Loose Unheated Gemstones
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Burmese Unheated Spinel Loose Gemstone
Located in Taipei, TW
analyzed as 100% Unheated gem passing all the tests performed by their team, Therefore it has been
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Burmese Unheated Spinel Loose Gemstone
Located in Taipei, TW
carefully inspected by our gemologists it has been analyzed as 100% Unheated gem passing all the tests
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Peach Sapphire Oval Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
elegance. Certified unheated and of Sri Lankan origin this hand crafted oval peach sapphire of superior
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Cornflower Blue Sapphire Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
blue sapphire is an amazing example. A natural certified unheated cornflower blue sapphire lavishing an
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.27 in D 0.21 in L 0.32 in
Yellow Sapphire 2.54 Ct Square Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
. A certified unheated natura Ceylon yellow sapphire with lots of pizzazz.
This natural yellow
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Violet Sapphire 1.54 Ct Marquise Natural Unheated. Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
accentuates its elegance. Sourced from Ceylon, it is a natural and unheated gemstone of unparalleled beauty
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.22 in D 0.16 in L 0.38 in
Teal Sapphire 2.58 Ct Oval Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
highlight the remarkable bluish green tones illuminating this gem. A natural and certified unheated teal
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.26 in D 0.2 in L 0.35 in
Purple Sapphire 2.54 Ct Emerald Cut Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
Sumptuous violetish purple sapphire emerald cut and certified unheated from Madagascar. Well over 2
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.25 in D 0.2 in L 0.32 in
Colourless Sapphire 2.08ct Square Cut Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
island of Sri Lanka. Certified unheated, it's impressive clarity, bright shine, and excellent cut make it
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.26 in D 0.2 in L 0.27 in
Peach Sapphire 3.16 ct Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
A magnificent large 3 carat certified natural unheated Madagascan peach sapphire skilfully cushion
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.32 in D 0.2 in L 0.33 in
Unheated Purple Sapphire Ring Gem 0.75 Carat Loose Gemstone
Located in Makola, LK
Ceylon Purple sapphire 0.75 Carats unheated
• Variety: Sapphire
• Origin: Sri Lanka (Ceylon
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.25 in D 0.16 in L 0.32 in
Unheated 13.12 Carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, Certified Cushion
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Unheated 13.12 Carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, Certified
Certified 13.12 Carats Blue
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Blue Sapphire
Unheated Burma Sapphire Cabochon Ring Gem 15 Carat Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and exceptional 15 carat unheated Burma Sapphire cabochon, offered loose to the world's most
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
2.39 Carat Unheated Madagascar Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful 2.39 carat unheated loose blue sapphire is absolutely stunning! It is a perfectly
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.28 in D 0.21 in L 0.33 in
Padparadscha Sapphire 1.27 ct Radiant Cu Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
gemstone collection.
This padparadscha orangish pink sapphire is available to purchase as a loose sapphire
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.21 in D 0.15 in L 0.28 in
Unheated 7.84 Carat Red Spinel Round, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gemological Institute of America Report #6204170143 stating that it is unheated. Measuring 12.98 x 13.16 x
Category
2010s Unknown Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Pink Sapphire 1.61 ct Oval Natural Ceylon Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
Seductive pink sapphire reflecting vivid fuchsia from this oval cut gemstone of 1.5 carat. A
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.25 in D 0.19 in L 0.28 in
Vivid Yellow Sapphire 2.70 Ct Emerald Cut Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
unheated and with a Sri Lankan provenance. A superb quality, rare natural sapphire suitable for gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.28 in D 0.21 in L 0.31 in
Vivid Yellow 5.09ct Sapphire Emerald Cut Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
This exquisite over 5 carat vivid yellow sapphire is an emerald cut, natural, and unheated beauty
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.32 in D 0.26 in L 0.39 in
Yellow Sapphire 2.64 Ct Emerald Cut Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
. With a pedigree birthplace in Sri Lanka this natural, certified unheated yellow sapphire with its
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.27 in D 0.22 in L 0.3 in
Mint Green Sapphire 1.69 ct Radiant Cut Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
to over 1 carat and certified unheated from Madagascar.
This mint green sapphire is available to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.23 in D 0.16 in L 0.29 in
Unheated 8.63 Carat Blue Green Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 8.63 carat unheated sapphire has a beautiful, rich bluish-green color and is exceptionally
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Green Sapphire
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Gem 3 Carat Unheated Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary 3 carat plus, unheated Kashmir Sapphire, recognized with the esteemed "Classic
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Light Pink Sapphire 3.03 ct Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
sapphire which is certified unheated would make a charming bespoke jewellery piece.
