DESIGN YOUR LIFE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE
FAQS
It’s important you understand what services and products we’re able to supply you with. That is why we’ve made sure to give you the answers you need so you’ll be positive you’ve made the right decision choosing to work with us. Please note that the below T&C’s exclude any special limited ranges as well as any reconditioned jewelry items. For Limited Range Offerings see last FAQ. Below are the frequently asked questions. Read our FAQs to see if we’ve already answered your questions, and if not contact us.

DO YOU OFFER A PAYMENT PLAN?
Client’s now no longer save only to be disappointed by dramatically changed costs. No more worrying about:
A. Mineral Trade
B. Metal Trade
C. Economic Trade (Currency Rand/Dollar)
For more information Click Here
WHAT ABOUT WARRANTY | CERTIFICATION | GUARANTEES ETC?
IS OGILVIEGEMS LIMITED TO A GEM TYPE?
ARE THERE FAKE DIAMONDS?
A. Fake Diamonds – These are Cubic Zirconia that are coated in nano diamond veneers. And yes, they are sold with GIA and other certification. Now days even fake Moissanite.
B. Moissanite, sold with diamond certification as diamond (GIA or other). 99% of jewellers can’t tell the difference. Although we love C&C Moissanite, we do not sell it as a GIA Certified or other certified diamond. It’s not a diamond, C&C Specific moissanite may even be better than 99% of diamonds, but to sell it as one is wrong.
C. Grown Diamonds – These are real diamonds. Make sure tho, yes although authentically a diamond, meaning 100% Diamond, they (HPHT or CVD) are not mined. While some HPHT are Natural Mined and have just undergone the HPHT process. Make sure the certification stated HPHT or CVD, we love and are exceptionally fond of grown diamonds, even more so than earth mined. Grown Diamonds are 100% Pure Actual Real, Authentic Diamonds. 10 on the Mineral Hardness Scale and identical to mined diamonds in every single way (as they are diamonds) in every aspect outside of growth lines and structures.
ARE NOT ALL DIAMONDS, MOISSANITES, SAPPHIRES ETC THE SAME?
WHY OGILVIEGEMS VERIFICATION?
ARE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS REAL?
ARE CUBICS (cubic zirconia) NOT THE SAME AS LAB MADE DIAMONDS?
CAN A JEWLER TELL IF A DIAMOND IS LAB GROWN?
MORE FAQ ON GROWN DIAMONDS?
WHAT DIAMOND HAVE I BEEN QUOTED ON?
WHY MOISSANITE BY CHARLES & COLVARD?
Charles and Colvard are the Original re-creators, patent holders and pioneers of moissanite, the first in their class and the best in their class
Charles and Colvard are also the only moissanite company to:
- Ensure the expected future value of your moissanite – by
- Being publicly traded and listed on the USA Stock Exchange
- Using a specialised hand faceting technique (especially for this birefringent rough stone) to ensure that there is no comparable moissanite in the market
- Use a special growth technique (up to three months) for the worlds most unique rough before cutting. No other company in the world uses this patented 30 year researched and developed technique
WHY OUR LOVE FOR SAPPHIRE?
B. Sapphires and Rubies are the same gemstone
C. Sapphire is the second hardest natural mineral after diamond to be used in jewelry making. Making it the only Natural Diamond Alternative Strong Enough. This is Natures Alternative Diamond
D. As one of the “big four” Gems (diamond, rubies, emeralds and sapphire), Sapphire and Diamond are the only “durable” gems that come in a colorless variety making sapphire the ideal diamond alternative. Oh, and did we mention sapphire comes in at a fraction of the cost.
Sapphire the Real_Diamond Alternative. Note: Moissanite and Diamond are the two harder gems used in Jewelry.
DO YOU GET CERTIFIED MOISSANITE?
We so passionate about the superiority of Charles and Colvard Forever One Range over every other brand or remake out there, that we have added additional offerings where we have them locally graded by the DIA taking certification and warranty a step ahead of the rest. DIA is South Africa’s only trusted local and accessible to you as the client grading authority! We do this as we are tired of fakes, re brands hitting the market as rubbish with amazing promises! Stick to the best!
So…. Not only do we offer the most exclusive Charles and Colvard Forever One Range as our premium brand (that comes with a Ltd Lifetime Warranty), we also now offer Certification along with each Charles and Colvard Lifetime Warranty Moissanite if opted for in our quotes.
Our Aim is to become undeniably the most prestigious source of verified Diamond, Lab Diamond, Diamond Carborundum and Moissanite in South Africa.
With so many fake and re-branded products out there, there is only one way to ensure a truly confident purchase and that is to go with the industry leading standard that is DIA in South Africa (Nothing Else).
