Skip to main content

Untreated Sapphire Loose

8
to
8
77
25
96
24
18
10
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
48
6
3
1
1
Sort By
GRS Certified 9.16 Carat Blue Sapphire Untreated Loose Gem
Located in Taipei, TW
natural and untreated quality, as most sapphires undergo some form of enhancement to improve their color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

GRS Certified 9.16 Carat Blue Sapphire Untreated Loose Gem
GRS Certified 9.16 Carat Blue Sapphire Untreated Loose Gem
Free Shipping
W 0.39 in D 0.28 in L 0.54 in
GRS Certified 12.68 Carat Blue Sapphire Untreated Loose Gem
Located in Taipei, TW
A Burmese blue sapphire of 12 carat size is a rare and stunning gemstone that has a deep and vivid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

GRS Certified 12.68 Carat Blue Sapphire Untreated Loose Gem
GRS Certified 12.68 Carat Blue Sapphire Untreated Loose Gem
Free Shipping
W 0.47 in D 0.38 in L 0.52 in
GIA Certified 40.11 Carat Loose Untreated Natural Cushion Yellow Sapphire
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rare unheated, untreated, large natural yellow sapphire. GIA Cert No.: 2223993369 dated July 14
Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Yellow Sapphire

Untreated Cushion Cut Blue Sapphire 0.63ct IGI Certified Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Untreated Cushion Cut Blue Sapphire 0.63ct IGI Certified Loose Gem 5.4x4.3mm Natural Untreated
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

GRA Certified 1.17ct Blue Sapphire Untreated Heart Cut Loose Rare Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
GRA Certified 1.17ct Blue Sapphire Untreated Heart Cut Loose Rare Gem 7.1x6mm GRA Certified
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

Deep Blue Untreated Oval Cut Sapphire IGI Certified 0.61ct Loose Rare Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Deep Blue Untreated Oval Cut Sapphire IGI Certified 0.61ct Loose Rare Gem Natural Deep Blue
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 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

Untreated Natural Sapphire 1.16ct Fine Green Blue Teal Heart Cut Loose Gem VS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Untreated Natural Sapphire 1.16ct Fine Green Blue Teal Heart Cut Loose Gem VS Natural Untreated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Deep Royal Blue Untreated Oval Cut Sapphire IGI Certified 0.63ct Loose Rare Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Deep Royal Blue Untreated Oval Cut Sapphire IGI Certified 0.63ct Loose Rare Gem Natural Deep Royal
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

1ct Round Teal Blue Natural Untreated Sapphire Gemstone
By Hannaboya
Located in Sheridan, WY
Discover the timeless beauty of this 1-carat Round Teal Blue Natural Untreated Sapphire Gemstone
Category

2010s African Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

2.01ct Yellow sapphire untreated natural certified stunning sparkle
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning yellow sapphire with great sparkle! Just over 2ct makes a great gift for anyone, will come
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Yellow Sapphire

0.94ct Green Yellow Australian Sapphire Untreated Oval Cut No Heat
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Natural Yellow Green Sapphire Gemstone. 0.94 Carat with a beautiful vivid green yellow colour
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Sapphire

GIA Certified 1.19ct Parti Colour Thai Sapphire Blue Yellow Untreated Emerald
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Untreated Thailand Parti Colour Sapphire Gemstone. 1.19 Carat unheated sapphire with a rare
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire

GIA Certified 1.12ct Parti Colour Australian Sapphire Blue Untreated Cushion Cut
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Untreated Australian Parti Colour Sapphire Gemstone. 1.12 Carat unheated sapphire with a rare
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire

FINE Vivid Yellow Green Australian Sapphire Oval Cut 0.80ct UNTREATED 5.5x4.4mm
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Natural Untreated Yellow Green Australian Sapphire Gemstone. 0.80 Carat with a beautiful
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire

