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Loose Gemstones

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Loose Gemstones For Sale
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Old European Cut Natural Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION Stone Shape: Old European Diamond Weight: 1.01 Carat  Color: H Measurements: 6.51 x 6.53 x 3.45 mm Symmetry: Very Good Polish: Excellent Fluorescence: Medium Blue ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

GIA Certified 7.17 Carat No Heating Changing Color Sapphire
Located in София, BG
GIA Certified 7.17 Carat Sapphire. This stone exhibits a change of color when viewed under daylight or fluorescent vs incandescent light. Measurements: 10.82 x 10.52 x 6.79 mm Weight...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Bulgarian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

1.35 Carat Natural Loose Rare Hackmanite Cushion Shape Gemstone For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Hackmanite Weight: 1.35 Carats Dimension: 8.4 x 6.9 x 4.2 Mm Colour: Purple Shape: Cushion Treatment: Non Origin: Afghanistan Hackmanite is a unique and rare variety of the m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Other

0.16CT IGI Certified Round Brilliant
Located in kOWLOON, HK
Natural Diamond graded by IGI. Shape: Round Brilliant Weight: 0.16 CT Color: D Clarity: VVS2 Cut: Excellent Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Excellent Fluorescence: None Laser inscriptio...
Category

2010s Botswanan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

FLASH SALE GIA 10.07 Carat Natural Yellow Cushion Shape Diamond
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
GIA fancy yellow cushion shape diamond weighing 10.07 carats. Treated Clarity *Free shipping within the US
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.09 Ct Ruby Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
An exquisite red color birthstone for July, believed to convey a status of power & wealth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loose ...
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Antuiqe Pear Shape cut pink diamond, Extremely rare and Unique!
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
No description provi1.73ct Fancy Orangy Pink Antique Pear Shape Diamond – VVS2 Clarity – A Rare Romance in Color Unveil a captivating blend of history, rarity, and romance with this...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Diamond

2.20 Carat Natural Loose Pink Spinel Oval Shape Tanzanian’s Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Pink Spinel Weight : 2.20 Carat Dimension : 8.9 x 6.5 x 4.6 Mm Colour : Pink Treatment: Non Origin: Tanzania Shape : Oval Certificate: On Demand Spinel is a captivating gem...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

Spinel Cobalt Blue 3.25 Ct. Natural gemstone, Cushion, Tanzania, GFCO certified
Located in Daugavpils, LV
Natural Cobalt Blue Spinel Loose gemstone Origin Tanzania! Laboratory certified GFCO Gemstone Color: Blue Gemstone Type: Spinel Gemstone size: 9.98x7.50x5.31mm Gemstone Shape: Cush...
Category

2010s Tanzanian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

15.40 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 15.40 carat Dimensions 18.1x11.9x10.5mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald NA This 15.40 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst captivates wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

5.00 Carat Natural Loose Aquamarine Lot For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Aquamarine Lot Weight: 5.00 Carats Sizes: 0.70 To 1.90 Carats Origin; Shigar Valley Pakistan Treatment: Non Color: Blue White Aquamarine from Shigar Valley, Pakistan, is h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine

1.12 Ct Ruby Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
An exquisite red color birthstone for July, believed to convey a status of power & wealth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loose ...
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

3.55 Carat Natural Loose Pink Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gem For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Pink Tourmaline Weight: 3.55 Carats Dimension: 15 x 5.3 x 4.4 Mm Colour: Pink Origin: Afghanistan Shape : Emerald Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Pink tourmaline, know...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

1.24 Ct Ruby Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
An exquisite red color birthstone for July, believed to convey a status of power & wealth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loose ...
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

25 ct Oval Star Sapphire
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Item Description: One Loose Stone Weight: 25 cts Measurements: 18.68x14.54x8.44 mm Shape: Oval Vernacular Shape: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cabochon Cutting Style Pa...
Category

2010s Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

3.05 Ct Blue Sapphire Cushion Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting blue color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires i...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

