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Loose Gemstones

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Loose Gemstones For Sale
1 pc. Shimmering 4.01 Carat Emerald Cut Natural Diamond
Located in רמת גן, IL
This stunning diamond is sure to turn heads. It features a sparkling 4.01 carat emerald cut diamond with a D color, Flawless clarity, and VG cut grade. The diamond comes with a GIA c...
Category

2010s Israeli Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

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

60.23 Carats Top Colombian Emerald Carved Cabochon For Jewelry Natural Gems
Located in Jaipur, RJ
60.23 Carats Top Colombian Emerald Carved Cabochon For Jewelry Natural Gems Gemstone - Emerald Weight - 60.23 carats Shape - Carved Cabochon Quantity - 12 Pieces
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.70 Carat Elongated Pear Shape Rubellite Tourmaline, Unset Loose Gemstone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vibrant pink rubellite tourmaline pear would be beautiful set as a sleek, ultra-sophisticated pendant or modern ring! Weighing 2.70 carats, it has a gorgeous elongated shape and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rubelite, Tourmaline

2.10 Carat Natural Loose Deep Seafoam Tourmaline Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Deep Seafoam Tourmaline Weight: 2.10 Carat Dimension: 7.7 x 6.6 x 5.4 Mm Colour: Deep Seafoam Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourmaline...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

18.05 Carat Natural Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gem For Necklace
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Bi Colour Tourmaline Weight: 18.05 Carats Dimension: 14.1 x 13.1 x 10.1 Mm Colour: Pink And Green Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Shape: Emerald T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Seafoam Tourmaline 2.95 Carats Natural Loose Gemstone Cushion Cut
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Seafaom Tourmaline Weight: 2.95 Carats Dimension: 8.4 x 7.1 x 6.2 Mm Shape: Cushion Colour: Seafoam Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: None Certificate: On Demand . Seafoam tou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Other

2.20 Carat Natural Loose Sunset Tourmaline Stone Round Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.20 carat Dimensions 8.4x8.4x5.8mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity VVS Shape Cut Round This 2.20 carat Sunset Tourmaline displa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

11.40 Carat Natural Loose Milky Quartz Lot For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Milky Quartz Lot Weight: 11.40 Carat Sizes: 2.85, 3.90 And 4.55 Carats Origin: Madagascar Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Milky quartz is a common yet fascina...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Moonstone

1.35 Carat Natural Loose Blue Green Tourmaline Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Blue Green Tourmaline Weight: 1.35 Carat Dimension: 7.7 x 5.9 x 3.9 Mm Colour: Blue Green Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourmaline is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

9.56 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...
Category

2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

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

6.95 Carat Natural Loose Madeira Citrine Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.95 carat Dimensions 13.1x12.2x8.8mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion Precision This 6.95 carat Natural Madeira Citrine is a stunni...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Citrine

6.96 Ct GIT AIG Two certificate Natural Unheated Tanzanite Metallic purple Color
Located in bangkok, TH
TZA154 6.96 Ct Zoisite Unheated tanzanite GIT AIG Two certificate perfect cutting loop clean GIT,AIG Two Certificate Natural Tanzanite Zoisite Unheated perfect cutting loop clean ...
Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite, Ziosite

2.40 Ct Ruby Oval 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

1.25 Ct AIGS Certified Unheated Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood color eye clean No heat
Located in bangkok, TH
RMA97 1.25 Ct AIGS Certified Natural Burma Ruby Unheated Pigeon Blood color eye clean quality Gemstone GEM DESCRIPTION Species: Natural Corumdum Variety: Natural Ruby Unheated Weigh...
Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

6.02 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

2.73 Carat Emerald Cut Aquamarine Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marvelous 2.73-Carat Aquamarine Emerald-Cut Loose Gemstone – Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills proudly presents this 2.73-carat Aquamarine emerald-cut loo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine, Beryl, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold...

