Lifetime Manufacturing Warranty

At SJ Gems we take great pride in our expert craftsmanship, ensuring every piece of jewellery is beautifully made to last a lifetime. Our commitment to quality means that each piece undergoes rigorous quality control testing, so you can cherish it for years to come. To give you added peace of mind, we offer a Lifetime Manufacturing Warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship in line with the South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA). With our dedication to ethical and exceptional jewellery, you can trust that your special piece is made to be treasured forever.

Exceptions to Guarantees

Consumer guarantees do not apply if you:

  • Received what you asked for but simply changed your mind, found it cheaper elsewhere, decided you did not like the purchase or had no use for it;
  • Misused the product in any way that caused the problem;
  • Knew of or were made aware of any faults before you bought the product;
  • Asked for a service to be completed in a certain way against the advice of SJ Gems or were unclear about what you wanted.

What is covered by our Lifetime Manufacturing Warranty

Significant Porosity: Large voids or clusters of pores in the metal that weaken the jewellery and may lead to cracks or breaks.

Improperly Set Stones: Loose stones caused by inadequate securing during manufacturing.

Prong Settings: Prong settings that are improperly crafted, such as prongs that break or bend immediately after purchase.

Note: Slight movement of the stone within the prongs is normal and does not indicate a defect.

Structural Flaws: Weak solder joints or separations where different parts of the jewellery were joined, indicating poor craftsmanship.

Under Karat: The warranty covers instances where the metal purity does not meet the stated karat weight (e.g., gold sold as 18k but testing below 75% purity).

Wear and Tear (not covered under warranty)

Some examples of common jewellery issues that would not be considered manufacturing defects include:

  • Dents, abrasions and scratches on the settings. Metals are malleable and over time they will exhibit signs of wear. We recommend booking a yearly jewellery assessment where a jeweller can check that your stone settings are secure. After a professional clean and polish, your ring will be looking brand new again.
  • Chips, scratches, nicks, and breakages on the gemstones due to wear and tear or accidents. Diamonds and moissanite are the hardest gemstones on earth but they are not indestructible. If a gemstone is hit or knocked at a certain angle, they can chip or crack. Regardless of the impact force, a gemstone is highly susceptible to breaking when hit along its weakest part (usually the edges or girdle). Gemstones set with exposed edges, such as in a prong setting, are at higher risk of sustaining damage.
  • Pits and holes in your setting created by exposure to corrosive chemicals e.g. chlorine bleach, heavy cleaning products.
  • The discolouration of precious metals caused by chemicals, make-up, exposure to chlorine in pools and hot tubs, or bathing.
  • Precious metals (especially claws and bands) can wear down over time and may need to be restored as part of normal wear.
  • Prongs that get caught, bent or worn down by everyday wear and allow a stone to fall out.
  • The loss of a gemstone caused by damage from everyday wear or from other damage.

Our Lifetime Manufacturing Warranty is only valid with proof of purchase provided and if the jewellery has not been altered in any way or repairs performed by an unauthorised jeweller.

Statutory Rights Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA)

Consumers in South Africa are entitled to statutory rights under the Consumer Protection Act, which provides a six-month warranty from the date of purchase. During this period, consumers can return products found to be defective for a repair, replacement or refund. The SJ Gems Lifetime Manufacturing Warranty extends beyond this period and covers defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product.

Regular Maintenance

We recommend that you have your jewellery inspected and maintained regularly. Prongs, settings and clasps can wear down over time and regular inspections can help prevent loss or damage.

Force Majeure

This warranty does not cover damage or loss resulting from unforeseen events such as natural disasters, theft or accidents beyond the control of SJ Gems.

Inspection Upon Receipt

Please inspect your jewellery immediately upon receipt. If you find any defects or issues, please report it within 7 days to ensure proper coverage under this warranty.