$432Sale Price|20% Off
36.75 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stone: Amethyst Weight : 36.75 Carats Dimension: 24 x 16.5 x 12.5 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Emerald Color: Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst, a stunning...
Amethyst
$344Sale Price|20% Off
8.25 Carat Natural Loose Lavender Colour Amethyst Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stone: Amethyst Weight : 8.25 Carats Dimension: 13.1 x 10.1 x 8.7 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Cushion Color: Lavender Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst, a stunn...
Amethyst
9.85 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Jewelry Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.85 carat Dimensions 13.0x13.0x9.9 mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity VVS Shape Cut Asscher Fancy Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment portfol...
Amethyst
17.40 Carat Natural Loose Intense Purple Amethyst Emerald Cut Brazilian Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 17.40 carat Dimensions 16.6x14.1x11.1mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald AG187 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment p...
Amethyst
3.90 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.90 carat Dimensions 10x8.9x6.6 mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment portfolio...
Amethyst
8.95 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Jewelry Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.95 carat Dimensions 5.1x12.3x7.9mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion AG171 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment po...
Amethyst
20.50 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Jewelry Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 20.50 carat Dimensions 17.8x15x12.3mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion AG164 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment p...
Amethyst
12.15 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Heart Shape Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 12.15 carat Dimensions 16.8x15x10.1mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity VVS Shape Cut Trilliant AG129 Celebrate timeless elegance with this 12.15 Carat Natural Lo...
Amethyst
$360Sale Price|20% Off
12.30 Carat Natural Loose Green Amethyst \ Prasiolite Square Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Amethyst Weight: 12.30 Carats Dimension: 13.3 x 13.2 x 10.8 Mm Colour: Light Green Origin: Brazil Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Shape: Square Amethyst, a stunn...
Amethyst
$480Sale Price|20% Off
5.70 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.70 carat Dimensions 12.5x8.8x7.5mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 5.70 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst showcases a r...
Amethyst
36.50 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Jewelry Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 36.50 carat Dimensions 21.9x19.6x13.9mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion AG155 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment...
Amethyst
$455Sale Price|30% Off
14.20 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 14.20 carat Dimensions 15.3x12.8x10.4mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 14.20 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst is a ...
Amethyst
$304Sale Price|20% Off
10.65 Carat Natural Loose Dark Purple Amethyst Scissor Cut Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stone: Amethyst Weight : 10.65 Carats Dimension: 14.8 x 11.7 x 9 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Octagon Color: Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst, a stunning ...
Amethyst
$144Sale Price|20% Off
3.60 Carat Natural Loose Green Amethyst / Prasiolite Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Amethyst Weight: 3.60 Carats Dimension: 9.9 x 7.2 x 6.7 Mm Colour: Light Green Origin: Brazil Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Shape: Emerald Amethyst, a stunning...
Amethyst
16.25 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 16.25 carat Dimensions 17.3x13.4x10.5mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 16.25-carat natural loose deep purple amethyst is a...
Amethyst
$176Sale Price|20% Off
2.15 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst Stone Asscher Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.15 carat Dimensions 8.5x7.8x5.5mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Asscher This 2.15 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst is a unique and ...
Amethyst
3.40 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Ring Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.40 carat Dimensions 10.9x7.5x6.4mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 3.40 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst showcases a r...
Amethyst
$144Sale Price|20% Off
3.45 Carat Natural Loose Green Amethyst/ Prasiolite Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Amethyst Weight: 3.45 Carats Dimension: 9.3 x 7.8 x 6.9 Mm Colour: Light Green Origin: Brazil Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Shape: Emerald Amethyst, a stunning ...
Amethyst
2.10 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Ring Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.10 carat Dimensions 9.4x7.2x5mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald AG152 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment portfo...
Amethyst
$280Sale Price|20% Off
5.00 Carat Natural Loose Green Amethyst/ Prasiolite Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Amethyst Weight: 5.00 Carats Dimension: 10.8 x 8.3 x 7.5 Mm Colour: Light Green Origin: Brazil Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Shape: Emerald Amethyst, a stunning...
Amethyst
2.45 Carat Natural Loose Green Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.45 carat Dimensions 9.3x6.7x5.8 mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 2.45 Carat Natural Loose Green Amethyst showcases a de...
Amethyst
$144Sale Price|20% Off
4.40 Carat Natural Loose Green Amethyst / Prasiolite Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Amethysts Weight: 4.40 Carats Dimension: 12.4 x 8.4 x 6.5 Mm Colour: Light Green Origin: Brazil Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Shape: Emerald Amethyst, a stunni...
