RING SIZE QUERIES

I DON’T KNOW MY RING SIZE. HOW DO I FIND OUT?
We’ve been in the business for over fifty years and we’ve measured a lot of fingers. It’s something we do for free, and any jeweller worth their weight in gold should offer the same service. We highly recommend visiting a jeweller to have your ring size professionally measured (get them to do all your fingers while you’re at it; you can’t have too many rings). This is the most accurate way to obtain your ring size.

If you can’t get to a jeweller, and you have a ring that fits the finger you would like to wear your new Afrogem ring on, the next best option would be to measure the inside diameter of that ring with a ruler. Please make sure to use the INNER measurement and measure in millimetres. We can then use this measurement to calculate your ring size.

THE RING I LOVE IS NOT IN MY SIZE? CAN YOU RESIZE IT FOR ME? 
We do offer complimentary resizing where possible. It may not be possible to resize rings with intricate detailing on the band or eternity rings. If a ring cannot be resized we can remake the ring for you. The great thing about a remake is that you can choose your stones, which can be like hitting the dancefloor because your favourite musician remixed a classic and the beats are soooo much better.

WHAT IF MY RING DOESN’T FIT?
It’s important to order the correct ring size (see above to find out how to figure out your ring size). However, resizing can be done at most gold or silversmiths and would be more affordable than couriering back and forth. We can however resize your ring. We offer one free resizing of a ring where possible. If the ring cannot be resized to the desired size we will quote a small surcharge to remake the ring.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES 

THE ITEM I LOVE IS MARKED AVAILABLE TO ORDER? HOW DO I ORDER THAT ITEM?
If the item is “Available to Order” it is currently not in stock, but you can email leighann@afrogem.co.za with the image and description of the product and we can place an order to manufacture the item for you in your desired ring size, colour and metal choice.

DO YOU DO ENGRAVINGS?
Engravings can be done as an additional service and the cost will be quoted accordingly.

HOW DO I CLEAN AND CARE FOR MY JEWELLERY? 
Most jewellery, with some exceptions such as coral, opals, pearls and emeralds, can be cleaned by dipping it into a bath of lukewarm soapy water, then gently removing any debris that has gathered in the setting or is clouding the stone with with a soft-bristled toothbrush (like a baby's toothbrush). The jewellery should then be rinsed with clean water and dried with a soft, lint-free cloth that does not tug at the metal settings securing the gemstones. 

All Afrogem pieces are made from the highest quality solid gold and sterling silver, however, please do keep in mind that jewellery is still very precious and care needs to be taken whilst wearing it. We recommend you have a jeweller inspect your setting and claws every 6 months.


IS WHITE GOLD RHODIUM PLATED AND HOW OFTEN MUST IT BE REPLATED?
Yes, white gold pieces are plated with rhodium to give them the white gleaming finish. Rhodium plating adds a layer of protection to your white gold jewellery, and is usually redone once a year depending on the amount of wear your piece gets and the acidity of your skin. Some people need rhodium plating more often than others. Avoiding harsh chemicals and not washing your hands often while wearing your jewellery will preserve the plating for longer. As it is a metal, like any other metal used in jewellery, it is susceptible to wear and tear through exposure.

THIS IS MY FIRST TIME SHOPPING ONLINE AND I AM NOT 100% CONFIDENT SHOPPING ONLINE YET.
We understand your hesitation.We use several communication platforms such as Zoom, Skype and WhatsApp to communicate with our clients and are happy to assist you with a virtual one-on one appointment. Our consultant will take you through our range and the procedure step-by-step to assist you in turning your jewellery dreams into a reality.

We have over fifty years of experience in the jewellery industry and we are confident in the superb quality of our products. If you have purchased an item directly from our website and are not 100% satisfied upon receipt of your product, we offer a 7 day return policy on unaltered stock items. We cannot offer returns on items that have been resized or bespoke items that have been especially made up for you.

To book your virtual appointment, email us at leighann@afrogem.co.za

HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER FOR MY DESIRED ITEM?
Simply go to the website page that your item is on, add your desired item to your shopping cart via the ADD TO CART button and follow the directions through our simple checkout process to complete your order.

