Clear guidance for fine jewellery.

OgilvieGems specialises in custom-crafted fine jewellery, designed around each client’s preferred design, gemstone, metal choice and budget.

We are not limited to one stone type, one supplier, one style or one fixed retail collection.

We work with:

• Lab-grown diamonds
• Natural mined diamonds
• Moissanite
• Natural and lab-created sapphires
• Natural and lab-created emeralds
• Natural and lab-created rubies
• Morganite
• Salt and pepper diamonds
• Selected coloured gemstones
• Custom engagement rings
• Wedding bands
• Fine jewellery pieces

Every piece is made with care, structure, proportion and long-term wearability in mind.

The 4 C’s are the universal standards used to understand diamond and gemstone quality:

• Cut
• Colour
• Clarity
• Carat

At OgilvieGems, we also believe in two additional C’s:

• Cost
• Confidence

Because a beautiful ring should not only look extraordinary.

It should also make sense for the person buying it.

Cut refers to how well a stone reflects light.

It affects brilliance, sparkle, fire and overall beauty.

A well-cut stone has life.

A poorly cut stone can look dull, even if it has strong grading on paper.

Colour refers to the tone or body colour of a diamond or gemstone.

In diamonds, less visible colour is usually considered rarer.

In coloured gemstones, richness, vibrance and saturation often matter more.

Every stone we source is selected with visual beauty in mind, not paperwork alone.

Clarity refers to the natural internal characteristics within a stone.

These are often called inclusions.

Many inclusions are microscopic and cannot be seen during normal wear.

A stone does not need to be flawless to be beautiful.

Carat refers to gemstone weight, not always visible size.

Two stones with the same carat weight can look very different depending on shape, cut and proportions.

This is why design balance matters.

Cost matters because the same design direction can often be created across very different budgets.

A R20,000 ring and a R100,000 ring may share the same overall design language, while the differences come down to:

• Stone size
• Stone type
• Metal choice
• Diamond or gemstone quality
• Design complexity
• Finishing detail

Our role is to help you choose what you truly want, then refine the piece around what feels comfortable financially.

Confidence is knowing your jewellery has been made with integrity, care and proper guidance.

It comes from:

• Honest information
• Correct certification
• Clear expectations
• Strong craftsmanship
• Proper aftercare
• Transparent warranty terms

Ogilvie is not only our brand.

It is our surname, our reputation and our legacy.

Yes.

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.

They are not cubic zirconia.

They are not moissanite.

They are not diamond simulants.

HPHT and CVD diamonds are made from carbon and have the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds.

The difference is origin.

One formed beneath the earth.

One formed through advanced technology.

Both are real diamonds.

HPHT and CVD are the two main methods used to grow real diamonds in a laboratory.

HPHT stands for High Pressure High Temperature.

CVD stands for Chemical Vapour Deposition.

Both processes create real carbon diamonds.

If a diamond is described as “lab-grown” or “man-made,” it should clearly state HPHT or CVD.

No.

Lab-grown diamonds are not fake diamonds.

They are real diamonds grown in a different environment.

Fake or imitation stones include materials such as cubic zirconia or coated simulants. These are not diamonds.

Not by simply looking at the stone.

A human jeweller cannot reliably tell the difference between a mined diamond and a lab-grown diamond using only the naked eye, a loupe or a standard microscope.

Specialised laboratory equipment is required to detect growth structure and origin.

Yes.

Lab-grown diamonds test as diamonds because they are diamonds.

Generally, yes.

Lab-grown diamonds usually allow clients to choose a larger or higher-specification diamond within a more comfortable budget.

No, not unless specifically requested.

OgilvieGems does not use cubic zirconia or alternative diamond simulants in standard diamond quotes.

When we quote diamonds, we quote diamonds.

Diamond simulants are not diamonds and should never be confused with lab-grown diamonds.

Technically, no.

Moissanite is its own gemstone.

It is not a diamond, although visually many people struggle to tell the difference.

Moissanite is made from silicon carbide.

Diamond is made from carbon.

Moissanite often displays even more fire and light refraction than diamond, which is why many clients love its sparkle.

We will never sell moissanite as a diamond.

It deserves to be appreciated honestly as its own gemstone.

99% of people cannot tell the difference without direct comparison or specialised knowledge.

To the average eye, moissanite and diamond can look extremely similar. And the truth even to a jeweller when comparing like for like D colour for D colour VVS for VVS. Without the right lighting and tools, it is so hard.

Yes, for the right client.

Moissanite is brilliant, durable and beautiful. It is often chosen by clients who want exceptional sparkle at a more accessible price. Did you know? The very key factor that makes a diamond the ultimate desire for jewellery (the refractive index – that sparkle) a moissanite does even better.

So, although not a diamond, it does a fine job at being a budget friendly alternative. Just for clarity a Moissanite is a respected gemstone.

Every completed jewellery item should come with a retail certificate.

This certificate relates to the completed ring or jewellery item and is important for valuation, insurance and ownership records.

A retail certificate describes the completed jewellery piece.

