Loose Orange Gemstones
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3.64ct Deep Orange Tourmaline Pear Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Birmingham, GB
3.64ct Deep Orange Tourmaline Pear Cut Loose Gemstone 12.5 x 9mm
Deep Orange Tourmaline Gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
9.75 Carat Orange Brown Zircon Triangle, Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
birthstone, this gem occurs in a rainbow of colors, including warm oranges and coffee browns. This zircon
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Zircon
1.41ct Genuine Loose Tourmaline Gemstone - Reddish Orange Oval
Located in Greensboro, NC
This gemstone has gorgeous reddish orange hues and a great oval cut. It would make a most excellent
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
16.93 Carat Orange Zircon Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This very fine, warm cinnamon colored zircon is an exceptional size with beautiful color and superior brilliance and clarity! Faceted as a cushion shape with excellent proportions, t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Zircon
1.13ct Loose Sphene Gemstone - Round Genuine Brownish Orange 6.51mm
Located in Greensboro, NC
photographs.
Weight: 1.13ct
Color: Brownish Orange
Shape: Round
Measurement: 6.51mm
This lovely gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Other
6.25 Carat Red Orange Zircon Pear, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lovely pear shaped zircon is perfectly shaped and has a strong, reddish orange color. Zircon
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Zircon
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
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
Natural Spessartite Orange Garnet Stones Lot Loose Gemstone From Africa
Located in Bangkok, TH
loose gemstones showcases the intense orange hue characteristic of spessartite garnets, evoking the
Category
21st Century and Contemporary African Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
Fine 5.51ct Deep Orange Tourmaline Pear Teardrop Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 5.51ct Deep Orange Tourmaline Pear Teardrop Cut Loose Gemstone 15 x 10.5mm
Fine Deep Orange
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
6.55 Carats Loose Orange Mandarin Citrine Gemstone From Africa Mines
Located in Peshawar, PK
is a captivating gemstone that embodies the vibrant essence of the Mandarin orange fruit. With its
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine, Mandarin Garnet
Free Shipping
W 0.42 in D 0.34 in L 0.47 in
6.40 Carat Loose Orange Mandarin Citrine Gemstone for Jewelry Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Mandarin Citrine
Weight: 6.40 Carats
Dimension: 13x9.5x8.1 Mm
Origin; Brazil
Color: Orange
Category
2010s Brazilian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine
Free Shipping
H 0.52 in W 0.38 in D 0.32 in L 0.52 in
Gorgeous 1.90 Carat Natural Loose Brown Orange Cushion Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Tourmaline
Weight : 1.90 Carats
Dimensions : 7.5x7.5x4.8 Mm
Origin : Africa
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Deep Orange Red Spessartite Garnet 2.36ct Oval Cut Loose Gemstone VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Deep Orange Red Spessartite Garnet 2.36ct Oval Cut 8.2x6.8mm Loose Gemstone VVS
Natural Loose
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
Free Shipping
H 0.18 in W 0.33 in D 0.27 in
Fine Morganite 1.82ct Peach Orange Pink Beryl Round Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Morganite 1.82ct Peach Orange Pink Beryl Round Cut 8mm Loose Gemstone
Fine Natural Morganite
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Morganite
3.75 Carat Natural Loose Smoky Orange Hessonite Garnet Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Hessonite Garnet
Weight: 3.75 Carats
Dimension: 10.5 x 6.5 x 6.2 Mm
Colour: Smoky Orange
Cut
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Central African Arts and Crafts Loose Gems...