2.20 Carat Natural Green Blue Tourmaline Cushion Shape Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Green Blue Tourmaline Weight: 2.20 Carat Dimension: 9.1 x 6.9 x 4.3 Mm Colour: Green Blue Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Tourmaline is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

3.59 Ct Ruby Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
An exquisite red color birthstone for July, believed to convey a status of power wealth. All our gemstones are natural genuine. Certification can be provided on request ...
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Rare untreated ruby oval 9mm certified
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rare untreated ruby, heat only, stunning color! NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): NATURAL RUBY Clarity/Color: Slightly Included/Pinkish Red Cut: Rectangular 9X6.5MM Treatment: none pof WHAT Y...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

4.21ct Oval Red Ruby from Vietnam
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 4.21 cts Measurements: 10.64 x 8.41 x 4.81 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style Crown: Brilliant Cut Cutting Style Pavilion: Step Cu...
Category

2010s Vietnamese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

21.35 Carat Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Oval – Rare Gem for Collectors Custom
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 21.35 carat Dimensions 18.8x16.1x11.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Oval This extraordinary 21.35 Carat Mint Green Tourmaline is a rare ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

2.36 Ct Blue Sapphire Pear 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

1.21 Carat Cushion-Cut Natural Sky Blue Zircon
Located in Hua Hin, TH
Sparkling Cushion-cut Sky Blue Zircon This 1.21 carat Blue Zircon has an impressive fire and a pure light blue color. Giving it the "Sky Blue" Distinction. Stone Weight: 1.21 carat...
Category

2010s Cambodian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Zircon, Blue Zircon

3.30 Carat Natural Loose Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Green Tourmaline Weight: 3.30 Carat Dimension: 10.1 x 7.5 x 5 Mm Colour: Green Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Shape: Emerald Tourmaline is a captivating ge...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

1.65 Carat Natural Loose Faceted 6 Piece Ruby Lot Mix Cut Afghan Gemstones
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Piece 6 Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Mix This 1.65 Carat Natural Loose 6 Piece Ruby Lot features finely faceted gemstones presented in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 7.00 Carats Natural Diamond
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
A rare big GIA certified Natural Diamond , in perfect cushion cut , of 7,00 carats, I color VS2 clarity, very sparkly, bright, a very exceptional piece . Complete with GIA certificat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

17.50 Carat Loose Blue Tourmaline Stone Emerald Cut Natural African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 17.50 carat Dimensions 17.3x13.3x8.8mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity Loupe Clean Shape Octagon Cut Emerald NA This exquisite 17.50-carat natural Blue Tourmaline, als...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary African Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

4.99 Ct Blue Sapphire Oval 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

2.59 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

Natural Sri Lankan Blue Sapphire Gemstone 6.66 carats with GIA Report
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the timeless elegance of this natural Sri Lankan blue sapphire, weighing 6.66 carats. With its deep, velvety blue hue and expertly cut round shape, this gemstone exudes soph...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

44.40 Carat Gorgeous Faceted Kunzite Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Pink Kunzite Weight: 44.40 Carats Dimension: 21 x 16 x 15.3 Mm Colour: Pink Origin: Kunar, Afghanistan Certficate: On Demand Shape: Cushion Treatment: Heat Enhancement Kunz...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Kunzite

17.68 Carat Bicolor Tourmaline Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Merkaba Beverly Hills
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exceptional 17.68 carat bicolor tourmaline in a refined emerald cut, offered loose for collectors and bespoke fine jewelry design. This rare gemstone displays a captivating natura...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

3.60 Ct Blue Sapphire Oval 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

1.20 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Oval Shape Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 1.20 Carats Dimension: 8.1 x 6 x 3.7 Mm Origin: Zambia, Africa Shape : Oval Color: Green Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Zambian emeralds are among the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Zambian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.77 Ct Blue Sapphire Octagon 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

1.75 Ct Blue Sapphire Round 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

GIA Certified 0.60 Carat D Colour IF Clarity Diamond
Located in บางรัก, TH
Certificate: GIA Report Number: 2514347792 Shape And Cut: Round Carat Weight: 0.60 carat Measurements: 5.35 x 5.38 x 3.35 mm Color Grade: D Colour FEATURES OF THE DIAMOND: This D...
Category