It may include:

• Metal type
• Stone details
• Design details
• Replacement valuation
• General jewellery description

No fine jewellery item should be sold without proper documentation.

A stone certificate relates specifically to the main gemstone.

It may include:

• Origin
• Carat weight
• Colour
• Clarity
• Cut
• Measurements
• Polish
• Symmetry
• Natural or lab-grown status

A stone certificate is not the same as a retail valuation.

It identifies and grades the gemstone itself.

Not always.

Certification depends on the stone size, type, value, supplier and whether the stone was individually graded.

Larger centre stones commonly come with certificates. Smaller accent stones usually do not.

Depending on the stone and sourcing opportunity, we may work with:

• GIA
• IGI
• EGL
• GSI
• EMET
• Nivoda Curated Stones
• Other recognised grading providers

For natural mined diamonds, we generally prefer GIA certification unless a client specifically requests another option for cost-saving purposes.

No.

OgilvieGems does not do simple copy-and-paste work.

Clients may send inspiration images, but every piece is custom developed around their chosen stone, proportions, metal and personal requirements.

Even when a design is inspired by something existing, we aim to make the final piece distinctly personal.

Yes.

A clear reference image is often the easiest way to begin.

From there, we refine:

• Stone size
• Metal choice
• Setting style
• Band thickness
• Side stones
• Profile
• Practical wearability
• Budget

If a client requests a specific design, the client assumes responsibility for any applicable design rights, credits or permissions connected to that request.

OgilvieGems cannot review every global design database for copyright or ownership of design elements.

Custom orders are generally expected within approximately 20 working days, unless otherwise discussed. 99% of all commissions are completed within 3 weeks from approval of design.

If more time is required due to complexity, delays in sourcing of stones etc this will be communicated in real time.

No job is rushed.

A typical process may include:

Design work: 3–5 working days

Casting: 7–10 working days

Stone setting: 2–5 working days

Finishing, polishing and quality control: 1–2 working days

Delivery: up to 3 working days where applicable

Casting timelines may vary depending on quality control, air drying, scanning, cracks, porosity or any required remanufacturing.

Yes.

Our jewellery is crafted in South Africa.

We are not a jewellery dropshipping company.

We may source specific stones, metals or components internationally when required, but our custom jewellery manufacturing is done locally.

Refunds may apply if:

• The product does not match the approved CAD
• OgilvieGems is unable to deliver the product
• The agreed delivery period is not met, unless otherwise arranged

Refunds do not apply where delays are caused by economic, national or force majeure events beyond reasonable control.

Custom jewellery deposits are used to secure design work, gemstones, production time and project preparation.

Once a deposit is paid, it may be forfeited if:

• We cannot reach the client for more than 15 days
• The project was financed and the client cannot continue payment
• Custom stones, design work or manufacturing preparation have already begun

If production has not yet started, a refund may be calculated less:

• Gemstone costs
• Design work fees
• Labour already completed
• Bank charges
• VAT where applicable

It depends where the project is in the process.

Once the design has been approved and casting has begun, cancellation costs may be substantial.

Because custom jewellery is made to one client’s specifications, resale is difficult.

Once cast, the cancellation fee may range between 80% and 100% of the project cost.

Our warranty covers confirmed manufacturing defects.

This may include:

• Casting purity issues
• Metal structural failure caused by manufacturing
• Faults in settings, joints or welds

If confirmed by our master craftsman, the piece will be repaired or remanufactured where appropriate.

Warranty does not cover:

• Accidental damage
• Impact damage
• Bent rings
• Pressure damage
• Dropping
• Crushing
• Wear and tear
• Metal thinning
• Prong wear
• Loose stones from wear or impact
• Chemical discoloration
• Damage caused by third-party work
• Loss of stones unless linked directly to manufacturing fault

Not automatically.

Small stones are extremely delicate and are held by very fine claws.

A lost stone is not automatically evidence of poor craftsmanship.

Loss may occur from an accidental knock, pressure, snagging, catching on fabric, a shopping bag, a cupboard, a dog, clothing, or impact at the wrong angle.

If stone loss is proven to be caused by manufacturing fault, we will take responsibility.

If not, the replacement falls outside warranty.

Please do not panic.

This can happen with fine jewellery, especially delicate pavé or micro-set designs.

You may:

• Have it repaired elsewhere, which will void your warranty
• Send it back to OgilvieGems for assessment and replacement

Where possible, we may assist with the first small stone replacement as goodwill, depending on the case.

Full eternity and three-quarter eternity rings are excluded from standard manufacturing warranty due to their natural structural vulnerability.

When stones extend too far down the band, the ring has less uninterrupted metal structure and becomes more sensitive to pressure, bending and everyday wear.

Yes.

To keep warranty valid, the ring must be serviced annually by OgilvieGems.

Servicing includes:

• Stone checking
• Prong tightening
• Cleaning
• General structural inspection
• Wear assessment

Failure to service may result in gradual wear that is not covered by warranty.

No.

If another jeweller resizes, repairs, tightens, plates, modifies or works on your ring, the OgilvieGems warranty may be void.

