Chameleon Diamond - 1.51ct Natural Loose Fancy Deep Yellow Green Radiant GIA VS1
Located in New York, NY
DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $18,900 Item Stock Number - CH59764763725 Certificate Number - GIA 6505780294 Shape - Radiant Carat Weight - 1.51ct Measurements - 7.83 x 5.19 x 3...
Diamond
Natural 0.24ct Gia Treated Fancy Intense Yellow Half Moon Cut Loose Diamond
Located in Houston, TX
One loose diamond described as follows... In excellent condition.
Diamond
$2,523Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 0.77CT Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow SI1 Oval Cut Loose Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: 53112 Stone Shape: Oval Diamond Weight: 0.77CT Clarity: SI1 Color: Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow Cut: Good Measurements: 7.43 x 5.42 x 2.29mm Depth %: 42.2% Ta...
Brown Diamond
1.75CT Fancy Yellow Old Miner Cut Diamond Loose Natural I2 Antique Cushion
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Title: 1.75CT Fancy Yellow Old Mine Cut Diamond Loose Natural I2 Antique Cushion Description: Loose natural diamond weighing 1.75 carats, cut in an Old Mine Cut cushion shape.
Diamond
Chameleon Diamond - 1.01ct Natural Loose Fancy Gray Yellow Green Oval GIA SI2
Located in New York, NY
DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $12,500 Item Stock Number - CH3643754827 Certificate Number - GIA 6522895538 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 1.01ct Measurements - 7.97 x 5.33 x 3.47 ...
Diamond
Chameleon Diamond - 1.51ct Natural Loose Fancy Gray Yellow Green Oval GIA SI2
Located in New York, NY
DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $19,500 Item Stock Number - CH3643754828 Certificate Number - GIA 5231114128 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 1.51ct Measurements - 9.29 x 6.16 x 4.08 ...
Diamond
Chameleon Diamond - 0.49ct Natural Loose Fancy Gray Yellow Green Pear GIA VS2
Located in New York, NY
DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $9,0500 Item Stock Number - CH923598365 Certificate Number - GIA 5231807084 Shape - Pear Carat Weight - 0.49ct Measurements - 6.72 x 4.01 x 2.53 C...
Diamond
Chameleon Diamond - 0.30ct Natural Loose Fancy Gray Yellow Green Pear GIA SI1
Located in New York, NY
DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $6,0500 Item Stock Number - CH923598366 Certificate Number - GIA 1232807245 Shape - Pear Carat Weight - 0.30ct Measurements - 5.42 x 3.46 x 2.25 C...
Diamond
0.80ct Natural Loose Fancy Intense Green Yellow Neon Color Diamond GIA VVS2 Pear
Located in New York, NY
ITEM SPECIFICATION DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $14,500 Item Stock Number - 1324835900989 Certificate Number - GIA 2185682475 Shape - Pear Carat Weight - 0.80ct Color - Fancy ...
Diamond
Orange Diamond - Pair Of 1.18ct Natural Loose Fancy Intense Orange Yellow GIA SI
Located in New York, NY
DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $18,900 Item Stock Number - O6542827368 Certificate Number - GIA 2131849352, GIA 2165933629 Shape - Rounds Carat Weight - 1.18ct Total , 0.57ct + ...
Diamond
GIA 1.20 Carat Fancy Brownish Orangy Yellow Oval Cut VS2 Natural Loose Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
GIA-certified 1.20 carat natural fancy color diamond graded Fancy Brownish Orangy Yellow with VS2 clarity, oval modified brilliant cut measuring 8.43 x 6.21 x 3.31mm, offered as a lo...
Brown Diamond
GIA Certified Marquise 3.70 Carat Natural Loose Fancy Deep Yellow SI2 Diamond
Located in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv District
GIA Report #15589045 GIA Certified Marquise 3.70 Carat Natural Loose Fancy Deep Yellow SI2 Diamond Shape and Cut: Marquise Brilliant.
Diamond
Real 5.02ct Natural Loose Fancy Yellow Brown Color Diamond GIA Certied Pear Si2
Located in New York, NY
ITEM SPECIFICATION DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $29,500 Item Stock Number - 31672382 Certificate Number - GIA 6214596844 Shape - Pear Carat Weight - 5.02ct Measurements - 12.8...
Diamond
Whiskey 1.03ct Natural Loose Real Fancy Yellow Brown Diamond Radiant Cut SI1 GIA
Located in New York, NY
Don't pay retail prices ! we offer all of our customers the lowest wholesale prices possible. - Don't miss out on these great deals ! If you like it bid on it ! - 100% natural colo...
