$320Sale Price|20% Off
3.50 Carats Natural Loose Spessartine Garnet Ring Gem January Birthstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spessartine Weight: 3.50 Carats Dimension: 9x7.8x5.2 Mm Family: Garnet Color: Orange Red Shape: Oval Cushion Treatment: Non Origin: Africa Certificate: On Customer Deman...
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
5.25 Carat Natural Loose Hessonite garnet Cushion Shape Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Hessonite Garnet Weight: 5.25 Carats Dimension: 11.1 x 9.5 x 6.4 Mm Origin: Africa Shape: Cushion Color: Rust Orange Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Hessonite garnet, a...
Garnet, Hessonite
3.45 Carat Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Square Shape Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet Weight: 3.45 Carats Dimension: 8.1 x 8.1 x 5.8 Mm Colour: Red Origin: Africa Treatment: Non Shape : Square Rhodolite garnet, a gemstone celebrated for its e...
Garnet, Rhodolite
Natural Mozambique Purple Garnet Gemstone 5.06 carats / JupiterGem
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dive into the enchanting world of gemstones with 5.06 carats Natural Purple Garnet from Mozambique. This stunning gem boasts a unique garnet shape and measures 10.74 x 9.04 x 6.03 mm...
Garnet
Natural Unheated Red Garnet Gemstone 19.42 carats / JupiterGem
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fashioned as a heart, this rich red 19.42 carat natural Garnet is a well fashioned, eye clean gem. A statement piece, the gem’s flattering color will symbolize her personal style and...
Garnet
Natural Garnet Rhodolite gemstone 8.0 ct., Cushion cut, Tanzania, Certificate.
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Garnet Rhodolite Loose Gemstone 8.0 ct. Laboratory certified GFCO Gemstone Color: VIVID purplish-RED-PINK/PINK-RED Gemstone Type: Garnet Rhodolite Gemstone size: 12.39x10.60...
Garnet
3.75 Ct Russian Demantoid Horsetai Inclusionl Pair Loose Gemstone
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Demantoid is well-known by its unique inclusion called "horsetail" and it's just one of the few gemstones whose inclusion may raise the value and interest. Ural Mountains of Russia ...
Garnet
6.80 Carat Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Lot For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet Lot Weight: 6.80 Carats Sizes: 1.50, 1.80 And 3.40 Carat Colour: Red Origin: Tanzania Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Rhodolite garnet, a g...
Garnet, Rhodolite, Other
Rhodolite Garnet 4.86Ct natural gemstone, Oval cut, Tanzania, GFCO
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Garnet Rhodolite gemstone Laboratory certified GFCO Gemstone Color: VIVID purplish Pink Gemstone Type: Garnet Rhodolite Gemstone size: 10.80x9.30x6.59mm Cut Grade: Very Good...
Garnet, Rhodolite
Certified 4.17Ct Natural Garnet Rhodolite gemstone, rectangular cut, Tanzania
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Garnet Rhodolite gemstone Laboratory certified Gemstone Color: purplish red Gemstone Type: Garnet Rhodolite Gemstone size: 11.7x7.8x4.38mm Cut Grade: Very Good Clarity/Grade...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$120Sale Price|20% Off
1.60 Carat Loose Fire Spessartine Garnet from Afghanistan Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spessartine Garnet Weight: 1.60 Carats Dimension: 6.8x6.1x5 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Shape: Octagon Cut/Facet: Fancy Cut Color: Orange Fanta Clarity: Included Certificate: On D...
Garnet
6.30 Carat Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Lot For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet Lot Weight: 6.30 Carats Sizes: 1.35 To 1.70 Carats Colour: Red Origin: Tanzania Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Rhodolite garnet, a gemston...
Garnet, Rhodolite, Other
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 Reddish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Gem. 2.76 Carat with a beautiful vivid reddish pink colour...
Garnet, Rhodolite
Tanzania Natural Pink Garnet Gemstone: 2.46 Carat Faceted For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.46 Carats Size : 8.5 * 7.3 * 4 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Oval Color : Pink Clarity : Clean Origin : Tanzania Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 B...
Garnet
7.05 Carat Natural Loose Hessonite Garnet Lot For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Hessonite Garnet Lot Weight: 7.05 Carats Sizes: 1.05 To 2.00 Carat Origin: Madagascar Color: Deep Orange Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Hessonite garnet, also known ...