1.5ct Pear Cut UNTREATED TEAL BLUE NATURAL SAPPHIRE Gemstone NO RESERVE
By Hannaboya
Located in Sheridan, WY
Indulge in the captivating allure of this exquisite 1.5-carat Pear Cut Untreated Teal Blue Natural
Category

2010s African Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

Fine Teal Green Blue GIA Certified 1.35ct Unheated Sapphire Oval Cut Untreated
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Blue Untreated Teal Sapphire Gemstone. Fine quality unheated sapphire with a beautiful green
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Green Sapphire

Fine Deep Green Blue GIA Certified 1.03ct Unheated Sapphire Oval Cut Untreated
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Blue Green Untreated Sapphire Gemstone. Fine quality unheated sapphire with a beautiful vivid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Green Sapphire

GIA Certified 1.31ct Parti Colour Sapphire Blue Yellow Untreated Emerald Cut Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Untreated Australian Parti Colour Sapphire Gemstone. 1.31 Carat unheated sapphire with a rare
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

GIA Certified Colour Change Sapphire 0.76ct Untreated Round Cut Unheated Rare
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Untreated Colour Change Sapphire Gemstone. 0.76 Carat unheated sapphire with a rare colour
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

GIA Certified 1.36ct Untreated Vivid Green Yellow Sapphire Round Diamond Cut Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GIA Certified Untreated Green Yellow Sapphire Gemstone. 1.36 Carat unheated sapphire with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire

GIA Certified Fine Blue 1.19ct Untreated Sapphire Pear Cut Unheated Rare Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GIA Certifier Fine Blue Untreated Sapphire Gemstone. Unheated blue sapphire with a beautiful deep
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue 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

5.20 Carat Natural Cushion Cut No Heat Loose Violet Blue Sapphire Gemstone
Located in Stamford, CT
cut natural untreated violet blue sapphire. approx. total weight 5.20cts. AGL certified 1093528 Thank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Purple 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

9.75 Star Sapphire Black sapphire stunning certified 100% natural
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rare matching pair of rubies, untreated and certified. NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): NATURAL SAPPHIRE
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Star Sapphire

NO RESERVE 1ct Round TEAL BLUE UNHEATED SAPPHIRE
By Hannaboya
Located in Sheridan, WY
Discover the timeless beauty of this 1-carat Round Teal Blue Natural Untreated Sapphire Gemstone
Category

2010s African Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

GIA Certified 6.05 Carats Unheated Purple Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, unique pear shape, and untreated purity, this Natural Unheated Purple Sapphire stands as a rare and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

GIA Certified 6.05 Carats Unheated Purple Sapphire
GIA Certified 6.05 Carats Unheated Purple Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.37 in D 0.22 in L 0.63 in
GIA Certified 3.56 Carats Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Notably, the sapphire is untreated, maintaining its natural integrity. The GIA Report further solidifies
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire

GIA Certified 3.56 Carats Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire
GIA Certified 3.56 Carats Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.34 in D 0.2 in L 0.36 in
AIGS Certified 3.25 Carats Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sapphire is untreated, preserving its natural state. Accompanied by an AIGS Report, the gemstone's
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire

AIGS Certified 3.25 Carats Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire
AIGS Certified 3.25 Carats Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.3 in D 0.21 in L 0.37 in
0.79 Carat Natural Fancy Pink Sapphire
Located in Hua Hin, TH
A stunning Fancy Pink Sapphire from the Kenya, East Africa ID #: FSC098 Weight: 0.79 Carats Shape
Category

2010s Kenyan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

0.79 Carat Natural Fancy Pink Sapphire
0.79 Carat Natural Fancy Pink Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.22 in D 0.14 in L 0.18 in
NO RESERVE 1.3ct Oval NATURAL Teal BLUE SAPPHIRE Gemstone
By Hannaboya
Located in Sheridan, WY
Blue Clarity: Eye-clean; free of visible inclusions. Dimensions: 7x5mm This natural, untreated sapphire
Category

