GIA Certified Burma Ruby Oval 6.7x6mm 1.57Ct – Premium Investment Loose Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
Whether set in a bespoke ring or kept as a treasured loose stone, this ruby promises to be a lasting symbol of luxury and elegance.
Ruby
GIA Certified Heated Burma Ruby Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone 1.77cts 6.81x6.27mm
Located in Columbus, OH
This GIA certified Burma ruby weighs approximately 1.77 carats and showcases the unmistakable richness and allure that fine Burmese rubies are known for. Cut in a softly rounded cush...
Ruby
GIA Certified 1.74ct Burma Ruby Heated Pear Cut 8.43x6.42mm – Loose Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
This exceptional 1.74 carat Burma ruby displays the rich, romantic red color that has made Burmese rubies some of the most coveted gemstones in the world. Expertly fashioned in a gra...
Ruby
GIA Certified Heated Burma Ruby Cushion Cut - 6.5x6x4.67mm 1.49ct Loose Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
This exceptional ~1.49ct Burma ruby glows with the rich, romantic red that has made Burmese rubies legendary among collectors for centuries. Measuring 6.49 x 5.98 x 4.67mm, this cush...
Ruby
GIA Certified Burma Ruby 7x5.8mm 1.37 Carats Loose Gemstone – Naturally Heated
Located in Columbus, OH
This captivating Burmese ruby glows with a richly saturated red hue that has made gems from Myanmar legendary among collectors for generations. Measuring approximately 7.03 x 5.8 x 3...
Ruby
GIA-Certified Burma Ruby Round Cut 5.8x5.7mm 1.01 Cts – Loose Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
This GIA-Certified Burma Ruby is a truly exceptional gemstone, renowned for its vivid color and unmatched quality. With its perfect round cut measuring 5.85x5.76x3.42mm and weighing ...
Ruby
2.17 Carat Natural Burmese (Mogok) Ruby, Unheated, AGL Certified, Loose Gemstone
Located in OVIEDO, AS
A fine natural ruby of 2.17 carats, displaying a rich deep red hue with a subtle violet-purple undertone characteristic of antique Mogok material, and even saturation with no evidenc...
Ruby
$1,745Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pinkish Red Natural Ruby 2.10 Carat Oval Cushion Cut Unheated Loose Gemstones
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pinkish Red Unheated Ruby Oval Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones – Genuine Precious Ruby for Fine Jewelry, Engagement Ring and Luxury Custom Jewelry Settings 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Rub...
Ruby
Natural Star Ruby 13.61 Carats Oval Cabochon 6 Ray Star Loose Gemstone
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable offers are presented for consideration, and we work diligently to achieve a mutually agreeable o...
Ruby
$800Sale Price|20% Off
GFCO Certified 1.39 Carat Natural Loose Burmese Ruby Brilliant Cut Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Burmese Ruby Weight: 1.39 Carat Dimension: 8.22 x 5.93 x 3.21 Mm Colour: Vivid Pink- Red Origin: Myanmar ( Burma ) Treatment: minor Heat ( H-1 ) Certificate: GFCO Certif...
Ruby
GFCO Certified 1.61 Carat Natural Loose Burmese Ruby Oval Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Burmese Ruby Weight: 1.61 Carat Dimension: 7.91 x 6.66 x 3.57 Mm Colour: Vivid Pink- Red Origin: Myanmar ( Burma ) Treatment: minor Heat ( H-1 ) Certificate: GFCO Certificat...
Ruby, Other
$440Sale Price|20% Off
GFCO Certified 0.57 Carat Natural Loose Burmese Ruby Oval Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Burmese Ruby Weight: 0.57 Carat Dimension: 4.93 x 4.93 x 2.73 Mm Colour: Vivid Pink- Red Origin: Myanmar ( Burma ) Treatment: minor Heat ( H-1 ) Certificate: GFCO Certificat...
Ruby, Other
1.50 Carat Natural Loose Pinkish Red Ruby Stone Oval Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.50 carat Dimensions 8.0x6.2x3.1mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Oval Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment portfolio with this brea...
Ruby
2.00 Carat Natural Loose Pinkish Red Ruby Stone Oval Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.00 carat Dimensions 8.8x7.4x3.6mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Oval Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment portfolio with this brea...
Ruby
$704Sale Price|20% Off
1.20 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Ruby Stone Oval Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.20 carat Dimensions 6.5x5.7x3.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Oval AG136 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment portfolio with ...
