14.72 Carat 17.4x13.3 Grassy Green Oval Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 14.72-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Yellowish Medium Green Measurements: 17.42mm x 13.33mm x 10.54mm Geographic Ori...
Emerald
4.35 Carat 11.5x10 Seafoam Green Oval Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.35-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Light Green Measurements: 11.44mm x 10.03mm x 7.46mm Geographic Origin: Col...
Emerald
34.96 Carat 22x18 Earthy Green Oval Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 34.96-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Good Color: Medium Light Green Measurements: 22.08mm x 17.82mm x 15.0mm Geographic Origin: Colom...
Emerald
19.15tcw Light Green Colombian Emeralds Oval Cut - Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 19.15 Carat Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Light Green Measurements: 20.21mm x 17.77mm x 8.34mm Geographic Origin: Colombi...
Emerald
7.49tcw 11x9 Matching Colombian Emeralds - Oval Cut Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 7.49-tcw Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Light Green Measurements: 11.44mm x 8.98mm x 4.90mm // 11.40mm x 8.98mm x 6.97mm G...
Emerald
30.12tcw 20x14 Matching Colombian Emeralds - Oval Cut Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 30.12-tcw Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Dark Green Measurements: 19.40mm x 13.92mm x 8.45mm // 19.41mm x 13.95mm x...
Emerald
10.62tcw 16x9 Pear-Cut Matching Colombian Emeralds - Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 10.62-tcw Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 16.33mm x 8.89mm x 6.77mm // 16.08mm x 9.27mm x 7.30mm...
Emerald
5.82tcw 14x8 Pear-Cut Matching Colombian Emeralds - Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 5.82-tcw Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Intense Medium Green Measurements: 13.99mm x 7.58mm x 5.04mm // 13.06mm x 7.67mm x...
Emerald
4.76tcw 12x7.5 Pear-Cut Matching Colombian Emeralds - Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 4.76-tcw Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 11.91mm x 7.46mm x 5.78mm // 11.92mm x 7.41mm x 4.85mm ...
Emerald
2.33tcw 11x7 Pear-Cut Matching Colombian Emeralds - Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 2.33-tcw Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 10.83mm x 6.68mm x 4.20mm // 10.13mm x 6.74mm x 3.94mm ...
Emerald
2.32tcw 9x6 Pear-Cut Matching Colombian Emeralds - Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 2.32-tcw Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Muzo Green Measurements: 9.00mm x 5.98mm x 4.74mm // 8.83mm x 5.58mm x 3.44mm Geog...
Emerald
5.72tcw 12x8 Pear-Cut Matching Colombian Emeralds - Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 5.72-tcw Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Light Green Measurements: 12.05mm x 8.32mm x 5.41mm // 12.05mm x 8.31mm x 5...
Emerald
7.68tcw 15x8 Pear-Cut Matching Colombian Emeralds - Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 7.68-tcw Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Light Green Measurements: 15.80mm x 8.17mm x 5.22mm // 15.08mm x 8.05mm x 4...
Emerald
7.60tcw 15x8 Pear-Cut Matching Colombian Emeralds - Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 7.60-tcw Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 15.69mm x 8.17mm x 7.09mm // 15.06mm x 8.00mm 5.05mm Ge...
Emerald
12.66 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald - 14x14 Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 12.66-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 13.82mm x 13.83mm x 11.36mm Geographic ...
Emerald
14.88 Carat Natural Cushion Colombian Emerald - 16x13mm Loose Gemstone Cut
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 14.88-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Intense Yellowish Green Measurements: 15.65mm x 13.34mm x 11.74mm Geographic...
Emerald
3.41tcw 7x7 Matching Colombian Emeralds - Asscher Cut Genuine Loose Pair
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 3.41-tcw Shape: Asscher Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Deep Green Measurements: 6.81mm x 6.73mm x 5.39mm // 6.79mm x 6.73m...
