Unmounted Gems
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Aquamarine Ring Loose Gemstone 4.26 Carat Oval Unmounted Gem
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bright 4.26 carat Aquamarine oval loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a very special person
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Free Shipping
W 0.39 in D 0.12 in L 0.49 in
Aquamarine Ring Loose Gemstone 2.64 Carat Emerald Cut Unmounted Gem
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fantastic 2.64 carat Aquamarine emerald-cut loose gemstone, offered unmounted to someone special
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Engagement Rings
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Free Shipping
W 0.3 in D 0.16 in L 0.4 in
Bicolor Tourmaline Loose Gemstone 5.07 Carat Emerald Cut Unmounted Gem
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unusual 5.07 carat Bicolor Pink Tourmaline Emerald-Cut loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Engagement Rings
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.33 in D 0.2 in L 0.48 in
Pink Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 4.68 Carat Emerald Cut Unmounted Gem
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless 4.68 carat Pink Tourmaline Emerald-Cut loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a very special
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.33 in D 0.16 in L 0.43 in
Aquamarine Ring Gem 6.54 Carat Hexagon Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Spectacular 6.54 carat Aquamarine Hexagon unmounted gem, offered loose to a fine gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Aquamarine Ring Gem 9.73 Carat Parallelogram Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique 9.73 carat Aquamarine Parallelogram unmounted gem, offered loose to a gemstone lover
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Free Shipping
W 0.58 in D 0.28 in L 0.82 in
Aquamarine Ring Gem 4.08 Carat Emerald Cut
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Collection quality, classic 4.08 carat Emerald-Cut Aquamarine unmounted gem, offered loose to a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Aquamarine Ring Necklace Gem 5.00 Carat Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pristine 5.00 carat Lozenge shape "seafoam" Aquamarine unmounted gem, offered loose to a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Amethyst Crystal Necklace Ring Gem 83.27 Carat Loose Gemstone Natural
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Conversational 83.27 carat natural Brazilian Amethyst square-octagon, Asscher cut, unmounted gem
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Materials
Amethyst, Quartz
Free Shipping
W 1.01 in D 0.8 in L 1.01 in
Tsavorite Ring Gem 2.04 Carat Pear Shape Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Superb 2.04 carat Tsavorite Garnet pear shape unmounted gem, offered loose to a fine gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Tsavorite
Paraiba Tourmaline Ring Gem 6 Carat Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exceptional, rare and coveted, 6.47 carat Paraiba Tourmaline oval gem, offered unmounted to the
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline, Paraiba
Peridot Ring Necklace Gem 7.25 Carat Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exclusive 7.25 carat unmounted Peridot leaf-shaped gem, offered loose to a fine gemstone collector
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Peridot
Free Shipping
W 0.36 in D 0.24 in L 0.75 in
Tanzanite Ring Gem 3.07 Carat Cushion Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fantastic 3.07 carat Tanzanite cushion loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine gem lover
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Tanzanite
Free Shipping
W 0.3 in D 0.22 in L 0.38 in
Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem 3.18 Carat Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pristine 3.18 carat Pink Tourmaline emerald cut loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Congolese Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Peridot Ring Gem Loose Gemstone 5.51 Carat Unmounted Stone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique 5.51 carat Peridot Shield gem, offered loose to a stone lover.
Peridot dimensions: 12.70mm x
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Peridot
Aquamarine Ring Gem 11.20 Carat Unmounted Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Desirable 11.20 carat Aquamarine square cushion gem, offered loose to someone special.
Dimensions
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Free Shipping
W 0.54 in D 0.4 in L 0.54 in
Peridot Ring Gem 4.06 Carat Unmounted Trillion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Splendid 4.06 carat Peridot Trillion gem, offered loose to a gem lover.
Peridot dimensions: 10.60mm
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Peridot
Aquamarine Ring Gem 5.52 Carat Unmounted Marquise Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Splendid 5.52 carat Aquamarine Marquise gem, offered loose to a fine gemstone lover.
Dimensions
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Free Shipping
W 0.76 in D 0.21 in L 0.77 in
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Gem 3 Carat Unheated Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
" designation by the prestigious AGL gem lab, is being offered unmounted to the most discerning gem collectors
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Blue Tourmaline Ring Gem 2.75 Carat Cushion Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Splendid 2.75 carat "Lagoon" Blue Tourmaline cushion loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.32 in D 0.16 in L 0.34 in
Green Tourmaline Earring Gems 6.44 Carat Unmounted Cushion Loose Gemstones
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Captivating 6.44 carat Mint Green Tourmaline cushion pair, offered loose and unmounted to a top
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.32 in L 0.38 in
Blue Tourmaline Ring Gem 5.21 Carat Oval Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and captivating 5.21 carat "Lagoon" Blue Tourmaline oval loose gemstone, offered unmounted to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Tourmaline
Spessartite Garnet Ring Gem 11.09 Carat Unmounted Oval Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bright 11.09 carat Spessartite Garnet (Mandarin Garnet) oval gem, offered loose to a fine gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
Free Shipping
W 0.49 in D 0.3 in L 0.57 in
Aquamarine Gemstone Ring 4.60 Carat Loose Unmounted Pear Shape Gem
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic 4.60 carat pear shape Aquamarine loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a sophisticated
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Free Shipping
W 0.38 in D 0.25 in L 0.54 in
Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem 9.55 Carat Unmounted Oval Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marvelous 9.55 carat, "loupe clean", Pink Tourmaline oval gem, offered loose to a fine gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Mandarin Garnet Ring Gem 2.59 Carat Unmounted Trillion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2.59 carat Mandarin Garnet Trillion gem, offered loose to a gem lover.