2010s Asian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

GIA Certified 0.60 Carat U - V Colour SI2 Clarity Diamond
Located in บางรัก, TH
Certificate: GIA Report Number: 2436915661 Shape And Cut: Cushion Carat Weight: 0.60 carat Measurements: 5.03 x 4.41 x 3.07 mm Color Grade: U - V Colour FEATURES OF THE DIAMOND: T...
Category

2010s Asian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

8.85 Carat Natural Loose Yellow Golden Citrine Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.85 carat Dimensions 14.8x10.2x8.4mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion Precision Presenting a radiant 8.85 Carat Natural Yellow Golde...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Citrine

20.35 Carat Natural Loose Amethyst Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stone: Amethyst Weight : 20.35 Carats Dimension: 18.4 x 13.9 x 11.4 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Emerald Color: Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst, a stunn...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

5.06 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

5.91 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

2.10 Carat Natural Loose Bright Red Garnet Trilliant Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.10 carat Dimensions 7.8x7.7x4.7mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity VVS Shape Cut Trilliant Introducing a vibrant 2.10 Carat Natural Bright Red Garnet, expert...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

1.10 Carat Natural Loose Reverse Color Tourmaline Pair Trilliant Cut Afghan Gems
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.10 carat Dimensions 5.4x5.4x3.1mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Trilliant Presenting a unique 1.10 Carat Natural Reverse Color Tourmaline...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

1.40 Carat Natural Loose Blue Color Tourmaline Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.40 carat Dimensions 8.8x5.7x3.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion Introducing a beautiful 1.40 Carat Natural Blue Tourmaline, exper...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

1.60 Carat Natural Loose Pink Spinel Stone Baguette Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.60 carat Dimensions 9.4x5.2x3.1mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Baguette Presenting a refined 1.60 Carat Natural Pink Spinel, expertly crafted in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

5.30 Carat Natural Loose Peridot Cushion Shape Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Peridot Weight: 5.30 Carats Dimension: 9.8 x 8.7 x 7.1 Mm Origin: Supat Valley, Pakistan Shape: Cushion Color: Green Treatment: Non Pakistan peridot is a stunning variety of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Peridot

Ancient Susanian Carved Agate Head Intaglio Bead
Located in New York, NY
An ancient Sasanian hand carved red agate intaglio bead. The bead depicts a head with a high hairstyle. Ancient Sasanian Jewelry Wares and Accessories and Collectibles. Dimensions: ...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Loose Gemstones

Materials

Agate, Sterling Silver

Natural Tanzanite 8x8mm Faceted Cut AAAA Color Cushion 2.48 cts Loose Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
♥ Welcome to Blue Star Gems: Your stop for Natural Loose Gemstones for Jewelry making and Best Quality and affordable Gemstones for the Price you Pay We are Loose Gemstones Manufactu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite

1.10 Carat Natural Loose Paraiba Color Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.10 carat Dimensions 6.3x6.2x4.9 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion Unveil the brilliance of this 1.10 Carat Natural Loose Paraiba Color To...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

3.13 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

1.5 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

Indigo Blue Indicolite Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones Pairs 4.55Ct-Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Indigo Blue and Indicolite Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones Well matched Pairs for Earrings, Necklace Pendant or any other Jewelry Setting!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Indicolite

1.16 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

1.34 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

Natural Rhodolite Garnet – 3.39 ct
Located in Berlin, BE
Natural Rhodolite Garnet – 3.39 ct A high-quality Rhodolite Garnet from the Pyrope-Almandine series, weighing 3.39 ct. This gemstone features an intense color and an elegant cushion...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Aesthetic Movement Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

2.06 Ct Blue Sapphire Round 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

Colombian Emerald Octagon Pair – 149.95 cts (Gübelin Certified, Minor Oil)
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A masterpiece of natural beauty and expert craftsmanship, this exceptional matched pair of Colombian emeralds weighs a total of 149.95 carats. Cut in a classic octagonal step cut, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian 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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