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Precision Cut Malawi Loose Garnet Gem 2.15 Carats Loose Garnet for Jewelry
Located in Bangkok, TH
Precision Cut Malawi Loose Garnet Gem, Available for sale at whole sale price natural high quality
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malawian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

Gorgeous Hot Red Rhodolite Garnet 3.15 Carats Loose Garnet Gems from Africa
Located in Bangkok, TH
: Bright Red Loose Garnet Gemstone WEIGHT: 3.15 carats DIMENSIONS: 8.9 x 7.6 x 5.5mm ORIGIN: Africa CLARITY
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malawian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Natural 1.53ct Vivid Purple Pink Rhodolite Garnet Oval Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural 1.53ct Vivid Purple Pink Rhodolite Garnet Oval 6.1x7.6mm Loose Gem Natural Loose Rhodolite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

2.76ct Fine Reddish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Cut Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
2.76ct Fine Reddish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Cut 9.5x6.5mm Loose Gem Fine Natural Vivid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

2.76ct Fine Reddish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Cut Loose Gem
2.76ct Fine Reddish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Cut Loose Gem
Free Shipping
H 0.26 in W 0.38 in D 0.17 in
1.72ct Vivid Pink Natural Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.72ct Vivid Pink Natural Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem 7.7x6.7mm VVS Fine Natural Rhodolite
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

2.12ct Pink Purple Natural Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
2.12ct Pink Purple Natural Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem 7.7x6.7mm VVS Fine Natural
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rhodolite, Garnet

Fine 2.70ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem VS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 2.70ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 8.4x7.6mm VS Fine Natural Rhodolite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Fine 1.88ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 7.8x6.5mm
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 1.88ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 7.8x6.5mm Fine Natural Rhodolite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Loose Spessartite Mandarin Garnet, 4.50 Carat Pear Shape Gem for Ring, Pendant
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 4.50 carat pear-shaped spessartite garnet is absolutely spectacular and will make a stunning
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Mandarin Garnet

Fine 1.93ct Vivid Pink Purple Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem IF
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 1.93ct Vivid Pink Purple Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem IF 8x6.4mm Fine Loose Rhodolite
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Fine 1.80 Vivid Pink Purple Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 1.80 Vivid Pink Purple Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem 7.7x6.3mm VVS Fine Loose Rhodolite
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Fine 1.51ct Vivid Purple Pink Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 1.51ct Vivid Purple Pink Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem 7.6x6.2mm VVS Fine Loose
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

2.33 Carat Deep Orange Red Spessartine Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem IF
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
2.33ct Deep Orange Red Spessartine Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 8.4x7.4mm IF Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

Fine 3.19ct Vivid Orange Red Spessartine Garnet IF Oval Cut Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 3.19ct Vivid Orange Red Spessartine Garnet IF Oval Cut Loose Gem 9.5x7.1mm Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

1.63ct Vivid Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose VVS Gem 7.4x6.5mm
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.63ct Vivid Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose VVS Gem 7.4x6.5mm Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

2.32ct Vivid Purple Pink Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Rare Loose Gem VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
2.32ct Vivid Purple Pink Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Rare Loose Gem 8.4x6.8mm VVS Natural Vivid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Fine 2.01ct Vivid Pink Purple Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut 8.2x6.6mm Loose Gem IF
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 2.01ct Vivid Pink Purple Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut 8.2x6.6mm Loose Gem IF Fine Natural VIVID
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Fine 2.45ct Vivid Purple Pink Rhodolite Garnet Round Diamond Cut 7.8mm Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 2.45ct Vivid Purple Pink Rhodolite Garnet Round Diamond Cut 7.8mm Loose Gem Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite

Fine 2.80ct Vivid Pink Purple Rhodolite Garnet Round Diamond Cut 7.5mm Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 2.80ct Vivid Pink Purple Rhodolite Garnet Round Diamond Cut 7.5mm Loose Gem Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite

Malaya Garnet Gem 4.02 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Intense reddish orange 4.02 carat Malaya Garnet gem, offered loose to a classy lady or gentleman
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Other

Rhodolite Garnet Gem 7.76 Carat Oval Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Top quality 7.76 carat Rhodolite Garnet gem, offered loose to a gemstone connoisseur. Dimensions
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rhodolite, Garnet