Garnet, Hessonite, Other
8.35 Carat Natural Loose Spessartine Garnet Lot For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Spessartine Garnet Lot Weight: 8.35 Carats Sizes: 1.00 To 1.40 Carat Colour: Orange Treatment: Non Shape: Oval Certificate: On Demand Spessartine garnet, often referred to ...
Mandarin Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 5.76 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 5.76 Carats Size : 12.5*7.5*6 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Clarity : VVS Origin : Africa Color : Reddish Color Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - ...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 4.40 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 4.40 Carats Size : 10.5*8*6 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Clarity : VVS Origin : Africa Color : Reddish Orange Color Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 4.00 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 4.00 Carats Size : 11*7*4.5 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Color Clarity : SI Origin: Africa Treatment : Natural Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 ...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 2.50 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.50 Carats Size : 8.5*6*5 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Color Treatment : Natural Origin: Africa Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthstone : J...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 2.98 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.98 Carats Size : 9 * 7.2 * 4.5 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Color Clarity : SI Clean Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardne...
Garnet
Orange Fanta Garnet Gemstone: Cushion Cut January Birthstone, 2.68 Carats
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.68 Carats Size : 8.200 * 6.500 * 4.500 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Color Clarity : SI Clean Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendan...
Garnet
Natural Orange Garnet Gemstone: 2.93 Carat Cushion Cut January Birthstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.93 Carats Size : 10 * 6.2 * 4.5 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Clarity : VVS Clean Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthston...
Garnet
Orange Fanta Garnet Gemstone: Cushion Cut January Birthstone, 3.84 Carats
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 3.84 Carats Size : 11.500 * 7.000 * 4.000 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Color Clarity : SI Clean Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Penda...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 2.84 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.84 Carats Size : 8 * 7 * 5 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Color Clarity : SI Clean Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness :...
Garnet
Natural Red Garnet Gemstone: Oval Cut January Birthstone, 1.57 Carats
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 1.57 Carats Size : 7.9 * 6 * 3.5 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Oval Color : Red Color Clarity : Eye Clean Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : ...
Garnet
Orange Fanta Garnet Gemstone: Cushion Cut January Birthstone, 3.37 Carats
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 3.37 Carats Size : 9 * 8 * 5.7 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Color Clarity : SI Clean Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 4.54 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 4.54 Carats Size : 9*8.9*6 mm Cut : Cushion Clarity : SI Clean Origin : Mozambique Color : Reddish Color Treatment : Natural Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : ...
Garnet
1.70 Carat Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Set For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet Set Weight: 1.70 Carats Sizes: 0.75 And 0.85 Carats Colour: Red Origin: Africa Treatment: Non Shape : Octagon Rhodolite garnet, a gemstone celebrated for ...
Garnet, Rhodolite, Other
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 4.25 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 4.25 Carats Size : 8.5*8*6 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Color Treatment : Natural Origin: Africa Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthstone : J...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 4.96 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 4.96 Carats Size : 11*8*6 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Color Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthstone : January This be...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 2.20 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.20 Carats Size : 8*6.5*4 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Color Origin: Africa Treatment : Natural Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthstone : J...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 3.06 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 3.060 Carats Size : 8*8*5 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Color Treatment : Natural Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthstone...
Garnet
2.25 Carat Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Pair For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rhodolite Garnet Pair Weight: 2.25 Carats Dimension: 5.9 x 5.2 x 4 Mm And 5.8 x 5.3 x 4 Mm Colour: Red Origin: Africa Treatment: Non Shape : Emerald Rh...
Garnet, Rhodolite
Garnet Pyrope-Almandine-Spessartine natural Gemstone 4.60 Ct, Cushion cut
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Garnet loose gemstone 4.60 Ct. GFCO certified Gemstone Color: Orangy-RED Gemstone Type: Garnet Pyrope-Almandine-Spessartine Gemstone size: 9.91x8.97x6.22 mm Gemstone Shape: ...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 3.40 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 3.40 Carats Size : 9 * 7.3 * 5 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Color Clarity : SI Clean Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness...