Loupe Clean 5.10 Carat Natural Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Weight: 5.10 Carats Dimension: 14.4 x 7.8 x 5 Mm Colour: Blue Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Shape: Emerald Tourmaline is a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

9.40 Carat Natural Loose Peridot Pair Emerald Shape Gemstone For Earrings
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Peridot Pair Weight: 9.40 Carats Dimension: 10 x 8 x 6.7 Mm 10 x 8.1 x 6.5 Mm Origin: Supat Valley, Pakistan Shape: Emerald Color: Green Treatment: Non Pakistan peridot is a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Peridot, Other

27.08 Carats Green Paraiba Tourmaline Oval Cut Stone Fine Jewelry Natural Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
27.08 Carats Green Paraiba Tourmaline Oval Cut Stone Fine Jewelry Natural Gem Gemstone - Paraiba Tourmaline Weight - 27.08 Carats Size - 19.5x16x11.5 Shape - Oval Cut stone Pieces - 1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Paraiba

Certified 7.76 Carat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire Gemstone Oval Cut Pair
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Prepare to be enchanted by a rare and exquisite pair of Natural Unheated Ceylon Blue Sapphire Gemstones, each meticulously crafted into an oval cut, creating a perfectly matched pair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.01 Ct Ruby Marquise Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
An exquisite red color birthstone for July, believed to convey a status of power & wealth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loose ...
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

4.03 Ct Blue Sapphire Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting blue color. They are believed to bring good luck fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby Sa...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

5.00ct Purplish Red Oval Shape Sri Lankan Ruby Certified By SSEF And GRS
Located in Antwerpen, BE
5.006ct Purplish Red Oval Ruby – SSEF And GRS Certified A striking 5.006 carat Purplish Red Ruby, expertly cut into a timeless **oval shape**. This gemstone displays a vivid purpli...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

14.85 Carats Intense Blue Aquamarine Pear Drop Cut
Located in New York, NY
14.85 carats Intense blue Aquamarine Pear Drop Cut, excellent cut, superior color, ideal for a stunning custom designed necklace, pendant or cocktail ring...
Category

2010s Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine

1.45 Carat Natural Loose Green Blue Tourmaline Square Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Green Blue Tourmaline Weight: 1.45 Carat Dimension: 6.4 x 6.4 x 4.6 Mm Colour: Green Blue Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourmaline i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

3.42 Ct Blue Sapphire Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting blue color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires ...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.21 Ct Pink Sapphire Cushion Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting pink color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires ...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

1.25 Ct Pink Sapphire Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting pink color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires ...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

Green Chrome Sphene Gemstone: Multi Color Round Cut Titanite, June Birthstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
This stunning **green sphene** from Pakistan is an absolutely exhilarating gemstone, celebrated for its fiery brilliance and extraordinary optical charm! As a proud member of the **t...
Category

2010s Pakistani Loose Gemstones

Materials

Other

GIA Certified 1.12ct Parti Colour Australian Sapphire Blue Untreated Cushion Cut
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Untreated Australian Parti Colour Sapphire Gemstone. 1.12 Carat unheated sapphire with a rare parti colour effect. Showing blue and ye...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire

1.88 Ct Green Sapphire Cushion Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting green color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Green Sapphire

1.88 Ct Pink Sapphire Cushion Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting pink color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires ...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

27.42-Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A remarkable 27.42-carat natural Ethiopian Opal, expertly cut in an elegant oval shape and offered loose and unmounted for the serious gem collector. Celebrated for its luminous pres...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

1.67 Ct Blue Sapphire Heart Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting blue color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires ...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

1.75 Ct Blue Sapphire Heart Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting blue color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires ...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

0.23CT IGI Certified Round Brilliant
Located in kOWLOON, HK
Natural Diamond graded by IGI. Shape: Round Brilliant Weight: 0.23CT Color: D Clarity: VS1 Cut: Very Good Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Excellent Fluorescence: None Inscription : IGI ...
Category

2010s Botswanan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

5.34 Carat Brazilian Alexandrite Oval Loose Gem AGL Certified – Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ultra-Fine Rare Brazilian Alexandrite Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills proudly presents an extraordinary treasure: a 5.34 carat Brazilian Ale...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, ...