Ruby
$600Sale Price|20% Off
1.50 Carat Natural Loose Pinkish Red Ruby Stone Oval Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.50 carat Dimensions 9.1x6.4x2.6mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Oval This 1.50 Carat Natural Loose Pinkish Red Ruby showcases a captivating blen...
Ruby
$326Sale Price|30% Off
0.80 Carat Natural Reddish Pink Ruby, Oval Cut Loose Gemstone from Afghanistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Reddish Pink Ruby Loose Gemstone, Unheated Oval Cut Afghan Ruby with Rich Color, Fine Quality Collector Stone for High-End Custom Jewelry
Ruby
$704Sale Price|20% Off
1.75 Carat Natural Loose Pinkish Red Ruby Stone Round Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.75 carat Dimensions 7.0x6.9x4.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Round This exquisite 1.75-carat natural Pinkish Red Ruby from Afghanistan showca...
Ruby
1.50 Carat Natural Loose Pinkish Red Ruby Stone Oval Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.50 carat Dimensions 7.7x5.1x4.2mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Oval This beautiful 1.50-carat natural Pinkish Red Ruby from Afghanistan showcase...
Ruby
$720Sale Price|20% Off
1.80 Carat Natural Loose Pinkish Red Ruby Stone Pear Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.80 carat Dimensions 9.0x5.8x4.5mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Pear This stunning 1.80-carat natural Pinkish Red Ruby from Afghanistan showcase...
Ruby
$174Sale Price|30% Off
2 Carat Natural Pink Ruby, Pear Cut Unheated Loose Gemstone from Mozambique
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pink Ruby Loose Gemstone, Unheated Pear Cut Mozambique Ruby with Rich Color, Fine Quality Collector Stone for High-End Custom Jewelry
Ruby
$270Sale Price|30% Off
2.39 Carat Natural Pink Ruby, Oval Cut Unheated Loose Gemstone from Mozambique
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pink Ruby Loose Gemstone, Unheated Oval Cut Mozambique Ruby with Rich Color, Fine Quality Collector Stone for High-End Custom Jewelry
Ruby
$368Sale Price|20% Off
5.25 Carat Natural Loose Reddish Pink Ruby Stone Pear Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.25 carats Dimensions 13.3x9.3x5.9mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Pear This 5.25 Carat Natural Loose Reddish Pink Ruby Stone from Afghanistan show...
Ruby
1.25 Carat ICA Certified Natural Red Ruby Pear Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
ICA Certified Natural Red Ruby Pear Cut Loose Gemstone – Genuine Precious Ruby for Fine Jewelry, Engagement Ring and Luxury Custom Jewelry Settings 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Ruby ⚖️ WEIGHT:...
Ruby
$1,355Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Deep Red Ruby 1.11 Carat Oval Cut Unheated Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Deep Red Natural Unheated Ruby Oval Cut Loose Gemstone – Genuine Precious Ruby for Fine Jewelry, Engagement Ring and Luxury Custom Jewelry Settings 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Ruby ⚖️ WEIGHT:...
Ruby
$1,574Sale Price|30% Off
Pinkish Red Natural Ruby 1.05 Carat Pear Cut Unheated Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pinkish Red Unheated Ruby Pear Cut Loose Gemstone – Genuine Precious Ruby for Fine Jewelry, Engagement Ring and Luxury Custom Jewelry Settings 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Ruby ⚖️ WEIG...
Ruby
$962Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vivid & Reddish Pink Natural Ruby & Green Emerald Loose Gemstones Set 2.20 Carat
Located in Peshawar, PK
Vivid Pink & Reddish Pink Natural Ruby and Green Emerald Loose Gemstones Jewelry Size Set for Rings, Necklace Pendants, Bracelets, or any other Jewelry Setting!!
Emerald, Ruby
$1,144Sale Price|30% Off
Pinkish Red Natural Ruby 1.06 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring, Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pinkish Red Ruby Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone Rare Red Ruby for Luxury Custom Fine Jewelry Ring, Pendant, Fine Collector Gemstone
Ruby
GIA-Certified Burma Ruby (1.54 Ct) – Exquisite Oval Cut 7.7×5.8mm Loose Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
This GIA Certified Burma Ruby is a true masterpiece, with a rich and vibrant hue that exemplifies the finest qualities of a truly premium gemstone. Weighing 1.54-carats and measuring...
Ruby
$1,219Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pinkish Red Natural Ruby Oval Cut 4.41 Carat Loose Gemstones Parcel for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pinkish Red Ruby Oval Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel – Earth-Mined Reddish Pink Ruby, Brilliant Faceted oval Shape, Top Quality July Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant, Neckla...