Materials
Hessonite, Garnet
Free Shipping
W 0.26 in D 0.25 in L 0.42 in
Natural Peach Orange Tourmaline Ring Gem 4.45 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
gemstone that belongs to the tourmaline family. It is known for its vibrant orange color, which can range
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.36 in D 0.27 in L 0.45 in
Crimson Orange Citrine 7.80 Carats Emerald Cut Natural Loose Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Citrine gemstone, sourced from the rich mineral deposits of Brazil. Radiating warmth and brilliance, this
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine
Free Shipping
W 0.41 in D 0.31 in L 0.57 in
3.90 Carat Precision Cut Trillion Orange Citrine Cocktail Ring Loose Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Precisely Trillion Cut Orange Citrine was purchased from our Brazilian Source in Thailand as a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine
Free Shipping
W 0.43 in D 0.31 in L 0.43 in
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
Rare Orange Certified Citrine Loose Gemstone 15.30 Ct Fancy Cut for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Madeira Citrine
PIECE(S): 1
WEIGHT: 15.30 Carats
SHAPE: Fancy
SIZE (MM): 19.00 x
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine
No Reserve
W 0.59 in D 0.43 in L 0.75 in
1.15 Carats Orange Red Burmese Loose Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
. With its mesmerizing hue reminiscent of a fiery sunset, this cushion cut natural gemstone evokes a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Free Shipping
W 0.22 in D 0.16 in L 0.25 in
Soft Orange Loose Sapphire 1.62 Carats Step Oval Cut Natural Sri Lankan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Shape: Oval
Cut: Step Oval
Introducing the Soft Orange Sapphire, a truly captivating gemstone that
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.25 in D 0.14 in L 0.32 in
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
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
5.75 Cts Natural Loose Citrine Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Citrine
Weight: 5.75 Carats
Dimension: 12x9.5x7.6 Mm
Origin: Brazil
Shape: Emerald
Color
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine
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
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
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
Incredible Orange Hessonite Garnet Gemstone 2.90 Carats Sparkling Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Incredible Orange Hessonite Garnet Gemstone , Available for sale at whole sale price natural high
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Hessonite
7.16 Carat Precious Imperial Topaz Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful 7.16 carat precious topaz has brilliant apricot-orange color and exceptional clarity
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Imperial Topaz, Topaz
GIA Certified 67.75 Carat Natural Quartz Citrine Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Trumbull, CT
This GIA certified 67.75 Carat Natural Quartz Citrine Oval loose gemstone has modified brilliant
Category
21st Century and Contemporary South American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine, Quartz
No Reserve
W 0.89 in D 0.65 in L 1.22 in
7.95 Carat Oval Sphene, Loose Gemstone for Ring or Pendant
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 7.95 carat oval-shaped sphene is the perfect example of a rare collector gemstone! Displaying
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artist Loose Gemstones
Materials
Alexandrite
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
33.95 Carat Imperial Topaz Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This impressive, peachy orange gem is a beautiful example of Imperial topaz at its finest! It is an
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz, Imperial Topaz
Free Shipping
W 0.64 in D 0.46 in L 0.83 in
4.60 Carats Natural Loose Yellow Citrine Ring Gemstone Brazil Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Citrine
Weight: 4.60 Carats
Dimension: 13.1x9.4x5.7 Mm
Origin: Braz
Shape: Cushion
Color
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Aesthetic Movement Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine
Free Shipping
W 0.38 in D 0.23 in L 0.52 in
2.70 Carat Natural Loose Smoky Hessonite Garnet Gemstone for Sell
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Hessonite Garnet
Weight : 2.70 Carats
Dimensions : 8.3x6.8x5.1 Mm
Origin : Africa
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Artist Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Hessonite
Unheated .75 Carat Padparadscha Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
coveted and prized for their elegant blend of pink and orange hues. Very rarely will any fancy sapphire be
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire
Sparkling Genuine 10.55 Carat Flower Cut Loose Madeira Citrine Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Origin : Brazil
Color: Orange
Shape: Round
Certificate: On Demand
Month: November
.
The Many Healing
Category
Antique Mid-17th Century Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine, Mandarin Garnet
Free Shipping
H 0.57 in W 0.57 in D 0.41 in L 0.57 in
6.15 Carat Spessartite Mandarin Garnet Oval, Loose Unset Ring, Pendant Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
extraordinarily brilliant appearance. There is no other orange gemstone that looks like a superfine Mandarin
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
Free Shipping
W 0.34 in D 0.29 in L 0.41 in
5.24 Carat Cushion Spessartite Mandarin Garnet Loose Unset Ring Pendant Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
spessartite garnet variety, prized by collectors because of its rich orange hues and exceptional luster. The
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
Free Shipping
W 0.33 in D 0.22 in L 0.43 in
Loose Spessartite Mandarin Garnet, 4.51 Carat Unset Ring or Pendant Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If you love the bright color of Mandarin oranges, this gemstone is for you! This brilliant
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
Free Shipping
W 0.31 in D 0.21 in L 0.41 in
Pretty Natural Loose Green Lagoon Tourmaline 3.55 Carat Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Lagoon Tourmaline
