At JQV Gemstones, we understand that purchasing coloured loose gemstones can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many factors influencing quality, price, and authenticity, it’s essential to make informed decisions.
Below is an example of the collection of vivid colours you can find in the gemstones we stock at JQV. Our imagery & videos of all gemstones are colour-matched to their real life counterparts, meaning you can have the confidence when browsing! But buying coloured gemstones online and in-person can be a challenge. This guide will walk you through the dos and don’ts of buying coloured loose gemstones, helping you manage expectations and avoid costly mistakes.
1. Understanding the 4 Cs for Coloured Loose Gemstones
Just like diamonds, coloured loose gemstones are graded based on the 4 Cs: Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight. However, their importance can vary depending on the gemstone type.
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Colour – The most crucial factor. Look for vivid, well-saturated hues without brown or grey undertones. The purer and richer the colour, the more valuable the gemstone.
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Clarity – Most coloured loose gemstones have natural inclusions, but some are more forgiving (e.g., emeralds) than others (e.g., sapphires). Natural inclusions can add to the character of a stone, but keep in mind what you are looking for.
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Cut – A precise cut enhances brilliance. Avoid poorly cut stones with a windowed effect, where light leaks through the bottom.
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Carat Weight – Bigger isn't always better. A smaller stone with exceptional colour and clarity may be more valuable than a larger, lower-quality one.
🔹 How to avoid mistakes: Choose quality over size, focus on strong colour saturation, and avoid poorly cut stones.
2. Overlooking a Gemstone’s Origin
The origin of a gemstone can significantly impact its value. For instance:
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Burmese rubies and Kashmir sapphires are among the most prized due to their exceptional quality.
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Some origins, like Madagascar, produce vivid sapphires, whereas others may yield lower-quality stones.
However, origin alone doesn’t dictate quality. It’s essential to balance provenance with personal preference and budget.
🔹 How to avoid mistakes: Don’t focus solely on origin—prioritise colour and clarity. Ask for expert advice from JQV when selecting a gemstone.
3. Skipping Certification
Most coloured loose gemstones don’t automatically come with a certificate, but significant stones (by size, rarity, or value) can be certified upon request. Certification verifies authenticity and grading.
🔹 How to avoid mistakes: Always request a certificate from a trusted gemological institute, such as:
✅ GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
✅ AIGS (Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences)
✅ IGI (International Gemological Institute)
At JQV, we can arrange certification for any qualifying gemstone upon request.
4. Ignoring Gemstone Treatments
Many coloured loose gemstones undergo treatments to enhance their beauty:
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Sapphires & Rubies – Often heat-treated to improve colour.
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Emeralds – Typically oiled to enhance clarity.
Untreated gemstones are rarer and more valuable. If a stone is completely untreated, this will significantly affect its price and collectability.
🔹 How to avoid mistakes: Assume a gemstone has been treated unless explicitly stated otherwise. If untreated, expect a higher price and if you're looking for untreated-ask! At JQV we carry a huge amount of both treated and un-treated colour gemstones.
5. Not Considering Durability & Wearability
Each gemstone has a different hardness rating on the Mohs scale:
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Diamonds (10) – The hardest and most durable.
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Emeralds (7-7.5) – Softer and prone to chipping if not handled with care.
If you're buying a gemstone for a ring or bracelet, durability is key.
🔹 How to avoid mistakes: Choose a gemstone with the right hardness for how you plan to wear or make the piece. JQV can advise on the best options for colour vs durability.
6. Choosing Price Over Quality
It’s tempting to go for a cheaper gemstone, but lower prices often indicate:
❌ Poor colour saturation
❌ Heavy treatments
❌ Lower clarity or inclusions
❌ Synthetic or imitation stones
🔹 How to avoid mistakes: Don’t buy based on price alone. Compare quality indicators and get expert advice from JQV before purchasing.
7. Overlooking Resale & Investment Value
Some gemstones hold value better than others. Generally, rubies, sapphires and emeralds have strong resale potential and hold their value well. Rarer varieties, like Paraiba tourmaline or padparadscha sapphires, are also excellent investment-grade gemstones.
🔹 How to avoid mistakes: If investing, choose high-quality stones with strong colour, clarity, and certification.
8. Relying on Stock Photos Instead of Accurate Imagery
Many online retailers use stock images rather than actual photos of the coloured loose gemstones they are selling. This can lead to disappointment when the stone arrives and looks much different in real life.
🔹 How to avoid mistakes: Buy from trusted sellers like JQV, who only use real, high-resolution images of their actual gemstones with true-colour matched images to each for the highest accuracy so you can browse & buy with confidence.
9. Being Too Impulsive
Some gemstones sell quickly, but rushing into a purchase without proper research can lead to regrets.
🔹 How to avoid mistakes: Take your time to compare options, ask about treatments, certification, and durability, and consult JQV gemstone experts before making a decision.
10. Ignoring Ethical Sourcing
Unfortunately, not all coloured loose gemstones are ethically sourced. Some may come from conflict zones or have been mined under poor labour conditions.
At JQV Gemstones, we are committed to responsible sourcing. We work with trusted suppliers who adhere to ethical mining practices, and we do not sell conflict diamonds.
🔹 How to avoid mistakes: Always buy from reputable dealers like JQV, who prioritise ethical sourcing and transparency.
Why Buy Coloured Loose Gemstones from JQV?
At JQV Gemstones, we take pride in offering the finest selection of coloured loose gemstones in the UK. Here’s why we’re the best choice for gemstone buyers:
✅ Accurate Imagery – No stock photos. The colour you see is what you get.
✅ Ethically Sourced – Responsibly mined and conflict-free.
✅ Exceptional Quality – Hand-selected gemstones with premium cuts and colours.
✅ Expert Knowledge – We provide honest advice tailored to your needs.
✅ Custom Certification – Upon request for significant stones.
Whether you're looking for a vibrant ruby, a dazzling sapphire, or an exquisite tanzanite, we have a wide range of coloured loose gemstones perfect for any jewellery setting.
Browse our collection today and find your perfect gemstone at JQV!
Final Thoughts
By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you can confidently select a coloured loose gemstone that meets your expectations and budget.
At JQV, we’re always here to help. Whether you need expert advice or want to see our stunning gemstone selection in person, we invite you to explore our range today.
🔎 Browse our latest collection of ethically sourced coloured loose gemstones now!