Emerald
$1,575Sale Price|30% Off
Rich Green Natural Colombian Emerald Ring Loose Gemstone 1.20 Ct Octagon
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rich Green Colombian Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone for Ring or any other Jewelry Setting-Octagon Emerald Cut from Columbia!!
Emerald
3.22 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Bluish Green Loose Natural Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.22 carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 10.49mm x 9.35mm x 6.39mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Tre...
Emerald
5.80 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Bright Green Loose Natural Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 5.80-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 10.65mm x 13.62mm x 7.50mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Tr...
Emerald
2.52 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Bluish Green Loose Natural Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.52 carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 9.48mm x 9.54mm x 5.83mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Trea...
Emerald
1.68 Carat Muzo Shield-Cut Colombian Emerald - AAA Natural Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 1.68 Carat Shape: Shield Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Deep Muzo Green Measurements: 8.89mm x 11.38mm x 3.47mm Geographic Origin: Col...
Emerald
2.87 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Bright Green 9x10 Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.87-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Bluish Green Measurements: 9.13mm x 10.06mm x 5.83mm Geographic Origin: Colom...
Emerald
1.16 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Intense Muzo Green Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.16-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Vivid Muzo Green Measurements: 6.01mm x 7.77mm x 4.78mm Geographic Origin: Colombia ...
Emerald
2.99 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Vivacious Green Loose Natural Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.99-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Muzo Yellowish Green Measurements: 8.92mm x 10.94mm x 5.48mm Geographic Or...
Emerald
3.05 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Vivid Muzo Green Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.05-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Vivid Dark Muzo Green Measurements: 9.30mm x 10.08mm x 6.52mm Geographic O...
Emerald
3.21 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Spring Green Loose Natural Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.21-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 9.66mm x 10.96mm x 5.01mm Geographic ...
Emerald
3.43 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Bright Green 10x11 Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.43-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Muzo Green Measurements: 10.07mm x 11.24mm x 6.08mm Geographic Origin: Col...
Emerald
3.50 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Bubbly Green 10.2x10.5 Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.50 carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Light Yellowish Green Measurements: 10.21mm x 10.51mm x 6.35mm Geographic Ori...
Emerald
2.84 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Bright Green 10x11 Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.84-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 9.90mm x 11.30mm x 4.91mm Geographic Origin: Co...
Emerald
3.10 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Yellowish Green 10.2x9.8 Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.10 carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 10.16mm x 9.77mm x 6.55mm Geographic ...
Emerald
7.68 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Forest Green 12x13.5 Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 7.68-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Dark Green Measurements: 12.05mm x 13.57mm x 8.84mm Geographic Origin: C...
Emerald
9.86 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Yellowish Green 13x15 Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 9.86 carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Yellowish Green Measurements: 13.25mm x 15.24mm x 9.30mm Geographic Origin...
Emerald
2.45 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Yellowish Green Loose Natural Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.45 carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 9.28mm x 9.44mm x 5.64mm Geographic O...
Emerald
9.84 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Loose Natural Heart-Shaped Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 9.84-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 13.29mm x 15.68mm x 8.10mm Geographic Origin: C...
Emerald
Genuine 5.35 Carat Colombian Emerald - Classic Cut May Birthstone 12x10 Loose
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 5.35-carats Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Green Measurements: 11.8mm x 9.7mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Treatment: Natural,...
Emerald
8.46 Carat GIA Colombian Emerald - Bluish Green Cushion Cut Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 8.46-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 12.63mm x 11.70mm x 8.81mm Geographic Origin:...
Emerald
1.96 Ct 11x8 Elongated Apple Green Colombian Oval Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.96-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Yellowish Green Measurements: 10.71mm x 7.60mm x 4.63mm Geographic Origin: Colombia T...
Emerald
1.55 Carat AAA 9x6 Bluish Green Oval Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.55-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Vivid Bluish Green Measurements: 8.66mm x 6.33mm x 4.78mm Geographic Origin...
