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1.90 Ct Emerald Cushion 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

1.90 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
1.90 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
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W 0.25 in D 0.22 in L 0.34 in
1.15 Ct Emerald Cushion 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

1.15 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
1.15 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.23 in D 0.19 in L 0.28 in
2.24 Ct Emerald Cushion 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

2.24 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
2.24 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
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W 0.28 in D 0.22 in L 0.36 in
2.55 Ct Emerald Cushion 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

2.55 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
2.55 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.29 in D 0.24 in L 0.36 in
2.20 Ct Emerald Cushion 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

2.20 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
2.20 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.29 in D 0.2 in L 0.37 in
2.40 Ct Emerald Cushion 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

2.40 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
2.40 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.3 in D 0.18 in L 0.39 in
1.70 Ct Emerald Cushion 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

1.70 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
1.70 Ct Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.27 in D 0.2 in L 0.31 in
1.93 Carat Natural Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
. Explore a vast range of Emeralds in our store available as a loose gemstone that can be customized & made
Category

2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.93 Carat Natural Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
1.93 Carat Natural Emerald Cushion Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.27 in D 0.19 in L 0.36 in
Chrysoberyl Gem 5.15 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
we carry an extensive world-class loose gemstone collection.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Chrysoberyl

Chrysoberyl Gem 5.15 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
Chrysoberyl Gem 5.15 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
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W 0.34 in D 0.27 in L 0.4 in
3.12 Cts Emerald Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
. Explore a vast range of Emeralds in our store available as a loose gemstone that can be customized & made
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

3.12 Cts Emerald Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone
3.12 Cts Emerald Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
H 0.23 in W 0.31 in L 0.41 in
18.80 Carat Red Zircon Cushion, Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, including brilliant reds! Weighing 18.80 carats, this is an uncommonly sizable gemstone. It has excellent
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Zircon

18.80 Carat Red Zircon Cushion, Loose Gemstone
18.80 Carat Red Zircon Cushion, Loose Gemstone
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W 0.51 in D 0.31 in L 0.65 in
3.65 Carats Loose Gohenite Gemstone Cushion Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Goshenite Weight: 3.65 Carats Dimension: 10.1x9.8x7 Mm Origin: Pakistan Shape: Cushion
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine

3.65 Carats Loose Gohenite Gemstone Cushion Shape
3.65 Carats Loose Gohenite Gemstone Cushion Shape
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W 0.39 in D 0.28 in L 0.4 in
6.17 Carat Pink Cushion Cut Tourmaline Loose Gemstone
Located in Stamford, CT
gemstone. 1 Cushion cut tourmaline, approx. total weight. 6.17cts 10.90x10.91x8.02 Thank you for
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Tanzanite Ring Gem 8.07 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marvelous 8.07 carat Tanzanite cushion cut gem offered loose to a lady or gentleman. Dimensions
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite

Tanzanite Ring Gem 8.07 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
Tanzanite Ring Gem 8.07 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
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W 0.47 in D 0.33 in L 0.47 in
Tanzanite Ring Stone 56 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exceptional and coveted 56.77 carat Tanzanite square cushion loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite

Tanzanite Ring Stone 56 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
Tanzanite Ring Stone 56 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
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W 0.9 in D 0.58 in L 0.9 in
Tsavorite Ring Gem 5.87 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exceptional 5.87 carat Tsavorite Garnet cushion gem, offered loose to a world-class gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Tsavorite

Marvelous Topaz Gemstone 14.95 carats Cushion Cut Loose Pakistani Topaz Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
(slightly included) Shape Cushion Cut Fancy Cushion Discover the allure of this exquisite topaz loose
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

Tsavorite Ring Gem 1.96 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vibrant 1.96 Carat Tsavorite Garnet cushion gem, offered loose to a world-class gemstone lover
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Tsavorite

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

Tanzanite Earrings Loose Gemstones 4.04 Carats Unmounted Cushion
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lively Tanzanite cushion pair totaling 4.04 carats, offered unmounted for a spectacular custom pair
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite

16.93 Carat Orange Zircon Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
superior brilliance and clarity! Faceted as a cushion shape with excellent proportions, this gem would make
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Zircon

16.93 Carat Orange Zircon Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone
16.93 Carat Orange Zircon Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone
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W 0.46 in D 0.38 in L 0.57 in
19.34 Carat Blue Zircon Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This brilliant, cushion cut gem checks all the boxes if you're looking for an unusually large, fine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Zircon, Zircon

Cornflower Blue Sapphire Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
intense luminosity, hand crafted into an eye catching cushion shape with a mesmerising beauty and alluring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

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 measures 7.01 x 6.88 x 3.70 millimeters and weighs 1.62 carats. It would be beautifu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Tsavorite

Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 11.23 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Remarkable 11.23 carat Mint Green Tourmaline cushion gem offered loose to a very precious lady or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Other

Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 11.23 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 11.23 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
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W 0.44 in D 0.38 in L 0.54 in
Aquamarine Ring Gem 11.20 Carat Unmounted Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Desirable 11.20 carat Aquamarine square cushion gem, offered loose to someone special. Dimensions
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine, Beryl

Opal Stone 10.79 Carat Cushion Natural Ethiopian Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 10.79 carat cushion Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to someone very
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural Tanzanite DLX Color Cushion Shape Loose Gemstone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Morganite , Aquamrine, Blue Topaz, Opal Loose Gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite

Imperial Topaz Earrings Loose Gemstones 3.36 Carat Unmounted Cushions
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bright 3.36 carat Brazilian Imperial Topaz pair of cushion loose gemstones, offered unmounted to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz, Imperial Topaz

Bicolor Tourmaline Ring Gem 29.22 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One of a kind 29.22 carat Bicolor Tourmaline gem, offered loose to a wold-class gemstone collector
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Other

1.17 Carat Unset Loose Unmounted Cushion Shaped Tanzanite Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This petite tanzanite gemstone is both gorgeous and budget-friendly! With its characteristic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite

Bicolor Tourmaline Ring Gem 14.68 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
details. For your convenience we carry an extensive world-class loose gemstone collection.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Other

Green Sapphire 2.54 Ct Cushion Natural Heated, loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
cut facets. A skilfully cushion shaped gem of 2.54 carat with pristine clarity is a beauty to behold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Green Sapphire 2.54 Ct Cushion Natural Heated, loose Gemstone
Green Sapphire 2.54 Ct Cushion Natural Heated, loose Gemstone
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W 0.29 in D 0.21 in L 0.29 in
7.40 Carat Burgundy Rhodolite Garnet Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
cushion shape. With such rich red color and exceptional clarity, this gem would make a beautiful piece of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rhodolite, Garnet

Peach Sapphire 3.16 ct Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
A magnificent large 3 carat certified natural unheated Madagascan peach sapphire skilfully cushion
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Padparadscha Sapphire 1.21 Ct Cushion Natural Heated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
due to their rarity and beauty. Hand crafted into a softly shaped cushion of over 1 carat this natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

2.40 Carat Natural Loose Cushion Shape Pink Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Tourmaline Weight : 2.40 Carats Dimensions : 8.2x7.8x5.5 Mm Origin : Kunar
Category

Antique 17th Century Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

1.20 Carat Natural Loose Cushion Cut Red Spinel Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
: Cushion Color: Red Treatment: Non / Natural Certificate: On Demand . The red spinel gemstone is linked to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

Green Tourmaline Earring Gems 6.44 Carat Unmounted Cushion Loose Gemstones
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Captivating 6.44 carat Mint Green Tourmaline cushion pair, offered loose and unmounted to a top
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Mint Green Tourmaline Earring Gems 5.56 Carats Cushion Loose Gemstones
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
5.56 Carat Mint Green Tourmaline cushion loose gemstone pair, offered unmounted to an exclusive
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Deep Orange Tourmaline Ring Gem 5.23 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
5.23 carat deep orange Tourmaline cushion gem, offered loose to a gemstone lover. Returns are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Fine Light Blue Aquamarine 2.72ct Fancy Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Light Blue Aquamarine Gemstone. 2.72 Carat with a light blue colour and very good clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine

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

Blue Tourmaline Ring Gem 2.75 Carat Cushion Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Splendid 2.75 carat "Lagoon" Blue Tourmaline cushion loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Deep Orange Tourmaline Ring Gem 12.60 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique 12.60 carat deep Orange Tourmaline cushion gem, offered loose to a gemstone lover. Returns
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Other

.85 Carat Cushion Cut Unset Loose Unmounted Red Spinel Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
! Petite and absolutely stunning, this cushion-shaped spinel weighs .85 carat and measures 5.92 x.4.80
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 10.64 Carat Rectangular Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Glamorous 10.64 carat Green Tourmaline rectangular cushion gem, offered loose to a world-class
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Other

3.00 Carats Yellow Loose Chrysoberyl Cushion Cut Natural Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Shape cushion Cut Cushion The 3.00-carat Yellow Chrysoberyl Cushion Cut Natural Tanzanian Gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Chrysoberyl

Opal Stone 11.72 Carat Rectangular Cushion Natural Ethiopian Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 11.72 carat rectangular cushion Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

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

Pinkish Purple Sapphire 1.19 Ct Cushion Natural Heated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
, expertly fashioned into a cushion shape with a myriad of sparkly facets. For the individual wanting a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Natural Peach Morganite Cushion Shape 21.77 Cts Loose Gemstone Morganite
Located in New York, NY
Morganite , Aquamrine, Blue Topaz, Opal Loose Gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Morganite

Bicolor Tourmaline Ring Earrings Loose Gemstone Set 12.09 Carats Cushion
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
details. For your convenience we carry an extensive world-class loose gemstone collection.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

6.14 Carat Tourmaline Gemstone, Cushion Cut Blue Green Loose Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Shape/Cut: Cushion Color: Blue Green Origin: Afghanistan Dimensions (mm): 11.3 x 9.1 x 8.3 Weight
Category

20th Century Afghan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Light Pink Sapphire 3.03 ct Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
from this cushion shaped sapphire of over 3 carat. Of Madagascan origin this natural light pink
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

1.48 Carat Cushion Shaped Loose Unset Unmounted Red Spinel Gemstone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
prized gemstone in its own right, and for good reason. It comes in a rainbow of striking colors and is
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

5.35 Carat Natural Loose Pink Tourmaline Cushion Shape Included Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 5.35 Carats Dimension: 10.5x9x7.2 Mm Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Natural Loose Red Burmese Spinel Cushion Cut Gemstone 1.60 Carat
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gorgeous Loose Spinel Weight: 1.60 Carats Dimension: 7x5.9x4.6 Mm Origin: Burma Color: Red Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

11.25 Carats Natural Peach Pink Loose Tourmaline Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 11.25 Carats Dimensions: 16.1x10.1x8.4 Mm Origin: Kunar Afghanistan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

16.83 Ct. Natural Peach Morganite Cushion Shape Loose Gemstone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
, Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Opal Loose Gemstone SHIPPING • Same or next day from New Jersey USA • USPS First
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central American Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Morganite

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Loose Gemstones Cushion For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact loose gemstones cushion you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and 14k gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 36 vintage editions and 497 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect loose gemstones cushion among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic loose gemstones cushion over the years, but those made by Merkaba, Gems and Jewels UK and Sarosi By Timeless Gems are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A loose gemstones cushion can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 120 tourmaline versions can add an especially stylish touch. Today, if you’re looking for a cushion cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes antique cushion cut and brilliant cut alternatives. Finding a loose gemstones cushion for sale for women should be easy, but there are 475 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Loose Gemstones Cushion?

On average, a loose gemstones cushion at 1stDibs sells for $692, while they’re typically $38 on the low end and $260,000 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.