Diamond
GIA CLEARANCE, 12.21ct Fancy Color Brown-Orange Oval Loose Diamond
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
GIA 12.21 Carat Fancy Color Oval Shape Loose Diamond Semi Translucent Color Brown-Orange
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
Natural Loose 1.69ct Pear Fancy Gray-Greenish Yellow VS1 GIA Certified
Located in New York, NY
Offered for resale is a stunning GIA-graded natural colored diamond with a distinctive Fancy Gray-Greenish Yellow color in an elegant Pear Modified Brilliant shape. This diamond is v...
Diamond
Natural Loose 1.69ct Pear Fancy Gray-Greenish Yellow VS1 GIA Certified
Located in New York, NY
Offered for resale is a stunning GIA-graded natural colored diamond with a distinctive Fancy Gray-Greenish Yellow color in an elegant Pear Modified Brilliant shape. This diamond is v...
Diamond
RARE VIVID YELLOW DIAMOND ! - 0.82ct Emerald Cut Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Presenting a rare and breathtaking 0.82-carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond in an elegant emerald cut. This gem boasts an intense, vivid yellow hue, a color grade highly sought after f...
Yellow Diamond
$452Sale Price|20% Off
MANUFACTURER PRICING, 1.84 Carat Fancy Dark Brown Round Loose Diamond
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Natural GIA 1.84 Carat Fancy Dark Greenish Yellow-Brown Round Loose Diamond *Free shipping within the US
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unique Fancy Color Diamond - 1.65ct Yellow Diamond - GIA Certified
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Introducing our exquisite 1.65-carat Yellow Diamond, a true marvel of nature that radiates elegance and sophistication. This rare gem is GIA-certified, assuring its quality, authenti...
Yellow Diamond
X GIA cetified Natural Yellow Diamond
Located in Stockholm, SE
Natural GIA Yellow Diamonds: Appreciation & Collecting Natural fancy yellow diamonds have demonstrated remarkable price stability, though recent data shows short-term softness. ...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Emerald Natural Diamond 1.60ct F/VS1 Loose GIA XX $2000 Credit, Inscription
By GIA
Located in San Diego, CA
Exquisite loose 1.60ct emerald-cut diamond certified by GIA with laser inscription number 1175388529.
Diamond, Alexandrite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond...
X GIA cetified Natural Yellow Diamond Oval
Located in Stockholm, SE
An oval-cut fancy yellow diamond offers compelling value for sophisticated collectors. Its elongated silhouette creates a larger face-up appearance than rounds of similar carat weigh...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified - 0.72 carats Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Introducing the Jewel of Radiance: GIA Certified 0.72 Carats Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Elevate your jewelry collection with the unparalleled beauty and brilliance of our GIA Cert...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
1.50ct GIA certified Heart diamond Fancy Intense Yellow
Located in Boca Raton, FL
GIA certified diamond, natural fancy intense yellow diamond weighing 1.50ct. Natural Color Diamond: Color: Fancy Intense Yellow Cut: Heart Brilliant Carat: 1.50ct Clarity: SI1 Cert...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
X GIA cetified Natural Yellow Diamond Oval 1.02 carat
Located in Stockholm, SE
A 1.02carat vivid yellow diamond with GIA certification offers strong collectible value. Vivid yellow is the most saturated, rarest grade in fancy yellow diamonds, significantly outp...
Yellow Diamond
X GIA cetified Natural Yellow Diamond Oval 1.01 carat
Located in Stockholm, SE
A 1.01-carat vivid yellow diamond with GIA certification offers strong collectible value. Vivid yellow is the most saturated, rarest grade in fancy yellow diamonds, significantly out...
Yellow Diamond
GIA Certified - 5.03 Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow Diamond
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Introducing the Enchanting 5.03 Carat Heart Shape Diamond in Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow - GIA Certified: Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary beauty of our 5.03 carat H...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
GIA Certified 0.90 Carat Fancy Yellow SI2 Clarity Diamond
Located in บางรัก, TH
Certificate: GIA Report Number: 2225431994 Shape And Cut: Cushion Carat Weight: 0.90 carat Measurements: 5.61X5.09X3.62 mm Color Grade: Fancy Yellow FEATURES OF THE DIAMOND: This ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
$25,600Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 3.72ct Cushion Fancy Yellow VS1 Diamond
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose cushion yellow diamond, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made into a ring of your liking.