Weight: 3.55 Carats
Dimension: 11 x 7 x 5.4 Mm
Colour: Green Lagoon
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.28 in D 0.22 in L 0.44 in
GIA Certified 28.37 Carat Imperial Precious Topaz Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Stamford, CT
28.37ct Imperial precious Topaz. This GIA certified natural gemstone is unique in its color, orange
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz
5.20 Carat Pretty Natural Loose Green Lagoon Tourmaline Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Lagoon Tourmaline
Weight: 5.20 Carats
Dimension: 10.7 x 9 x 7 Mm
Colour: Green Lagoon
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.36 in D 0.28 in L 0.43 in
Loose Spessartite Mandarin Garnet, 4.97 Carats, Gemstone for Ring or Pendant
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beautiful variety of January's birthstone that occur in a range of striking orange hues. The finest
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
Free Shipping
W 0.31 in D 0.25 in L 0.44 in
Perfect Round Shape 5.00 Carats Loose Madeira Citrine Gemstone For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
: Orange and Yellow
Shape: Round
Certificate: On Demand
Madeira Citrine, a captivating gemstone named
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine
Free Shipping
W 0.44 in D 0.32 in L 0.44 in
5 Carats Round Precision Cut Loose Madeira Citrine Gemstone Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
: Orange
Certificate: On Customer Demand
Madeira Citrine, a captivating gemstone named after the rich and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Mandarin Garnet, Citrine
Free Shipping
W 0.43 in D 0.32 in L 0.43 in
9.65 Carat Natural Loose Smoky Hessonite Garnet Ring Gemstone From Africa
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Hessonite Garnet
Weight : 9.65 Carats
Dimensions : 13.3x10.9x7.4 Mm
Origin : Africa
Category
Antique 16th Century Malagasy Aesthetic Movement Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Hessonite
Free Shipping
W 0.43 in D 0.3 in L 0.53 in
Gorgeous 6.95 Carat Natural Loose Hessonite Garnet Long Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Hessonite Garnet
Weight : 6.95 Carats
Dimensions : 12.3x9.5x7.1 Mm
Origin : Africa
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Hessonite
Genuine 1.70 Carat Natural Loose Fanta Hessonite Garnet Gemstone Cushion Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Hessonite Garnet
Weight : 1.70 Carats
Dimensions : 7.2x6.6x4.5 Mm
Origin : Africa
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Romantic Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Hessonite
Colour Shift Peach Sapphire 1.51 Ct Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
A ravishing peach sapphire with delicious warm overtones of pinkish orange creates a unique colour
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.24 in D 0.17 in L 0.28 in
Beauteous 31.15 Carats Natural Loose Yellow Citrine Trilliant Fancy Cut Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
: Trilliant
Certificate: On Customer Demand
Citrine is a radiant gemstone celebrated for its warm and sunny
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine
Free Shipping
W 0.95 in D 0.54 in L 0.95 in
35.95 Carat Natural Loose Flower Cut Lemon Quartz Citrine Octagon Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Lemon Quartz Citrine
Weight: 35.95 Carats
Dimension: 22 x 20 x 14.5 Mm
Origin: Brazil
Shape
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine
Free Shipping
W 0.79 in D 0.58 in L 0.87 in
1.90 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Shade Tourmaline Oval Shape Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Lagoon Shade Tourmaline
Weight: 1.90 Carats
Dimension: 9.4 x 5.8 x 4.5 Mm
Colour: Lagoon
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.23 in D 0.18 in L 0.38 in
5.40 Carat Natural Loose Smoky Hessonite Orange Garnet Square Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
Color: Brownish Orange
Treatment: Non
Certificate: On Demand
.
Also known as the “cinnamon stone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Hessonite
Free Shipping
H 0.39 in W 0.39 in D 0.29 in L 0.39 in
Garnet Gems for Purchase 3.10 carats Pear Cut Loose Gemstone from Tanzania
Located in Bangkok, TH
deep orange to reddish-brown. The gemstone has a distinct luster and an impressive clarity that allows
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
Free Shipping
W 0.3 in D 0.18 in L 0.43 in
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
Category
2010s Malagasy Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Hessonite
1.61 Carat Loose Sapphire, Oval Orange Pink AGL Graded Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Shape/Cut: Oval
Color: Orange Pink
Dimensions (mm): 7.09 x 6.17 x 4.59
Weight: 1.61ct
Category
20th Century Unknown Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Elegant Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem 9.90 Carat Round Precision Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Rubellite Tourmaline
Weight : 9.90 Carats
Dimensions : 14.6x14.6x9 Mm
Origin
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.58 in D 0.36 in L 0.58 in
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Loose Orange Gemstones For Sale on 1stDibs
Browse a vast assortment of loose orange gemstones for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and 10k gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 20 vintage editions and 316 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of loose orange gemstones to choose from, but modern and contemporary loose orange gemstones are of considerable interest. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Sarosi By Timeless Gems, Gems and Jewels UK and Renata Bernard are consistently popular. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 85 garnet versions can add an especially stylish touch. There are many brilliant cut, cushion cut and oval cut loose orange gemstones for sale. Most of our loose orange gemstones for sale are for women, but there are 295 pieces available to browse for men.
How Much are Loose Orange Gemstones?
On average, loose orange gemstones at 1stDibs sell for $1,340, while they’re typically $26 on the low end and $130,800 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.