Only OgilvieGems should work on jewellery under warranty.

General warranty periods are:

Silver 925 Sterling: Limited 12 months

Silver Non-Tarnish Luxury: Limited 12 months

Palladium Silver: Limited 18 months

9K Gold: Limited 18 months

14K Gold: Limited 24 months

18K Gold: Limited 36 months

Platinum: Limited 48 months

Lifetime: Ltd Lifetime when technicals are adhered to. See Warranty Page

Some gemstones may carry their own limited lifetime warranties, subject to their own supplier terms.

Repairs do not carry a separate warranty.

Only confirmed full remanufacturing connected to a manufacturing fault qualifies under warranty.

This may be considered case by case.

However, jewellery not made by OgilvieGems is not covered under our manufacturing warranty.

Ring sizing must be handled carefully because resizing can affect structure, stone security and symmetry.

Some designs are easier to resize than others.

Full eternity, three-quarter eternity, tension settings, detailed pavé and complex designs may be difficult or impossible to resize safely.

Yes, where possible please.

For long-term structural integrity, the ring should ideally be cast in the correct size from the beginning.

This is especially important for delicate, pavé, eternity and custom structural designs.

You may clean fine jewellery with mild soap and warm water using a soft baby toothbrush, not an old toothbrush, a baby toothbrush.

Rinse thoroughly.

Soap residue can attract dirt quickly, so rinsing is very important. Rinse. Rinse and rinse again.

Avoid acid-based cleaners unless specifically advised.

A home ultrasonic cleaner may be used for suitable jewellery, but not all gemstones should be placed in ultrasonic machines.

Yes, but fine jewellery should be worn with care.

Avoid wearing jewellery during:

• Gym
• Heavy lifting
• Cleaning
• Gardening
• Swimming
• Sleeping
• Manual labour
• Chemical exposure

Fine jewellery is not indestructible.

Yes.

Diamonds are extremely hard, but hardness does not mean unbreakable.

Diamonds can chip, fracture or break under the wrong impact or pressure.

Yes.

Salt and pepper diamonds are often heavily included and may sit lower on the clarity scale.

Their unique look is beautiful, but inclusions can increase the risk of cracking, chipping or visible internal fractures.

Clients choosing salt and pepper diamonds should understand that they may carry higher durability risks.

OgilvieGems custom pieces may be crafted in:

• 925 Sterling Silver
• Palladium Silver
• 9K Gold
• 14K Gold
• 18K Gold
• Platinum

Metal suitability depends on the design, durability requirements and client budget.

Rhodium is a precious metal used to give white gold and certain jewellery pieces a bright, clean white finish.

It is rare, valuable and highly reflective.

Most white gold jewellery is rhodium plated to enhance brightness and surface protection.

Rhodium plating can wear over time and may need to be redone periodically.

Rose gold and yellow gold are not rhodium plated.

We may beat a written quote where the comparison is genuinely like-for-like.

To assess this properly, we require written quotes showing the same:

• Stone origin
• Certification
• Metal choice
• Setting method
• Manufacturing method
• Hand-finishing
• Engraving
• Gemstone quality
• Local manufacturing standard

We do not compare handcrafted South African fine jewellery against imported mass-produced jewellery or low-quality alternatives.

Our focus is value, longevity and craftsmanship — not cheapness.

Yes.

Delivery may take up to approximately 3 working days depending on location and courier scheduling.

Yes.

Collections are welcome by prior arrangement.

Security and verification procedures may apply for workshop collections.

No.

Most custom commissions begin through the quote process via WhatsApp, email or online communication.

The CAD approval process resolves most design questions before manufacturing begins.

Yes, where appropriate and by prior arrangement.

In certain cases, we may assist with a proposal ring where a client has a proposal deadline or wants to avoid choosing the wrong final design.

Terms and conditions apply.

Where available, OgilvieGems may include special gifts with qualifying purchases.

Gift availability depends on stock and promotion terms.

Promotional gifts are not guaranteed unless confirmed in writing.

Custom jewellery is personal, detailed and made specifically for you.

Before purchasing, clients should understand:

• Custom orders are not off-the-shelf purchases
• Deposits secure real design and sourcing work
• Fine jewellery requires care
• Delicate designs need realistic expectations
• Warranty covers manufacturing defects only
• Annual servicing is required
• Certification and valuation serve different purposes
• CAD approval is a key part of the process

CAD Colours vs Final Piece

It’s important to note that CAD and AI-generated visuals are created to represent the design as accurately as possible, but they remain digital interpretations.

Colours, tones, and light behaviour may differ in the final piece. Every gemstone is unique with its own natural characteristics, depth, and way of interacting with light. Similarly, each metal type has its own properties, finish, and reflective qualities that cannot be perfectly replicated on screen.

Because of this, the final piece often has more life, depth, and presence than what is seen in the digital design something that only becomes truly apparent once the piece is physically crafted and finished.

The end product is always more fine, elegant and timeless than the designs.Our goal is to create jewellery that feels deeply personal, beautifully made and properly supported long after collection.