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Loose Heart Gem

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Fine 2.70ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem VS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 2.70ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 8.4x7.6mm VS Fine Natural Rhodolite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Fine 1.88ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 7.8x6.5mm
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 1.88ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 7.8x6.5mm Fine Natural Rhodolite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Fine Deep Blue Australian Sapphire 2.31ct Heart Cut Rare Loose Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
excellent clarity, a very clean stone. Also has an excellent heart cut and ideal polish to show great shine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

2.33 Carat Deep Orange Red Spessartine Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem IF
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
2.33ct Deep Orange Red Spessartine Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 8.4x7.4mm IF Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

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

Aquamarine Heart Shape Gem 8.39 Carat Loose Stone
By Margherita Burgener
Located in Valenza , IT
Loose aquamarine in heart shape, mixed cut. The aquamarine weights is 8.39 carats. Origin Brazil
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine

Aquamarine Heart Shape Gem 8.39 Carat Loose Stone
Aquamarine Heart Shape Gem 8.39 Carat Loose Stone
Free Shipping
W 0.63 in D 0.31 in L 0.45 in
Fine1.13ct Vivid Orange Red Spessartine Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 6.2x5.7mm
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine1.13ct Vivid Orange Red Spessartine Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gem 6.2x5.7mm Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

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

1.18ct Fine Deep Purple Sapphire Heart Cut Rare Loose Cut Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.18ct Fine Deep Purple Sapphire Heart Cut Rare Loose Cut Gem 6.8x5.3mm Natural Deep Purple
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

17.70 Carat Natural Loose Ametrine Heart Shape Gem For Necklace Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
& Yellow Shape: Heart Treatment: Non Certficate: On Demand . Ametrine is a unique and captivating gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Other

10.70 Carat Adorable Loose Blue Topaz Heart Shape Gem For Necklace
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Blue Topaz Weight: 10.70 Carats Dimension: 12.4 x 13.7 x 9.5 Mm Origin: Brazil Colour: Blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Topaz

Fine 1.90ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gemstone
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 1.90ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gemstone 7.8x6.7mm Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Fine Green Colour Australian Sapphire 1.20ct Heart Cut Loose Gemstone
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Green Colour Australian Sapphire 1.20ct Heart Cut Loose Gemstone 7.2x5.5mm Natural Green
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire

2.00 Carat Heart Shaped Ruby, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This heart-shaped ruby weighs exactly 2.00 carats and has beautifully rich, saturated color! It
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Adorable 5.25 Carats Natural Loose Heart Shape Dark Purple Amethyst Gem For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Amethyst Weight: 5.25 Carats Dimension: 11.7 x 12.1 x 7.6 Mm Origin: Brazil Treatment: Non
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Amethyst

Fine 3.13 Carat Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gemstone VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 3.13ct Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Cut Loose Gemstone 9x8mm VVS Fine Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Fine Vivid Green Colour Sapphire 0.79ct Heart Cut Loose Gemstone 6x4.8mm VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vivid Green Colour Sapphire 0.79ct Heart Cut Loose Gemstone 6x4.8mm VVS Natural Green
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire

Fine Australian Green Blue Bi Colour Sapphire 0.91ct Heart Cut Rare Gem
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Green Blue Parti-Colour/bi colour Australian Sapphire Gem. 0.91 Carat with a beautiful and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Green Sapphire

5.49 Ct Emerald Heart Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loose gemstone
Category

2010s Zambian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

5.49 Ct Emerald Heart Loose Gemstone
5.49 Ct Emerald Heart Loose Gemstone
W 0.53 in D 0.24 in L 0.48 in
3.34 Ct Blue Sapphire Heart Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
available as a loose gemstone & matching your gem with our ready selection of beautiful ring styles in the
Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

3.34 Ct Blue Sapphire Heart Loose Gemstone
3.34 Ct Blue Sapphire Heart Loose Gemstone
Free Shipping
W 0.34 in D 0.2 in L 0.4 in
6.00 Carats Heart Shaped Loose Pinkish Red Garnet Natural Madagascar's Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Shape heart Cut heart The 6.00 carats Heart Shaped Red Garnet from Madagascar is a stunning
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

14.07 Carats Heart Shaped Red Loose Garnet Stone Natural Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Tanzanian gemstone that captivates with its deep, rich red hue. This exquisite gem boasts a striking heart
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

5.15 carats Fine Quality Loose Sphene Stone Heart Shaped Madagascar's Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Shape heart Cut Heart The 5.15-carat Sphene stone, elegantly fashioned into a heart shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Beryl

Silvery Gray Burmese Spinel 2.60 carats Heart Cut Natural Loose Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Included) Origin Burma Shape Heart Cut Heart Discover the enchanting allure of this Silvery Gray
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

