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Unheated Sapphire Loose

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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

Peach Sapphire Oval Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Peach Sapphire Oval Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.3 in D 0.23 in L 0.36 in
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

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

Yellow Sapphire 2.54 Ct Square Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Yellow Sapphire 2.54 Ct Square Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.26 in D 0.23 in L 0.27 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

Unheated Purple Sapphire Ring Gem 0.75 Carat Loose Gemstone
Unheated Purple Sapphire Ring Gem 0.75 Carat Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.25 in D 0.16 in L 0.32 in
Teal Sapphire 2.58 Ct Oval Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
. This teal sapphire is available to purchase as a loose sapphire or contact us to enquire regarding
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Teal Sapphire 2.58 Ct Oval Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Teal Sapphire 2.58 Ct Oval Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.26 in D 0.2 in L 0.35 in
Violet Sapphire 1.54 Ct Marquise Natural Unheated. Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
and rarity. This purplish violet sapphire is available to purchase as a loose sapphire or contact us
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

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

Purple Sapphire 2.54 Ct Emerald Cut Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Purple Sapphire 2.54 Ct Emerald Cut Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.25 in D 0.2 in L 0.32 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

Colourless Sapphire 2.08ct Square Cut Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
sapphire is available to purchase as a loose sapphire or contact us to enquire regarding custom fine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pink Sapphire 1.61 ct Oval Natural Ceylon Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
natural, certified unheated spectacular pink sapphire from Ceylon - a rare beauty of such high calibre
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

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

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

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

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

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

2.15 Carat Unheated Vivid Blue Natural Sapphire Loose Gemstone from Ceylon
Located in Horana, LK
brilliance. Its deep and luscious color is rare and truly admirable, especially for an unheated sapphire
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

2.30 Carat Unheated Cornflower Blue Natural Sapphire Loose Gemstone from Ceylon
Located in Horana, LK
An exquisite unheated, natural sapphire gracefully dancing in light like a cosmic ballerina whilst
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

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

2.00 Carat Unheated Cornflower Blue Natural Sapphire Loose Gemstone from Ceylon
Located in Horana, LK
vital role in the world of gemology, serving as a key indicator of the sapphire’s natural and unheated
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

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

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

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

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 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 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

Unheated Light Violet Sapphire Ring Gem 3.41 Carat Oval Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Special 3.41 carat, no-heat, "metallic" light violet Sapphire oval gem, offered unmounted to a fine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

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

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

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

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

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

Champagne Peach Sapphire 4.50 Ct Emerald Cut Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
. This champagne peach sapphire is available to purchase as a loose sapphire or contact us to enquire
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Cornflower Blue Sapphire 2.05 Ct Pear Ceylon Natural Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Located in South Melbourne, AU
special occasions. This cornflower blue sapphire is available to purchase as a loose sapphire or contact
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

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 Padparadscha Sapphire Ring Gem No Heat Ceylon 4 Carat Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Highly prized, world-class, unheated 4 carat "Ceylon" (Sri Lanka) Padparadscha Sapphire oval
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Padparadscha Sapphire , Sapphire

Unheated Sapphire Ring Gem 6 Carat No Heat Ceylon Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Supreme collection-quality 6.50 carat unheated Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Sapphire cushion, offered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

1.04ct Untreated Green Sapphire IGI Certified Unheated Oval Cut Rare Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.04ct Untreated Green Sapphire IGI Certified Unheated Oval Cut Rare Loose Gem Natural Vivid Green
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Green Sapphire

1.12ct Oval Blue Sapphire Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.12 cts Measurements: 7.40x6.00x2.30
Category

2010s Australian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire

1.12ct Oval Blue Sapphire Unheated
1.12ct Oval Blue Sapphire Unheated
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W 0.3 in D 0.1 in L 0.24 in
1.16 Carats Unheated Peach Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Identification: Natural Unheated Peach Sapphire 1.16 carats Carat: 1.16 carats Shape: Pear Shape Measurements
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

1.16 Carats Unheated Peach Sapphire
1.16 Carats Unheated Peach Sapphire
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W 0.23 in D 0.13 in L 0.36 in
3.18ct Oval Blue Sapphire Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.18 cts Measurements: 10.00x6.70x5.10
Category