2010s African Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire

NO RESERVE 1ct Oval NATURAL TEAL BLUE UNHEATED SAPPHIRE Gemstone
By Hannaboya
Located in Sheridan, WY
natural, untreated sapphire is a treasure for those who value the untouched beauty of gemstones. It is
Category

2010s African Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

GIA Certified 3.17 Carats Unheated White Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing a stunning 3.17-carat Natural Unheated White Sapphire, certified by GIA. With a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

GIA Certified 3.17 Carats Unheated White Sapphire
GIA Certified 3.17 Carats Unheated White Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.3 in D 0.23 in L 0.39 in
GIA Certified 5.39 Carats Unheated Yellow Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A golden yellow, this yellow sapphire is unique in every way. Unheated and untreated, at 5.39
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Yellow Sapphire

GIA Certified 5.39 Carats Unheated Yellow Sapphire
GIA Certified 5.39 Carats Unheated Yellow Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.34 in D 0.26 in L 0.45 in
0.91 Carat Precisely Cut Asscher Silver Spinel Solitaire Ring Loose Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
treasured rubies and sapphires were actually spinels, the stone’s affected its public perception. Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

6.85ct Oval star sapphire 100% natural and certified
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rare untreated natural star sapphire, comes with box and certificate. NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): NATURAL
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Star Sapphire

Canary Yellow Sapphire 1.67 ct No Heat
Located in Bangkok, TH
untreated, so no heat treatment involved! Explore the natural beauty today. Stone : Sapphire Color: Canary
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Yellow Sapphire

Canary Yellow Sapphire 1.67 ct No Heat
Canary Yellow Sapphire 1.67 ct No Heat
Free Shipping
W 0.22 in D 0.17 in L 0.24 in
GIA Certified 2.91 Carat Oval Light Pink No Heat Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing No Heat Pink Sapphire That is Out of This World! Featuring a Light Pink Untreated Oval Shaped
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

GIA Certified 1.68 Carats Unheated Purplish Pink Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
shape, and untreated nature, this Purplish Pink Sapphire stands as an appealing and valuable gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

GIA Certified 1.68 Carats Unheated Purplish Pink Sapphire
GIA Certified 1.68 Carats Unheated Purplish Pink Sapphire
Free Shipping
W 0.23 in D 0.04 in L 0.4 in
Oscar Heyman Multicolor Sapphire Necklace Layout, 114.79 Carats
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New Orleans, LA
nadir, and the emerald cut maximizes their brilliant colors. These sapphires are also untreated, meaning
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

GIA Certified #5231058390 No Heat Ceylon Cabochon Sapphire Weighing 17.16 carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a Magnificent GIA Certified No Heat Ceylon Cabochon Sapphire Dazzle and amaze with this
Category

20th Century Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

2 Natural Round Diamond-Cut Blue Sapphires Cts 1.21
Located in Hong Kong, HK
, measuring 4.98 x 4.98 x 3.15mm. These exceptional gems are natural, untreated specimens sourced from the
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond

GIA Certified No Heat Pear Shape Carving Natural Sapphire Weighing 4.70 Carats
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Species Natural Corundum Natural Sapphire TREATMENT: No Indications of Heating One loose stone Weight
Category

Early 20th Century Burmese Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

GIA Certificated Oval Carved Double Sided Cabochon Emerald Weighing 53.64 Carats
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
loose stone Weight: 53.64 carats Measurements: 26.97 x 19.90 x 12.90 mm An oval carved double-sided
Category

Early 20th Century Colombian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Unheated Saphires yellow purple NATURAL COLOR 0.96 ct Ilakaka Mine Madagascar
Located in Viena, Viena
..untreated NATURAL COLOR sapphires...always a rarity, most sapphires are heated, from the Ilakaka
Category

2010s Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite

1.10 Carat Teal Blue Sapphire Untreated GRA Certified Cushion Cut No Heat
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Teal Blue Sapphire Untreated Loose Gem. 1.10 Carat sapphire with a beautiful teal blue colour and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Blue Sapphire