Please do note that the various specifications on each stone may vary on the certification from DIA. Charles and Colvard Forever One is sold in mm as well as in two ranges (Colorless or Near Colorless).
E.g., a 6,5mm Round Brilliant Cut Stone would be a 1ct equivalent. Meaning each stone is sold in mm and equivalent weight as set out in our FAQ. We use DIA to determine one thing for our clients: “Is the Stone Laser Engraved Forever One, is there authentication behind each stone that comes with a warranty card! If DIA cannot verify that a stone is indeed a Forever One Range Charles and Colvard Stone, it most likely is not!
Confidence with each purchase!
WHAT IS DIAMOND CARBORUNDUM?
Charles and Colvard (OgilvieGems) Online Portal:
https://www.charlesandcolvard.com/where-to-buy/south-africa/
https://www.charlesandcolvard.com/where-to-buy/online-partners/
WHY SET SMALLS AS A DIAMOND CARBORUNDUM STANDARD?
A. Tougher 99% of the time – They break way less than Diamond Smalls in setting, you will be surprised how many diamonds smalls break. The reason for this is
i. Diamond Milee or smalls come in a array of colors, clarities, estimated sizes. Remember when they mine a 1ct Diamond, they can only use 0,6ct e,g at D Color VS Clarity at EX_EX_EX_N, then they might get 0,3ct at G VVS at EX_VG_EX_N or whatever the case maybe. Clarity in cut is the most important, so they always cut the best clarity sections first! The Lower the clarity the weaker the stone. hey then use what’s left to make chips known as millee. This comes from the weakest part of a diamond. T
ii. Diamond Milee are almost never of top color. 99% of millee in the market no matter what they say is i color Si1-Si3 Clarity. They actually ungraded! Millee’s are sent to us form the brokers in near colorless VS/Si. This is especially true for any stone under 3mm. Stones over 3mm become easier to see inclusions and color differences, and chances of receiving the right stock is almost always guaranteed.
B. Moissanite smalls used by OgilvieGems are always DEF (99% E VVS). They have no inclusions, no weaknesses and when all set together in a ring, and all are set perfectly by our master craftsman, then the visual balance of excellence is unmatched and just accentuates the main Diamond or Gem used in the setting. Its all about visual excellence, design integrity and lifetime longevity.
WILL MOISSANITE FADE OR CHANGE COLOR OVER TIME?
WHY QUOTE DIAMOND CARBORUNDUM ON SOME AND OTHER CLASSIC MOISSANITE?
DOES MOISSANITE HAVE INCLUSIONS?
IS MOISSANITE RESISTANT TO SCRATCHING?
WHAT ARE THE 5 C’S OF MOISSANITE?
There are four C’s jewelers use when grading gemstones…and they tell you everything you need to know about moissanite to achieve the fifth C – which is Confidence. The quality and enduring value of moissanite jewelry can be expressed in those 5C’s and every Charles & Colvard and OgilvieGems Created Moissanite is strictly examined by our experienced Gemmologists.
CUT
Every Created Moissanite gem is precisely calibrated and hand-faceted by master gem cutters to maximize brilliance and spark its ultimate fire that increases the refractive index of moissanite.
COLOR
Moissanite is graded as near-colorless, with faint undertones of green to yellow to grey, and a few rare green gems.
CLARITY
Moissanite’s clarity grading is “eye-clean”. Our moissanite are created using organic elements, mimicking nature in a controlled environment, therefore moissanite gems have tiny, needle-like inclusions that invariably develop during the growing process of moissanite. However, only moissanite gemstones that pass OgilvieGems quality standards are made available for distribution.
CARAT SIZE
Moissanite is visually proportionate to typical diamond carat weights but is approximately 10% lighter. Most jewelers find it easier to sell moissanite by size rather than weight. A 6.5mm round brilliant natural diamond would have a carat weight of approximately 1.0 compared to a moissanite of the same dimension (6.5mm) which has a carat weight of approximately 0.88. Simply put, to the eye they appear to be the same size, although the weight of the two stones may be slightly different.
Like other gems, large sizes of moissanite are rare. However, the premium for large sizes is much less, making moissanite a particularly good choice for bold jewelry designs.
CONFIDENCE
Known to many as “The World’s Most Brilliant Gem”, with unsurpassed fire and brilliance, this unique created gemstone is the ultimate in gemstone design.
WHAT IS OUR REFUND POLICY?
• Products do not match descriptions given (Products to be inspected upon receipt immediately)
These products then must be returned.
• OgilvieGems are not able to deliver your product (outside of Economical and National Disasters)
or your product is not delivered within the allotted time (Unless pre-arranged) you will be eligible for a full refund
Note: Once Deposit is paid, the deposit will be forfeit if
A. We cannot get ahold of you via phone call, email or other for more than 15 days
B. If deposit or part of deposit was covered by Finance, and you are unable to fulfill your payment to them or continue your ring for whatsoever reason, the deposit is void.
