Afrogem FAQs

Your questions, answered with the same care and craftsmanship we pour into every piece.

1. Sizing & Fit

1.1 How do I find my ring size?
Nothing beats a professional fitting. Pop into a reputable jeweller (we’ll happily measure you for free) and get all your fingers sized—because one ring is never enough.
If you can’t make it to a jeweller, measure the inside diameter (in millimetres) of a ring that fits the finger you have in mind and send us the number—we’ll do the rest.



1.2 The ring I love isn’t in my size—can you resize it?
Where possible, yes—and the first resize is free. Some designs, like full eternity bands or intricate details, can’t be resized, in which case we’ll remake the ring just for you. Think of it as a remixed version of your dream ring, with an even better finish.

1.3 What if my ring doesn’t fit when it arrives?
Don’t panic. Most rings can be resized locally or sent back to us for one complimentary adjustment. If resizing isn’t possible, we’ll quote a small remake fee to make it perfect.

2. Jewellery Care & Maintenance

2.1 How do I clean my jewellery?
Most jewellery loves a little bubble bath. Dip it in lukewarm soapy water, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. If you wear your ring everyday, for example your engagement ring, we advise that you have your jeweller check your settings every 3 to 6 months to keep your rings sparkling and secure.

2.2 Does white gold need replating?
Yes. White gold gets its mirror-like gleam from rhodium plating, which may need refreshing once a year depending on wear and your skin chemistry. Avoid harsh soaps and chemicals to make it last longer.

2.3 Do you offer polishing or reconditioning services?
Yes, we offer professional polishing, claw checks, and reconditioning for Afrogem pieces to keep them looking brand new. Get in touch to book a maintenance appointment.

2.4 Afrogem Aftercare
Every Afrogem piece includes complimentary 6‑monthly check‑ups and life time cleaning.  Ask about our Aftercare options for white‑gold replating and polishing.

3. Custom Design & Bespoke Jewellery

3.1 What budget should I have in mind for a custom piece?
It depends on your chosen metal and gemstones. Semi-precious stones can be every bit as stunning (and sometimes rarer) than traditional “precious” stones. Share a ballpark budget and we’ll design something perfect for your style and pocket.

3.2 What metals do you work with?
We work with 9ct, 14ct, and 18ct yellow, white, or rose gold. We also work with silver and platinum (on special request).

3.3 Can I have a piece made in silver?
Yes, but silver is softer than gold and prone to bending or tarnishing. We’ll guide you on whether it’s the right choice for your design.

3.4 Can I use my own stones?
No, we only work with stones from trusted suppliers. This guarantees authenticity, quality, and ethical sourcing.

3.5 Can you source a specific stone for me?
In most cases, yes. We’ll hunt down your dream gemstone and present options based on availability and size.

3.6 How do I start the custom design process?
Visit our Bespoke Design Page or email leighann@afrogem.co.za or ramona@afrogem.co.za. We’ll walk you through the process, gather ideas and take it from there to turn your vision into a masterpiece.

3.7 How long does a custom order take?
Once you approve the design, allow 3–4 weeks for crafting. Worth every second for a one-of-a-kind jewel.

3.8 I’m not in South Africa—can you still make my custom piece?
Absolutely! We work with clients around the world through video consultations, CAD designs, and insured international shipping.

3.9 Is your gold ethically sourced?
Yes. We’re committed to sourcing our gold and gemstones responsibly, ensuring they meet strict ethical and environmental standards.

3.10 Do you provide gemstone certification?
Larger Diamond and Tanzanite pieces come with certificates of authenticity and grading reports. We can offer additional lab certificates on smaller pieces as an optional extra for a minimal fee. 


4. Ordering & Payments

4.1 The item I love says "Available to Order"—what does that mean?
It’s not currently in stock, but we’ll happily make it just for you in your size, choice of gold colour, and preferred gemstones. Email leighann@afrogem.co.za to get started.

4.2 How do I place an order?

·       Add your item to your cart and follow our secure checkout process.

·       Or email/call us directly—we’ll personally handle it for you.

4.3 What payment methods do you accept?

·       VISA and MasterCard processed via Peach Payments

·       EFT

·       Pay Just Now (3-month interest-free instalments)

4.4 Is shopping online with Afrogem safe?
Absolutely. We use secure payment gateways, offer insured shipping, and have over 50 years of reputation behind every purchase. We’re also available for virtual consultations via WhatsApp or Zoom for extra peace of mind.

5. Shipping & Delivery

5.1 How do you handle shipping my order?
Your entire order ships together once all items are ready. If you’d like available items sent first, simply let us know—or consider placing separate orders for made-to-order pieces to avoid waiting.

Payment for all items is collected upfront, and production begins once payment clears.

5.2 What are the general shipping conditions?

·       Items are shipped only once payment has cleared—we don’t ship provisionally.

·       Made-to-order pieces take 3–4 weeks to craft, and ship within 7 days of completion.

·       We ship only to physical addresses where someone can sign for the delivery.

·       All parcels require a signature upon receipt.

·       We ship exclusively via courier services (Courier Guy, DHL, or other trusted providers)—no postal services are used.

·       If a parcel is returned due to an incomplete or undeliverable address, repeat delivery costs are for the client’s account.

·       Orders are shipped during office hours, Monday to Friday.

5.3 What happens if my package is lost or damaged?

·       Please inspect your parcel on delivery. Any issues must be reported within 7 working days.

·       Do not accept parcels that are open or tampered with, unless they’ve been inspected by local customs and bear an official customs seal or stamp.

·       If items arrive damaged, contact us within 7 days—we’ll work with you to resolve the issue case-by-case.

·       If you haven’t received your parcel within the timeframe confirmed by us, email or call immediately (within 7 working days of the expected delivery date). We’ll investigate with the courier on your behalf.

5.4 What are your local delivery details (South Africa)?

·       Cape Town: Free delivery

·       Elsewhere in SA: R200 flat rate

·       Delivery time: 2–5 working days from order acceptance or completion of production

·       Physical address and contact number are required (no P.O. Boxes)

·       You’ll receive an email with tracking details once your order ships

·       We use Courier Guy for local deliveries

5.5 Do you ship internationally?

·       Flat rate: R1000 worldwide (added at checkout)

·       Delivery time: 7–15 working days from order acceptance or production completion

·       DHL and Fedex are our exclusive international couriers for secure, reliable service

·       Delays may occur during peak seasons or due to customs processing times (this is out of our control)

·       Customs duties, import fees, or local restrictions are the responsibility of the recipient—we recommend checking your country’s regulations before placing your order

·       We do not ship via South African postal services

6. Appointments & Showroom

We’re appointment-only to ensure you get a truly personal, luxurious shopping experience.

Address: 181 Buitengracht St, Cape Town
Phone: 076 726 8491
Email: leighann@afrogem.co.za

Opening Times: Open 7 days a week, 08h00 – 18h00 This includes public holidays.
The only days we are closed: Easter Sunday, Christmas, Boxing Day and New Years day.