$264Sale Price|20% Off
3.00 Carat Natural Loose Bright Red Garnet Stone Emerald Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.00 carats Dimensions 8.4x7.0x5.6mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This exceptional 3.00 carat bright red garnet from Tanzania features a...
Garnet
$360Sale Price|20% Off
5.00 Carat Loose Pinkish Red Garnet Stone Cushion Cut Natural Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.00 carat Dimensions 10.2x8.3x6.3mm Treatment None Origin Tanzania Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion NA This 5.00-carat natural Garnet gemstone is a vivid and alluring beauty,...
Garnet
$168Sale Price|20% Off
Precision Cut Malawi Loose Garnet Gem 2.15 Carats Loose Garnet for Jewelry
Located in Bangkok, TH
Product Information: GEMSTONE NAME: Precision Cut Malawi Loose Garnet Gem WEIGHT: 2.15 carats DIMENSIONS: 7.6 x 6.1 x 5.1mm ORIGIN: Malawi CLARITY: SI TREATMENT: None CUT: Mix Cut S...
Garnet
$196Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural Vivid Orange Hessonite Garnet 3.52 Carat Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Set
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Orange Natural Hessonite Garnet– Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Set for Fine Jewelry, Statement Ring or Elegant Earrings Design 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Hessonite Garnet ⚖️ WEIGHT: 3.52 Ca...
Garnet, Hessonite
$224Sale Price|20% Off
2.00 Carat Natural Loose Bright Red Garnet Stone Custom Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.00 carat Dimensions 7.5x6.4x5.1mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion Precision Introducing a striking 2.00 Carat Natural Bright Red Garne...
Garnet
$192Sale Price|20% Off
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Pink Garnet Step Asscher Cut Natural African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 6.5x6.5x4.4mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity VVS Shape Cut Asscher NA This striking 1.65 carat Natural Pink Garnet showcases a rare and romantic...
Garnet
$298Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural Vivid Orange Hessonite Garnet 5.34 Carat Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Orange Natural Hessonite Garnet– Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel for Fine Jewelry, Statement Ring or Elegant Pendant Design 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Hessonite Garnet ⚖️ WEIGHT: 5.34 ...
Garnet, Hessonite
$392Sale Price|20% Off
4.95 Carat Loose Pinkish Red Garnet Stone Cushion Cut Natural Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.95 carat Dimensions 10.1x8.9x5.8mm Treatment None Origin Tanzania Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion NA This 4.95-carat natural Garnet gemstone is a captivating piece, sh...
Garnet
$124Sale Price|20% Off
1.95 Carats Natural Loose Bright Red Garnet Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.95 carats Dimensions 8.15x6.20x4.2 mm Treatment none Origin Africa Clarity VVS Shape octagon Cut emerald The 1.95 carats Bright Red Garnet Stone is a mesmerizing ex...
Garnet
$344Sale Price|20% Off
4.60 Carat Loose Pinkish Red Pyrope Garnet Stone Emerald Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.60 carat Dimensions 9.8x8.2x6mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity VVS Shape Octagon Cut Emerald NA This 4.60-carat natural Pyrope Garnet is a striking gemstone, sho...
Garnet
$176Sale Price|20% Off
2.50 carats Vivid Red Loose Garnet Stone Asscher Cut natural Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.50 carats Dimensions 7.9x7.8x5.0 mm Treatment none Clarity VVS Origin Tanzania Shape Octagon Cut Asscher Cut The exquisite 2.50-carat Vivid Red Garnet Stone, cut into a...
Garnet
$140Sale Price|20% Off
2.75 Carats Natural Loose Vivid Red Garnet Stone Asscher Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.75 carats Dimensions 7.3x7.2x5.52 mm Treatment none Origin Africa Clarity SI Shape octagon Cut Asscher Behold the exquisite allure of this 2.75 carat Vivid Red Gar...
Garnet
$548Sale Price|30% Off
Deep Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet 4.55 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone – Faceted Earth Mined Red Almandine Pyrope Garnet for Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, January Birthstone, I...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$514Sale Price|30% Off
Purplish Pink Natural Rhodolite Garnet 3.64 Ct Oval Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gemstone – Faceted Earth Mined Purplish Pink Almandine Pyrope Garnet for Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, January B...
Garnet, Rhodolite
1.90 Carat Natural Loose Mali Garnet Oval Shape Gemstone From Mali, Africa
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Mali Garnet Weight: 1.90 Carat Dimension: 8.2 x 6.6 x 4.3 Mm Origin: Mali, Africa Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Mali garnet is a rare and beautiful gemstone that be...