Garnet
Natural Orange Garnet Gemstone: 2.73 Carat Emerald Cut, January Birthstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.73 Carats Size : 10.2*5.1*4.1 mm Cut : Emerald Color : Orange Color Treatment : Natural Origin : Africa Clarity : VVS Clean Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness :...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 5.80 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 5.80 Carats Size : 11*8.5*6.2 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Orange Color Treatment : Natural Orgin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 ...
Garnet
Orange Fanta Garnet Gemstone: Cushion Cut January Birthstone, 4.08 Carats
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 4.08 Carats Size : 9.900 * 8.000 * 5.000 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Color Clarity : SI Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hard...
Garnet
Orange Fanta Garnet Gemstone: Emerald Cut January Birthstone, 1.94 Carats
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 1.94 Carats Size : 8.800 * 5.100 * 3.500 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Emerald Color : Orange Color Clarity : Eye Clean Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Penda...
Garnet
Orange Fanta Garnet Gemstone: Cushion Cut January Birthstone, 3.58 Carats
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 3.58 Carats Size : 10.000 * 6.500 * 5.000 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Color Clarity : SI Clean Origin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Penda...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 2.70 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.70 Carats Size : 10*6*4 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Orange Color Clarity : VVS Treatment : Natural Orgin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : ...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 6.26 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 6.26 Carats Size : 12.8*9*5 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Orange Color Treatment : Natural Orgin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Bi...
Garnet
Garnet 5.14Ct Pyrope-Almandine natural gemstone Heart, Tanzania, Certificate AGL
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Garnet Pyrope-Almandine Loose Gemstone 5.14Ct Laboratory certified AGL Gemstone Color: pinkish RED Gemstone Type: Garnet Gemstone size: 11.20x10.27x6.60 mm Cut Grade: Excell...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 2.96 Carat Asscher Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.96 Carats Size : 7.5*7.5*5 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Assher Color : Reddish Orange Treatment : Natural Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthst...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 2.15 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.15 Carats Size : 8*6*4 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Color Treatment : Natural Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthstone : January This cus...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 3.29 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 3.29 Carats Size : 10*7*5 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Color Treatment : Natural Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthstone...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 10.80 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 10.80 Carats Size : 13*11*7.5 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Orange Color Treatment : Natural Orgin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 ...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 5.38 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 5.38 Carats Size : 11*9*6 mm Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Orange Color Orgin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birt...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 7.87 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 7.87 Carats Size : 12*11*6.5 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Orange Color Treatment : Natural Orgin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 B...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 5.05 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 5.050 Carats Size : 11*8.5*5.8 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Orange Color Treatment : Natural Orgin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 2.60 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 2.60 Carats Size : 8*7.5*4 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Reddish Orange Color Treatment : Natural Orgin : Mozambique Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Bir...
Garnet
Natural Orange Garnet Gemstone: 4.23 Carat Cushion Cut January Birthstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Treatment : Natural Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Clarity : SI Clean Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthstone : January This natural orange garnet gemsto...
Garnet
Garnet 7.33Ct Pyrope-Almandine natural gemstone, Heart cut, Tanzania Certificate
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Garnet Pyrope-Almandine Loose Gemstone 7.33Ct Laboratory certified AGL Gemstone Color: pinkish RED Gemstone Type: Garnet Gemstone size: 13.29x11.41x7.16 mm Cut Grade: Excel...
Garnet
Natural Reddish Orange Grossular Garnet Gemstone: 3.60 Carat Cushion Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight : 3.60 Carats Size : 9*7*6 mm Cut : Cushion Color : Orange Color Treatment : Natural Clarity : Eye Clean Use : Jewellery Making Rings/Pendant Hardness : 6.5 - 7.5 Birthstone :...
Garnet
9.60 Carat Natural Loose Spessartine Garnet Lot For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Spessartine Garnet Lot Weight: 9.60 Carats Sizes: 0.70 To 1.30 Carat Colour: Orange Treatment: Non Shape: Mix Shape Certificate: On Demand Spessartine garnet, often referred...
Mandarin Garnet
6.85 Carat Natural Loose Spessartine Garnet Lot For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Spessartine Garnet Lot Weight: 6.85 Carats Sizes: 0.90 To 1.50 Carat Colour: Orange Treatment: Non Shape: Mix Shape Certificate: On Demand Spessartine garnet, often referr...
Mandarin Garnet
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.