Emerald
2.24 Carat 10x8 Vivid Muzo Green Oval Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.24-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Vivid Muzo Green Measurements: 10.05mm x 7.59mm x 5.26mm Geographic Origin: Colombia ...
Emerald
3.90 Carat Spready Green Colombian Emerald - Pear Cut Teardrop Loose May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.90-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium-Light Green Measurements: 14.18mm x 9.15mm x 5.46mm Geographic Origin: Colombi...
Emerald
4.05 Carat Forest Green Colombian Emerald - Pear Cut Teardrop Loose May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.05-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Good Color: Medium Dark Green Measurements: 14.69mm x 8.70mm x 5.77mm Geographic Origin: Colombia...
Emerald
4.22 Carat 13x9.5 Yellowish Green Colombian Emerald - Pear-Cut Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.22-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 13.09mm x 9.54mm x 6.82mm Geographic Origin: Col...
Emerald
2.0 Carat Bluish Green Colombian Emerald - Elongated Cushion Cut Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.0-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent, visibly included Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 8.21mm x 7.23mm x 5.49mm Geo...
Emerald
16.11 Carat Huge Colombian Emerald - 17.5x15 Cushion Cut Natural Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 16.11-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 17.50mm x 15.40mm x 10.19mm Geographic ...
Emerald
7.08 Carat Muzo Green Colombian Emerald - Cushion Cut Genuine Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 7.08-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Muzo Yellowish Green Measurements: 13.15mm x 11.09mm x 8.08mm Geographic Origin: C...
Emerald
4.13 Carat Unique Color Bands Colombian Emerald - Pear Cut Teardrop Loose
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.13-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent, Bluish Green Color Bands are seen in this stone Luster: Very Good Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 15.55mm x...
Emerald
3.10 Carat 14.5x8.5 Yellowish Green Colombian Emerald - Pear-Cut Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.10-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Yellowish Green Measurements: 14.44mm x 8.53mm x 4.32mm Geographic Origin: Colom...
Emerald
18.18tcw Pair of Large Green Colombian Emeralds - 14x13 Cushion Cuts Loose
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 18.18 Total Carat Weight (Both Gems Combined) Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent, Visibly Included Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 14....
Emerald
10.02tcw Matching Asscher Cut Colombian Emerald Pair 10x10 Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 10.02-tcw Shape: Asscher Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Yellowish Medium Green Measurements: 10.10mm x 9.56mm x 7.81mm // 10.12mm x 9....
Emerald
$9,000
Colombian Emerald 2.65ct
Located in Genève, CH
A Colombian Emerald certified by GRS (minor) of 2.65 ct. Our jewellers in Geneva can make this stone into a beautiful creation.
Emerald
1.62 Carat VS Clarity Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Green Loose Natural Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.62 carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Muzo Green Measurements: 7.19mm x 8.61mm x 5.77mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Treatm...
Emerald
4.92 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald AAA+ Vivid Green 11x13 Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.92-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Muzo Green Measurements: 10.89mm x 12.70mm x 7.22mm Geographic Origin: Colombi...
Emerald
3.35 Carat Certified Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Vivid Muzo Green Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.35-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Vivid Dark Muzo Green Measurements: 11.14mm x 8.83mm x 6.63mm Geographic Origin: Col...
Emerald
2.5 carats Vivid Green Colombian Emerald Pair, Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones GRS
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
GRS-Certified Colombian Emerald Pair Vivid Green Minor to Minor-Moderate Enhancement. Two matched natural Colombian emeralds, both certified by GRS Gemresearch Swisslab (June 202...
Emerald
AGL Certified 4.20 Carat Colombian Emerald Minor Oil Loose Stone
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Loose Gemstone Stone Ready for: Custom Setting Setting Options: Ring, Pendant, or Earrings Gemstone Details: Gemstone: Natural Emerald Carat: 4.20...
