$94Sale Price / set|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot 7.28 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Octagon Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Emerald Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Ne...
Peridot
$241Sale Price / set|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot 7.97Carat Oval Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Oval Cut Loose Gemstones — Earth Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Oval Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, Custom ...
Peridot
$164Sale Price / set|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot 5.31 Carat Calf’s Head Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Calf’s Head Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel for Jewelry Set— Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace...
Peridot
$267Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot 7.65 Carat Calf’s Head Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Pear Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel for Jewelry Set— Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, Cust...
Peridot
$2,900Sale Price|20% Off
7.25 Carat Leaf-Shaped Peridot Loose Gemstone - Tamir - Merkaba Jewelry
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 7.25 carat leaf-shaped Peridot, offered loose and unmounted, chosen for its fresh, luminous green color and its distinctly natural silhouette.
Peridot, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$137Sale Price|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot 5.23 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, Cu...
Peridot
$552Sale Price / set|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot 45.60Ct Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone Parcel for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Jewelry Size Parcel — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, Cust...
Peridot
$12,320Sale Price|20% Off
28.65 Carat Natural Loose Apple Green Peridot Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 28.65 carat Dimensions 18.6x14.2 mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion NA This vibrant 28.65 carat Natural Peridot gemstone glows with a ...
Peridot
$798Sale Price|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot 18.58 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, C...
Peridot
$482Sale Price|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot 14.21 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, C...
Peridot
$681Sale Price|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot 26.86 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, C...
Peridot
$109Sale Price|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot 3.12 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, Cu...
Peridot
$336Sale Price|20% Off
6.00 Carat Natural Loose Green Peridot Stone Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.00 carat Dimensions 11.4x8.9x7.7mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion NA This vibrant 6.00 carat natural Peridot showcases a brilliant green hue...
Peridot
$416Sale Price|20% Off
6.35 Carat Loose Apple Green Peridot Cushion Cut Natural Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.35 carat Dimensions 10.2x9.9x7.5mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion NA This 6.35-carat natural Peridot gemstone is a radiant expression of n...
Peridot
$216Sale Price|20% Off
2.65 Carat Natural Loose Green Peridot Stone Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.65 carat Dimensions 7.7x7.1x5.7mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion NA This vibrant 2.65 carat natural Peridot features a rich, olive-green hu...
Peridot
$180Sale Price / set|35% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot 6.97 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Emerald Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, C...
Peridot
$314Sale Price|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut 5.53 Carat Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, Cu...
Peridot
$300Sale Price|35% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut 5.79 Carat Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, C...
Peridot
$375Sale Price|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot 10.23 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, C...
Peridot
$258Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot 4.39 Carat Octagon Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Octagon Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Emerald Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pen...
Peridot
$617Sale Price|30% Off
Mint Green Natural Peridot 8.26 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Mint Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Neckla...
Peridot
$384Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Vivid Green Peridot Cushion Cut 4.12 Carat Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, C...
Peridot
$389Sale Price / set|40% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Rings, Earrings Loose Gemstones 7.20Ct Oval Cushion
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Loose Gemstones for Ring, Earrings or any other Jewelry Setting- Oval Cushion Cut!!
Peridot
$336Sale Price|20% Off
3.65 Carat Natural Loose Apple Green Peridot Emerald Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.65 carat Dimensions 9.5x7.1x6mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald NA This vibrant 3.65 carat Natural Peridot features a fresh apple green hue...
Peridot
$480Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Vibrant Green Peridot 5.71 Carat Pear Cut Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vibrant Green Natural Peridot Pear Cut Loose Gemstone, Earth-Mined Green Peridot August Birthstone Crystal for Ring Pendant Fine Jewelry Making
Peridot
$310Sale Price|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot 11.08 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, C...
Peridot
$454Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Vibrant Green Peridot 4.69 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vibrant Green Natural Peridot Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone, Earth-Mined Green Peridot August Birthstone Crystal for Ring Pendant Fine Jewelry Making
Peridot
$417Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Vibrant Green Peridot 4.87 Carat Baguette Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vibrant Green Natural Peridot Baguette Cut Loose Gemstone, Earth-Mined Green Peridot August Birthstone Crystal for Ring Pendant Fine Jewelry Making
Peridot
$277Sale Price / set|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot 11.54 Carat Octagon Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Octagon Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Emerald Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Penda...
Peridot
Lime Green Natural Peridot 4.45 Carat Octagon Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Octagon Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Emerald Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Ne...
Peridot
$181Sale Price / set|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot Round Cut 4.12 Carat Loose Gemstone Pair, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Lime Green Peridot Round Brilliant Cut Loose Gemstones Set – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Round Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendan...
Peridot
$186Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vibrant Green Natural Peridot Round Cut 3.66 Carat Loose Gemstone Pair, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vibrant Green Peridot Round Brilliant Cut Loose Gemstones Set – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Round Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pen...
Peridot
$380Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Vibrant Green Peridot 3.93 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vibrant Green Natural Peridot Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone, Earth-Mined Green Peridot August Birthstone Crystal for Ring Pendant Fine Jewelry Making
Peridot
$1,644Sale Price|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Round Cut 14.54 Carat Loose Gemstone for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Bright Green Peridot Fancy Round Brilliant Cut Loose Gemstone – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Round Shape with Rutile Inclusions, Top Quality August Birthstone...
Peridot
$168Sale Price / set|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot 8.08 Carat Octagon Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Octagon Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Emerald Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Ne...
Peridot
$244Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vibrant Green Natural Peridot Oval Cut 6.85 Ct Loose Gemstones Parcel, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vibrant Green Peridot Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Oval Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant, Nec...
