Gemstones for sale | Heritage Carat

Loose coloured gemstones: blue sapphires, emeralds, rubies, green tsavorites, spinels, tanzanites, tourmalines, opals, aquamarines and rarer stones such as alexandrite and heliodor.

What you will find here

Every item is a loose, unset stone, sold singly, as a matched pair or as a small set. Blue sapphire is the most common, followed by emerald, tsavorite, spinel, tanzanite and tourmaline. Collectors' stones such as alexandrite, scapolite and yellow beryl (heliodor) turn up too. Most stones are between 1 and 5 carats and priced between EUR 950 and EUR 12,000.

Specifications that matter

Carat: the weight of the stone. Coloured stones differ in density, so two 2 ct stones of different species can be different sizes.
Shape: oval and cushion are the most common here, then pear, octagon and emerald.
Cutting style: mixed cut is typical for coloured stones; step and emerald cuts show clarity, and cabochons suit opals and star stones.
Laboratory: each title names the lab that issued the report, such as IGI, GIA, ICA GemLab, ALGT, GRA or Lotus Gemology.

Treatments

Many coloured gemstones are routinely treated. Sapphires and rubies are often heated to improve colour, and emeralds are usually oiled to reduce the look of fissures. Untreated stones, described as unheated or no heat, cost more. A good report states which treatments were detected, so read that line before comparing prices.

Before you buy

Compare colour, which drives value most for coloured stones, then clarity and cut. Check the report number with the issuing lab online. Plan the setting: softer stones such as opal suit pendants and earrings better than daily-wear rings. Shipping is free and each product page shows its ship-by date.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'unheated' mean for a sapphire or ruby?

Most sapphires and rubies are heated after mining to improve colour and clarity. It is a stable, widely accepted treatment. An unheated stone has had no such treatment, and its colour is entirely natural. Unheated stones of good colour are much rarer and command a clear premium, so the report should state 'no indications of heating' if a stone is described that way.

Why are emeralds oiled?

Emeralds almost always contain natural fissures. Filling them with colourless oil or resin reduces how visible they are and has been standard practice for centuries. Reports grade the amount as none, minor, moderate or significant. Minor oil is common and acceptable; avoid ultrasonic cleaners and strong heat, which can remove the oil and make fissures more visible.

What is a tsavorite?

Tsavorite is a green variety of grossular garnet, found mainly in Kenya and Tanzania. It has a bright, slightly yellowish to pure green colour, strong brilliance and good hardness for jewellery, and it is rarely treated. Stones over 2 carats are uncommon. It is often chosen as an alternative to emerald for its clarity and durability.

Which gemstones are best for an everyday ring?

Hardness matters for rings worn daily. Sapphire and ruby rate 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond, and are very durable. Spinel, tsavorite, aquamarine and topaz are also good choices. Emerald is hard but brittle because of its inclusions, so a protective setting helps. Opal and tanzanite are softer and better suited to earrings or pendants.