$256Sale Price|20% Off
1.00 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.00 carat Dimensions 6.9x5x2.9mm Treatment None Origin Burma Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion NA This exquisite 1.00 carat natural Red Spinel boasts a vivid, fiery red hue ...
Spinel
Natural Violetish-BLUE Spinel loose gemstone 3.08 ct., High quality, cushion cut
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Violetish-BLUE Spinel Loose gemstone GFCO Laboratory certified Gemstone Color: Violetish-BLUE Gemstone Type: Spinel Gemstone size: 9.65x7.74x4.96 mm Cut Grade: Excellent Cla...
Spinel
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
2.80 Carat Natural Loose Lavender Spinel Stone Emerald Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.80 carat Dimensions 9.08 x 7.00 x 5.01 mm Treatment None Origin Tanzania Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald NA This exquisite 2.80 carat natural Spinel features a rare ...
Spinel
$624Sale Price|20% Off
3.40 Carat Natural Loose Lavender Spinel Stone Oval Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.40 carat Dimensions 9.1x7.5x6.9mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity SI Shape Cut Oval This exquisite 3.40 carat natural Lavender Spinel showcases a delicate and e...
Spinel
$344Sale Price|20% Off
1.40 Carat Natural Loose Purplish Pink Burmese Spinel Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.40 carat Dimensions 6.5x5.6x4.1mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 1.40 Carat Natural Purplish Pink Spinel from Burma showcases exce...
Spinel
$1,300Sale Price|20% Off
2.76 carats Lavender Loose Spinel Stone Emerald Cut Natural Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.76 carats Dimensions 9.08x7.00x5.01 mm Treatment none Origin Tanzania Clarity Loupe clean Shape octagon Cut emerald The Lavender Spinel is an exquisite gemstone, b...
Spinel
$23,920Sale Price|20% Off
13.12ct Grey Lavender Spinel Emerald Cut Pair Loose Gemstones - Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills offers exceptional custom jewelry work upon request, including design support and stone pairing guidance. Details Gemstone: Natural spinel, matched pai...
Spinel, Emerald
$2,029Sale Price / set|30% Off
30.70 Carat Natural Red Spinel Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Red Natural Spinel Parcel With Cushion Cut Jewelry Size Loose Gemstones.
Spinel
$440Sale Price|20% Off
1.50 Carat Natural Loose Purplish Burmese Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.50 carat Dimensions 7.1x5.9x5.1mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This stunning 1.50 Carat Natural Purplish Burmese Spinel exhibits a ri...
Spinel
Natural Greyish-Blue Spinel loose gemstone 2.09 ct., High quality, Pear cut
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Greyish-Blue Spinel gemstone from Tanzania GFCO Laboratory certified Gemstone Color: Greyish-Blue Gemstone Type: Spinel Gemstone size: 10.60x7.51x4.37 mm Cut Grade: Excellen...
Spinel
$440Sale Price|20% Off
1.85 Carat Natural Loose Purplish Pink Spinel Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.85 carat Dimensions 7.5x6.8x4.1mm Treatment None Origin Burma Clarity VVS Shape Cut Fancy Cushion NA This rare 1.85 carat natural Spinel boasts a stunning purplish-pink ...
Spinel
$128Sale Price|20% Off
1.94 carats Pink Spinel Jewelry Batch Natural Loose Gemstones from Tajikistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gemstone Type Natural Pink Spinel Gemstone Jewelry Weight 1.94 carats Weight Each 0.18, 0.52, 0.52 and 0.70 carats Clarity SI to VVS Origin Tajikistan Treatment None Indulge in t...
Spinel
GFCO Certified Natural 2.50Ct Blue-Green Spinel loose gemstone, Origin Sri Lanka
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Spinel loose gemstone Laboratory certified GFCO Gemstone Color: Blue-green Gemstone Type: Spinel Gemstone size: 7.62x7.21x5.74mm Cut Grade: Excellent Clarity/Grade: Loupe cl...
Spinel
$193Sale Price|20% Off
1.11 Carats Gray Loose Burmese Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.11 carats Dimensions 6.7x5.7x3.8 mm Treatment none Origin Burma Clarity VS Shape cushion Cut fancy cushion This stunning 1.11 carats Gray Burmese Spinel Stone is a n...
Spinel
$600Sale Price|20% Off
2.45 Carat Loose Deep Red Burmese Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.45 carat Dimensions 9.4x6.5x4.9mm Treatment None Origin Burma Clarity VVS Shape Cushion Cut Fancy Cushion NA This 2.45-carat natural Burmese Spinel is a captivating gemsto...