Garnet
$958Sale Price|30% Off
Pinkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet 5.67 Ct Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pinkish Red Rhodolite Garnet Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone – Faceted Earth Mined Red Almandine Pyrope Garnet for Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, January Birthstone...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$486Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Pinkish Red Rhodolite Garnet 3.14 Ct Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pinkish Red Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone – Faceted Earth Mined Red Almandine Pyrope Garnet for Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, January Birthston...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$601Sale Price / set|30% Off
Deep Pinkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet 5.75 Ct Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Pair
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Pinkish Red Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Pair – Faceted Earth Mined Red Almandine Pyrope Garnet for Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, January Bi...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$605Sale Price / set|30% Off
Deep Pinkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet 5.84 Ct Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Pair
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Pinkish Red Rhodolite Garnet Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Pair – Faceted Earth Mined Red Almandine Pyrope Garnet for Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, January Bi...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$488Sale Price|30% Off
Deep Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet 3.27 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone – Faceted Earth Mined Red Almandine Pyrope Garnet for Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, January Birthstone, I...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$524Sale Price|30% Off
Deep Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet 4 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone – Faceted Earth Mined Red Almandine Pyrope Garnet for Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, January Birthstone, I...
Garnet, Rhodolite
1.90 Carat Natural Loose Colour Change Garnet Cushion Cut Gemstone From Tanzania
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Colour Change Garnet Weight: 1.90 Carat Dimension: 7.5 x 6.2 x 4.3 Mm Treatment: None Certificate: On Customer Demand Shape: Cushion Colour: Brownish Orange to Red Colour-c...
Garnet, Other
$160Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Fanta 1.70 Carat Loose Hessonite Garnet Baguette Shape Gemstone for Sale
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Hessonite Garnet Weight : 1.70 Carats Dimensions : 7.3x5.8x4.2 Mm Origin : Africa Clarity : Smoky Eye Clean Shape: Baguette Color: Orange Certificate: On Demand Birth...
Garnet, Hessonite
$93Sale Price|20% Off
1.60 Carats Soft Red Loose Garnet Stone Square Cut Natural African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.60 carats Dimensions 6.4x6.1x4.2 mm Treatment none Origin Africa Clarity eye clean Shape square Cut baguette A stunning piece of natural beauty, this soft red garne...
Garnet
$547Sale Price|30% Off
Deep Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet 6 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone – Faceted Earth Mined Red Almandine Pyrope Garnet for Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, January Birthstone, ...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$552Sale Price|30% Off
Deep Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet 4.63 Carat Oval Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet – Oval Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Fine Custom Jewelry
Garnet, Rhodolite
$475Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pinkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet Jewelry Size Loose Gemstones Lot 14.05 Ct
Located in Peshawar, PK
Pinkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet Loose Gemstones Lot for Rings, Earrings, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Oval Cushion Cut and an Emerald Cut!!
Garnet, Rhodolite
$454Sale Price / set|34% Off
Pinkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet Jewelry Size Loose Gemstones Lot 15.65 Ct
Located in Peshawar, PK
Pinkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet Loose Gemstones Lot for Rings, Earrings, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Oval Cushion Cut!!
Garnet, Rhodolite
$184Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful 2.10 Carat Fancy Cut Loose Rhodolite Garnet Gemstone From Africa Mine
By Sadeeq Cutter
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet Weight : 2.10 Carats Dimensions : 8.2x6.3x4.3 Mm Origin : Madagascar Africa Clarity : AAA Eye Clean Shape: Fancy Cut .
Garnet, Rhodolite
$645Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pinkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet Jewelry Size Loose Gemstones Lot 23.90 Ct
Located in Peshawar, PK
Reddish Pink Natural Rhodolite Garnet Loose Gemstones Lot for Rings, Earrings, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Oval and Cushion Cut!!
Garnet, Rhodolite
$508Sale Price|30% Off
2.08 Ct Deep Brownish Red Color Change Pyrope Garnet Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Natural Brownish Pink to Deep Red Color Change Pyrope Spessartine Garnet Emerald-Cut Loose Gemstone for Fine Jewelry, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet, Statement Ring or Custom Design...
Garnet
$538Sale Price|30% Off
2.32 Ct Deep Brownish Red Color Change Pyrope Garnet Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Natural Brownish Pink to Deep Red Color Change Pyrope Spessartine Garnet Emerald-Cut Loose Gemstone for Fine Jewelry, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet, Statement Ring or Custom Design...