Rhodolite Garnet Gem 7.76 Carat Oval Loose Gemstone
Rhodolite Garnet Gem 7.76 Carat Oval Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.43 in D 0.28 in L 0.54 in
Charismatic Hessonite Garnet Gem 2.50 carats Emerald Cut Madagascar Loose Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
(Milky inclusions) Shape Octagon Cut Emerald The Hessonite Garnet gemstone is a stunning and unique
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Hessonite

Demantoid Garnet Gem 0.95 Carat Russia Oval Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and exclusive 0.95 carat Russian Demantoid Garnet gem, offered loose to an avid gem collector
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Other

Demantoid Garnet Gem 0.86 Carat Round Russia Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Superb 0.86 carat Russian Demantoid Garnet round gem, offered loose to sophisticated gem collector
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Other

Grossular Garnet 3.53 Carat Pear Shape Gem Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Magnificent 3.53 carat Grossular Garnet pear shape gem offered loose to someone special. Returns
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Other

Spessartite Garnet Ring Gem 11.09 Carat Unmounted Oval Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bright 11.09 carat Spessartite Garnet (Mandarin Garnet) oval gem, offered loose to a fine gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Mandarin Garnet

Mandarin Garnet Ring Gem 2.59 Carat Unmounted Trillion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2.59 carat Mandarin Garnet Trillion gem, offered loose to a gem lover. Mandarin Garnet dimensions
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Mandarin Garnet

2.77 Carat Oval Mandarin Garnet, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vibrant Mandarin orange colored garnet is absolutely beautiful! The unusual checkerboard
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Mandarin Garnet, Garnet

1.20 Cts Purplish Pink Loose Rhodolite Garnet Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Weight: 1.20 Carats Dimension: 8.3x4.8x2.3 mm Origin: Tanzania Shape: Emerald
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

1.20 Cts Purplish Pink Loose Rhodolite Garnet Ring Gem
1.20 Cts Purplish Pink Loose Rhodolite Garnet Ring Gem
Free Shipping
W 0.19 in D 0.1 in L 0.33 in
Spessartite Garnet Ring Necklace Gem 7.39 Carat Shield Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fearless 7.39 carat Spessartite Garnet unmounted fancy Shield gem, offered loose to a fine gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Mandarin Garnet

Fantastic Bright Red Malawi Garnet 2.45 Carats Loose Gems Malawi Garnet Jewelry
Located in Bangkok, TH
2.45 carats VVS Clarity Loose Garnet from Africa. Product Information: GEMSTONE NAME: Fantastic Bright
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

Natural 2.50ct Purple Red Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural 2.50ct Purple Red Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem 9.5 x 6.5mm Natural Loose Rhodolite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

2.26 Carat Spessartite Mandarin Garnet Octagon, Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lively orange spessartite garnet has beautiful color! The unusual modified brilliant facets
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

3.50 Carats Natural Loose Spessartine Garnet Ring Gem January Birthstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
highly sought after by collectors and gem enthusiasts. In summary, spessartine garnet is a captivating
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Mandarin Garnet

3.84 Carat Spessartite Garnet Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fiery spessartine garnet has a beautifully vivid and intense medium orange color! Measuring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

1.62 Carat Tsavorite Garnet Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pretty tsavorite garnet is so bright and lively! The perfect shade of spring green, this gem
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Tsavorite

Bright Red Garnet Loose Gemstone From Malawi 2.10 Carats Garnet Jewelry Fine Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bright Red Garnet Loose Gemstone From Malawi, Available For Sale at Wholesale Price Natural High
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malawian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

1.42 Carat Tsavorite Garnet Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This tsavorite oval is an absolute gem! Whether you're looking for spring, summer, or holiday green
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Tsavorite

Pink Malaya Garnet Ring Gem 6.69 Carat Oval Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Special 6.69 carat pink Malaya Garnet oval gem, offered loose to a fine gemstone lover. Returns are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Other

2.46 Carat Spessartite Mandarin Garnet Oval, Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This brilliant spessartite garnet has a beautiful electric orange color! Measuring 8.26 x 7.14 x
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

Rhodolite Garnet Ring Gem 9.27 Carat Unset Oval Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marvelous 9.27 carats Rhodolite Garnet gem, offered loose to a gemstone lover. Returns are accepted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Mandarin Garnet Earrings Gemstone Pair 3.78 Carat Unset Oval Loose Gems
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Superb pair of Mandarin Garnet oval gems, weighing a total of 3.78 carats, offered loose to a fine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Mandarin Garnet