Spinel
$1,098Sale Price|35% Off
1.60 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.60 carats Dimensions 8.0x6.2x4.7mm Treatment none Origin Burma Clarity VVS Shape cushion Cut fancy cushion This stunning 1.60 carat red spinel gemstone, cushion cut ...
Spinel
$480Sale Price|20% Off
1.35 Carat Natural Loose Purple Spinel Pear Shape Gemstone From Tanzania
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Purple Spinel Weight : 1.35 Carat Dimension : 8.5 x 5.8 x 4.0 Mm Colour : Purple Treatment: Non Origin: Tanzania Shape : Pear Certificate: On Demand Spinel is a captivatin...
Spinel
$256Sale Price|20% Off
1.70 Carat Natural Loose Gray Burmese Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.70 carat Dimensions 6.7x6.4x4.7mm Treatment None Origin Burma Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion NA This 1.70 carat natural Spinel features a rare and sophisticated gray hue, ...
Spinel
$800Sale Price|20% Off
Certified 1.28 Carat Natural Loose Vivid Red Spinel Gemstone From Tanzania
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel Weight: 1.28 Carat Dimension: 6.29 x 5.87 x 4.13 Mm Colour: Vivid Red Shape: Cushion Origin: Tanzania Treatment: None Certificate: AIG Certificate Available Spinel...
Spinel, Other
$384Sale Price / set|20% Off
7.40 Carat Natural Loose Burmese Red Spinel Lot Gemstone For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel Lot Weight: 7.40 Carat Sizes: 0.95 To 2.05 Carat Colour: Red Shape: Cushion Origin: Myanmar Treatment: None Certificate: On Customer Demand Spinel is a captivati...
Spinel, Other
$400Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.10 Carat Natural Loose Gray Spinel Stone Hexagon Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.10 Dimensions 6.0x6.0x4.1mm Treatment None Origin Burma Clarity VVS Shape Cut Hexagon This elegant 1.10-carat natural gray spinel displays a refined and sophisticated ch...
Spinel
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Certified 1.17 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel Gemstone For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel Weight: 1.17 Carat Dimension: 5.80 x 5.44 x 4.73 Mm Colour: Red Shape: Cushion Origin: Tanzania Treatment: None Certificate: AIG Certificate Available Spinel is a ...
Spinel, Other
$907Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural Red Spinel 3.20 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vibrant Red Spinel Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Jewelry Size parcel for Ring, Pendant, Earrings – Fine Jewelry Making Stone High Quality Natural Spinel Loose Gemstones – Colle...
Spinel
$930Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural Red Spinel 3.40 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vibrant Red Spinel Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Jewelry Size parcel for Ring, Pendant, Earrings – Fine Jewelry Making Stone High Quality Natural Spinel Loose Gemstones – Colle...
Spinel
$962Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural Red Spinel 4.30 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Red Spinel Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Jewelry Size parcel for Ring, Pendant, Earrings – Fine Jewelry Making Stone High Quality Natural Spinel Loose Gemstones – Collector Gem...
Spinel
$920Sale Price|20% Off
Certified 1.60 Carat Natural Loose Vivid Red Spinel Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel Weight: 1.60 Carat Dimension: 7.52 x 6.71 x 3.61 Mm Colour: Vivid Red Shape: Cushion Origin: Tanzania Treatment: None Certificate: AIG Certificate Available Spinel i...
Spinel, Other
$520Sale Price|20% Off
1.60 Carat Natural Loose Pink Spinel Cushion Shape Gemstone From Tanzania
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Pink Spinel Weight : 1.60 Carat Dimension : 7.3 x 6 x 4.3 Mm Colour : Pink Treatment: Non Origin: Tanzania Shape : Cushion Certificate: On Demand Spinel is a captivating ...
Spinel
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Certified 1.05 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel Gemstone For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel Weight: 1.05 Carat Dimension: 5.97 x 5.92 x 3.56 Mm Colour: Red Shape: Cushion Origin: Tanzania Treatment: None Certificate: AIG Certificate Available Spinel is a c...
Spinel, Other
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Certified 1.33 Carat Natural Loose Orange Red Spinel Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Orange Red Spinel Weight : 1.33 Carat Dimension : 7.33 x 5.89 x 3.72 Mm Colour : Orange Red Treatment: Non Origin: Tanzania Shape : Cushion Certificate: Certificate Availa...