Ruby
3.04 Carat Unheated Vivid Red Ruby Loose Gemstone, GRS Certified By Merkaba
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Offered loose by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, this natural 3.04 carat vivid red ruby is an exceptional collector gemstone with a powerful, saturated red presence.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$610Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pinkish Red Natural Ruby Pear Cut 2.02 Carat Jewelry Size Loose Gemstones Set
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pinkish Red Ruby Pear Cut Loose Gemstones – Earth-Mined Green Pinkish Red, Brilliant Faceted Pear Shape, Top Quality July Birthstone Crystal, Earrings, Pendant, Necklace, Cus...
Ruby
$410Sale Price|30% Off
3.71 Carat Natural Purplish Red Ruby, Oval Cut Unheated Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Purplish Red Ruby Loose Gemstone, Unheated Oval Cut Mozambique Ruby with Rich Color, Fine Quality Collector Stone for High-End Custom Jewelry
Ruby
$209Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Vivid Pink Ruby Cushion Cut 2.28 Carat Loose Gemstone for Ring, Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vivid Pink Ruby Oval Cut Loose Gemstone – Faceted Earth-Mined Pink Ruby for Statement Ring, Pendant, Custom Fine Jewelry, July Birthstone, Investment Grade Collector Gem
Ruby
$417Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pinkish Red Ruby 1.30 Ct Oval Cut Natural Loose Gemstones — Jewelry Size Parcel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pinkish Red Ruby Parcel Oval Cut Loose Gemstones – Genuine Precious Rubies for Fine Jewelry, Engagement Rings & Luxury Custom Settings 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Ruby ⚖️ WEIGHT: ...
Ruby
$360Sale Price|20% Off
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Faceted 6 Piece Ruby Lot Mix Cut Afghan Gemstones
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Piece 6 Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Mix This 1.65 Carat Natural Loose 6 Piece Ruby Lot features finely faceted gemstones presented in ...
Ruby
$1,386Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural Pinkish Red Ruby 2.04 Ct Cushion & Oval Cut Loose Gemstones for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Pinkish Red Natural Ruby Loose Gemstones for Ring, Necklace Pendant or any other Jewelry Setting Round, Oval Cushion Cut!!
Ruby
$2,432Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pink and Red Ruby 4.50 Ct Oval Cut Natural Loose Gemstones — Jewelry Size Parcel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pink and a Red Ruby Parcel Oval Cut Loose Gemstones – Genuine Precious Rubies for Fine Jewelry, Engagement Rings & Luxury Custom Settings 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Ruby ⚖️ WEIGH...
Ruby
$999Sale Price|20% Off
Pinkish Red Natural Ruby 1 Carat Oval Cut Loose Gemstone for Fine Jewelry Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Pinkish Red Natural Ruby 1 Carat Oval Cut Loose Gemstone – Premium Quality Transparent Ruby Stone for Fine Jewelry, Engagement Ring Settings, Custom Designs & Luxury Collectors!!
Ruby
$2,058Sale Price|30% Off
Pinkish Red Ruby 4.93 Ct Pear Cut Natural Loose Gemstone for Ring or Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Pinkish Red Ruby Pear Cut Loose Gemstone – Genuine Precious Ruby for Fine Jewelry, Engagement Ring & Luxury Custom Settings 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Ruby ⚖️ WEIGHT: 4.93 Carats...
Ruby
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Matching pear ruby gemstone NATURAL UNTREATED RUBY
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rubies matching, natural untreated (heat only) NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): RUBY Clarity/Color: Moderately included/Pink-Red Cut: Rectangular 5mm x 3.5mm Treatment: none WHAT YOU GET AT ...
Ruby
Loose Ruby - Oval .76ct Red Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .76ct Cut: Oval Color: Red Size: (mm) 7.07 x 5.12 x 2.73 Stone Note: (likely African origin) Condition: New
Ruby
Loose Ruby - Oval .74ct Red Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .74ct Cut: Oval Color: Red Size: (mm) 6.85 x 4.81 x 2.77 Condition: New
Ruby
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Oval Ruby Loose unset 9mm oval untreated
Located in Jupiter, FL
Unset loose ruby certified, will come with a box. NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): RUBY Clarity/Color: Slightly Included/Pinkish Red Cut: Rectangular 9mm x 7.1mm Treatment: heat only WHAT YOU...
