Loose Tanzanite - 13.38 carats - emerald cut
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A loose emerald cut vivid blue tanzanite of 13.38ct. This stone is available to be set into the
Category
20th Century Tanzanian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tanzanite
Loose Emerald
to
1,091
172
68
48
27
18
1,557
959
189
184
146
10
1
45
3,715
1
1
2
24
3,064
705
2
2644
223
206
181
154
to
29
15
11
10
7
1,124
592
66
10
7
4
3
2
1
1
1
3,771
1,226
57
2.60 Carats Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone From Swat Mine
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Emerald Weight: 2.60 Carats Dimension: 9.1 x 7.4 x 5 Mm Origin: Swat, Pakistan Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Loose Tanzanite - 21.34 carats
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A loose emerald cut vivid blue tanzanite of 21.34cts. This stone is available to be set into the
Category
20th Century Tanzanian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tanzanite
1.26 Carat Vivid Green Emerald, Natural Loose Gemstones Parcel – Emerald Cut
$277Sale Price / set|30% Off
W 0.21 in D 0.14 in L 0.23 in
1.26 Carat Vivid Green Emerald, Natural Loose Gemstones Parcel – Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Emerald – Loose Emerald Cut Gemstone Parcel for Rings, Pendants, Fine Jewelry
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
1.46 Carat Vivid Green Emerald, Natural Loose Gemstones Parcel – Emerald Cut
$307Sale Price / set|30% Off
W 0.19 in D 0.14 in L 0.23 in
1.46 Carat Vivid Green Emerald, Natural Loose Gemstones Parcel – Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Emerald – Loose Emerald Cut Gemstone Parcel for Rings, Pendants, Fine Jewelry
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.86 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
$5,498
W 0.39 in D 0.28 in L 0.33 in
3.86 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in PARIS, FR
At 3.86 carats, this loose emerald stands out for its substantial size and its perfectly executed
Category
2010s Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
4.06 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
$6,940
W 0.45 in D 0.26 in L 0.4 in
4.06 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in PARIS, FR
transmission without compromising the gem’s integrity. Loose emeralds over 4 carats exhibiting such pure hue
Category
2010s Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.80 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
$5,412
W 0.38 in D 0.28 in L 0.35 in
3.80 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in PARIS, FR
This loose emerald weighs a substantial 3.80 carats and is cut into a classic octagonal step
Category
2010s Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
2.60 Carat Loose Light Green Emerald Stone Asscher Cut Natural Afghan Gemstone
$424Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.32 in D 0.21 in L 0.32 in
2.60 Carat Loose Light Green Emerald Stone Asscher Cut Natural Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cut Asscher NA This exquisite 2.60 carat loose emerald is a natural treasure from the mountains of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
1.91 carat GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
$2,720
W 0.29 in D 0.24 in L 0.29 in
1.91 carat GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in PARIS, FR
: Ideal for a bespoke engagement ring or high-end pendant. This loose emerald combines provenance
Category
2010s Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
GIA Certified 5.36 Carat Emerald Cut J Color VS1 Clarity Loose Diamond
$143,100
H 0.2 in W 0.31 in L 0.6 in
GIA Certified 5.36 Carat Emerald Cut J Color VS1 Clarity Loose Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified 5.36 carat emerald cut loose natural diamond with J color and VS1 clarity. This is a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond
0.94 Carat Vivid Green Emerald, Natural Loose Gemstone – Emerald Cut for Ring
$244Sale Price|30% Off
W 0.22 in D 0.11 in L 0.28 in
0.94 Carat Vivid Green Emerald, Natural Loose Gemstone – Emerald Cut for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Emerald – Loose Emerald Cut Gemstone for Ring, Pendant, Fine Jewelry, Custom
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
4.58 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
$3,915
W 0.4 in D 0.22 in L 0.36 in
4.58 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in PARIS, FR
size combined with its classic emerald outline makes it a standout among loose gems of this weight
Category
2010s Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.21 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
$4,572
W 0.37 in D 0.26 in L 0.31 in
3.21 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in PARIS, FR
centerpiece for a bespoke ring or pendant, this loose emerald blends size, precision cutting, and lab-backed
Category
2010s Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
10.74 Carat Loose Radiant Cut Light Green Emerald Gemstone
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This extraordinary loose emerald, boasting a substantial weight of 10.74 carats, commands attention
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald, Green Beryl
2.55 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
$5,448
W 0.35 in D 0.23 in L 0.28 in
2.55 carats GIA Certified Swat Green Emerald - Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in PARIS, FR
centerpiece of a high-end ring or pendant, offering museum-quality presence. This loose emerald combines
Category
2010s Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
AGL Certified 4.45 Carat Colombian Emerald Loose Stone Insignificant Oil
$98,000
H 0.23 in W 0.41 in L 0.42 in
AGL Certified 4.45 Carat Colombian Emerald Loose Stone Insignificant Oil
Located in Miami, FL
found and absolutely an investment-grade stone. Product Specifications: Item Type: Loose Emerald
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
2.79 carats natural emerald gemstone
$19,250 / item
2.79 carats natural emerald gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Loose emerald weighing 2.79 carats comes with a certificate of authenticity, untreated natural
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
GIA Certified 3 Carat NO OIL Colombia Emerald Loose Gemstone
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
the most sought-after in the world of fine gemstones. Weighing 3 carats, this loose emerald is
Category
