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Certified Loose Gemstones

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1.35ct Deep Blue Sapphire Rare Oval Cut IGI Certified Loose Gemstone in Blister
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.35ct Deep Blue Sapphire Rare Oval Cut IGI Certified Loose Gemstone in Blister Natural Deep Blue
Category

20th Century Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

1.22ct Deep Blue Natural Sapphire Rare Oval Cut IGI Certified Loose Gemstone VVS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.22ct Deep Blue Natural Sapphire Rare Oval Cut IGI Certified Loose Gemstone VVS Natural Deep Blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire

GIA 5.60 Carat Certified Natural Sapphire Loose Gemstone
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
5.60 Carat GIA Certified Natural Sapphire - Oval Shape, Blue This exquisite 5.60-carat natural
Category

2010s American Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.39ct Pear Pink Tourmaline Loose unset gemstone certified
Located in Jupiter, FL
Pink tourmaline,pear shape., certified! NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): Tourmaline Clarity/Color: Slightly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

AGL Certified 1.50 Carat Loose Blue/Green Tourmaline Gemstone
Located in Towson, MD
This AGL certified loose 1.50-carat triangle-cut blue-green tourmaline measures 7.52 x 7.55 x
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

1.37 Carat Emerald Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Institute of America Report #2151269762 certifying its authenticity. We offer complimentary design sessions
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Certified No Heat Burmese Ruby Cabochon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Istanbul, Fatih
Extremely Rare Beauty, Certified No Heat Burmese Ruby Cabochon Cut Loose Gemstone Color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Aesthetic Movement Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.76 Carat Brazilian Emerald, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
large inventory of emeralds, both loose and set in original designs. We would love to design a bespoke
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

22.39 Carat Golden Topaz Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
absolutely stunning pendant enhancer or impressive centerpiece for a gemstone collection. It is a strikingly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

36.96 Carat Pink Tourmaline Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
21.85 x 20.20 x 12.50 millimeters, this large gemstone is a beautiful example of the wonder of nature
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

3.70 Carat Colombian Emerald, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
characteristics and natural inclusions appear magnified by photography. We have a large selection of loose
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.60 Carat Red Spinel Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This cushion-cut fiery, deep red spinel measures 9.27 x 8.53 x 7.13 millimeters and weighs 4.60 carats. It has classic red spinel color and would look stunning set as a 3-stone or en...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

Unheated 5.02 Carat Blue Spinel, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated blue spinel has exceptional brilliance and luster! Accompanied by Gemological Institute of America Report #6204170110, this gem weighs 5.02 carats and measures 10.44 x ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

10.37 Carat Paraiba Tourmaline Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular green paraiba tourmaline is exceptionally clean, with excellent brilliance and luster! It is a beautifully-proportioned oval with highly saturated medium green color...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Paraiba

Unheated 13.12 Carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, Certified Cushion
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Unheated 13.12 Carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, Certified Certified 13.12 Carats Blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

Natural Oval Cut Sandawana Emerald Certified 2.45Cts Emerald Loose Gemstone.
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Oval Cut Sandawana Emerald Certified 2.45Cts Emerald Loose Gemstone. Size
Category

2010s Zimbabwean Art Deco Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

GIA Certified 67.75 Carat Natural Quartz Citrine Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Trumbull, CT
This GIA certified 67.75 Carat Natural Quartz Citrine Oval loose gemstone has modified brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Citrine, Quartz

GIA Certified 25.04 Carat Natural Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye Loose Gemstone
Located in Stamford, CT
25.04ct GIA certified Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye. Well polished, with a strong eye. It's no common for a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Chrysoberyl

2.39 Carat Unheated Madagascar Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful 2.39 carat unheated loose blue sapphire is absolutely stunning! It is a perfectly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

Certified Natural Burmese Oval Cut Ruby Loose Gemstone for Rings
Located in Istanbul, Fatih
Certified Natural Burmese Ruby Oval Cut Loose Gemstone for Rings Color : Deep Red Transparency
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Certified Natural Burmese Oval Cushion Ruby Loose Gemstone for Rings
Located in Istanbul, Fatih
Certified Natural Burmese Ruby Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Rings Color : Vivid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

3.95 Ct Certified UNHEATED COLOR CHANGE Sapphire Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
as a loose gemstone & matching your gem with our ready selection of beautiful ring styles in the
Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Green Sapphire

.94 Carat Rare Green Demantoid Garnet, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Demantoid garnets are among the rarest gemstones in the world. This vivid, bright green round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