Your order will be placed once payment is made. We will send you a confirmation email with the details of your order and make the process as seamless as possible for you.

You can also contact us via email or phone call and one of our team members can process the order for you.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
- VISA, MASTERCARD, EFT and PAY JUST Now (3-months interest free). 

 

CUSTOMS DESIGNS

CAN I HAVE JEWELLERY CUSTOM-MADE IN SILVER?
Yes, of course! However, it is important to note that silver is a softer metal than gold and not as durable. Due to the softer nature of sterling silver, it is prone to distortion (going out of shape), so it may not guarantee a secure setting for your precious stones when exposed to everyday wear and tear. Sterling silver also unfortunately tarnishes over time. 

WHAT SHOULD MY BUDGET BE FOR A CUSTOM-MADE RING?
The price of a custom piece varies depending on the type of metal and stones used. Silver is more affordable than gold, and 18ct gold is more expensive than 9ct gold. Diamonds and precious stones such as rubies and sapphires are generally more expensive than semi-precious stones, such as garnet and morganite. Afrogem has a phenomenal collection of semi-precious stones, and many are just as beautiful, if not more beautiful, than those labelled precious.* Having a budget in mind helps us design the perfect piece to satisfy you and your pocket.

* There are only four precious stones: diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald. The labels precious or semi-precious do not denote quality, beauty or value. Semi-precious stones can be as rare and valuable.

WHAT TYPE OF GOLD DO YOU WORK WITH?
We work with 9, 14 and 18 carat gold in yellow, white and rose gold.

DO YOU WORK WITH PLATINUM?
Yes, we can manufacture most items in platinum.

CAN I PROVIDE MY OWN STONES? / DO YOU OFFER A REMODELING SERVICE?
No. We stock a large selection of stones for you to select from for your custom piece. As we only buy from reputable suppliers you can be assured our stones have been tested for authenticity and quality.

ARE YOU ABLE TO SOURCE A STONE FOR ME?
Yes, in most instances we will be. This hugely depends on the type and size of the stones and varies on a case-by-case basis. Feel free to get in touch with us and we will try our best to assist.

HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING A CUSTOM-MADE PIECE?
We fabricate engagement rings, wedding bands and other custom-made pieces. Please visit our bespoke design page and complete the bespoke design request form. For more information contact us on leighann@afrogem.co.za or ramona@afrogem.co.za. 

HOW LONG DOES THE CUSTOM DESIGN PROCESS TAKE?
Once you have approved the final design, manufacturing takes 3 to 4 weeks.

CAN I STILL HAVE A CUSTOM PIECE MADE IF I DON’T LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Of course! Many of our custom design pieces have been for international clients. We do online consultations and correspond via Zoom, email and Skype.

Thanks to CAD technology, sharing design concepts is easier than ever! You will be able to visualise your creation before production begins through realistic 3D renderings.

  

SHIPPING 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY ORDER TO ARRIVE?
Once payment has been received, in stock products will be sent out from our showroom within 2 business days of ordering. 

PLEASE NOTE: Out of stock products that have been ordered take 3 - 4 weeks from date of manufacturing. You will be notified as soon as manufacturing has been completed.
Deliveries within South Africa take 1-3 business days depending on delivery area. International deliveries can take 5 - 10 days depending on the area that they are being delivered too.
Deliveries are not made over weekends or Public Holidays.
Once your order is shipped you will receive a confirmation email or SMS with your tracking number so that you can track your order.
We try our utmost to get items to you as quickly as possible. Please let us know if this is an urgent order and we will do our utmost to assist where possible.

WILL MY ITEM BE INSURED WHILE SHIPPED?
All jewellery and loose stones will remain the responsibility and property of Afrogem until signed for on behalf of the recipient.

I BOUGHT A GIFT FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL. CAN I SHIP IT TO THEM DIRECTLY?
Absolutely. Please make a note at checkout that this order is a gift and we will gift wrap the item for you and exclude the invoice (we love ribbons and bows). Be sure to enter THEIR correct address as the shipping address, and YOUR address as the billing address.

WHAT IS THE COST OF SHIPPING?
Shipping in and around Cape Town is free of charge.
Delivery to other areas within South Africa are R150.
International deliveries are a flat rate of R800.