2010s Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

3.18ct Oval Blue Sapphire Unheated
3.18ct Oval Blue Sapphire Unheated
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W 0.4 in D 0.21 in L 0.27 in
Certified Unheated Parti Sapphire - 1.67ct
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Sapphires, like Rubies, are a variation from the mineral species corundum, composed of aluminum and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Certified Unheated Parti Sapphire - 1.67ct
Certified Unheated Parti Sapphire - 1.67ct
Free Shipping
W 0.31 in D 0.15 in L 0.26 in
1.00ct Oval Pink Sapphire Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1 cts Measurements: 6.20x5.50x3.00 mm
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

1.00ct Oval Pink Sapphire Unheated
1.00ct Oval Pink Sapphire Unheated
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W 0.25 in D 0.12 in L 0.22 in
1.22ct Cushion Pink Sapphire Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.22 cts Measurements: 5.80x5.50x3.70
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

1.22ct Cushion Pink Sapphire Unheated
1.22ct Cushion Pink Sapphire Unheated
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W 0.23 in D 0.15 in L 0.22 in
Certified Unheated Star Sapphire - 10.76ct
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Star Sapphires are unique Sapphires that exhibit, under specific light, an effect called Asterism
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Star Sapphire

Certified Unheated Star Sapphire - 10.76ct
Certified Unheated Star Sapphire - 10.76ct
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W 0.51 in D 0.28 in L 0.44 in
1.71ct Cushion Light Blue Sapphire Unheated
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Sapphire Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.71 cts Measurements: 7.00x6.50x3.60
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire

1.71ct Cushion Light Blue Sapphire Unheated
1.71ct Cushion Light Blue Sapphire Unheated
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W 0.28 in D 0.15 in L 0.26 in
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

Natural Padparadscha Sapphire, Unheated 3.68Ct Ceylon
Located in Makola, LK
Ceylon padparadscha sapphire 3.68 Carats unheated • Variety: Sapphire • Origin: Sri Lanka (Ceylon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire

Hot Pink sapphire 0.50 Carats unheated
Located in Makola, LK
Hot Pink sapphire 0.50 Carats unheated • Variety: Sapphire • Origin: Sri Lanka (Ceylon) • Color(s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire

Hot Pink sapphire 0.50 Carats unheated
Hot Pink sapphire 0.50 Carats unheated
W 0.25 in D 0.15 in L 0.16 in
Certified Unheated Vivid Pink Sapphire 1.55ct
Located in Antwerpen, BE
A beautiful and unheated Vivid Pink Sapphire from Madagascar, that is well renowned for its
Category

2010s Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

Certified Unheated Vivid Pink Sapphire 1.55ct
Certified Unheated Vivid Pink Sapphire 1.55ct
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W 0.34 in D 0.14 in L 0.25 in
GIA Certified 3.62 Carats Unheated Purple Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Identification: Natural Unheated Purple Sapphire 3.62 carats with GIA Report Carat: 3.62 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

GIA Certified 3.62 Carats Unheated Purple Sapphire
GIA Certified 3.62 Carats Unheated Purple Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.26 in D 0.24 in L 0.39 in
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Unheated Sapphire Loose For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the unheated sapphire loose you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of 18k Gold, Gold and Platinum, this item was constructed with great care. For this particular piece, 1 Carat and 1.5 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing unheated sapphire loose — no matter the origin — is easy, but Merkaba, Sarosi By Timeless Gems and Fine Jewels UK each produced a popular version that is worth a look. An oval cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also cushion cut and heart cut versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for an unheated sapphire loose, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Unheated Sapphire Loose?

On average, an unheated sapphire loose at 1stDibs sells for $7,775, while they’re typically $354 on the low end and $235,600 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Unheated Sapphire Loose
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    Unheated sapphires refers to sapphires that have not had any form of heat treatment, which enhances their color and clarity. Gemology experts estimate that more than 90% of sapphires on the market are heated sapphires. Find a collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs today.