Amethyst
6.95 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.95 carat Dimensions 12.3x10.3x8.8mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 6.95-carat natural loose purple amethyst showcases a b...
Amethyst
6.80 Carat Natural Loose Light Purple Amethyst Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.80 carat Dimensions 12.1x10.6x8.3 mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 6.80 Carat Natural Loose Light Purple Amethyst is an elega...
Amethyst
31.35 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 31.35 carat Dimensions 21.18.8x13.3mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 31.35 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst is a magnifi...
Amethyst
$360Sale Price|20% Off
10.50 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst Emerald Shape Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stone: Amethyst Weight : 10.50 Carats Dimension: 15.1 x 11.1 x 9 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Emerald Color: Deep Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst, a stun...
Amethyst
$360Sale Price|20% Off
21.95 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst Emerald Shape Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stone: Amethyst Weight : 21.95 Carats Dimension: 19.6 x 14.5 x 11.1 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Emerald Color: Deep Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst, a s...
Amethyst
$180Sale Price|40% Off
6.10 Carat Natural Loose Green Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.10 carat Dimensions 12.0x9.9x7.9mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 6.10 carat natural green amethyst displays a serene and...
Amethyst
39.60 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 39.60 carat Dimensions 21x16.6x12.2mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion AG331 This magnificent 39.60-carat natural deep purple amethy...
Amethyst
$640Sale Price|20% Off
50.00 Carat Natural Loose Lavender Purple Amethyst Cushion Shape Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stone: Amethyst Weight : 50.00 Carats Dimension: 23 x 20 x 15.7 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Cushion Cut Color: Lavender Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst...
Amethyst
42.95 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Parcel 9 Piece Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 42.95 carat Pieces 9 Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity VVS Shape Cut Mix Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment portfolio with this breathtaking 42....
Amethyst
$280Sale Price|20% Off
12 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stone: Amethyst Weight : 12 Carats Dimension: 14.5 x 13.2 x 10.2 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Emerald Cut Color: Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst, a stunni...
Amethyst
$344Sale Price|20% Off
11.20 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 11.20 carat Dimensions 16.2x12.8x8.5mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 11.20 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst showcases a rich, reg...
Amethyst
14.55 Carats Perfect Asscher Cut Loose Purple Amethyst Brazil Mine
Located in Brisbane, AU
Natural Amethyst Weight: 14.55 Carats Dimension: 14.8x14.7x11.3 Mm Color: Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst is a striking purple variety of quartz, va...
Amethyst
10.30 Carat Natural Loose Green Amethyst Stone For Jewelry African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.30 carat Dimensions 19x10x7.3 mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This magnificent 10.30-carat natural green amethyst captivates ...
Amethyst
10.00 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Jewelry Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.00 carat Dimensions 14.4x14.4x9.9mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity VVS Shape Cut Trilliant AG267 This magnificent 11.00-carat natural purple amethyst pair...
Amethyst
11.00 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Pair Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 11.00 carat Dimensions 11.9x8.9x7.6 mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This magnificent 11.00-carat natural purple amethyst pair ...
Amethyst
15.35 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Pendant Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 15.35 carat Dimensions 15.3x13.6x11.9mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This magnificent 15.35-carat natural Purple Amethyst from...
Amethyst
20.40 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 20.40 carat Dimensions 20.3x12.8x11.1mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald AG266 This magnificent 20.40-carat natural purple amethys...
Amethyst
10.00 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Jewelry Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.00 carat Dimensions 15.6x10.8x8.5mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald AG240 This magnificent 10.00-carat natural purple amethyst c...
Amethyst
$176Sale Price|20% Off
3.30 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Baguette Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ideal for a designer ring, pendant, or custom jewelry project, this gemstone offers both sophistication and versatility. Offered loose and ready for setting, it is a perfect choice f...
Amethyst
$160Sale Price|20% Off
3.35 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Baguette Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.35 carat Dimensions 9.8x7.4x6.5mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Baguette This 3.35 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst from Brazil displ...
Amethyst
$480Sale Price|20% Off
12.75 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Pixel Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 12.75 carat Dimensions 16.8x11.5x9.2 mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Pixel This 12.75 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst is a striking ...
Amethyst
$304Sale Price|20% Off
8.75 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.75 carat Dimensions 15.5x10.9x8.3mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loupe Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 8.75 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone features ...
Amethyst
10.60 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Fancy Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.60 carat Dimensions 14x13.8x10.2mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Fancy AG318 This magnificent 10.60-carat natural purple amethyst capt...
Amethyst
$88Sale Price|20% Off
2.85 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.85 carat Dimensions 8.2x7.6x6.1 mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 2.85 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone is a captivating ge...