1.97 Ct Blue Sapphire Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
This natural Blue sapphire offers elegance and sophistication. With its rich color saturation and precise cutting, it is the perfect centerpiece for an engagement ring or luxury jewe...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

4.15 Carats Grs Certified Colombian Muzo Emerald Cut
Located in Hong Kong, HK
**Colombian Emerald Description** Introducing a stunning Colombian emerald, a remarkable gem weighing 4.15 carats. This exquisite octagon-cut stone is sourced from the prestigious M...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.80 Carat Natural Loose Spinel Oval Shape Gemstone From Tanzania
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spinel Weight: 1.80 Carat Dimension: 8.9 x 6.6 x 4 Mm Colour: Purple Origin: Tanzania Treatment: None Certificate: On Customer Demand Spinel is a captivating gemstone pr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel, Other

Genuine 1.70 Carat Natural Loose Fanta Hessonite Garnet Gemstone Cushion Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Hessonite Garnet Weight : 1.70 Carats Dimensions : 7.2x6.6x4.5 Mm Origin : Africa Clarity : Smoky Shape: Cushion Color: Fanta Orange Certificate: On Demand Birthstone: January Month According to Vedic astrologists, wearing a two-carat or higher hessonite garnet is said to bring wealth and success as well as promote longevity. Interestingly enough, garnet in general is well-known for being a gemstone associated with success, especially in business. Hessonites can make beautiful, inexpensive jewelry stones...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Romantic Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Hessonite

HRD Certified 1.01ct Princess-Cut Natural Diamond
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The HRD Certified 1.01ct Princess-Cut Diamond is a stunning gemstone of exceptional quality and brilliance. Certified by the prestigious HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant) institute, this ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

3.12 Cts Emerald Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue. The birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore a vast range of Emeralds in our store available as a loose gemstone that can be customized & made into a bespoke jewelry...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.41 Ct Pink Sapphire Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting pink color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires ...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

36.67 Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 36.67 carat oval Ethiopian opal offered unmounted, alive with electric play of color. This gemstone shifts between fiery reds, lush greens, tranquil blues, and golden flashes,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1 Ct Ruby Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
An exquisite red color birthstone for July, believed to convey a status of power & wealth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loose ...
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

2.02-Carat Natural Tanzanite — Vivid Blue Violet Oval Cut, Hue
Located in Temse, BE
This exceptional 2.02-carat tanzanite showcases a vivid blue-violet color that shifts gracefully between deep sapphire and lilac tones under varying light. Expertly faceted in an ova...
Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite

Natural Alexandrite Pair Green to Orange pink 0.67 Ct eye clean quality
Located in bangkok, TH
AXC12 Natural Alexandrite Pair Green to orange pink eye clean quality Name Stone : Alexandrite Weight : 0.67ct pair Color: green color ( change to orange pink ) Clarity: nearly eye...
Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Alexandrite

2.46 Ct Pink Sapphire Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting pink color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires ...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

Huge 38.55 Carat Natural Loose Amethyst Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stone: Amethyst Weight : 38.55 Carats Dimension: 21 x 19.9 x 14.1 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Cushion Color: Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst, a stunnin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

Huge 26.75 Carats Natural Loose Aquamarine Emerald Shape Gem From Shigar Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Aquamarine Weight: 26.75 Carats Dimension: 21x13.6x12.3 Mm Origin: Shigar Valley Pakistan Shape: Emerald Color: Light Blue Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand The Shigar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine

1.82 Ct Blue Sapphire Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting blue color. They are believed to bring good luck & fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires ...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

6.08 Ct Pink Sapphire Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
A highly precious September birthstone with a delighting pink color. They are believed to bring good luck fortune to life. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby Sa...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

4.50 Carat Adorable Faceted Aquamarine Goshenite Oval Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Goshenite Weight: 4.50 Carats Dimension: 13.4 x 9.7 x 5.5 Mm Origin: Pakistan Shape: Oval Color: Blue Certficate; On Customer Demand . Goshenite, a captivating and pristine...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Beryl