1.11Ct Lilac Pink Purple Sapphire GRA Certified Round Cut No Heat Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.11Ct Lilac Pink Purple Sapphire GRA Certified Round Cut No Heat Loose Gem Natural Lilac Pink
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Purple Sapphire, Sapphire

Natural GRA Certified 1.20Ct Green Blue Sapphire Rare Cushion Cut Gem IF
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Untreated Green Blue Sapphire Loose Gemstone. 1.20 Carat sapphire with a beautiful deep greenish blue colour
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

Vintage Necklace 21K Gold 7.8 ctw 12natural Blue Red Green Sapphires Rubies/5.1g
Located in SE
Necklace in solid 21K Gold featuring 12 Green and Blue Sapphires mixed with pinky-red rubies. All
Category

20th Century European Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Ruby, Green Sapphire, 22k Gold

1977 Halo Ring solid 18K Gold 2.45ct Sapphire 0.7ct Diamonds Ø6.5US/5.6g
Located in SE
British Cluster Halo Ring set with oval cut natural untreated Sapphire surrounded with 12 old
Category

Vintage 1970s English Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1918 Antique Halo Ring solid 18KGold 0.66ct Sapphire 0.7ct Diamonds Ø6US/2.4gr
Located in SE
Sapphire and 16 old European cut Diamonds in White Gold or Silver settings. Untreated natural Sapphire of
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Bracelet 5.5 ct Sapphire 2.3ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum /17.7cm/9.4gr
Located in SE
Platinum with natural and untreated Blue Sapphire and 20 old diamond-cut Diamonds. All stones have their
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1930 Nordic Ring 5ct Sapphire 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Ø7.75US/4.4gr
Located in SE
Nordic Cluster Ring set with claw set oval cut natural untreated Sapphire flanked with 4 old
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Imperial Russian 84 Silver Bangle Bracelet natural 2ct Sapphire Ruby Enamel/34gr
Located in SE
x 14 mm with natural and untreated medium Blue colored Sapphire 8 mm x 6.5 mm x 5 mm ca.2 ct
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Enamel

Halo Ring 1.25ct Bi-color Sapphire 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K Platinum Ø4.5US / 5.3gr
Located in SE
bezel set with open backs. Natural /untreated medium bi-color Blue - Green Sapphire cushion cut 6 mm x
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Trinity Halo Ring 1.4 ctw natural Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.5US/4.7g
Located in SE
parts measures 22 mm x 10 mm x 5 mm deep. Natural /untreated medium Blue colored Sapphires: central Ø
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Ring 1ct Sapphire 1 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Rose ØUS 5.5 / 3.4gr
Located in SE
marquise cut natural Blue Sapphire surrounded with 16 old diamond cut Diamonds on the crown and flanked
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Silver, 14k Gold

Men Ring natural 10.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Size US8 / 13gr
Located in SE
Ring for Men, "Gypsy Style ", featuring bezel set natural untreated semitransparent Blue Sapphire
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Antique Halo Ring 1ct Sapphire 1.5 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø 8.25US/ 5.5 gr
Located in SE
). Crown with settings measures 18mm x 16mm x 5 mm in depth. Natural /untreated medium-colored cabochon
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Modernist Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Untreated Sapphire Loose", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Untreated Sapphire Loose For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the untreated sapphire loose you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Our collection of these items for sale includes 12 vintage editions and 16 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for an untreated sapphire loose from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic untreated sapphire loose over the years, but those made by Gems and Jewels UK are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for an oval cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also heart cut cut and cushion cut cut versions available here, too. Finding an untreated sapphire loose for sale for men should be easy, but there are 26 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as women, too.

How Much is a Untreated Sapphire Loose?

The price for an untreated sapphire loose starts at $81 and tops out at $933 with these more-jewelry-watches, on average, selling for $230.

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.