Spinel
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Certified 1.79 Carat Natural Loose Violent Blue Spinel Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Violent Blue Spinel Weight : 1.79 Carat Dimension : 7.82 x 5.97 x 4.91 Mm Colour : Violent Blue Treatment: Non Origin: Tanzania Shape : Cushion Certificate: Certificate Av...
Spinel
$944Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural Red Spinel 3.60 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Parcel for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Vibrant Red Spinel Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones Jewelry Size parcel for Ring, Pendant, Earrings – Fine Jewelry Making Stone High Quality Natural Spinel Loose Gemstones – Colle...
Spinel
$520Sale Price|20% Off
AIG Certified 1.98 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Red Spinel Weight : 1.98 Carat Dimension : 7.7 x 6.5 x 4.6 Mm Colour : Red Treatment: Non Shape : Cushion Certificate: Available Spinel is a captivating gemstone prized fo...
Spinel
$560Sale Price|20% Off
AIG Certified 2.22 Carat Natural Loose Purple Spinel Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Purple Spinel Weight : 2.22 Carat Dimension : 7.9 x 7.3 x 5.0 Mm Colour : Purple Treatment: Non Shape : Cushion Certificate: Available Spinel is a captivating gemstone pr...
Spinel
$360Sale Price|20% Off
1.95 Carat Natural Loose Purple Spinel Cushion Cut Gemstone From Tanzania
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel Weight: 1.95 Carat Dimension: 8 x 6 x 4.6 Mm Colour: Purple Shape: Cushion Origin: Tanzania Treatment: None Certificate: On Customer Demand Spinel is a captivatin...
Spinel, Other
$800Sale Price|20% Off
GFCO Certified 1.20 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel Pear Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel Weight: 1.20 Carat Dimension: 8.80 x 5.90 x 3.51 Mm Colour: Red Shape: Pear Origin: Myanmar (Burma) Treatment: None Certificate: GFCO Certificate Available Spinel is...
Spinel, Other
Natural Purple spinel loose gemstone 4.05 Ct ., Cushion cut, Origin Sri Lanka
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Spinel loose gemstone Laboratory certified E G Lab Gemstone Color: Purple Gemstone Type: Spinel Gemstone size: 10.45 7.94x5.51 mm Cut Grade: Very Good Clarity/Grade: Loupe c...
Spinel
$420Sale Price / set|20% Off
4.90 Carat Natural Loose Burmese Red Spinel Gemstone For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel Lot Weight: 4.90 Carat Sizes: 0.90 To 1.40 Carat Colour: Red Shape: Cushion Origin: Myanmar (Burma) Treatment: None Certificate: On Customer Demand Spinel is a cap...
Spinel, Other
$624Sale Price|20% Off
AIG Certified 2.19 Carat Natural Loose Pink Spinel Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Pink Spinel Weight: 2.19 Carat Dimension: 8.53 x 7.02 x 4.65 Mm Colour: Pink Origin: Tanzania Shape: Cushion Treatment: Non Certificate: AIG Certificate available Pink spin...
Spinel
Spinel Pink loose 3.28Ct natural gemstone, Oval cut, Certificate GFCO, Sri Lanka
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Pink Spinel loose gemstone GFCO Laboratory certified Gemstone Color: pink Gemstone Type: Spinel Gemstone size: 9.79x7.88x5.03 mm Cut Grade: Very Good Clarity/Grade: Loupe Cl...
Spinel
Natural Greyish-BLUE Spinel loose gemstone 2.34 ct., High quality, Round cut.
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Greyish-BLUE Spinel Loose gemstone GFCO Laboratory certified Gemstone Color: Greyish-BLUE Gemstone Type: Spinel Gemstone size: 7.77x7.75x5.57 mm Cut Grade: Excellent Clarity...
Spinel
$562Sale Price|25% Off
2.10 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Spinel Oval Cut Afghan Jewelry Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Sourced from Afghanistan, a renowned origin for fine spinel, this natural gemstone is prized for its exceptional clarity, durability, and eye-catching sparkle.
Spinel
Natural Pink Spinel loose gemstone 3.28 ct., Oval cut, Certificate, origin Burma
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Pink Spinel loose gemstone 3.28 ct., Oval cut, Certificate, origin Burma!