This pink sapphire is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.27 in D 0.19 in L 0.37 in
Yellow Sapphire 3.55 Ct Square Cut Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
saturation of yellow. Our talented cutter in Sri Lanka has fashioned this natural unheated sapphire into an
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.34 in D 0.2 in L 0.34 in
Unheated 5.02 Carat Blue Spinel, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ..... A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated blue spinel has exceptional brilliance and luster! Accompanied by Gemological
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Unheated .75 Carat Padparadscha Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated petite padparadscha packs a punch with its intense color, and is a brilliant way to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire
Unheated 10.78 Carat Ceylon Yellow Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare, unheated yellow sapphire is the color of sunshine! Sapphires are routinely heated to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
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W 0.43 in D 0.38 in L 0.45 in
Deep Cornflower Blue Sapphire 3.25 Ct Cushion Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
is available to purchase as a loose sapphire or contact us to enquire regarding custom fine jewellery
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.27 in D 0.26 in L 0.3 in
Unheated Ruby Ring Gem 1.02 Carat Cushion No Heat Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural unheated 1.02 carat Ruby cushion gem, offered loose to a fine gemstone collector.
Returns
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
2.15 Carat Unheated Vivid Blue Natural Sapphire Loose Gemstone from Ceylon
Located in Horana, LK
Gems is available for purchase as a loose gemstone. The photos and video showcase the sapphire in both
Category
2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.24 in D 0.21 in L 0.32 in
1.50 Carat Unheated Cornflower Blue Natural Sapphire Loose Gemstone from Ceylon
Located in Horana, LK
The color on this Natural, Unheated Sapphire is incredible - a classic brilliant cornflower blue
Category
2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.2 in D 0.16 in L 0.32 in
2.30 Carat Unheated Cornflower Blue Natural Sapphire Loose Gemstone from Ceylon
Located in Horana, LK
This magnificent blue sapphire by KNS Gems is available for purchase as a loose gemstone. The photos
Category
2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.22 in D 0.21 in L 0.36 in
Unheated Demantoid Garnet Ring Gem 4.24 Carat Ural Russia Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and exclusive, unheated, 4.24 carat, Ural Russia, vivid green, Demantoid Garnet round gem
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Other
2.00 Carat Unheated Cornflower Blue Natural Sapphire Loose Gemstone from Ceylon
Located in Horana, LK
for purchase as a loose gemstone. The photos and video showcase the sapphire in both natural sunlight
Category
2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.24 in D 0.19 in L 0.33 in
Unheated 2.14 Carat Purple Sapphire Octagon, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ...A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
America Report #2205169847 stating that it is unheated. Unheated sapphires with deep, rich color are
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
Champagne Peach Sapphire 4.50 Ct Emerald Cut Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
no indication of heat treatment would make a delicious alternative coloured gemstone jewellery piece
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.31 in D 0.25 in L 0.38 in
Cornflower Blue Sapphire 2.05 Ct Pear Ceylon Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
A rich cornflower blue sapphire with a depth of vibrancy and sparkle. A natural gemstone gift
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.26 in D 0.17 in L 0.37 in
Unheated 7.16 Carat Yellow Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 7.16 carat unheated yellow sapphire oval is the color of refreshing lemonade! Most yellow
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
Cornflower Blue Sapphire 1.84 Ct Cushion Cut Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
. Undeniable heritage and colour and certified unheated this natural cornflower blue sapphire would make a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.23 in D 0.17 in L 0.31 in
Light Teal Parti Sapphire 1.56 Ct Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
charismatic natural unheated light teal sapphire.
This light teal sapphire is available to purchase as a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.24 in D 0.17 in L 0.26 in
4.18 Carat Unheated Natural Blue Sapphire Pear, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 4.18 carat, unheated blue sapphire will make an absolutely breathtaking pendant or ring! The
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.33 in D 0.24 in L 0.45 in
Medium Cornflower Blue Sapphire 2.21 Ct Round Unheated Ceylon, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
of heat treatment.