Ruby
Captivating 6.19ct Ruby Gemstone - GIA Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Captivating 6.19ct Ruby Gemstone - GIA Certified Discover the captivating allure of this stunning 6.19-carat oval ruby, a true testament to nature's artistry. With its rich purple-r...
Ruby
Natural Burma Ruby - Burma Star Ruby -No Heat Burmese Ruby Cabochon Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Natural Burma Ruby Star Ruby No Heat Cabochon Gemstone 65.03 Carats 58 Pieces (For Jewelry Making)
Ruby, Star Ruby
GIA Certified Mozambique Ruby 1.65cts – 9.03x6.89mm Natural Oval Ruby Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
This exceptional Mozambique ruby displays the rich, passionate red hue that has made fine rubies one of the most coveted gemstones in the world for centuries. Measuring approximately...
Ruby
Loose Ruby - Oval .74ct Pinkish Red Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Treatment: Heating Carat: .74ct Cut: Oval Color: Pinkish Red Size (mm): 5.79 x 4.64 x 2.68 Condition: New without Tags
Ruby
Loose Ruby - Oval .81ct Pinkish Red Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .81ct Cut: Oval Color: Pinkish Red Size: (mm) 6.09 x 4.62 x 2.94 Condition: New
Ruby
Loose Ruby - Oval .80ct Pinkish Red Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Treatment: Heating Carat: .80ct Cut: Oval Color: Pinkish Red Size (mm): 6.85 x 5.00 x 3.26 Stone Note: (moderate residue) Condition: New without Tags
Ruby
Loose Ruby - Cushion 1.05ct Pinkish Red Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Treatment: Heating Carat: 1.05ct Cut: Cushion Color: Pinkish Red Size (mm): 6.84 x 5.36 x 2.44 Condition: New
Ruby
Natural Chrysoprase Hand-Carved Pandemonium of Parrots Loose Gemstone Pendant
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Hand-carved natural chrysoprase pandemonium of parrots ruby loose gemstone pendant necklace. Our chrysoprase pandemonium of parrots hand carving is a mesmerizing oval-shaped gemston...
Chrysophrase, Ruby
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Unheated Certified Natural Loose Ruby Mozambique Mine 4.61 Carats
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Ruby Weight: 4.61 Carat Dimension: 8.86 x 7.70 x 6.54 Mm Colour: Purplish Red Origin: Mozambique Treatment: Non Certificate: AGA Certificate Available Mozambique rubie...
Ruby
GIA Certified Burma Ruby Vivid Red "Pigeon's Blood" 0.49 Half-Carat Loose Ruby
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Center Stone Details: Gemstone Type: Ruby Carat: 0.49 carats Cut: Oval Color: Vivid Red "Pigeon's Blood" Measurements: 5.12 x 4.10 x 2.70 mm Treatment: Heated (Low Residues) Certifi...
Ruby
Natural Heated Loose Madagascar Red Ruby 2.26ct GIA Pear Shape
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Natural Heated Madagascar Ruby 2.26ct GIA Pear Shape Loose Gemstone This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable offers are presented for co...
Ruby
Loose Ruby, Oval Cut .95 Carat Pinkish Red Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Weight: .95ct Treatment: Heating Cut: Oval Color: Pinkish Red Dimensions (mm): 7.02 x 5.06 x 3.55 Condition: New Please check out the enlarged pictures. Thank you for takin...
Ruby
Loose Ruby, Oval Cut .99 Carat Pinkish Red Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Weight: .99ct Treatment: Heating Cut: Oval Color: Pinkish Red Dimensions (mm): 7.12 x 4.99 x 2.94 Condition: New Please check out the enlarged pictures. Thank you for takin...
Ruby
1.15 Carat Heart Shaped Ruby – Vivid Red Natural Gemstone
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A captivating 1.15 carat heart-shaped ruby, beautifully fashioned to symbolize love and passion. Displaying a rich, vivid red hue with delicate nuances, this gemstone radiates except...
Ruby
GIA Certified Mozambique Ruby Pear Shape 8.84x6.9mm 2.05Cts - Red Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
This GIA-certified Mozambique ruby displays the rich, romantic red hue that has made fine rubies one of the world’s most treasured gemstones for centuries. Measuring approximately 8....
Ruby
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Natural 1.95 Carat Adorable Faceted Ruby Gemstone From Afghanistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Ruby Weight: 1.95 Carats Dimension: 8 x 6.2 x 3.7 Mm Origin: Jagdalek Afghanistan Shape: Cushion Color: Pink Treatment: Non / Natural Certificate: On Demand Jagdalek, located...
Ruby
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings 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.