79.78 Carat Golden Olive Tourmaline Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, attention-getting gemstone that will turn heads as the focal point of any gem collection or important piece
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

7.43 Carat Parisian Blue Indicolite Tourmaline, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
#2151344768. This brilliant gemstone with its rare shade of pure blue is eye clean and brilliant - this beauty
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Indicolite

Certified 2.56 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Gemstone From Panjshir, Afghanistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 2.56 Carats Dimension: 8.7 x 6.4 x 5.5 Mm Origin: Panjshir, Afghanistan Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Unheated 2.14 Carat Purple Sapphire Octagon, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
characteristics and natural inclusions may appear magnified by photography. We have a large selection of loose
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

33.95 Carat Imperial Topaz Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
session. We have a large selection of unmounted collector gemstones in our inventory. Please inquire for
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz, Imperial Topaz

6.66 Carat Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
excellent luster. A purrr-fectly wonderful gemstone! Custom designs available. Please send us a message to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Cat’s Eye

Deep Blue Sapphire, Certified Gem, 4, 27 Ct., Loose Gemstone
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
enable an very high light return from every angle! It is certified by the German Foundation for Gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2.11 Carat Pink Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sapphire is an eye catching, vibrant purplish pink color measuring 9.09 x 6.70 x 3.39 millimeters and weighing 2.11 carats. This oval gem would make a lovely 3-stone or engageme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire

Unheated 8.63 Carat Blue Green Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 8.63 carat unheated sapphire has a beautiful, rich bluish-green color and is exceptionally well-cut. Most sapphires are heated to deepen their color, so a sapphire with a natura...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire

4.90 Carat Blue Spinel Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pretty blue spinel cushion weighs 4.90 carats and would make a beautiful 3-stone ring, though its shape lends itself to a variety of possibilities! It measures 11.13 x 8.86 x 6....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

Natural Padparadscha Sapphire, .75 Carat Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified Unheated
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated petite padparadscha packs a punch with its unusually intense natural color. Padparadscha sapphires are highly coveted and prized for their unique and elegant blend of p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire

15.90 Carat Orange Imperial Topaz, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This peachy orange imperial topaz has spectacular color and a wonderfully elegant pear shape. It weighs 15.90 carats and is extremely clean, with exceptional brilliance and life! Bea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz, Imperial Topaz

Exceptional Brilliance 0.62 Ct Russian Demantoid Loose Gemstone ICL Certified
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ural Mountains of Russia is the most important and consistent source of the rarest variety of Garnets - Demantoid. The stones from this region are famous for their vivid green hue,...
Category

2010s Russian Russian Empire Loose Gemstones

Materials

Garnet

Pinkish Purple Spinel Gemstone 1.41 Carats Certified Loose Spinel for Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
, cushion cut, 1.41 carats loose certified spinel from Burma. Product Information: GEMSTONE TYPE Pinkish
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

Tourmaline Pink 3.55Ct natural Loose Gemstone Square Cushion cut, GFCO certified
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Daugavpils, LV
Natural Tourmaline from Nigeria Loose gemstone Certification GFCO Gemstone Color: pink Gemstone
Category

2010s Nigerian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

Tourmaline 7.42 Ct natural Loose gemstone, Oval cut, Nigeria, GFCO certified
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Daugavpils, LV
Natural Green Tourmaline Loose gemstone 7.42 Ct. Certificate GFCO Gemstone Color: green Gemstone
Category

2010s Nigerian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline

GIA Certified 5.01 Carat Oval Cut D-IF Diamond Loose Gemstone
Located in Trumbull, CT
A GIA certified 5.01-carat, D color, IF (Internally Flawless) clarity Oval cut loose diamond. Set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

GIA Certified 28.37 Carat Imperial Precious Topaz Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Stamford, CT
28.37ct Imperial precious Topaz. This GIA certified natural gemstone is unique in its color, orange
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Topaz

Unheated 5.18 Carat Cinnamon Orange Sapphire Pear, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
selection of loose fancy colored sapphires in our inventory. Please inquire for details.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

3.11 Carat "Pigeon's Blood" Burmese Ruby Oval, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular 3.11 carat Burmese beauty is the reason rubies are known as the king of gemstones
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

2.19 Carat Cornflower Blue Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This deep "cornflower" blue sapphire is brilliant and lively, exhibiting a classic shade of this gem from Sri Lanka, one of the world's premier sources of fine blue sapphires. This p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