2010s Japanese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Natural Transparent Green Emerald 1.50 Carat Pear Cut Loose Gemstone from Swat
$500
W 0.28 in D 0.2 in L 0.34 in
Natural Transparent Green Emerald 1.50 Carat Pear Cut Loose Gemstone from Swat
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 1.50 Carats Dimension: 8.6x7.1x5 Mm Origin: Swat Pakistan Mine Shape: Pear
Category
Antique Mid-17th Century Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 5.03ct K VS1 Emerald Cut Diamond (1.31 ratio)
$75,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.22 in W 0.32 in L 0.46 in
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 5.03ct K VS1 Emerald Cut Diamond (1.31 ratio)
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose emerald cut diamond, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 5.03ct G VS1 Emerald Cut Diamond (1.44 ratio)
$190,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.22 in W 0.32 in L 0.46 in
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 5.03ct G VS1 Emerald Cut Diamond (1.44 ratio)
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose emerald cut diamond, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond
Alexander Beverly Hills HRD Certified 5.59 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond
$56,600Sale Price|20% Off
W 9.21 in D 6.25 in L 10.79 in
Alexander Beverly Hills HRD Certified 5.59 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose emerald cut diamonds, HRD certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made
Category
2010s Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond
2.85 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Emerald From Chitral, Pakistan
$200Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.24 in D 0.21 in L 0.48 in
2.85 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Emerald From Chitral, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 2.85 Carat Dimension: 12.1 x 5.9 x 5.1 Mm Origin: Chitral, Pakistan Treatment
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
2.50 Carats Natural Loose Green Emerald From Zambia Mine Octagon Ring Gem
$440Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.29 in D 0.23 in L 0.3 in
2.50 Carats Natural Loose Green Emerald From Zambia Mine Octagon Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 2.50 Carats Dimension: 7.4x7.2x5.8 Mm Origin: Brazil Certificate: On
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zambian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.60 Carats Natural Loose Light Green Emerald Beryl Ring Gemstone
$440Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.31 in D 0.23 in L 0.45 in
3.60 Carats Natural Loose Light Green Emerald Beryl Ring Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 3.60 Carat Dimension: 11.3x7.8x5.7 Mm Origin: Cushion Color: Light Green
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Romantic Loose Gemstones
Materials
Beryl, Emerald, Green Beryl
5.75 Carat Natural Loose Pure Green Emerald Gemstone From Swat Mine
$1,300
W 0.42 in D 0.21 in L 0.58 in
5.75 Carat Natural Loose Pure Green Emerald Gemstone From Swat Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 5.75 Carats Dimensions: 14.5 x 10.6 x 5.2 Mm Origin: Swat Pakistan Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Gorgeous 3.05 Carats Natural Loose Green Emerald Swat Pakistan Mine Ring Gem
$540
W 0.25 in D 0.24 in L 0.42 in
Gorgeous 3.05 Carats Natural Loose Green Emerald Swat Pakistan Mine Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 3.05 Carats Dimensions: 10.5x6.2x5.9 Mm Origin: Swat Pakistan Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Art Deco 31.55ct Colombian Emerald Cabochon, GIA Certified, 1990
$23,256Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art Deco 31.55ct Colombian Emerald Cabochon, GIA Certified, 1990
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exceptional loose emerald is a stunning 31.55-carat natural beryl, certified by the
Category
1990s Colombian Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
1.09 Carat Colombian Emerald Assecher Cut
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Stone: Natural Colombian Emerald Weight: 1.09carats Shape: Asscher Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Loose Natural Emerald 1.66ct
$1,508Sale Price|20% Off
Loose Natural Emerald 1.66ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A Loose Natural Square Emerald Cut Emerald, Green colour, Semi-transparent with natural inclusions
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald, White Gold
Loose Natural Emerald 2.01ct
$1,664Sale Price|20% Off
Loose Natural Emerald 2.01ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A Loose Natural Square Emerald Cut Emerald, Green colour, Translucent with Natural inclusions with
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald, White Gold
1.63 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Loose Gemstone Sri Lanka
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
1.63 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Loose Gemstone Sri Lanka Main Stone: Natural sapphire Gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Certified 2.30 Carat Natural AAA Colombian Emerald Square Cut Vivid Green
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Certified 2.30 Carat Natural AAA Colombian Emerald Square Cut Vivid Green Colombian Emerald 2.30
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Unheated 13.12 Carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, Certified Cushion
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Unheated 13.12 Carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, Certified Certified 13.12 Carats Blue
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Alexander Beverly Hills HRD Certified 8.99 Carat M SI2 Pear Cut Diamond
$85,000Sale Price|20% Off
W 11.73 in D 6.61 in L 18.37 in
Alexander Beverly Hills HRD Certified 8.99 Carat M SI2 Pear Cut Diamond
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose emerald cut diamonds, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made
Category
2010s Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond
Alexander GIA Certified 5.01 Carat L VS2 Radiant Cut Diamond
$49,000Sale Price|44% Off
W 9.29 in D 6.56 in L 9.53 in
Alexander GIA Certified 5.01 Carat L VS2 Radiant Cut Diamond
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose emerald cut diamonds, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made
Category
2010s Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond
Alexander GIA Certified 5.10 Carat L VS1 Cushion Cut Diamond
