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Loose Gemstones

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Loose Gemstones For Sale
Certified Old Mine Cut Diamond, 1.49 Carat G SI1
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Please revise all the details, photos, videos, and certificate carefully and familiarize yourself with our KYC Policy, below. Every diamond we offer has a captivating story to tell ...
Category

Early 18th Century Unknown Artisan Antique Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond

Rare Green Natural Peridot Loose Gemstone, 2.30 Ct Cushion Cut Ideal for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Peridot PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 2.30 Carats SHAPE: Cushion SIZE (MM): 8.30 x 6.80 x 4.78 COLOR: Green CLARITY: Eye Clean TREATMENT: None ORIGIN: Pakistan CERTIFICATE: On...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Peridot

4.20 Carat Natural Sky Blue Zircon
Located in Hua Hin, TH
A beautiful sparkling Cushion-Cut 'Sky-Blue' Zircon from Ratanakiri, Cambodia. Rare sparkling Blue Zircon is only found at one place in the world at Ratanakiri province in Northeast...
Category

2010s Cambodian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Zircon, Blue Zircon

3.25 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Cushion Shape Gem For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Weight: 3.25 Carats Dimension: 7.7 x 7.6 x 7 Mm Colour: Lagoon Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Tourmaline is a captivating gemston...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Certified 1.20 Ct No heat Padparadscha Sapphire Ceylon Origin Ring Gemstone
Located in Makola, LK
Ceylon rare padparadscha sapphire 1.20 Carats unheated Gemstone • Variety: Sapphire • Origin: Sri Lanka (Ceylon) • Color(s): Pinkish Orange • Shape/Cutting Style: Heart • Cut: Wellc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire

Brightening Peach color Tourmaline 2.90 carats Emerald Cut Natural Afghani Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.90 carats Dimensions 9.6 x 6.3 x 5.4 mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) Shape Octagon Cut Emerald Discover the captivatin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

1.51 Carat Cushion Shape White Sapphire GIA Certified Unheated
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Cushion shape 1.51-carat Natural Unheated Sri-Lankan White sapphire GIA certificate number:5202625543 has been hand-selected by our experts for...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

0.66 ct Horsetail Inclusion Russian Demantoid Garnet Loose Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
The Ural Mountains of Russia have long been recognized as the most important and consistent source of the rarest variety of Garnets, known as Demantoid. These unique gemstones are hi...
Category

2010s Russian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

Magnificent Sea-Blue Sapphire 3.10 Carats Emerald Cut Natural Madagascar's Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.10 carats Dimensions 9.9 x 6.4 x 5.1 mm Treatment None Origin Madagascar Clarity VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) Shape Rectangular Cut Emerald Discover the captiv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.10 Carat Treated Ruby
Located in Hua Hin, TH
Fine 2.10 carat dark red Ruby. Treated by way of Flux Heating, a method where a stone is present with a crack or split and is placed in a canister of flux material such as borax, wh...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Heart Shaped Rhodolite Loose Garnet Stone 3.50 Carats Natural Malawi Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.50 carats Dimensions 8.5x9.1x5.8 mm Origin Malawi Treatment None Shape heart Clarity Eye Clean Cut Mix Step cut Behold the captivating allure of a 3.50-carat Heart Shaped Rhodolite Loose...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malawian Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

9.60ct Oval Dramatic Pink Rubellite Tourmaline Loose Gemstone
Located in Sheridan, WY
A Radiant Pink Dream in this rare 9.60ct Oval Pink Rubellite Tourmaline. Mother Nature herself has painted this tourmaline with the most dramatic shades of pink, from soft pastels to...
Category

2010s African Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rubelite, Tourmaline

The Enchanting Hue Of Natural Greenish Blue color Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.50 carats Dimensions 12.2x5.5x4.4 mm Treatment none Origin Afghanistan Clarity VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) Shape Octagon Cut Emerald Each Greenish Blue Tourmal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Certified 2.41 Carats Mozambique Ruby Oval Faceted Cutstone No Heat Natural Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
As we are auction partners at Gemfields, we have sourced these rubies from winning auctions and had cut them in our in house manufacturing responsibly. Weight: 2.41 Carats Size: 10x...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

9.4 Ct Octagonal / Emerald Cut Emerald GIA Certified
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Emerald The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 6204893021 Shape: Octagonal Cutting Style: Step Cut Cutting Style: Crown: Cut...
Category