Yellow Diamond, Diamond
IGI ceritified natural Fancy Light Yellow diamond, weighing 0.78 carat
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A rare and sophisticated natural Fancy Light Yellow diamond, weighing 0.78 carat, beautifully presented in a round brilliant cut. Certified by the International Gemological Institute...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
9 Carat Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent eternity band showcases a sophisticated interplay of light, featuring an alternating pattern of natural fancy yellow cushion-cut diamonds and brilliant round-cut whi...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow Diamond, 3.95ct, GIA Certified, VS1 Clarity
By Kashi's Jewelry
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This exceptional 3.95-carat Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow diamond, certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is a rare and luxurious gem for the discerning collector.
Yellow Diamond
2.01 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Emerald Cut Diamond, GIA Certified - Rare!
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
An extraordinary 2.01 carat natural Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond of exceptional presence and rarity, offered as a loose stone and accompanied by a GIA certificate confirming its highly...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
X GIA cetified Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond Oval 1.23 carat
Located in Stockholm, SE
This 1.23-carat Fancy yellow diamond offers strong collectible value due to its natural color saturation and GIA certification. In the colored diamond market, intensity directly impa...
Yellow Diamond
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 0.45ct Fancy Yellow Round SI1 Natural Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: NYC58500 Stone Shape: Round Diamond Weight: 0.45ctw Fancy Color: Fancy Yellow Cut: Brilliant Measurements: 4.54 - 4.65 x 3.16 mm Symmetry: Good Polish: Good F...
Yellow Diamond
$124,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified - 7.30 carat Fancy Deep Brownish Greenish Yellow Diamond
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Introducing the Exquisite 7.30 Carat Heart Shape Diamond in Fancy Deep Brownish Greenish Yellow: Elegance meets rarity in this stunning 7.30-carat heart-shaped diamond, a true maste...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
GIA Certified 0.70 Carat Fancy Light Yellow I1 Clarity Diamond
Located in บางรัก, TH
Certificate: GIA Report Number: 1216998020 Shape And Cut: Pear Carat Weight: 0.70 carat Measurements: 6.72x4.97x2.90mm Color Grade: Fancy Light Yellow FEATURES OF THE DIAMOND: Our ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
X GIA cetified Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond Oval 1.01 carat
Located in Stockholm, SE
A 1.01-carat vivid fancy yellow natural diamond with GIA certification offers strong collectible value. Vivid yellow is the most saturated, rarest grade in fancy yellow diamonds, sig...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat Fancy Light Yellow VS1 Clarity Diamond
Located in บางรัก, TH
Certificate: GIA Report Number: 5426896097 Shape And Cut: Heart Carat Weight: 1.00 carat Measurements: 5.54 x 6.28 x 3.50 Color Grade: Fancy Light Yellow FEATURES OF THE DIAMOND: T...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
Rare 1.34 Carat Oval Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond, Internally Flawless GIA
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This rare 1.34 carat Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond is distinguished by exceptional saturation, natural origin, and an elegant oval modified brilliant cut. The color presents a pure, lu...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 0.35ct SI1 Fancy Intense Greenish Yellow Round Natural Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: NYC58502 Stone Shape: Round Diamond Weight: 0.35ctw Fancy Color: Fancy Intense Greenish Yellow Cut: Modified Brilliant Measurements: 4.24 - 4.34 x 2.86 mm Sym...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
$25,800Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 2.20ct Radiant Fancy Yellow VS1 Diamond (1.18 ratio)
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose radiant yellow diamond, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made into a ring of your liking.
Yellow Diamond, Diamond
2ct Each - GIA Certifed, matching pair- earrings ready - fancy yellow diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
An exceptional matching pair of natural fancy yellow diamonds weighing 2.01 and 2.03 carats, each accompanied by certification from the Gemological Institute of America. Displaying a...
Yellow Diamond
Rare 1.01 Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Yellow Diamond Cushion Modified Brilliant GIA
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This rare 1.01 carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Yellow diamond is defined by exceptional saturation, natural origin, and a refined cushion-modified brilliant cut. The color displays a lumin...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
$1,488Sale Price|20% Off
1.01 Carat Cushion Brilliant GIA Certified Fancy Brown Greenish Yellow Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: NYC56237 Stone Shape: CUSHION MODIFIED BRILLIANT Diamond Weight: 1.01ct Clarity: NATURAL Color: Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow Cut: Excellent Measurements: 5....