Peridot
$305Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Oval Cut 5.46 Carat Loose Gemstones Parcel, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vivid Green Peridot Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Oval Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant, Neckl...
Peridot
Lime Green Natural Peridot 5.05 Carat Octagon Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Octagon Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Emerald Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Ne...
Peridot
$204Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot 3.90 Carat Octagon Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Octagon Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Emerald Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pen...
Peridot
$335Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Pear Cut 6.75 Carat Loose Gemstones Parcel, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vivid Green Peridot Pear Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Pear Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant, Neckl...
Peridot
$226Sale Price / set|40% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot 9.47 Carat Octagon Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Octagon Emerald Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Neck...
Peridot
$398Sale Price / set|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot 18.91 Carat Octagon Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Lime Green Natural Peridot Octagon Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Emerald Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Ne...
Peridot
$344Sale Price|20% Off
5.60 Carat Natural Loose Green Peridot Stone Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.60 carat Dimensions 10.3x10.2x8 mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion Precision This 5.60 carat Natural Green Peridot is a vibrant and capti...
Peridot
$132Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural Light Green Peridot Emerald Cut 7.89 Carat Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Light Green Natural Peridot Emerald Cut Loose Gemstones with a slight windowing effect, common in step-cut gemstones.– Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Step Emerald Shape, August B...
Peridot
$1,872Sale Price|30% Off
Huge 29.05Ct Natural Green Rutile Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Massive Olive Green Rutile Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, ...
Peridot
$463Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Vibrant Green Peridot 5.50 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vibrant Green Natural Peridot Brilliant Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone, Earth-Mined Green Peridot August Birthstone Crystal for Ring Pendant Fine Jewelry Making
Peridot
2.60 Carat Natural Loose Apple Green Peridot Pair Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stone Name: Pair of Peridot, Wright: 2.60 Carat Dimension: 6.3x5.4x4.5 mm / 6.3x5.4x4.5 mm Clarity: Loupe Clean Shape: Cushion Cut: Cushion Origin: Supat Mine - Pakistan This 2....
Peridot
$258Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Oval Cut 6.17 Carat Loose Gemstones Parcel, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vivid Green Peridot Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Oval Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant, Neckl...
Peridot
$130Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vibrant Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut 4.03 Carat Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vibrant Green Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Set – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant, ...
Peridot
$400Sale Price|20% Off
6.60 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Peridot Stone Pixel Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.60 carats Dimensions 11.4x9.8x6.7 mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity SI Shape Cut Pixel This 6.60 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Peridot is a remarkable gemst...
Peridot
$244Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Oval Cut 6.52 Carat Loose Gemstones Parcel, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vivid Green Peridot Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Oval Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, Custo...
Peridot
3.50 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Peridot Fancy Shape From Pakistan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.50 carats Dimensions 10.8x8.3x5.4mm Treatment None Origin Fancy Clarity VVS Shape Cut Fancy This 3.50 Carat Natural Loose Light Green Peridot showcases a refreshing ...
Peridot
$1,398Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Vivid Green Peridot Cushion Cut 8.32 Carat Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone — Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Ring, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, C...
Peridot
$384Sale Price / set|30% Off
Lime Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut 8.96 Ct Loose Gemstones Parcel, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vivid Green Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant,...
Peridot
$343Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Fancy Cushion Cut 8.41 Carat Loose Gemstones Parcel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vivid Green Peridot Brilliant Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings...
Peridot
$294Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut 8.43Ct Loose Gemstone Parcel for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vivid Green Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant,...
Peridot
$344Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid Green Natural Peridot Cushion Cut 10.67 Ct Loose Gemstone Parcel, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vivid Green Peridot Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel – Earth-Mined Green Peridot, Brilliant Faceted Cushion Shape, Top Quality August Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant,...
Peridot
Vividly colored. Relatively inexpensive. The striking green gemstone that is the star of the show in your vintage and antique peridot jewelry and watches is timeless and loved all over the world.
Suffering from nightmares? Try placing a peridot next to your pillow. In ancient Egypt, where the semiprecious stone was first discovered (and where it was referred to as the “gem of the sun”), it was believed to have magical powers, including the ability to protect people from evil spirits, including the ones responsible for bad dreams. Luckily for those wanting to test their efficacy against nighttime terrors, peridots are relatively inexpensive. Luckier still for August babies, whose birthstone it is, the vibrant green jewel in vintage peridot earrings, peridot rings and more goes beautifully with a summer wardrobe.
Peridot was mined in ancient times, perhaps as early as 1500 BC, on Topazos Island, today known as Zabargad or St. John’s Island, in the Red Sea. According to gemologist Edward Gübelin, “the occurrence of peridot on Zabargad is intimately related to the regional geology and the tectonic processes that on a larger scale were responsible for the formation of the Red Sea itself.”
Those ancient deposits have been exhausted. Today the largest and finest peridots come from Pakistan and Myanmar, while the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona is the source of most of the stones used in mass-produced jewelry. Peridots are also found in Vietnam, Tanzania and China.
Zabargad is the source of the most famous large peridots, several of which are prized parts of public collections. The Natural History Museum in London owns a 146-carat step-cut stone, but it is the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, that boasts the largest cut peridot, weighing 310 carats. Then there’s the Chicago Field Museum’s pear-shaped Green Goddess, weighing 154-carat and etched with the figure of a woman. It was acquired at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, and In 2008, the renowned Chicago jeweler Lester Lampert designed an 18-karat yellow-gold setting for the stone, surrounding it with 3.24 carats of yellow diamonds.
Find vintage and antique peridot brooches, necklaces and other accessories 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.