2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

0.41 Carat Radiant shaped diamond IF Clarity GIA Certified
Located in Kowloon, HK
***100% NATURAL FANCY COLOUR DIAMOND*** ✪ Diamond Details ✪ ➛ Shape: Radiant ➛ Colour Grade: F ➛ Carat: 0.41 ➛ Clarity: IF ➛ GIA Certified ^FEATURES OF THE DIAMOND^ Our diamond weighs 0.41 carats, which is equivalent to 0.41/100th of a gram. Although it's not a large diamond, it's a respectable size for various types of jewelry, offering a balance between size and affordability. The "F" color grade represents an exceptional level of color quality on the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) scale. F falls within the "Colorless" range, and these diamonds appear nearly colorless to the naked eye. They are highly sought after for their purity and brilliance. Our 0.41-carat F color diamond is prized for its exceptional brightness and purity. Its high color grade ensures that it reflects and refracts light beautifully, resulting in a stunning, radiant appearance. It can be set in various styles of jewelry, including engagement rings, pendants, or earrings, and it's an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality, colorless diamond without the premium price associated with the highest color grades. The Radiant cut is known for its square or rectangular shape with cropped corners, similar to an emerald cut. It features brilliant-cut facets that combine the elegance of step-cut diamonds with the sparkle of round brilliants. This cut provides a unique blend of geometric angles and brilliant sparkle, making it an excellent choice for those who want a distinctive and eye-catching shape. This "IF" clarity grade stands for "Internally Flawless," indicating that our diamond has no internal inclusions or flaws visible under 10x magnification. IF is the highest clarity grade and represents a diamond of exceptional purity and transparency. Also, the Radiant shape, with its numerous facets and sharp angles, allows for impressive brilliance and fire, making the diamond shine brilliantly in various lighting conditions. Combining the Radiant shape with IF clarity results in this truly exceptional and rare diamond. Such diamonds are highly sought after for their perfect clarity and unique appearance. Our Radiant shape IF clarity diamond...
Category

2010s Asian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

NO RESERVE 2.0ct Oval Teal Blue NATURAL SAPPHIRE Gemstone
Located in Sheridan, WY
Step into a world of serene elegance with our 2.0ct Oval Teal Blue Natural Sapphire Gemstone. This enchanting gemstone features a captivating teal blue hue that mirrors the tranquil...
Category

2010s African Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

7.80 Carats Tourmaline Match Pair, Mix Color Tourmaline Round Cut Stones
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Gemstone - Tourmaline Weight- 7.80 Carats Shape - Round Size - 6 MM Pieces - 9
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

HRDAntwerp certified 2.00 carat Emerald Shape Natural Diamond F SI1
Located in Dubai, UAE
We are natural diamond production company located in Dubai. Weight: 2.00ct Shape: Emerald Color: rare white + (F) Clarity: SI1 Polish: Very Good Symm: Excellent Dimensions (mm): 7.87...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emirian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald

Dive into Pure Elegance with Sea Blue Natural Aquamarine The Jewel of the Oceans
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.10 carats Dimensions 9x9x5.6mm Treatment none Origin Pakistan Clarity Very small inclusions (VVS) Shape Triangular Cut Trilliant Introducing the mesmerizing Sea Blue Na...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine

Beautiful Natural Spessartite Garnet Fanta Color 5.51ct SI
Located in Bangkok, TH
Radiant beauty captured in a 5.15 ct Fanta color spessartite garnet, its fiery hues igniting the soul. The gem’s mesmerizing brilliance dances with every flicker of light, a testamen...
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

2.07 Carat Blue Star Sapphire Cabochon
Located in Hua Hin, TH
2.07 carat Oval Blue Cabochon Star Sapphire Shape: Oval Cut: Cabochon Dimensions: 7.57 x 6.09 x 4.36 mm Color: A light but yet prominent pastel-like blue. Weight: 2.07 Carat No Heat/...
Category

2010s Asian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire

Amazing Purple Amethyst 13.10 carats Emerald Cut Natural Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 13.10 carats Dimensions 14.4 x 13.4 x 10.9 mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Eye Clean Shape Octagon Cut Emerald Enhance your jewelry collection with the exquis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

1.45 Carats Rich Green Tsavorite Garnet Oval Cut Natural Gemstone From Kenya
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.45 carats Dimensions 7.05x5.59x4.28 mm Treatment none Origin Kenya Clarity VVS Shape oval Cut Oval Discover the unparalleled beauty of this exquisite 1.45 carats Ri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Kenyan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Tsavorite

Marvelous Topaz Gemstone 14.95 carats Cushion Cut Loose Pakistani Topaz Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 14.95 carats Dimensions 13.1 x 11.9 x 10.5mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity SI (slightly included) Shape Cushion Cut Fancy Cushion Discover the allure of this exquisite topaz loose...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

Baby Pink Kunzite Ring Gemstone Step Cushion Cut 4.31 Carat Loose Gems
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gemstone Type Baby Pink Color Natural Kunzite Weight 4.31 carats Dimensions 11.0 x 8.5 x 6.0 mm Clarity Needles like Inclusions are seen Shape Rectangular Origin Namibia Treatment No...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Namibian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Kunzite

Bright Blue Burmese Loose Spinel 2.45 carats Step Oval Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight : 2.45 carats Dimensions : 9.2x7.0x4.8 mm Clarity : Eye Clea Treatment : None Origin : Sri Lanka Cut : Oval Shape : Step Oval Indulge in the captivating allure of this B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