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
62.93 Carat Brazilian Amethyst Asscher Cut Loose Gemstone Tamir Merkaba Beverly
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Monumental 62.93 Carat Brazilian Amethyst Asscher Cut Gemstone An extraordinary statement stone for the serious collector, this impressive Brazilian amethyst weighs 62.93 carats a...
Amethyst, Quartz, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
3.00ct Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow Radiant Diamond GIA
By Kashi's Jewelry
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
A captivating 3.00-carat Radiant Cut Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow Diamond, showcasing a rare and sophisticated combination of earthy brown, vibrant green, and warm yellow hues. The...
Diamond
$3,312Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat Pear Brilliant Fancy Brownish Yellow Natural Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: NYC56419 Stone Shape: PEAR MODIFIED BRILLIANT Diamond Weight: 1.00ct Color: Fancy Yellow Cut: Excellent Measurements: 8.28 x 5.26 x 3.30 mm Symmetry: Excelle...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond
$3,312Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat Pear Brilliant Fancy Yellow SI2 Natural Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: NYC56418 Stone Shape: PEAR MODIFIED BRILLIANT Diamond Weight: 1.00ct Clarity: SI2 Color: Fancy yellow Cut: Excellent Measurements: 7.77 x 5.26 x 3.33 mm Symme...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond
$7,249Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.76ct Fancy Brownish Yellow Si1 Oval Brilliant Natural Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: NYC56661 Stone Shape: OVAL MODIFIED BRILLIANT Diamond Weight: 1.76 CT Color: FANCY BROWNISH ORANGY YELLOW Cut: Excellent Measurements: 8.99X6.08X4.05 mm Symme...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.24CT Fancy Brownish Yellow VS1 Radiant Cut Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: 54736 Stone Shape: Radiant Diamond Weight: 1.24CT Clarity: VS1 Color: Fancy Brownish Yellow Cut: Measurements: 6.16 x 5.65 x 3.79 mm Depth %: 67.3% Table %: ...
Yellow Diamond
$3,252Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Rectangular Brilliant Fancy Yellow I1 Natural Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: NYC55507 Stone Shape: CUT-CORENRED RECTANGULAR MODIFIED BRILLIANT Diamond Weight: 1.01ct Clarity: I1 Color: Fancy Yellow Cut: Excellent Measurements: 5.67 x ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
GIA Certified 1.22 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond
Located in บางรัก, TH
Certificate: GIA Report Number: 7438791107 Shape And Cut: Round Carat Weight: 1.22 carat Measurements: 6.73 X 6.80 X 4.35 mm Color Grade: Fancy Yellow FEATURES OF THE DIAMOND: Thi...
Diamond
GIA Certified 1.01 Fancy Deep Yellow Diamond
Located in บางรัก, TH
Certificate: GIA Report Number: 1142828248 Shape And Cut: Pear Carat Weight: 1.01 carat Measurements: 9.13 x 5.36 x 3.20 mm Color Grade: Fancy Deep Yellow FEATURES OF THE DIAMOND:...
Diamond
GIA CLEARANCE, 0.50 Carat Light Yellow Brilliant Marquise Shape Natural Diamond
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
GIA 0.50 Carat Light Yellow Brilliant Marquise Shape Natural Diamond Diamond Color: Light yellow
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
$6,052Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.43 Carat Pear Fancy Intense Yellow Si2 Clarity Natural Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: NY56549 Stone Shape: PEAR MODIFIED BRILLIANT Diamond Weight: 1.43ct Color: Fancy Intense Yellow Cut: Excellent Measurements: 8.76 x 5.84 x 3.91 mm Symmetry: ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond
$3,635Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.52 Carat Oval Briliant Fancy Brownish Yellow SI1 Natural Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: NYC55798 Stone Shape:OVAL BRILLIANT Diamond Weight:1.52ct Clarity:SI1 Color:Fancy Brownish Yellow Cut: Excellent Measurements: 7.99 x 6.38 x 4.00 mm Depth %:...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond
GIA Certified 7.20ct Round Brilliant Champagne Yellow Diamond, VS2
Located in Tucker, GA
Rare, Large, Loose, Natural Diamond with official GIA Certificate and a hint of yellow color.
Diamond
2.00ct Heart Mod Brilliant Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow Diamond
Located in New York, NY
Make a once-in-a-lifetime statement with this 2.00ct Heart Modified Brilliant diamond—an iconic silhouette elevated by an exceptionally uncommon Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow color....
Diamond
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry 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.