Unmounted Gemstones
to
62
174
179
8
2
2
1
1
1
129
25
12
1
Sort By
1.48 Carat Green Tsavorite Garnet Pear Shape, Unset Loose Unmounted Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
very lively gemstone that would be lovely set in a ring or pendant! The perfect gift for yourself or a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Tsavorite
Kite-Shaped Mandarin Garnet – Rare Unmounted Gemstone for Custom Jewelry - Tamir
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
-carat kite-shaped Mandarin Garnet gemstone. Offered unmounted and loose, this gem invites you to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
W 0.35 in D 0.22 in L 0.51 in
Oval Aquamarine Gemstone Luxury Unmounted Aquamarine - Luxury Gift By Tamir
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
allure of this exquisite 4.26-carat oval Aquamarine loose gemstone, a radiant treasure offered unmounted
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
W 0.39 in D 0.12 in L 0.49 in
Grey Violet Spinel Earrings Gemstone Pair 13.12 Carat Loose Gems Loupe Clean
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, unmounted gemstone collection.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
1.57 Carat Oval Unset Loose Unmounted Aquamarine Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1.57 carat aquamarine is of the finest quality, having an unusually dark, saturated color with exceptional clarity and brilliance. It measures 8.70 x 6.17 millimeters and it wou...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine
Aquamarine Ring Gem 5.52 Carat Unmounted Marquise Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Setting: Loose, unmounted
Why This Gemstone Will Make You Feel Good
A Symbol of Serenity: The soothing
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
3.66 Carat Unset Loose Pear Shaped Unmounted Tanzanite Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, leaving no doubt that this is a classic example of the highly prized gemstone from Tanzania, Africa. With
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tanzanite
1.17 Carat Unset Loose Unmounted Cushion Shaped Tanzanite Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This petite tanzanite gemstone is both gorgeous and budget-friendly! With its characteristic
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tanzanite
Luxury 20.82 Carat Pear-Shaped Aquamarine Gemstone – Unmounted Fine Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
20.82 Carat Pear-Shaped Aquamarine Gemstone – Unmounted Loose Stone Design Your Dream with Merkaba
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
W 0.59 in D 0.4 in L 0.97 in
.85 Carat Cushion Cut Unset Loose Unmounted Red Spinel Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
spinel is so highly prized, especially by fine gemstone collectors. This is a truly beautiful gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
1.48 Carat Cushion Shaped Loose Unset Unmounted Red Spinel Gemstone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
prized gemstone in its own right, and for good reason. It comes in a rainbow of striking colors and is
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem 3.80 Carat Unmounted Kite Shape Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
kite shape. Offered unmounted, this Tourmaline provides an unparalleled opportunity for gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
W 0.49 in D 0.23 in L 0.51 in
3.87 Carat Unset Loose Unmounted Oval Cat's Eye Green Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lovely green cat's eye tourmaline is a rare occurance in nature. Weighing 3.87 carats and measuring 8.72 x 8.34 x 6.12 millimeters, this is the perfect size for a ring. The clea...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Brazilian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
1.90 Carat Emerald Cut Octagonal Loose Unset Unmounted Green Tourmaline Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This bright, emerald-cut green tourmaline is so lively and pretty! It weighs 1.90 carats and measures 7.22 x 6.52 millimeters, making it the perfect size for an everyday ring or pend...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem 9.55 Carat Unmounted Oval Gemstone - Collectors Gem
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
beauty and precision. This exceptional gemstone is "loupe clean," boasting flawless clarity and a radiant
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Mint Green Tourmaline Cushion Loose Gemstone For Custom Luxury Jewelry - Merkaba
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
that embodies elegance and timeless beauty. This unmounted gemstone, with its vivid mint green hue and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Amethyst Hexagon Star of David Gem 12.13 Carat Brazil Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
.
For your convenience we carry an extensive world-class loose gemstone collection.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Amethyst, Quartz
W 0.67 in D 0.43 in L 0.67 in
7.43-Carat Emerald Cut Aquamarine: Luxury Gemstone for Custom Jewelry Creations
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
its captivating blue color and superior clarity. This exquisite loose, unmounted gemstone is a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl, Multi-gemstone
W 0.41 in D 0.3 in L 0.57 in
15.14 Carat Emerald Cut Mint Green Tourmaline – Fine Luxury Loose Gemstone
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
and sought-after treasure, perfect for bespoke high-end jewelry creations. This unmounted gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Multi-gemstone, Emerald
W 0.51 in D 0.37 in L 0.63 in
Tanzanite Earrings Loose Gemstones Square Octagons Custom Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
dimensions of 7.4 x 7.4 x 4.3 mm. These loose, unmounted gemstones offer limitless possibilities for custom
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tanzanite
W 0.3 in D 0.17 in L 0.3 in
Rare 5.73 Carat Natural Red Spinel Emerald Cut – Collector's Luxury Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
extraordinary unmounted gemstone meticulously cut in an elegant emerald shape. With dimensions of 11.55 x 9.72 x
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
W 0.39 in D 0.24 in L 0.46 in
Mint Green Tourmaline Trillion Loose Gemstone for Custom Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique 4.52 Carat Mint Green Tourmaline Trillion Loose Gemstone – A Rare Beauty for Custom
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
W 0.43 in D 0.28 in L 0.43 in
Collection of Unmounted 19th Century Lava Cameos
Located in Riverdale, NY
Collection of 5 Unmounted Lava Cameos from the 19th Century. Various profiles of well known figures
Category
Antique 1860s Italian Victorian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Agate
1.58Ct Natural Loose Emerald Pear Shape 2 Pcs
Located in רמת גן, IL
allure.