3.41 Carats Natural Sweet Pink Tourmaline Stone Tourmaline Loose Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Natural Sweet Pink Tourmaline Stone, Available For Sale At Wholesale Price, Natural High-Quality, 3.41 Carats Loose Certified Pink Tourmaline Gem...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Rare Purple Natural Amethyst Gemstone, 17.05 Ct Emerald Cut for Necklace Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
GEMSTONE TYPE: Amethyst PIECE(S): 1 WEIGHT: 17.05 Carats SHAPE: Step Emerald Cut SIZE (MM): 17.65 x 13.02 x 10.44 COLOR: Purple CLARITY: Eye Clean TREATMENT: None ORIGIN: Africa CER...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Zambian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

1.15 Ct Emerald Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification can be provided on request at a n...
Category

2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.53 Cts Blue Sapphire Oval 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 in life. Explore a vast range of Sapphires in our store available ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire

GIA Certified 1.29 Carat Old European Natural Diamond
Located in New York, NY
ITEM DESCRIPTION ID #: NYC57911 Stone Shape: Old European Diamond Weight: 1.29Carat Fancy Color: M Cut: Brilliant Measurements: 6.58 x 6.88 x 4.56 mm Symmetry: Fair Polish: Good Flu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

2.61 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification ca...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.95 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification ca...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

4.40 Carats Rare Loose Triplite Stone Emerald Cut Natural Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.40 carats Dimensions 10.9x8.2x5.1 mm Treatment none Origin Shigar, Pakistan Clarity SI Shape octagon Cut emerald Presenting an exceptional 4.40 carats Rare Triplite ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.60 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification ca...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

3.10 Carat Natural Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Cushion Shape Gem For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Weight: 3.10 Carats Dimension: 8.4 x 7.5 x 5.6 Mm Colour: Blue Origin: Afghanistan Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Indicolite tourmaline, prized fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Indicolite

2.48 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification ca...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

5.00 Carat Natural Loose Amethyst Oval Shape Gem From Brazil Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Amethyst Weight: 5.00 Carats Dimension: 13.3 x 8.8 x 6.7 Mm Colour: Purple Origin: Brazil Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Shape: Oval Amethyst, a stunning variety of qu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

1.54 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification ca...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.30 Carats Rare Triplite Stone Emerald Cut Natural Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.30 carats Dimensions 8.1x6.6x4.2 mm Treatment none Origin Pakistan Clarity SI Shape octagon Cut emerald Presenting an exceptional 2.30 carats Rare Triplite Stone, me...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Other

13.25 Carat Natural Loose Golden Topaz Pear Shape Gem For Necklace Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Topaz Weight: 13.25 Carats Dimension: 15.3 x 14.2 x 10 Mm Origin: Skardu, Pakistan Shape: Pear Color: Golden Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Golden Topaz is a radiant g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

4.54 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification ca...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

3.40 Carat Natural Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gem From Earth Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Weight: 3.40 Carats Dimension: 10.3 x 7.3 x 5.6 Mm Colour: Mint Green Origin: Afghanistan Certificate: On Demand Treatment: Non Tourmaline is a captivat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

1.75 Carats Gray Loose Burmese Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Natural Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.75 carats Dimensions 7.5x6.9x4.1 mm Treatment none Origin Burma Clarity SI Shape cushion Cut cushion This stunning 1.75 carats Gray Burmese Spinel Stone is a natura...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

3.10 Ct Blue Sapphire Round 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification ca...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

5.07 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification ca...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

3.92 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification ca...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.22 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification ca...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

0.94 Ct Blue Sapphire Round 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification c...
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

0.85 Carats Loose Pink Tourmaline Stone Round Cut Natural Afghani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 0.85 carats Dimensions 6.1x6.1x3.9 mm Treatment none Origin Afghanistan Clarity eye clean Shape round Cut round brilliant This captivating 0.85 carat Pink Tourmaline ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern 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 at a nom...
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

5.96 Ct Emerald Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification can be provided on request at a ...
Category

2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

11.95 Ct Emerald Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification can be provided on request at a ...
Category

2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.07 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification can be provided on request at a ...
Category

2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.06 carat Heart Shaped Natural Yellow Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 2.06 carat heart-shaped natural yellow diamond is a stunning example of nature's beauty. Expertly cut to perfection, it boasts exceptional clarity and a radiant yellow...
Category

2010s Indian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Yellow Diamond

Incredible Hot Pink Garnet Gemstone 1.40 Carats Garnet Gemstone From Malawi
Located in Bangkok, TH
Incredible Hot Pink Garnet Gemstone of 1.40 carats from Malawi has a wonderful cut in a Octagon shape, incredible Red color, Great brilliance. This gem is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malawian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

23.97 Carats Top Quality Rubellite Tourmaline Cabochon Sugarloaf Natural Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
This is a one of a kind of rubellite tourmaline. Gemstone - Rubellite Tourmaline Weight - 23.97 Ct Size - 15.4x13.14 MM Piece - 1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rubelite, Tourmaline

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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