Garnet
$965Sale Price|30% Off
5.66 Ct Deep Brownish Red Color Change Pyrope Garnet Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Natural Brownish Pink to Deep Purplish Red Color Change Pyrope Spessartine Garnet Cushion-Cut Loose Gemstone for Fine Jewelry, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet, Statement Ring or Cust...
Garnet
$416Sale Price|20% Off
8.55 Carat Natural Loose 4 Piece Red Garnet Lot Round Cut Tanzania Gemstones
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.55 carat Piece 4 Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity VVS Shape Cut Round This 8.55 Carat Natural Loose Garnet Lot features 4 brilliant round-cut gemstones, each r...
Garnet
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning 3.0 Carat Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Fancy Cut Gemstone from Africa
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Rhodolite Garnet Weight: 3.0 Carats Both Dimension: 10x6x5.3 Mm Origin: Madagascar Africa Color: Red Treatment: Non Shape:Emerald Cut: Fancy The Rhodolite resembles pomegrana...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$314Sale Price / set|30% Off
Reddish Pink Garnet 3.4 Ct Natural Loose Gemstones Oval Cut for Ring Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Reddish Pink Natural Garnet Loose Gemstones for Ring, Earrings, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Oval Cut!!
Garnet
$272Sale Price / set|30% Off
Reddish Pink Garnet 3.27 Ct Natural Loose Gemstones Oval Cut for Ring Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Reddish Pink Natural Garnet Loose Gemstones for Ring, Earrings, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Oval Cut!!
Garnet
$152Sale Price|20% Off
Gorgeous Natural Loose Red Rhodolite Garnet Gemstone 2.45 Carat with SI Clarity
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet Weight : 2.45 Carats Dimensions : 8.6x6.3x4.7 Mm Origin : Tanzania Africa Clarity : SI Shape: Long Cushion Cut: Cushion Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non C...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$688Sale Price|30% Off
6.50 Carat Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet Emerald Cut Natural Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet – Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Fine Custom Jewelry
Rhodolite, Garnet
$594Sale Price|30% Off
5.60 Carat Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Cut Natural Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet – Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Fine Custom Jewelry
Garnet, Rhodolite
$322Sale Price|30% Off
Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet 4.86 Ct Trillion Cut Natural Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet – Trillion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Fine Custom Jewelry
Garnet, Rhodolite
$584Sale Price|30% Off
Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet 8.89 Carat Cushion Cut Natural Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet – Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Fine Custom Jewelry
Garnet, Rhodolite
$244Sale Price|30% Off
Deep Pinkish Red Rhodolite Garnet 2.53 Ct Oval Cut Natural Loose Gemstone Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Pinkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Fine Jewelry Setting-Oval Cut!!
Rhodolite, Garnet
$176Sale Price|20% Off
2.40 Cts Natural Loose Red Rhodolite Garnet Cushion Cut Gemstone From Tanzania
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Rhodolite Garnet Weight: 2.40 Carats Dimension: 7.6x7.5x5.3 Mm Origin: Tanzania Africa Color: Red Shape: Cushion Cut/Facets: Precision Treatment: None Certificate; On Cust...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$1,222Sale Price|30% Off
Vivid Green Tsavorite Garnet Natural Loose Gemstone 2.91 Ct Oval Cut for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Grossular Garnet Tsavorite Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Oval Cut!!
Garnet, Tsavorite
$304Sale Price|20% Off
3.70 Carat Natural Loose 3 Piece Hessonite Garnet Lot Mix Cut African Gemstones
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.70 carat Piece 3 Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity SI Shape Cut Mix Cut This 3.70 Carat Natural Loose Hessonite Garnet Lot features 3 beautifully matched gemston...
Garnet, Hessonite
1.55 Carat Oval Tsavorite Garnet Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Presenting a 1.55 carat Tsavorite Garnet, exquisitely crafted into an elegant oval shape and offered loose for discerning gemstone collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
Garnet, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$132Sale Price|20% Off
Spectacular Malawi Garnet Loose Stone 1.65 Carats Garnet Jewelry Garnet Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Product Information: GEMSTONE NAME: Spectacular Malawi Garnet Loose Stone WEIGHT: 1.65 carats DIMENSIONS: 6.3 x 6.2 x 4.5 mm ORIGIN: Malawi CLARITY: VSI TREATMENT: None CUT: Hexagon ...