Emerald
AGL Certified 4.45 Carat Colombian Emerald Loose Stone Insignificant Oil
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Loose Emerald Certification: AGL Report 1150331 Validation Date: October 2, 2025 Carat: 4.45 Carats Mineral Type: Natural Beryl Variety: Emerald Co...
Emerald
Colombian Octagonal Emerald, No Oil, Gübelin Certified
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional Colombian emerald weighs 2.21 carats and is fashioned in a modified octagonal shape with a modified brilliant cut, maximizing its remarkable brilliance and vivid nat...
Emerald
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
90 Carat Colombia Emerald Massive Piece Loose Gemstone Head Turner
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Elevate your collection with this remarkable 90 carat Colombian emerald, a gemstone that radiates sophistication and luxury. Known as the world’s premier source of emeralds, Colombia...
Emerald
$37,860Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 31.55ct Colombian Green Pear Shape Emerald, Loose Gemstone
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Offered here is a remarkable 31.55-carat natural emerald, certified by the Gemological Institute of America (Report #2235423324, dated October 29, 2024). This impressive gemstone is ...
Emerald
No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”
There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!
There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany & Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces and other accessories.
Are you shopping for diamonds and other loose gemstones to create your own custom jewelry?
Why might you purchase a diamond or gemstone “loose” — that is, on its own, not mounted in a piece of jewelry? Perhaps you’re a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment. The scarcity of high-quality colored diamonds, for instance, especially pink diamonds, means that their value increases over time; the same is true of rare Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies. Far rarer than diamonds, Paraiba tourmaline, discovered only in the 1980s, is treasured as much for its extraordinary color as its scarcity, both of which contribute to its high value.
A more common scenario would be that you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation.
If this sounds like you, read on for tips on becoming one of the world’s savviest gem hunters.
Educate yourself: When buying any piece of gem-set fine jewelry, you should familiarize yourself with the factors that determine a stone’s price. This will enable you to streamline your search for the perfect gem and have intelligent, productive conversations with sellers.
There is a wealth of information online, such as our diamond-buying guide and this overview of colored gemstones for engagement rings. The buying guides of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), searchable by stone type, are also a widely trusted source for consumers venturing into the world of diamonds and gems for the first time.
Vet your vendor: If you peruse 1stDibs with any regularity, you know there is no shortage of vendors who deal in top-quality loose gemstones. (Read about our vetted sellers.) Finding a trustworthy, established dealer may be as easy as getting a recommendation from friends or family. And, although it may sound obvious, it pays to Google your candidates — and consult customer reviews — before making contact.
Harakh Mehta, designer and founder of the Mumbai, India–based fine-jewelry brand Harakh, has an innate understanding of proper client relations, especially when the customer is in unfamiliar territory. “Start chatting with the dealer, get to know them better," he says. "It’s very important to establish a comfort level. We never push a sale, as we want it to be a carefully considered purchase. So, if the client is not in a rush, we do it over a few virtual meetings or phone calls.”
Request documentation: The best dealers go to great lengths to furnish clients with documents verifying the quality rating, natural origin and provenance of a stone — showing, for example, that loose emerald hails from the famous Muzo mine in Colombia — and disclosing any treatments applied to enhance its appearance. (And who doesn't love emerald jewelry? The most valuable emeralds are the ones that have a deep bluish-green to true green color and no visible inclusions.)
If no grading report is available for a stone you are interested in, the dealer should be able to provide an authenticity document, such as an appraisal or info sheet, that has been signed by an in-house gemologist or professional appraiser. Google those names, too, for extra peace of mind.
Ask for videos and visuals: When transacting with a gem dealer online, you should always request real-time videos and photographs, since professional photos of a stone, usually on a white background, have likely been retouched for optimal presentation.
Read more about how to buy loose gemstones and find your dream gems today on 1stDibs.