C. If for some reason we have not started your project, we will refund your deposit less the cost of any gem stones as well as design work fees, bank costs and VAT. You will receive your gem stone as well as the design work in regard to your project.
Please note that the deposit covers mostly the custom gems for your specific order!
Recap for a FULL REFUND:
If for some reason:
• Products do not match descriptions given (Products to be inspected upon receipt immediately)
Product needs to be returned unused.
• OgilvieGems are not able to deliver your product (outside of Economical and National Disasters)
or your product is not delivered within the allotted time (Unless pre-arranged) you will be eligible for a full refund.
WHAT IS OUR WARRANTY POLICY?
We stand behind our quality and craftmanship. Our reputation is all we have and all we live for. Nothing else matters.
If there are any manufacturing defects, we will be glad to inspect, advise and replace if need be. Please note this is on inspection and will be determined by a qualified master craftsman. Note: This does not cover loss of smalls or other gems unless directly linked to poor craftmanship. No full or 3/4 eternities are covered in manufacturers warranty. Any ring where the smalls go further down than half is not recommended and weakens the structure of the ring. We so confident that as of 2021 (lock-down made us re-evaluate our confidence and industry standing in a positive way) we will issue a Ltd lifetime warranty on all craftmanship.
This excludes wear and tear, thinning of metal, discoloration due to use and general maintenance issues, 925 and 950 Silver as well as men’s bands.
On actual manufacturing we will give each client a lifetime warranty on manufacturing! For this to be effect, rings need to be serviced every 12 months at OgilvieGems and only OgilvieGems is to work on the ring. If our master craftsman during a service notes that a setting needs to be replaced or informs the client that tips are wearing or that there are other general issues regarding the wear and tear of the ring, please note that this will not be covered in our manufacturer’s warranty!
Ltd Lifetime Warranties only apply to our 14K, 18K and Platinum Offerings set in Diamond Grown, Earth Mined, Moissanite (Charles and Colvard) and Natural Gem Stone Jewelry.
Some gems carry Ltd Lifetime Warranties, guaranteeing no fade, scratch, breakage etc. Subject to T&C’s.
For details, please see https://ogilviegems.co.za/our-lifetime-warranty/
Store Items: Please note that on
- Refurbished Rings, Silver and Budget Range rings only come with a 6-12 Month Warranty on Manufacturing. We will however endeavor to assist you wherever we can, our reputation is that good and that important to us.
- 9K Gold offerings carry a higher end budget warranty if 5-10 years.
- Custom and all other high end orders – Lifetime Warranty subject to conditions listed above
WRITTEN QUOTE – BEAT POLICY?
WE PAY YOU?
You can submit your reasons to info@ogilviegems.co.za, we will then have a look at the reason you feel we did not honor our agreement with you, if need be submit the claim to the jewelry ombudsman so there is no irrational reasoning and pay you R500.00
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY ORDER?
Delivery of rings may take up to 3 working days. Typically rings and other items are delivered within working 20 days or less. (Delivery times may be affected depending on economical or other national disasters e.g., COVID-19)
Design Work: Typically, 1-3 working days (Client Updated)
once confirmed we cast
Casting: 7-10 working days – note all castings are air dried and scanned for cracks, air bubbles, fractures etc (Client Updated)
Micro Setting: 2-5 working days depending on bench schedule
Finishing: Grading, polishing, engraving etc: 1-2 days (Client Updated)
Note: Process can be much quicker depending on casting quality. All work is hand finished at our Bench Workshop in Pretoria South Africa.
For all loose Gems delivery is expected within 10 working days. Depending on stock availability delivery schedules will be discussed with each client directly.
WHY 20 DAYS – WHY NOT NEXT DAY?
WHICH DELIVERY SERVICES ARE USED?
WHAT IS THE FREE GIFTS AND WATCH?
WHAT IS THE FREE PROPOSAL RING?
WHAT ARE THE CANCELLATION POLICIES?
HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR JEWELRY?
I LOST MY STONE?
We must remember that 21st century designs are a lot more delicate and fine than designs of old, and although we design and manufacture for longevity the fact remains, those stones and settings are minute.
E.g. A small 1,1mm – 1.3mm stone is only that 1.3mm, on top of that we do not glue our stones, rather micro set between 4 claws. So you could imagine each claw is less than a third of a mm. That’s tiny. Does not mean weak or poor, rather super fine and delicate.