Gorgeous Purplish Pink Loose Rhodolite Garnet 1.0 Carat Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Garnet Weight: 1 Carat Dimension: 5.9x5.5x3.4 Mm Origin: Tanzania Shape: Octagon Color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Aesthetic Movement Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Mandarin Garnet Earrings Gemstone Pair 5.80 Carat Unset Oval Loose Gems
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Natural Untreated pair of Mandarin Garnet oval gemstones, weighing a total of 5.80 carats, offered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerien Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Mandarin Garnet

1.45 Carats Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Ring Gem Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet Weight: 1.45 Carats Dimension: 6.2x6x4.5 Mm Origin: Tanzania Africa Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

1.45 Carats Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Ring Gem Cushion Cut
1.45 Carats Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Ring Gem Cushion Cut
Free Shipping
W 0.24 in D 0.18 in L 0.25 in
Fine 2.52ct Vivid Orange Red Spessartine Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 2.52ct Vivid Orange Red Spessartine Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gem 8.2 x 7mm Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

7.40 Carat Burgundy Rhodolite Garnet Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This richly colored rhodolite garnet has beautiful a deep burgundy hue and is a lovely rounded
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rhodolite, Garnet

Fine1.13ct Vivid Orange Red Spessartine Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 6.2x5.7mm
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine1.13ct Vivid Orange Red Spessartine Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 6.2x5.7mm Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

2.50ct Vivid Purple Pink Rhodolite Garnet Fancy Oval Cut Loose Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
2.50ct Vivid Purple Pink Rhodolite Garnet Fancy Oval Cut Loose Gem 8.8 x 6.3mm Natural Rhodolite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Unheated Demantoid Garnet Ring Gem 4.24 Carat Ural Russia Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and exclusive, unheated, 4.24 carat, Ural Russia, vivid green, Demantoid Garnet round gem
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Other

Royal Purple Garnet Ring Gem 14.24 Carat Unset Oval Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Collection 14.24 carat reddish purple Garnet gem, offered loose to an avid gem collector
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Other

Mandarin Garnet Ring Necklace Gem 3.69 Carat Kite Shape Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
3.69 carat Mandarin Garnet Kite shaped loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a unique gem collector
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Mandarin Garnet

1.75 Cts Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Ring Gem From Tanzania Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Loose Garnet Weight: 1.75 Carats Dimension: 7.2x5.9x4.7 Mm Origin: Tanzania Africa Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Art Nouveau Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Gorgeous Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Multi Shape 4.30 Carat Gem Lot
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Lot Weight: 4.30 Carats Size: 0.80 to 0.95 Carats Origin: Tanzania Shape: Multi
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Orange Spessartite Garnet, Faceted Gem, 15, 95 ct., loose Gemstone, natural
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
We are delighted to be able to offer for sale, this 15,95 ct. orange Spessartite Garnet of our
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

Natural 3.02ct Deep Purple Red Rhodolite Garnet Oval Loose Gemstone
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural 3.02ct Deep Purple Red Rhodolite Garnet Oval 9.2x7.4mm Loose Gemstone Natural Loose
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Natural 2.28ct Vivid Pink Red Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural 2.28ct Vivid Pink Red Rhodolite Garnet Cushion 8.7x7mm Loose Gemstone Natural Loose
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

2.35 Carats Natural Loose Spessartine Garnet Emerald Shape Gem For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Spessartine Garnet Weight: 2.35 Carats Dimension: 8.3 x 6.5 x 5.1 Mm Colour: Orange Treatment
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

2.10 Carat Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Shape Gem For jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet Weight: 2.10 Carats Dimension: 7.4 x 6.3 x 5 Mm Colour: Red Origin: Africa
Category

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

Materials

Rhodolite, Garnet

3.26ct Deep Purple Red Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gemstone
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
3.26ct Deep Purple Red Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut 8.4x7.3mm Loose Gemstone Fine Large Natural Deep
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

3.26ct Deep Purple Red Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gemstone
3.26ct Deep Purple Red Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
H 0.24 in W 0.34 in D 0.29 in
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Loose Garnet Gem For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate loose garnet gem for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of 18k Gold, Gold and Platinum, this item was constructed with great care. Creating a loose garnet gem has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Merkaba, Sarosi By Timeless Gems and Tamir are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cushion cut and pear cut alternatives. Finding a loose garnet gem for sale for women should be easy, but there are 47 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Loose Garnet Gem?

On average, a loose garnet gem at 1stDibs sells for $5,500, while they’re typically $351 on the low end and $114,450 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.