Garnet
$1,014Sale Price / set|30% Off
Deep Vivid Green Natural Diopside Garnet Loose Gemstones Pairs 25 Ct-Jewelry Set
Located in Peshawar, PK
Deep Vivid Green Natural Diopside Garnet Loose Gemstones Well Matched Pairs for Jewelry Set Making e.g Ring, Necklace, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting!!
Garnet
$124Sale Price|20% Off
Nicely Pinkish Red Loose Garnet Stone 1.05 Carats Garnet Jewelry Garnet Stone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Product Information: GEMSTONE NAME: Nicely Pinkish Red Loose Garnet Stone WEIGHT: 1.05 carats DIMENSIONS: 6.7 x 4.9 x 3.7mm ORIGIN: Malawi CLARITY: Vss TREATMENT: None CUT: Emerald C...
Garnet
$217Sale Price|25% Off
Deep Red Rhodolite Garnet 2.95 Ct Natural Loose Gemstone Oval Cut for Ring Jewel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Darkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Oval Cut!!
Garnet, Rhodolite
$203Sale Price|30% Off
Darkish Red Rhodolite Garnet 4 Ct Natural Loose Gemstone Pear Cut for Ring Jewel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Darkish Red Natural Rhodolite Garnet Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Pear Cut!!
Garnet, Rhodolite
Loose Garnet - Round 1.37ct Red Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Carat(s): 1.37ct Cut: Round Color: Red Origin: Tanzania Size: (mm) 6.5 x 6.5 x 4.5 Condition: New
Garnet
$160Sale Price|20% Off
Fabulous Pinkish Red Natural Garnet Stone 1.85 CTS Loose Garnet Faceted Garnet
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fabulous Pinkish Red Natural Garnet Stone of 1.85 carats from Africa has a wonderful cut in a Octagon shape, incredible Pink color, Great brilliance. This gem is SI Clarity. Product...
Garnet
$120Sale Price|20% Off
1.20 Carat Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Oval Shape Gemstone For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet Weight: 1.20 Carats Dimension: 7.4 x 5.3 x 4.2 Mm Origin: Central African Republic Colour: Purplish Red Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Rhodolite garnet...
Rhodolite
Natural Garnet Rhodolite high quality! loose gemstone 5.21 ct., Octagon cut, Ori
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Garnet Rhodolite loose gemstone high quality!!! Laboratory certified Gemstone Color: purple Gemstone Type: Garnet Rhodolite Gemstone size: 11.20x8.19x5.95 mm Cut Grade: Very...
Rhodolite
$1,398Sale Price|40% Off
Loose Rare Green Yttrium Aluminium Garnet 18.87ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A Loose Rare Green Yttrium Aluminium Garnet weighing 18.87ct. Metal: N/A Carat: 18.87ct Colour: Green Clarity: N/A Cut: Round Weight: N/A Engravings/Markings: N/A Size/Measurement:...
Garnet, White Gold
Vintage and antique garnet jewelry has been around for a long time.
Garnets have been used for adornment going all the way back to the Bronze Age. While we will never know if garnets can be used to prevent plagues or heal warriors, as has been suggested, we do know that both the Egyptians and the Romans felt that it was a worthy stone to set in gold for their nobility. In more “recent” times, garnets were ubiquitous in Victorian jewelry. The “G” in REGARD rings, the equivalent of the modern-day engagement ring, implied garnet.
Garnets were also highly valued in the region of Bohemia. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History has in its collection an antique hairpin with Bohemian pyrope garnets from the Czech Republic. Bohemian pyrope got its name from Bohuslav Balbín, sometimes referred to as the “Czech Pliny,” in 1679. Abundant in the region, it was used often in jewelry during this time. In fact, it became so popular that in 1762, Empress Marie Terezie forbade its export. Stonecutting workshops opened in several regions across Bohemia, and pyrope became the country’s mineralogical symbol. While there was never a decline in its popularity, it was only in the mid-20th century that garnets enjoyed a revival.
Garnets can come in many shapes and sizes — one of the largest ever discovered is a 68.82-carat Tsavorite garnet. This stone is also in the collection of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, Brazil’s mines are rich in garnets, including spessartine, which can also be found in the Myanmar area, recognized for a specific shade of reddish-orange. While red garnets are the most popular, garnets actually come in a medley of colors.
Find a collection of antique and vintage garnet rings, necklaces and other jewelry today 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.