Mandarin Garnet dimensions
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
Mint Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 5.62 Carat Cushion Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pastel Mint Green Tourmaline cushion gem, weighing a total of 5.62 carats, offered unmounted to a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Congolese Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.46 in D 0.32 in L 0.47 in
1.57 Carat Oval Unset Loose Unmounted Aquamarine Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
brilliance, this crystalline gem is collection worthy! We specialize in custom designs and would love to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine
Blue Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 5.05 Carat Cushion Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
5.05 carat unisex Blue-Green Tourmaline cushion loose gemstone, offered unmounted to someone very
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.31 in D 0.25 in L 0.5 in
Mint Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 7.68 Carat Unmounted Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pristine 7.68 carat Mint Green Tourmaline cushion loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine gem
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Congolese Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.44 in D 0.28 in L 0.52 in
1.02 Oval Unset Unmounted Loose Pink Tourmaline Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1.02 carat oval pink tourmaline is sure to put a smile on your face! With its slightly purplish pink hue and pleasing shape, this sparkling gemstone would make a very pretty rin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Rubelite, Tourmaline
Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem 3.80 Carat Unmounted Kite Shape Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Special 3.80 carat "loupe clean" Pink Tourmaline loose gemstone. This kite shaped gem is offered to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.49 in D 0.23 in L 0.51 in
Mint Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 4.78 Carat Unmounted Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous 4.78 carat Mint Green Tourmaline cushion loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a devoted
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.34 in D 0.29 in L 0.43 in
Mint Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 4.52 Carat Unmounted Trillion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique 4.52 carat Mint Green Tourmaline Trillion loose gemstone, offered unmounted to someone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.43 in D 0.28 in L 0.43 in
Mint Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 4.49 Carat Unmounted Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fantastic 4.49 carat Mint Green Tourmaline cushion loose gemstone, offered unmounted to someone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.35 in D 0.27 in L 0.42 in
Mint Green Tourmaline Ring Gem 3.46 Carat Unmounted Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vibrant 3.46 carat Mint Green Tourmaline cushion loose gemstone, offered unmounted to someone very
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.31 in L 0.41 in
1.17 Carat Unset Loose Unmounted Cushion Shaped Tanzanite Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
balance of rich blue and purple, this is unmistakeable as the highly-prized African gem from Tanzania. It
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tanzanite
Mandarin Garnet Ring Necklace Gem 3.69 Carat Kite Shape Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
3.69 carat Mandarin Garnet Kite shaped loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a unique gem collector
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
Free Shipping
W 0.35 in D 0.22 in L 0.51 in
Unheated Ruby Ring Gem 4 Carat Oval Unmounted Loose Gemstone “Pigeon Blood”
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exceedingly rare, vibrant and ultra fine, 4.32 carat natural, no heat “pigeon blood” Ruby oval gem
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Ruby
W 0.36 in D 0.22 in L 0.43 in
3.66 Carat Unset Loose Pear Shaped Unmounted Tanzanite Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous 3.66 carat pear-shaped tanzanite has rich, deep color, which is seldom seen. It will make a stunning necklace or ring! It measures 9.79 x 8.16mm and has a perfect blend...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tanzanite
Green Blue Tourmaline Ring Gem 4.35 Carat Unmounted Kite Shape Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exotic greenish blue 4.35 carat "loupe clean" Tourmaline loose gemstone. This kite shaped gem is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Namibian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
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W 0.52 in D 0.23 in L 0.54 in
Rhodolite Garnet Ring Gem 5.99 Carat Antique Pear Shape Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Remarkable 5.99 carat, "loupe clean", Rhodolite Garnet antique pear shape gem, offered loose to
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malawian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Rhodolite
Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem 5.83 Carat Unmounted Square Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
5.83 carat Pink Tourmaline square emerald-cut loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a very special
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.43 in L 0.44 in
.85 Carat Cushion Cut Unset Loose Unmounted Red Spinel Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If you are looking for a superb, fine-quality red spinel, look no further than this lovely gem
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Amethyst Hexagon Star of David Gem 12.13 Carat Brazil Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique 12.13 carat hexagon Amethyst gem offered loose to a special lady or gentleman. The cutting
