Pear Blue Sapphire from Thailand Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.08 cts Measurements: 11.30 x 8.15 x
Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.08ct Pear Blue Sapphire from Thailand Unheated
2.08ct Pear Blue Sapphire from Thailand Unheated
Free Shipping
W 0.45 in D 0.13 in L 0.33 in
2.95ct Pear Shape Green Sapphire from Tanzania
Located in Toronto, Ontario
: yellowish Green Tone: 3 Light Saturation: 2 Slightly Greyish Species: Corundum Variety: Sapphire Treatment
Category

2010s Tanzanian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Green Sapphire

2.95ct Pear Shape Green Sapphire from Tanzania
2.95ct Pear Shape Green Sapphire from Tanzania
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W 0.53 in D 0.18 in L 0.25 in
3.7ct Oval Dark Blue Sapphire from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Tone: 8 Very Dark Saturation: 3/6 Moderate Species: Corundum Variety: Sapphire Treatment: Heated Origin
Category

2010s Australian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

3.7ct Oval Dark Blue Sapphire from Australia
3.7ct Oval Dark Blue Sapphire from Australia
Free Shipping
W 0.44 in D 0.18 in L 0.35 in
0.8ct Trillion Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 2 Weight: 0.8 cts Measurements: 4.61 x 4.60 x
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

0.8ct Trillion Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka
0.8ct Trillion Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka
Free Shipping
W 0.19 in D 0.11 in L 0.19 in
8.95ct Oval Cabochon Blue Star Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Star Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 8.95 cts Measurements: 12.27 x
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire

0.89carat Cushion Blue Sapphire from East Africa, Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.89 cts Measurements: 5.88 x 5.29 x
Category

2010s African Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

0.89carat Cushion Blue Sapphire from East Africa, Unheated
0.89carat Cushion Blue Sapphire from East Africa, Unheated
Free Shipping
W 0.24 in D 0.13 in L 0.21 in
2.17ct Cushion Brownish Pinkish Orange Sapphire GIA Certified Madagascar Unheate
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: One loose stone Weight: 2.17 carats Measurements: 7.38 x 7.21 x 4.27 mm Comments: Any statement
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

3.04ct Oval Greenish Blue Teal Sapphire GIA Certified Tanzania Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Sapphire The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number
Category

2010s Tanzanian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

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Loose 3 Carat Sapphire For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact loose 3 carat sapphire you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of 18k Gold, Gold and Platinum, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 6 vintage editions and 65 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a loose 3 carat sapphire may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but 1 Carat and 1.5 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. A loose 3 carat sapphire from Sarosi By Timeless Gems, Fine Jewels UK and Merkaba — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. See these pages for an oval cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cushion cut cut and heart cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a loose 3 carat sapphire, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Loose 3 Carat Sapphire?

On average, a loose 3 carat sapphire at 1stDibs sells for $2,160, while they’re typically $276 on the low end and $235,600 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.