$55,300Sale Price|63% Off
W 9.53 in D 6.31 in L 9.92 in
Alexander GIA Certified 5.10 Carat L VS1 Cushion Cut Diamond
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose emerald cut diamonds, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made
Category
2010s Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond
Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone, 1.19ct Emerald Cut, 1990s
$3,500 / set
W 0.08 in D 0.04 in L 0.08 in
Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone, 1.19ct Emerald Cut, 1990s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 1.19 carat Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good
Category
1990s Colombian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Alexander GIA Certified 5.16 Carat J VS2 Pear Cut Diamond
$92,300Sale Price|57% Off
W 9.71 in D 5.62 in L 15.83 in
Alexander GIA Certified 5.16 Carat J VS2 Pear Cut Diamond
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose emerald cut diamonds, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made
Category
2010s Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond
Alexander GIA Certified 4.02 Carat E VS2 Heart Cut Diamond
$130,000Sale Price|25% Off
W 11.39 in D 6 in L 9.52 in
Alexander GIA Certified 4.02 Carat E VS2 Heart Cut Diamond
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose emerald cut diamonds, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made
Category
2010s Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond
Alexander GIA Certified 4.01 Carat K SI2 Oval Cut Diamond
$36,000Sale Price|47% Off
W 0.36 in D 0.21 in L 0.47 in
Alexander GIA Certified 4.01 Carat K SI2 Oval Cut Diamond
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose emerald cut diamonds, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made
Category
2010s Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond
Alexander GIA Certified 4.01 Carat E VS2 Heart Cut Diamond
$110,000Sale Price|37% Off
W 10.84 in D 6.62 in L 9.47 in
Alexander GIA Certified 4.01 Carat E VS2 Heart Cut Diamond
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose emerald cut diamonds, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made
Category
2010s Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond
8.27ct Zambian Natural Emerald cut Emerald loose gemstone
$4,875Sale Price|45% Off
8.27ct Zambian Natural Emerald cut Emerald loose gemstone
Located in Brisbane, AU
8.27ct Emerald Cut Zambian Emerald Natural Gemstone Valuation included* Custom made orders
Category
2010s Australian Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.09 carats loose natural emerald untreated
Located in Jupiter, FL
Untreated emerald 100% natural weighing 3.09 carats total. Stunning green color! WHAT YOU GET AT
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone, 1.10ct Emerald Cut, 1990s
$3,450 / set
W 0.08 in D 0.04 in L 0.08 in
Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone, 1.10ct Emerald Cut, 1990s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stone: Colombian Emerald Total Weight: 1.10 carat Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster
Category
1990s Colombian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
1.95 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Experience the timeless beauty of this natural emerald, featuring a vibrant green hue with natural
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
2.78 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Experience the timeless beauty of this natural emerald, featuring a vibrant green hue with natural
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
2.81 Ct Emerald Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loose gemstone
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
5.59 Ct Emerald Asscher Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loose gemstone
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
0.92 Ct Emerald Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loose gemstone
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.47 Ct Emerald Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Experience the timeless beauty of this natural emerald, featuring a vibrant green hue with natural
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.45 Ct Emerald Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Experience the timeless beauty of this natural emerald, featuring a vibrant green hue with natural
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
3.01 Ct Emerald Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Experience the timeless beauty of this natural emerald, featuring a vibrant green hue with natural
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
2.39 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Experience the timeless beauty of this natural emerald, featuring a vibrant green hue with natural
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
2.16 Ct Emerald Round Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Experience the timeless beauty of this natural emerald, featuring a vibrant green hue with natural
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
5.40 Ct Emerald Round Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Experience the timeless beauty of this natural emerald, featuring a vibrant green hue with natural
Category
2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
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Loose Emerald For Sale on 1stDibs
Find the exact loose emerald you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and 14k gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 58 vintage editions and 4240 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a loose emerald may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 carat and 1 carat versions are of considerable interest. A loose emerald from Merkaba, Alexander Beverly Hills and Gems and Jewels UK — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A loose emerald can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 2089 emerald versions can add an especially stylish touch. An emerald cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also oval cut and octagon cut versions for sale. When shopping for a loose emerald, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.
How Much is a Loose Emerald?
On average, a loose emerald at 1stDibs sells for $1,082, while they’re typically $10 on the low end and $1,500,000 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.
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