Canvas of Dreams: As an unmounted gemstone, it provides a realm of artistic possibilities
Category
2010s Colombian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Emerald
Spessartite Garnet Ring Loose Stone 6.74 Carat Unmounted Pear Shape
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
vibrant allure of our 6.74-carat Spessartite Garnet, a stunning loose gemstone offered unmounted for the
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
Design Bespoke Luxury: 14.42-Carat Cushion Cut Aquamarine for Timeless Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
into the extraordinary world of luxury with this 14.42-carat cushion cut aquamarine gemstone, a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl, Multi-gemstone
W 0.6 in D 0.45 in L 0.6 in
10.81 Ct Oval Aquamarine Gem – Fine Luxury for Custom Jewelry by Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
blue hue and exceptional clarity. This loose, unmounted gemstone is a treasure for fine jewelry
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
W 0.5 in D 0.35 in L 0.71 in
Opal Stone 13.88 Carat Natural Ethiopian Marquise loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 13.88 carat Marquise Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine gem lover
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Opal Stone 27.42 Carat Natural Ethiopian Oval loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 27.42 carat oval Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to an avid gem collector
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
.94 Carat Rare Green Demantoid Garnet, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Demantoid garnets are among the rarest gemstones in the world. This vivid, bright green round
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
33.95 Carat Imperial Topaz Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
session.
We have a large selection of unmounted collector gemstones in our inventory. Please inquire for
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz, Imperial Topaz
W 0.64 in D 0.46 in L 0.83 in
Exquisite 4 Carat No Heat "Pigeon Blood Red" Ruby – Luxury Gem for Collectors
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
marvel for luxury jewelry collectors and gemstone connoisseurs. This unmounted, oval-cut gemstone is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
W 0.36 in D 0.22 in L 0.43 in
Opal Stone 27.63 Carat Natural Ethiopian Pear Shape loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 27.63 carat pear shape Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine gem
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Tourmaline Ring Gem 13.92 Carat Oval Loose Gemstone Loupe Clean
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
13.92 carat “loupe clean” bluish green pastel oval Tourmaline, a remarkable gemstone offered unmounted
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Pear-Shaped Aquamarine Gemstone – Custom Jewelry by Merkaba Beverly Hills
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic 4.60-Carat Pear-Shaped Aquamarine Gemstone – Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills.
Immerse
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
W 0.38 in D 0.25 in L 0.54 in
Luxury 11.26ct ‘Loupe Clean’ Tourmalines for Custom Beverly Hills Earrings
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
world-class, unmounted gemstone collection ensures that you can find the perfect companion stones or
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
W 0.41 in D 0.31 in L 0.41 in
Mint Green Tourmaline Cushion Loose Gemstone – Design Your Dream Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tourmaline cushion-cut gemstone, unmounted and ready to inspire a custom jewelry masterpiece. With dimensions
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Congolese Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
W 0.44 in D 0.28 in L 0.52 in
Exquisite 29.98 Carat Round Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone – Luxury Masterpiece
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to the fine gem connoisseur who appreciates the rare beauty
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
4.77-Carat Cushion Malaya Garnet: Rare Terracotta Gemstone for Custom Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, renowned for its vibrant pastel hue and exceptional clarity. This unmounted, loose gemstone is the perfect
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet
W 0.35 in D 0.26 in L 0.39 in
4.49-Carat Mint Green Tourmaline Loose Cushion Gemstone for Custom Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cushion-cut gemstone, unmounted and ready to become a cherished treasure for someone special. Measuring
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
W 0.35 in D 0.27 in L 0.42 in
Unheated Light Violet Sapphire Ring Gem 3.41 Carat Oval Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
violet Sapphire, an extraordinary gemstone offered unmounted for the discerning collector or jewelry
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
25.67-Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal – Rare Collector’s Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
exceptional gemstone, offered unmounted to cater to the discerning tastes of a fine gem collector. This
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Round Ethiopian Opal – Rare Luxury Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
extraordinary gemstone, offered unmounted to meet the refined taste of a fine gem connoisseur. This stunning
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Cushion Ethiopian Opal – Rare Luxury Gemstone for Someone Special by Merkaba
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
extraordinary gemstone, offered unmounted to celebrate someone truly special. Radiating with vibrant play-of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
5.52 Carat Copper Tourmaline Round Gem – Rare Loose Gemstone for Luxury Jewelry
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