Spinel
$375Sale Price|25% Off
1.00 Carat Natural Loose Red Color Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.00 carat Dimensions 6.8x5.5x3mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 1.00 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel is a stunning gemstone that sho...
Spinel
$560Sale Price|20% Off
1.35 Carat Natural Loose Red Color Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.35 carat Dimensions 6.8x6.5x3.8mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 1.35 Carat Natural Loose Red Spinel showcases a vivid and captiv...
Spinel
1.20 Carat Natural Loose Gray Color Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.20 carat Dimensions 6.8x5.8x4.2mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion This 1.20 Carat Natural Loose Gray Spinel is a sophisticated gemstone t...
Spinel
$375Sale Price|25% Off
1.25 Carat Natural Loose Pink Color Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.25 carat Dimensions 6.6x6.0x4.1mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion This 1.25 Carat Natural Loose Pink Spinel is a captivating gemstone tha...
Spinel
$440Sale Price|20% Off
1.25 Carat Natural Loose Brown Color Spinel Stone Oval Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Sourced from Burma, known for producing premium-quality spinels, this gemstone offers impressive clarity and natural charm.
Spinel
Certified Natural VS quality 2.45 Ct., Purple Spinel Loose gemstone, Octagon cut
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Spinel loose gemstone origin Burma! Laboratory certified: GFCO Gemstone Color: Purple Gemstone Type: Spinel Gemstone size: 8.10x6.49x5.07 mm Cut Grade: Excellent Clarity/Gra...
Spinel
$600Sale Price|25% Off
1.70 Carat Natural Loose Certified Red Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burma Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.70 carat Dimensions 7.11x6.72x4.48 mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion AGA Certified AG193 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or inves...
Spinel
$450Sale Price|25% Off
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Light Pink Spinel Stone For Jewelry Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 7.8x6.6x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Oval AG200 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment portfolio with ...
Spinel
1.70ct Oval Purple Pink Spinel from Tanzania, Arts and Crafts Style
By Gilt Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel Weight : 1.70 Carat Dimension: 8.2 x 6.4 x 4 Mm Origin: Tanzania Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Spinels is a captivating gemstone prized for its b...
Spinel, Other
$712Sale Price|25% Off
2.45 Carat Natural Loose Pink Color Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.45 carat Dimensions 8.2x7.3x8.2mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This beautiful 2.45-carat natural Pink Spinel from Afghanistan f...
Spinel
$487Sale Price|25% Off
1.55 Carat Natural Loose Pink Color Spinel Stone For Jewelry Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.55 carat Dimensions 7.4x6.2x4.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion AG229 This captivating 1.55-carat natural pink spinel radiates a vibrant...
Spinel
$637Sale Price|25% Off
2.20 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.20 carat Dimensions 9.5x6.5x4.0mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion This stunning 2.20-carat natural Hot Pink Spinel from Afghanistan showc...
Spinel
Natural Purple Spinel Loose gemstone 1.77 Ct., Heart cut, Sri Lanka, Certificate
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Purple Spinel Loose gemstone 1.77 Ct., Heart cut, Sri Lanka, Certificate!
Spinel
$970Sale Price / set|30% Off
Darkish Blue Natural Spinel Perfect Pair 3.76 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstones
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Darkish Blue Spinel Pair Cushion Cut Well Matched Perfect Loose Gemstones Pair for Custom Fine Jewelry Design Authentic Earth Mined Red Crystals Precision Faceted with High ...
Spinel
$444Sale Price|30% Off
Lavender Pink Natural Spinel 2.92 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Lavender Pink Spinel Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Custom Fine Jewelry Design Authentic Earth Mined Lavender Crystals Precision Faceted with High Luster for Anniversary Ring...
Spinel
2.45 Carat Natural Loose Pink Color Spinel Stone Asscher Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.45 carat Dimensions 7.7x7.2x5.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Asscher This exquisite 2.45-carat natural Pink Spinel from Afghanistan showcase...
Spinel
$734Sale Price|30% Off
2.12 Carat Violet Blue Natural Spinel, Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Violet Blue Natural Spinel Octagon Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Showcasing Vibrant Color, Fine Clarity and Outstanding Brilliance for Bespoke Jewelry Creations
Spinel
$734Sale Price|30% Off
2.07 Carat Violet Blue Natural Spinel, Oval Cut Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Violet Blue Natural Spinel Oval Cut Loose Gemstone Showcasing Vibrant Color, Fine Clarity and Outstanding Brilliance for Bespoke Jewelry Creations
Spinel
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.