Unheated 9.26 Carat Purple Pink Spinel Cushion, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated, purplish-pink spinel will lift your spirits! Accompanied by Gemological Institute of America Report #2151269774, this large spinel weighs 9.26 carats and measures 11.7...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

Unheated 17.13 Carat Ceylon Violet Blue Sapphire, Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This natural color, Ceylon violetish-blue sapphire is full of life! Unheated sapphires this large and with such even color and superior clarity are extremely rare. Weighing 17.13 car...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

5.77 Carat Royal Blue Sapphire Cushion, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This extremely fine cushion-shaped blue sapphire is what dreams are made of. This exquisite gem possesses exceptionally fine color - the perfect shade of vivid, rich blue, with excel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire

3.11 Carat "Pigeon's Blood" Burmese Ruby, Loose Gemstone, GIA, GRS Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 3.11 carat Burmese ruby has exceptional pure red color, described as "Pigeon's Blood" in the trade. Burma (also referred to as Myanmar) has long been revered as the historic sou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Unheated 2.23 Carat Burmese Star Ruby, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unheated Burmese star ruby is a near perfect round, weighs 2.23 carats and has a beautiful, delicate 6-rayed star! It is a vivid, highly-saturated, purplish red color and semi-t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby, Star Ruby

Unheated 7.16 Carat Yellow Sapphire Oval, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 7.16 carat unheated yellow sapphire oval is the color of refreshing lemonade! Most yellow sapphires have been heated to improve their color, which is a well-known, accepted prac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire

Unheated 1.39 Carat Burmese Pink Sapphire, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1.39 carat vivid pink sapphire is magnificent! It is an unheated, perfectly symmetrical oval from Myanmar (formerly Burma), the historic source of some of the world’s finest sap...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire

Purplish Pink Certified Natural Sapphire Earrings Loose Gemstone Pair Set 3 Ct
Located in Peshawar, PK
Purplish Pink Certified Natural Sapphire Loose Gemstone Pair Set for Earrings, Ring, Necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tajikistani Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire

Pinkish Red Natural Certified Spinel Loose Gemstone 1.29 Ct Heart Shape-Jewel
Located in Peshawar, PK
Top Quality Rare Pinkish Red Natural Certified Spinel Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modernist Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

GIA Certified 5.94 Carat Oval Shape Natural Pink Purple Sapphire Loose Gemstone
Located in Trumbull, CT
GIA certified 5.94 carat oval shape natural pink purple sapphire is a truly breathtaking loose
Category

21st Century and Contemporary African Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

Purple Pink Sapphire, No Heat, Certified Gem, 4, 46 Ct., Loose Gemstone
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
, proportion and cleaness enable an very high light return from every angle! It is certified by the German
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

GIA Certified 10.01 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Loose Gemstones D Color VVS2 Clarity
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning GIA-certified 10.01-carat pear-cut diamond is a truly exceptional loose gemstone
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond

Oval 2.02 Carat Certified Loose Diamond - M SI2, GIA Certified
Located in Tustin, CA
This stunning Oval 2.02 Carat Certified Loose Diamond is a true showstopper, offering exceptional
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

Cushion 2 Carat Certified Loose Diamond - M SI1, GIA Certified
Located in Tustin, CA
This stunning 2 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Diamond is a perfect choice for those seeking elegance and
Category

2010s American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

Emerald 1.52 Carat Certified Loose Diamond - M SI1, GIA Certified
Located in Tustin, CA
clarity and creates a sophisticated hall-of-mirrors effect. Certified by the Gemological Institute of
Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Princess 1 Carat Certified Loose Diamond - M VS1, GIA Certified
Located in Tustin, CA
Elevate your jewelry creation with this stunning Princess 1 Carat Certified Loose Diamond. With a
Category

2010s North American Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

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Certified Loose Gemstones For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of certified loose gemstones. Pieces in our collection of certified loose gemstones made by Contemporary jewelers — as well as those associated with Modern — are very popular. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Merkaba, Fine Jewels UK and Tamir produced popular versions that are worth a look. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 9 Sapphire versions can add an especially stylish touch. Today, if you’re looking for cushion cut certified loose gemstones and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and emerald cut alternatives. When shopping our range of certified loose gemstones, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for women today than there are for men.

How Much are Certified Loose Gemstones?

Prices for certified loose gemstones start at $351 and top out at $260,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $19,858.

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.