: Copper Tourmaline
Shape: Round
Setting: Loose, unmounted
Why This Gemstone Will Make You Feel Good
A
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Other
W 0.37 in Dm 0.37 in L 0.37 in
1.44 Carat Loupe-Clean Oval Imperial Topaz – Rare Gemstone for Custom Jewelry
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, unmounted
Why This Gemstone Will Make You Feel Good
A Symbol of Joy and Abundance: The radiant golden tones
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz, Imperial Topaz
7.25 Carat Leaf-Shaped Peridot – Rare Loose Gemstone for Custom Dream Jewelry
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Setting: Loose, unmounted
Why This Gemstone Will Make You Feel Good
A Symbol of Positivity: The bright
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Peridot
W 0.36 in D 0.24 in L 0.75 in
Opal Stone 17.23 Carat Heart Shape Natural Ethiopian Loose Gemstone By Merkaba
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 17.23 Carat Heart-Shaped Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone – A Unique Treasure By Merkaba
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
W 0.81 in D 0.38 in L 0.85 in
Ethiopian Opal Pear Shape Pair – Rare Luxury Gemstones by Merkaba Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
breathtaking set of gemstones, offered unmounted as the perfect gift for someone truly extraordinary. This
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
13.36-Carat Oval Tanzanite: Vibrant Gem for Luxury Custom Jewelry Creations
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
vibrant color and remarkable depth. This unmounted, loose gemstone is a treasure for fine gem enthusiasts
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tanzanite, Multi-gemstone
W 0.5 in D 0.34 in L 0.71 in
21.22-Carat Pink Tourmaline with Orange Undertones: Rare Gem for Luxury Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
with vibrant orange undertonesSetting: Loose, unmounted stoneThis gemstone is part of our curated
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Multi-gemstone
13.75-Carat Emerald-Cut Aquamarine: Perfect for Custom Luxury Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
gemstone, a masterpiece of exquisite color and clarity. This unmounted, loose gemstone is perfect for fine
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl, Multi-gemstone
10.57-Carat Oval Imperial Topaz: Radiant Gem for Custom Luxury Jewelry Creations
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
TopazDimensions: 16.10 x 10.30 x 7.80 mmSetting: Loose, unmounted stoneThis gemstone is part of our curated
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Multi-gemstone
W 0.41 in D 0.31 in L 0.64 in
Pink Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 4.15 Carat Unmounted Emerald Cut
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
.
Celebrate love with this splendid 4.15-carat Pink Tourmaline emerald-cut loose gemstone, offered unmounted
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Engagement Rings
Materials
Tourmaline
21.14-Carat Cushion-Cut Tanzanite: A Rare Masterpiece for Bespoke Luxury Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
and remarkable clarity. This unmounted, loose gemstone is a perfect choice for creating a bespoke, one
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tanzanite
W 0.59 in D 0.45 in L 0.63 in
Lozenge Seafoam Aquamarine Gem – Perfect for Designing Your Dream Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
offered unmounted to sophisticated gemstone connoisseurs. This stunning gem, with dimensions of 17.8 x
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
W 0.46 in D 0.24 in L 0.71 in
Emerald-Cut Aquamarine – Perfect for Custom Jewelry and Sophisticated Collectors
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
gem offered unmounted to sophisticated gemstone connoisseurs. Measuring 12.3 x 9 x 5.70 mm, this
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
W 0.36 in D 0.23 in L 0.49 in
Emerald-Cut Ametrine Gem – Rare Luxury Jewel by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
breathtaking gemstone offered unmounted for someone truly special. With its remarkable blend of warm citrine
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bolivian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Amethyst, Citrine, Quartz
W 0.54 in D 0.3 in L 0.69 in
Loupe Clean Greenish Yellow Chrysoberyl – Perfect Custom Gift for Your Beloved
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
yellow Chrysoberyl, a stunning gemstone offered unmounted and ready to be transformed into a piece of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl
W 0.23 in D 0.17 in L 0.31 in
Trillion-Cut Ethiopian Opal – Rare Gem of Elegance by Merkaba Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
is a truly remarkable gemstone, offered unmounted to appeal to the refined taste of a unique gem
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
- 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Unmounted Gemstones", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Unmounted Gemstones For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a broad range of unmounted gemstones for sale on 1stDibs. Modern and Contemporary are consistently popular styles when it comes to unmounted gemstones. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Merkaba and Tamir produced popular versions that are worth a look. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of Tourmaline versions from the 4 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. There are many kite cut, pear cut and trillion cut unmounted gemstones for sale. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of unmounted gemstones, as most of the options available are for women.
How Much are Unmounted Gemstones?
Prices for unmounted gemstones can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $380 and can go as high as $2,624, while unmounted gemstones, on average, fetch $1,185.
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.