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Amethyst, Quartz
Free Shipping
W 0.67 in D 0.43 in L 0.67 in
1.48 Carat Green Tsavorite Garnet Pear Shape, Unset Loose Unmounted Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
a fine gem. It weighs 1.48 carat and is exceptionally clean and brilliant. Measuring 9.78 x 5.57 x
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Tsavorite
1.90 Carat Emerald Cut Octagonal Loose Unset Unmounted Green Tourmaline Gemstone
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
is coming from. Overall a lovely, sparkling gem and a color that goes with everything! We specialize
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones
Materials
Tourmaline
Spessartite Garnet Ring Loose Stone 6.74 Carat Unmounted Pear Shape
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous 6.74 carat Spessartite Garnet gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine gem connoisseur
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet
Free Shipping
W 0.37 in D 0.28 in L 0.5 in
Mint Green Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 7.86 Carat Unmounted Trillion
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exquisite 7.86 carat Mint Green Tourmaline trillion shaped gem, offered unmounted to a very unique
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Tourmaline
Free Shipping
W 0.5 in D 0.35 in L 0.5 in
Ametrine Stone 10.77 Carat Fancy Emerald Cut Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exclusive 10.77 carat fancy Emerald-Cut Ametrine loose gem, offered unmounted to someone special
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bolivian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Citrine, Quartz, Amethyst
Free Shipping
W 0.54 in D 0.3 in L 0.69 in
Indicolite Tourmaline Ring Loose Gemstone 5.23 Carat Unmounted Emerald Cut
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Captivating 5.23 carat Indicolite Tourmaline emerald-cut loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Namibian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Materials
Tourmaline, Indicolite
Pink Tourmaline Ring Loose Stone 3.41 Carat Unmounted Emerald Cut
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
3.41 Carat Pink Tourmaline emerald-cut loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a gem lover.
Returns
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Tourmaline
Aquamarine Ring Loose Stone 2.73 Carat Unmounted Emerald Cut Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marvelous 2.73 carat Aquamarine emerald-cut loose gem, offered unmounted to someone special
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Engagement Rings
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Red Spinel Ring Stone 5 Carat Emerald Cut Unmounted Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exceptional and coveted 5.73 carat natural Red Spinel Emerald Cut loose gemstone, offered unmounted
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Spinel
Aquamarine Ring Gem 3.21 Carat Kite
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Spectacular 3.21 carat Aquamarine Kite loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a devoted fine gem
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Aquamarine, Beryl
Blue Zircon Ring Gem 8.00 Carat Cushion
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Breathtaking 8.00 carat unmounted Blue Zircon cushion gem offered loose to a sophisticated gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Congolese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Zircon, Blue Zircon
Tsavorite Gem 1.55 Carat Oval Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fine Tsavorite Garnet oval gem, offered loose to a world-class gemstone lover.
Returns are accepted
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Loose Gemstones
Materials
Garnet, Tsavorite
Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem 5.50 Carat Hexagon
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ultra exclusive 5.50 carat unmounted Pink Tourmaline Hexagon gem offered loose to a remarkable
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary More Necklaces
Materials
Tourmaline
Chrysoberyl Gem 5.15 Carat Cushion Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lively 5.15 carat "loupe clean" cushion Chrysoberyl gem, offered unmounted to someone special
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Chrysoberyl
Indicolite Tourmaline Ring Gem 28.05 Carat Loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exceptional 28.05 carat exotic Indicolite Tourmaline gem, offered unmounted to a fine gemstone
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Tourmaline, Indicolite
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Unmounted Gems For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a broad range of unmounted gems for sale on 1stDibs. Our collection of unmounted gems includes designs that are universally popular, but Contemporary and Modern styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Merkaba, Tamir and Sarosi By Timeless Gems produced popular versions that are worth a look. Browse our collection of 11 Tourmaline versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. There are many kite cut, oval cut and cushion cut unmounted gems for sale. Most of our unmounted gems for sale are for women, but there are 18 pieces available to browse for men.
How Much are Unmounted Gems?
On average, unmounted gems at 1stDibs sell for $3,500, while they’re typically $245 on the low end and $39,000 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.
More Ways To Browse
Seafoam Ring
Yellow Sphene
Loose Rubelite
Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Gems
Sphene Gemstone
Garnet Unset Gems
Neon Pink Spinel
Very Rare Russian Emerald
Loose Gem Blue Zircon
Unset Red Gemstone
Afghan Tourmaline Bicolor
Loose Rubellite
Unmounted Aquamarine
Pink Topaz Loose
Loose Gemstones Grey
Rubellite Tourmaline Loose
Sapphire Violet Blue Loose
Neon Pink Tourmaline Ring