4.50 carats Fine Quality Loose Sphene Stone Heart Shaped Madagascar's Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.50 carats Dim 11.4x10.2x6 mm Clarity VVS Origin Madagascar Treatment None Shape heart Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Beryl

1.45 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Gem From Swat, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 1.45 Carat Dimension: 7.4 x 5.5 x 4.9 Mm Origin: Swat, Pakistan Treatment
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.45 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Gem From Swat, Pakistan
1.45 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Gem From Swat, Pakistan
Free Shipping
W 0.22 in D 0.2 in L 0.3 in
9.40 Carats Natural Loose Imperial Golden Topaz Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Topaz Weight: 9.40 Carats Dimension: 12.9x10.3x7.9 Mm Origin: Skardu Pakistan Shape: Emerald
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

9.40 Carats Natural Loose Imperial Golden Topaz Ring Gem
9.40 Carats Natural Loose Imperial Golden Topaz Ring Gem
Free Shipping
W 0.41 in D 0.32 in L 0.51 in
2.50 Carats Natural Loose Baby Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 2.50 Carats Dimension: 8.3x6.2x5.8 Mm Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

2.50 Carats Natural Loose Baby Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem
2.50 Carats Natural Loose Baby Pink Tourmaline Ring Gem
Free Shipping
W 0.25 in D 0.23 in L 0.33 in
2.69 Carats Loose Chrome Tourmaline Heart Cut Stone Natural African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Heart Cut Heart The exquisite Chrome Tourmaline is a natural African gemstone that captivates with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary African Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Chrome Tourmaline

Small 1.05 Carats Natural Loose Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet Heart Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
: Heart Treatment: Non Rhodolite garnet, a gem of exceptional beauty and versatility, is a variety of
Category

2010s Tanzanian Aesthetic Movement Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite

Heart Shaped Loose Tanzanite Set No Reviews 4.80 Carats '1.20 Carat Each'
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gems Loose Tanzanite Tanzanite Stone Tanzanite Ring Tanzanite Jewellery Tanzanite Heart Ring Heart
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tanzanite

Fine Deep Green Colour Sapphire 1.26ct Heart Cut Rare Loose Gemstone 6.7x6.6mm
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Deep Green Colour Sapphire 1.26ct Heart Cut Rare Loose Gemstone 6.7x6.6mm Natural Green
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

26.60 Carats Heart Shaped Loose Red Garnet Lot Madagascar's Gemstone (In Box)
Located in Bangkok, TH
gemstone that captivates with its deep, rich red hue. This exquisite gem boasts a striking heart-shaped cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

Colombian Emerald Heart Layout 7.65 Carats Cutstone For Jewellery Natural Gems
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Gemstone - Emerald Weight - 7.65 carats Shape - Heart Size - Size - 5x4 To 7x7 MM Quantity - 12
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Gorgeous Natural Loose Tourmaline Ring Gem 1.80 Carats Afghanistan Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
. Gem cutters approach the shaping of loose tourmaline with precision to maximize its color intensity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Anglo-Indian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

3.95 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Shape Gem For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 3.95 Carats Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.1 x 5 Mm Origin: Swat Pakistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

28.90 Carat Huge Natural Loose Golden Topaz Gem For Necklace
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Topaz Weight: 28.90 Carats Dimension: 17.1 x 16.2 x 12.3 Mm Origin: Skardu, Pakistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

28.90 Carat Huge Natural Loose Golden Topaz Gem For Necklace
28.90 Carat Huge Natural Loose Golden Topaz Gem For Necklace
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W 0.64 in D 0.49 in L 0.68 in
22.25 Carats Natural Loose Golden Topaz Pakistan Earth Mine Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Topaz Weight: 22.25 Carats Dimension: 16.3x14.9x11.1 Mm Origin: Pakistan Shape: Cushion
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

22.25 Carats Natural Loose Golden Topaz Pakistan Earth Mine Gem
22.25 Carats Natural Loose Golden Topaz Pakistan Earth Mine Gem
Free Shipping
W 0.59 in D 0.44 in L 0.65 in
5.90 Carat Sublime Quality Natural Loose Sphene Titanite Fire Effect Heart Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Sphene Weight: 5.90 Carats Dimension: 10.2 x 11.4 x 7.5 Mm Origin: Warsak Pakistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Other

Heart-Shaped Russian Emerald Loose Gemstone 0.51 Carat
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
What is the most recognized symbol of love? Definitely, it's a heart. This heart-shaped Emerald has
Category

2010s Russian Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

3.35 Carats Stunning Natural Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 3.35 Carats Dimension: 8.8x8.3x5.8 Mm Origin; Kunar Afghanistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