But, just the wrong nudge at the right (in this case wrong) angle can dislodge a stone, it can be super sad, but like we mentioned not the end of the world. Now please, we know every client promises they take such good care of their ring, its not their fault, they have never bumped it, they not hard on their hands etc.. (please we are not saying you a hooligan, we not saying you a rough and uncaring tom-boy), rather, it happens, and at less than a third of a mm, it does not take much, if the angle is right to dislodge the stone! Chill!
So why does it happen? It’s could be as simple as a subconscious (meaning unintentional bump, picking up of a checkers packet, getting hooked or scraped against a cupboard, playing with the dog or whatever it may be, no matter how careful you are it could happen.
Although it’s not a common occurrence, meaning daily, every week or month, it does happen and that’s nothing to worry about at all. We have clients its never happened to in 10 years and others once a year they lose a stone.
So please do relax. Do not fret.
A. You can take it to someone, replace a stone. It’s cheap, quick and easy – void warranty
B. You can arrange a courier to deliver and recollect and we will replace it for you – this will be replaced at cost. Note: we will replace the first one free.
THIS DOES NOT COVER MAIN STONES – IF A MAIN STONE IS LOST, THE RING SERIOUSLY TOOK A BEATING! SEE WARRANTY ABOVE
MY DIAMOND BROKE?
Ogilviegems strive to provide high-quality jewellery and gemstones; however, it is important to note that our warranty may not cover all situations. While some gems come with their own lifetime warranty, this is not usually the case with diamonds. Diamonds are generally resistant to breaking under normal circumstances due to their exceptional hardness, but they can still fracture or break. Its not uncommon. Therefore, it is crucial to handle and wear diamonds with care to minimise the risk of damage.
Furthermore, we want to inform our customers that we do not endorse or have a preference for salt and pepper diamonds. These diamonds are typically classified as I2 included and lower on the clarity scale, making them more prone to fracturing and cracking. However, we understand that salt and pepper diamonds have a unique and fashionable appearance, which is why we offer them for retail. It is essential for customers to be aware that if they choose to purchase a salt and pepper diamond, there is a higher risk of the stone cracking, chipping, or appearing less clean. While they may have a high ranking on the diamond scale (10), these diamonds have been associated with various issues.
We strongly advise our clients to consider the inclusion rate and familiarise themselves with the characteristics of salt and pepper diamonds. For more information, we recommend referring to the following link: https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/diamond-inclusions-defined/
We encourage you to make an informed decision and be mindful of the potential limitations associated with salt and pepper diamonds before finalising your purchase.
WHAT METAL PURITIES DO YOU WORK WITH?
OgilvieGems Custom only cast in Luxury Non Tarnish High End Silver, 14K, 18K and Platinum. Our Reasons for not working in 9K and 10K Gold are purely due to the purity of each metal and the market that we are in. We are not competing with the local jeweler or chain store, rather with the higher end custom market with our hand crafted work.
We feel that its not worth hand crafting any fine jewelry with less than 50% Purity in Gold (9k and 10K fall below 50% purity) where as 14K (Au585- 58.5% purity) and 18K (AU750 – 75% Purity) as well as platinum (PT950 – 95%) fall in that higher end purity range.
Our Store may offer 9K Gold Ranges – This is seen as a higher end budget offering. These 9K Ranges fall within a higher 5 – 10year warranty on manufacturing.
Some Budget ranges on our store are offered in Sterling 925 Silver (Which in itself is 92.5% pure). This however will be made very clear.
WHAT IS STERLING _ RHODIUM?
OgilvieGems use non tarnish 950 Sterling Silver, ensuring the color will not fade and will stay the same. Please note that there are exceptions to this if:
A. A client has a copper allergy
B. The ring has been soldered at a join etc.
C. A client has a high acidic level.
Although that’s not the case for 99% of Sterling Pure 950 Non Tarnish Silver, it does happen to 1 out of 1000 rings.
Sterling Silver does show scratches rather easily (again when compared to other high end metals), hence we go above and beyond and Rhodium plate all our sterling silver.
REQUESTED DESIGNS?
WHAT RHODIUM PLATING?
Because it is very rare in nature, it is only found as a by-product of mining for other metals, such as platinum. This, unfortunately, affects the price of rhodium making it very volatile as its availability is connected to platinum supply and demand.
While rhodium is too expensive to make complete rings out of, it does lend a higher sheen to high end jewlery pieces. Being harder than both silver and gold, it also makes an excellent protective coat that shields jewelry from scratches. One of its greatest advantages is that it doesn’t tarnish, is super scratch resistant and requires no particular cleaning procedures.
All our rings except Rose and Yellow Gold get plated with Rhodium as an added layer. Rhodium plating conventionally costs anything between R550-750 to polish, clean and plate a ring per ring. It’s very expensive, but worth every cent.
Some refer to it as white gold plating, but that’s not really accurate, as it’s its own metal and a super metal at that, and it just adds that umpf you looking for.