Best Loose Gemstones of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Loose gemstones are a popular choice for jewelry enthusiasts who want to create their own unique pieces. These gemstones come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making it easy to find the perfect stone to suit any taste. From dazzling diamonds to richly colored rubies and sapphires, loose gemstones offer endless possibilities for creativity. They can be set in rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, or used to add a pop of color to any outfit. Whether you're a professional jeweler or a DIY enthusiast, loose gemstones are a versatile and stunning addition to any collection.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Loose Gemstones
Starborn Genuine Rough Moldavite 2-5 Carat
The Starborn Moldavite Stone offers you a unique piece of natural history, as it contains one genuine rough Moldavite weighing between 2 and 5 carats. This gemstone is presented in an elegant display frame, making it easy for you to showcase or gift it. Moldavite is a rare type of impact glass formed about 14 million years ago, found only in the Czech Republic, which adds to its special value. Its distinct green color and natural variations ensure that each stone is one-of-a-kind, giving you a collectible item that stands out in any collection.
MEESHA GemsNJewels 6mm Blue Tanzanite Loose Stones
The MEESHA Blue Tanzanite Stones offer you 10 genuine blue gemstones, each about 1 carat in size, perfect if you enjoy creating your own jewelry or adding to a gemstone collection. These stones are all natural, so you can trust their authenticity and quality. Each gem is expertly cut into a 6mm round shape with precise facets, giving them a beautiful sparkle and shine that will enhance any piece you make. Their rich blue-violet color makes them versatile for various jewelry designs, whether you're crafting rings, earrings, or pendants. These stones combine quality and beauty for your creative projects or investments.
ARB Gems 9 Ct Natural Alexandrite Emerald Cut
The ARB Alexandrite Emerald Cut offers a rare and beautiful 9-carat natural gemstone that changes color depending on the light, shifting from bluish-green in daylight to purplish-red under incandescent lighting. This unique color change makes it a fascinating choice for your jewelry collection. The classic emerald cut enhances the stone’s clarity and brilliance, providing a timeless look that suits earrings, rings, or pendants. Additionally, this gemstone comes with professional certification, assuring you of its genuine origin and high quality, so you can confidently invest in a valuable and authentic piece.
Dazzlingrock IGI Certified Oval Lab Grown Diamond 0.75 CTTW
The Dazzlingrock Oval Lab Diamond offers a stunning 0.75 carat total weight oval-shaped diamond that is IGI certified, ensuring you receive a high-quality gem with excellent color (G-H) and clarity (VVS-VS2). Since it is lab-grown, you benefit from an eco-friendly and sustainable choice that mimics the beauty and composition of mined diamonds without harming the environment. This diamond is untreated, so you get a natural look with brilliant sparkle perfect for everyday wear. Plus, it comes with a 30-day return policy and a luxury gift box, giving you peace of mind and a ready-to-gift presentation.
Instagem AAA Emerald Cut Smokey Quartz 20x15mm
The Instagem Smokey Quartz Gem offers a high-quality, eye-clean stone with a beautiful emerald cut measuring 20x15 mm, perfect for your jewelry creations. This AAA-grade gemstone ensures a consistent, even color with no visible flaws, giving your pieces a polished and professional look. As a transparent brownish-black quartz, it is known as the 'Stone of Power,' believed to help absorb negative energy and stress, adding a meaningful touch to your collection. Plus, being an alternative June birthstone, it’s a thoughtful choice for personalized gifts or special occasions.
JINGANGZUO 3.5mm Deep Sea Blue Cubic Zirconia Stones
The JINGANGZUO Deep Sea Blue CZ offers 300 synthetic cubic zirconia stones, each measuring 3.5mm. These stones are crafted with a hardness rating of 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making them resistant to scratches and ideal for long-lasting jewelry. If you need to fix or refresh your favorite earrings, bracelets, rings, or necklaces, these stones are perfect for replacing missing gems. Their round brilliant cut design ensures they reflect light beautifully, adding sparkle and elegance to any piece you work on. With this set, you get both durability and eye-catching shine for your jewelry projects.
Jaguar Gems Natural AA+ Ethiopian Opal Rough Gemstones 50+ Cts
The Jaguar Gems Ethiopian Opal Rough offers you a unique set of natural, raw gemstones that come dust-covered and one-of-a-kind, ensuring each piece is special. You receive about 50 carats of high-quality AA+ Ethiopian opals in varying sizes, perfect for jewelry making or collecting. These stones display a stunning natural play of colors, adding vibrant beauty to your creations. Keep in mind, these opals are hydrophane, meaning their bright colors might fade in cold or humid places, but simply warming them up can bring back their lively fire. This makes them practical and easy to maintain for long-term enjoyment.