4.15 Carats Unheated Untreated Loose Aquamarine Ring Gem March Birthstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
"water" and "of the sea," respectively. This nomenclature perfectly encapsulates the gem's color, which
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Aquamarine

7.47 cts Pink Sapphire Heart shape bracelet set cutstones For Fine Jewelry gems
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Pink Sapphire 1 Set For Bracelets Heart cutstone For Fine Jewellery gem Size & Weight : 3.5x4 MM
Category

2010s Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire

3.15 Carat Glamorous Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Emerald Shape Gem For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Weight: 3.15 Carats Dimension: 10.2 x 6.8 x 5.6 Mm Origin: Afghanistan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rubelite

2.50 Carat Incredible Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Oval Shape Gem For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Weight: 2.50 Carats Dimension: 8.2 x 7.1 x 5.8 Mm Origin: Afghanistan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rubelite

3.85 Carat Lovely Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Pear Shape Gem From Afghanistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Weight: 3.85 Carats Dimension: 11.3 x 10.1 x 5.8 Mm Origin: Afghanistan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rubelite

4.70 Carat Glamorous Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Oval Shape Gem For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Weight: 4.70 Carats Dimension: 11.8 x 10 x 5.9 Mm Origin: Afghanistan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rubelite

Pretty Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Baguette Shape Gem For Ring 0.85 Carat
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Weight: 0.85 Carats Dimension: 8.3 x 4.2 x 3.1 Mm Origin: Afghanistan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rubelite

26.00 Carat Natural Loose Golden Topaz Asscher Shape Gem For Necklace
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Topaz Weight: 26.00 Carats Dimension: 16.7 x 15.4 x 12 Mm Origin: Skardu, Pakistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

3.20 Carat Natural Loose Golden Topaz Asscher Shape Gem From Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Topaz Weight: 3.20 Carats Dimension: 7.8 x 7.8 x 6.5 Mm Origin: Skardu, Pakistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

12.55 Carats Natural Loose Golden Topaz Cushion Shape Gem Necklace Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Topaz Weight: 12.55 Carats Dimension: 12.9 x 13.1 x 9.5 Mm Origin: Skardu, Pakistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

1.90 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Included Gem For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Weight: 1.90 Carats Dimension: 7.4 x 6.6 x 5.5 Mm Origin: Afghanistan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

3.80 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Slightly Included Gem For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Lagoon Tourmaline Weight: 3.80 Carats Dimension: 11.4 x 7.3 x 5 Mm Origin: Afghanistan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Emerald Shape Natural Loose Green Tourmaline 2.60 Carat Earth Mine Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Green Tourmaline Weight: 2.60 Carat Dimension: 9 x 5.8 x 5.3 Mm Colour: Dark Green Origin
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

6.65 Natural Loose Multi Shape Tourmaline Lot Gems For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline lot Weight: 6.65 Carats Sizes: 1.25 to 1.75 Carats Treatment: Non Certificate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

1.55 Carats Adorable Natural Loose Dark Lagoon Tourmaline Gem For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Dark Lagoon Tourmaline Weight: 1.55 Carats Dimension: 6.9 x 6 x 5.1 Mm Origin: Afghanistan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

1.40 Carat Natural Loose Perfect Square Pink Tourmaline Gem For Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Pink Tourmaline Weight: 1.40 Carats Dimension: 5.8 x 5.8 x 5.2 Mm Origin: Kunar
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

14.05 Carat Natural Loose Golden Topaz Asscher Cut Gem For Necklace
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Topaz Weight: 14.05 Carats Dimension: 13.6 x 11.3 x 9.8 Mm Origin: Skardu, Pakistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

7.40 Carat Natural Loose Golden Topaz Asscher Cut Gem For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Topaz Weight: 7.40 Carats Dimension: 12.2 x 10.6 x 7.1 Mm Origin: Skardu, Pakistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

32.20 Carat Natural Loose Golden Topaz Emerald Shape Gem For Necklace
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Topaz Weight: 32.20 Carats Dimension: 21 x 14.6 x 11.1 Mm Origin: Skardu, Pakistan Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

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Loose Heart Gem For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact loose heart gem you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and white gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a loose heart gem from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. A loose heart gem from Gems and Jewels UK, Hasbani Diamonds and Merkaba — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A loose heart gem of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring tourmaline, from our inventory of 111, is particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for a heart cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes emerald cut and cushion cut alternatives. Finding a loose heart gem for sale for women should be easy, but there are 311 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Loose Heart Gem?

The price for a loose heart gem starts at $65 and tops out at $295,000 with these loose-gemstones, on average, selling for $641.

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.