25.67 Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone Unmounted Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Offered loose and unmounted by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, this exceptional Ethiopian opal weighs 25.67 carats and is cut in a classic oval shape that highlights its remarkable pl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

AIG Certified 2.73 Carat Natural Loose Sapphire Oval Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Sapphire Weight: 2.73 Carats Sizes: 8.28 x 7.17 x 5.07 Mm Origin: Madagascar, Africa Shape: Oval Colour: Greenish Blue Treatment: Non Certificate: AIG Certificate Available S...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Other

11.20 Carat Natural Loose Swiss Blue Topaz Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Swiss Blue Topaz Weight: 11.20 Carats Dimensions: 12.5 x 10.7 x 9.2 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Cushion Color: Blue Certificate: On Demand Benefits Of Wearing Swiss Blue Topaz ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Topaz, Other

4.57 Ct Emerald Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loos...
Category

2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

0.28CT IGI Certified Round Brilliant
Located in kOWLOON, HK
Natural Diamond graded by IGI. Shape: Round Brilliant Weight: 0.28 CT Color: D Clarity: VS1 Cut: Excellent Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Excellent Fluorescence: Very Slight Laser insc...
Category

2010s Botswanan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

6.36 Ct Emerald Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Loose Gemstones for Sale on 1stDibs

Are you shopping for diamonds and other loose gemstones to create your own custom jewelry? 

Why might you purchase a diamond or gemstone “loose” — that is, on its own, not mounted in a piece of jewelry? Perhaps you’re a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment. The scarcity of high-quality colored diamonds, for instance, especially pink diamonds, means that their value increases over time; the same is true of rare Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies. Far rarer than diamonds, Paraiba tourmaline, discovered only in the 1980s, is treasured as much for its extraordinary color as its scarcity, both of which contribute to its high value.

A more common scenario would be that you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation.

If this sounds like you, read on for tips on becoming one of the world’s savviest gem hunters.

Educate yourself: When buying any piece of gem-set fine jewelry, you should familiarize yourself with the factors that determine a stone’s price. This will enable you to streamline your search for the perfect gem and have intelligent, productive conversations with sellers.

There is a wealth of information online, such as our diamond-buying guide and this overview of colored gemstones for engagement rings. The buying guides of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), searchable by stone type, are also a widely trusted source for consumers venturing into the world of diamonds and gems for the first time.

Vet your vendor: If you peruse 1stDibs with any regularity, you know there is no shortage of vendors who deal in top-quality loose gemstones. (Read about our vetted sellers.) Finding a trustworthy, established dealer may be as easy as getting a recommendation from friends or family. And, although it may sound obvious, it pays to Google your candidates — and consult customer reviews — before making contact.

Harakh Mehta, designer and founder of the Mumbai, India–based fine-jewelry brand Harakh, has an innate understanding of proper client relations, especially when the customer is in unfamiliar territory. “Start chatting with the dealer, get to know them better," he says. "It’s very important to establish a comfort level. We never push a sale, as we want it to be a carefully considered purchase. So, if the client is not in a rush, we do it over a few virtual meetings or phone calls.”

Request documentation: The best dealers go to great lengths to furnish clients with documents verifying the quality rating, natural origin and provenance of a stone — showing, for example, that loose emerald hails from the famous Muzo mine in Colombia — and disclosing any treatments applied to enhance its appearance. (And who doesn't love emerald jewelry? The most valuable emeralds are the ones that have a deep bluish-green to true green color and no visible inclusions.)

If no grading report is available for a stone you are interested in, the dealer should be able to provide an authenticity document, such as an appraisal or info sheet, that has been signed by an in-house gemologist or professional appraiser. Google those names, too, for extra peace of mind.

Ask for videos and visuals: When transacting with a gem dealer online, you should always request real-time videos and photographs, since professional photos of a stone, usually on a white background, have likely been retouched for optimal presentation.

Read more about how to buy loose gemstones and find your dream gems today on 1stDibs.

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