Amethyst
3.30 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Baguette Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.30 carat Dimensions 9.8x7.4x6.5mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Baguette This 3.30-carat natural purple amethyst from Brazil showcas...
Amethyst
5.60 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst For Jewelry Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.60 carat Dimensions 13.4x8.9x7.3mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity VVS Shape Cut Pixel AG313 This magnificent 5.60-carat natural deep purple amethyst capti...
Amethyst
9.15 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.15 carat Dimensions 14.9x11.8x8.0mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This impressive 9.15 carat natural amethyst showcases a ri...
Amethyst
$216Sale Price|20% Off
2.45 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.45 carats Dimensions 8.2x7.9x5.6 mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 2.45 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst is a unique an...
Amethyst
7.00 Carat Natural Loose Deep Purple Amethyst Baguette Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 7.00 carat Dimensions 14.4x9.0x7.6mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Baguette This 7.00 carat natural deep purple amethyst is a striking ge...
Amethyst
3.05 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Fancy Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.05 carat Dimensions 12.5x6.8x5.3 mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Fancy This exquisite 3.05-carat natural purple amethyst captivates ...
Amethyst
11.60 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 11.60 carat Dimensions 17.6x11.5x8.5mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 11.60 carat natural Purple Amethyst is a striking g...
Amethyst
$160Sale Price|20% Off
4.10 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.10 carat Dimensions 14.5x6.9x5.7 mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This elegant 4.10 carat natural greenish amethyst displays a de...
Amethyst
$424Sale Price|20% Off
10.25 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.35 carat Dimensions 13.7x11.3x10.0mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald Showcasing timeless elegance, this 10.25 Carat Natural Loose...
Amethyst
35.20 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Jewelry Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 15.75 carat Dimensions 18.6x13x11.2mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup clean Shape Cut Oval Fancy AG303 This magnificent 35.20-carat natural purple amethyst...
Amethyst
8.95 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Fancy Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.95 carat Dimensions 13.6x11.4x9.7 mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Fancy This magnificent 8.95-carat natural purple amethyst captivate...
Amethyst
$256Sale Price|20% Off
10.75 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.75 carat Dimensions 14.6x11.8x9.9mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 10.75 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst showcases a stunning...
Amethyst
$256Sale Price|20% Off
5.85 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Fancy Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.85 carat Dimensions 13.9x9.2x7.5mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Shape Cut Cushion precision This 5.85 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst features a c...
Amethyst
$384Sale Price|20% Off
12.60 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 12.60 carat Dimensions 15.0x11.9x10.9mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 12.60 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst is a stunnin...
Amethyst
There are few gemstones in the world that are both affordable and worthy of a duchess’s attention. But then not many stones are as beautiful as amethyst. Indeed, vintage and antique amethyst jewelry has innumerable fans, and February’s birthstone has many unique attributes. For the romantics, there are several tales in Greek mythology that tell the story of Bacchus and Amethyste, a maiden that he pursues yet is rescued by Diane by turning her into a white stone. Bacchus, mourning his love, pours a glass of wine over the sculpture, dyeing her purple.
Amethyst has adorned many royal jewels. One of the most enviable jewelry collections of all time belonged to Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. In 1947, the Duke gifted her with a Cartier amethyst and turquoise bib necklace. This special order piece was made with twisted 18-carat and 20-carat gold, platinum, brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds, one heart-shaped faceted amethyst, 27 emerald-cut amethysts, one oval faceted amethyst, and turquoise cabochons. The Duchess was not the only Royal with a penchant for the purple gemstone. The tiara now owned by Queen Silvia of Sweden is set with amethysts that once belonged to the French Empress Josephine. A stunning 56-carat cushion-cut, square-shaped amethyst set in an 18-karat yellow gold necklace designed by Tiffany & Co. is now in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
The Smithsonian also has in its possession an even more rare example of fine amethyst: the 96-carat Morris Amethyst Brooch. The brooch features a deep, rich purple heart-shaped amethyst. The museum states that the piece was likely made during the Edwardian period (1901–15) “when platinum and diamonds were often used, and amethyst, a favorite stone of King Edward VII’s wife, Alexandra, was often included in jewelry of the era.”
Another amethyst necklace, with an even richer story, can be found in the Natural History Museum of London. Known as the Delhi Purple Sapphire (even though the stone is an amethyst), this stone was stolen from the Temple of Indra during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Anyone in possession of this stone is bound to have terrible luck, including its owner Edward Heron-Allen, who gifted the gemstone to the museum thinking that this would save him but ended up transferring the bad luck to the museum curators overseeing the stone.
Find a wide range of vintage and antique amethyst necklaces, bracelets and other fine jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.