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Spinel From Vietnam For Sale on 1stDibs
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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.
- What is a spinel ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A spinel ring is a ring that holds a spinel gemstone. This gemstone is hard enough to withstand everyday wear and adored for its brilliance. One can find a spinel gemstone in a variety of colors such as pink, purple, black, and red.
- What is a spinel diamond?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Spinels are a type of gemstone made of magnesium illuminate and colored from chromium and iron. These gemstones form crystals that are very similar to diamonds and can be found in a variety of different colors. Although they are more rare than most other gemstones, spinels are usually less expensive and so “imitate” other gems, such as rubies.
- What is a pink spinel?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Pink spinel stones are rare gemstones that can be found in many colors, including light pink and deep pink. The name comes from their trademark shade of rosy-pink hues — a range that includes everything from violet to neon. Find a collection of vintage and designer pink spinel jewelry on 1stDibs today.
- What is cobalt spinel?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cobalt blue spinels are the rarest and most valued type of spinel gemstone. They’re very popular in the modern gem industry and sought after by collectors. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of cobalt spinel jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022True cobalt Spinel have a high-quality blue coloring that won’t glow under a UV light. For detailed analysis, consult a jeweler. Shop a collection of expertly-vetted cobalt spinel jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is a red spinel valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Red spinels are the most valuable hue of spinels. Red and pink spinel gems are also known as Burmese spinels. Because natural spinels are difficult to find they are not often promoted, however they’re highly coveted by collectors because unlike rubies, spinels are never heat treated. Shop a selection of spinel jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Why is cobalt spinel expensive?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cobalt spinel is typically an expensive gemstone because it is rare. The gemstones feature a highly saturated blue color that sets them apart from other varieties of spinel. You can shop a selection of cobalt spinel gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is a cobalt spinel gem rare?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the cobalt spinel gem is extremely rare and is one of the most desirable gems in the industry. It is found in a single mine in Vietnam and is one of the few gems that occur naturally. Shop a collection of expertly vetted gems from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.