Neetva Natural Turquoise Cabochons 5-Piece Set
The Neetva Turquoise Gemstones offer you five authentic blue-green cabochons, each with unique natural patterns that add charm to your jewelry projects. These stones come in mixed oval and pear shapes, ranging from 20 to 35 mm, making them perfect for creating rings, bracelets, or necklaces that stand out. Whether you're crafting for yourself or as gifts, these gems can also be used in healing grids to promote calmness and balance. Their believed protective and calming energy provides an added benefit, helping you feel more centered and peaceful while you work or wear them.
GEMWORLDJAIPUR Black Opal Rough 7x10 mm 5 pcs
The GEMWORLDJAIPUR Black Opal Rough offers you five pieces of natural gemstones, perfect for your jewelry projects or craft creations. These stones are genuine and come in their raw form, so you get the authentic beauty of black opal. You’ll appreciate the high AAA quality, which means each piece has excellent color and clarity, making your designs stand out. Originating from Ethiopia, these opals are known for their unique play of colors, adding a special touch to whatever you create. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, these rough opals provide versatility and natural charm for your work.
Generic Natural Lab Grown Round Diamond 10 Ct
The Generic Lab Grown Diamond offers a sustainable choice for those who value both quality and ethics. Created in a controlled lab environment, this diamond matches the look and durability of mined stones while being eco-friendly. Its D color grade means it is completely colorless, so you’ll enjoy brilliant sparkle and shine in any light. With a VVS1 clarity, the diamond appears nearly flawless, free from visible imperfections even under magnification, ensuring a clean and clear gem. The classic round brilliant cut is expertly shaped to reflect light beautifully, making it perfect for adding stunning brilliance to your custom jewelry designs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are loose gemstones a good investment?
Loose gemstones can be a good investment, especially rare and high-quality ones like rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and colored diamonds. These gemstones have the potential to increase in value over time. However, it's important to consider factors like rarity, quality, and market demand when investing in gemstones.
2. What is the cheapest kind of gemstone?
Quartz, topaz, garnet, amethyst, peridot, citrine, ametria, tanzanite, and aquamarine are some of the cheaper gemstones available. These gemstones are considered semi-precious stones and are more affordable due to their higher volume in the market and lower hardness compared to precious gemstones.
3. Are cheap gemstones fake?
Not all cheap gemstones are fake. However, some synthetic gemstones made from glass and plastics are cheaper than real gemstones. The price can be an indicator, but it's important to rely on other factors like gemstone characteristics, certification, and reliable sources when determining the authenticity of a gemstone.
4. Why are natural gemstones so cheap?
The price of natural gemstones can vary depending on factors like rarity, quality, and market demand. While some natural gemstones may be cheaper due to higher availability, it's important to consider other factors like the cut, craftsmanship, and market preferences when determining the price of gemstones.
5. What gem does not lose value?
A sapphire without any visible inclusions or chips can hold its value indefinitely. Pristine sapphires can be highly valuable and can reach a high price per carat, making them a gem that tends to retain its value well.
6. Which gem has the highest resale value?
Some gemstones with high resale value include Tanzanite, Black Opal, Musgravite, Red Beryl, Alexandrite, Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond. These gemstones are sought after for their rarity, beauty, and market demand, making them valuable options for investment or resale.
7. What is the least popular gemstone?
Painite is considered one of the least popular gemstones. It is not only the rarest gemstone but also the rarest mineral on Earth. After its discovery in 1951, there were only two specimens of Painite known for many decades.
8. What cheap stone looks like a diamond?
Moissanite is a gemstone that is synthetic and a diamond simulant. It is made to look like a diamond but is not a synthetic diamond. Moissanite is a popular choice for those seeking a diamond alternative due to its similar appearance and lower cost.
9. How can I tell if a gem is real?
To identify genuine gemstones, you can assess factors like color, clarity, hardness, and refractive properties. Real gemstones often exhibit natural variations in color and imperfections, while fake gemstones may appear too perfect. It is recommended to consult experts, use gemological testing tools, or rely on reputable sources when determining the authenticity of a gemstone.
10. What is the rarest natural gem?
Painite is not only the rarest gemstone but also the rarest mineral on Earth. After its discovery in 1951, there were only two known specimens of Painite for many decades, making it exceptionally rare.
During our loose gemstone research, we found 48 loose gemstone products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,188 customer reviews through our big data system to write the loose gemstones list. We found that most customers choose loose gemstones with an average price of $55.78.
The loose gemstones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of loose gemstones, including Starborn, MEESHA GemsNJewels, ARB Gems, Dazzlingrock Collection, Instagem. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 59 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.