This medium cornflower blue sapphire is available to purchase as a loose sapphire
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.31 in D 0.19 in L 0.32 in
Vivid Yellow Sapphire 4.09 Ct Emerald Cut Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
. This significant and stunning natural unheated and certified yellow sapphire will bring happiness and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire
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W 0.33 in D 0.22 in L 0.37 in
Unheated 17.13 Carat Ceylon Violet Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA CertifiedA
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This natural color, Ceylon violetish-blue sapphire is full of life! Unheated sapphires this large
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
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W 0.49 in D 0.42 in L 0.58 in
Unheated 1.39 Carat Burmese Pink Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1.39 carat vivid pink sapphire is magnificent! It is an unheated, perfectly symmetrical oval
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire
Unheated 10.21 Carat Pink Purple Spinel, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified ...A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 10.21 carat unheated, rosy purple spinel is a rare find! It is a highly saturated, perfect
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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W 0.45 in D 0.35 in L 0.5 in
Colour Shift Peach Sapphire 1.51 Ct Cushion Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
available to purchase as a loose sapphire or contact us to enquire regarding custom fine jewellery creation
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
Unheated 3.11 Carat Purple Pink Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
While sapphires are routinely heated to improve their color, this 3.11 carat unheated, lively pink
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire
Unheated Light Violet Sapphire Ring Gem 3.41 Carat Oval Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
gemstone collector.
The CDC gem certificate is attached to the image selection for your reference.
Returns
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.28 in D 0.23 in L 0.38 in
Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire Ring Gem No Heat Ceylon 4 Carat Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
world-class loose gemstone collection.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Padparadscha Sapphire , Sapphire
W 0.32 in D 0.21 in L 0.43 in
Unheated Sapphire Ring Gem 6 Carat No Heat Ceylon Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
more details.
For your convenience we carry an extensive world-class loose gemstone collection.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
W 0.36 in D 0.24 in L 0.51 in
NO RESERVE 0.95ct Oval Natural UNHEATED Yellow SAPPHIRE Loose Gemstone EYE-CLEAN
By Hannaboya
Located in Sheridan, WY
Brighten Your World with a Eye Clean 0.95ct Oval Cut Natural UNHEATED Yellow Sapphire Loose
Category
2010s African Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
Unheated Ruby Ring Gem 4 Carat Oval Unmounted Loose Gemstone “Pigeon Blood”
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
loose gemstone collection.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
W 0.36 in D 0.22 in L 0.43 in
Unheated 9.26 Carat Purple Pink Spinel Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified .A
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated, purplish-pink spinel will lift your spirits! Accompanied by Gemological Institute of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Unheated Lavender Purple Spinel 3.91 Carats, Loose Gemstone for Ring or Pendant
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sparkling, crystalline gemstone with gorgeous, subdued pinkish purple color and grape and plum highlights
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
2.0ct Round Teal NATURAL Unheated SAPPHIRE Gemstone
By Hannaboya
Located in Sheridan, WY
Embrace the allure of the ocean with our 2.0ct Round Teal Natural Unheated Sapphire Gemstone. This
Category
2010s African Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Green Sapphire
Certified 1.25ct Purple Sapphire Unheated Gemstone Ceylon Origin Ring Gemstone
Located in Makola, LK
Ceylon Unheated Purple Sapphire 1.25 Carat Natural Gemstone. Rich purple and violet Color
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Blue Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
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W 0.25 in D 0.21 in L 0.34 in
Certified 1.12ct Natural Vivid Pink Sapphire Unheated Gemstone Ring Gemstone
Located in Makola, LK
Natural Unheated Pink Sapphire 1.12 Carat Natural Gemstone. Rich Pink Color.
Gemstone gift for
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Pink Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.24 in D 0.14 in L 0.28 in
Exceptional Red Spinel Loose Gemstone 1.20 Lovely Spinel Loose Spinel Gems
Located in Bangkok, TH
Exceptional Red Spinel Loose Gemstone, Available For Sale At Wholesale Price Natural High Quality
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malawian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
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Loose Unheated Gemstones For Sale on 1stDibs
Browse a vast assortment of loose unheated gemstones for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from 18k Gold, Gold and Platinum — can elevate any look. The designs in our inventory of loose unheated gemstones bearing Artisan or Modern hallmarks are very popular. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Sarosi By Timeless Gems, Merkaba and Mother Nature are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Many pieces in our collection are stylish for most occasions, but Sapphire versions, from our inventory of 54, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. A selection of cushion cut, oval cut and emerald cut can be found today on these pages. When shopping our range of loose unheated gemstones, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.
How Much are Loose Unheated Gemstones?
Prices for loose unheated gemstones start at $2,072 and top out at $235,600 with these rings, on average, selling for $11,760.
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.
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