FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GEMSTONES AND JEWELLERY

  • Yes, absolutely. We understand that the beauty of fine jewellery should not come at an ethical cost.

    At Ruhuna Gemstones, we take the utmost care to ensure that all of our natural gemstones are responsibly and ethically sourced.

    Every gemstone we offer is also naturally sourced. We specialise in beautiful, genuine gems created by the earth, which means:

    • Natural Origin: Our stones are guaranteed to be mined directly from the earth, not synthetic (lab-created) unless explicitly stated otherwise in the product description.

    • Transparency: We provide detailed information regarding the origin of our gemstones wherever possible.

    Ethical Commitment

    Ethical sourcing is a non-negotiable principle for us. We uphold this commitment by:

    • Responsible Supply Chain: We work directly with a small, trusted network of suppliers and cutters who adhere to strict ethical labour and environmental standards.

    • Conflict-Free: We actively strive to ensure our supply chain is free from conflict financing and human rights abuses.

    • Due Diligence: We are committed to conducting thorough due diligence on all our sources to verify that every step, from the mine to your jewellery box, is handled with fairness and integrity.

    When you purchase a gemstone from Ruhuna Gemstones, you can be confident that you are acquiring a piece of natural beauty that has been sourced with the highest standard of care and responsibility.

  • Yes, for our premier pieces and individually listed stones, absolutely.

    At Ruhuna Gemstones, we ensure that the quality and characteristics of your purchase are validated by trusted, independent experts.

    • Individually Sourced Gemstones: Each high-value, individually listed and ethically sourced loose gemstone, or finished jewellery piece containing a feature stone valued over $1,000 will come with an independent certification.

    • Independent Experts: These certificates are issued by leading, globally recognised gemological laboratories. This means the assessment of your gemstone's quality, carat weight, cut and colour is unbiased and verifiable.

    • Complete Confidence: Providing independent certification gives you complete confidence in the authenticity and accurate grading of the magnificent stone you are purchasing.

    Please note: Smaller stones used in ready-to-wear pieces are typically not individually certified, but their quality and characteristics are guaranteed under our general product warranty. If desired, we can easily arrange for certification at an additional cost.

  • At Ruhuna Gemstones, transparency is key. We offer both unheated and heat-treated stones, with the treatment status always clearly disclosed in the product description for every gemstone.

    Our Treatment Philosophy

    • Preference for Unheated: We primarily aim to list and showcase the most desirable unheated (untreated) gemstones, as these often hold the highest value and appeal due to their untouched, natural state.

    • Providing Choice: However, we understand that client preferences can be highly specific. Depending on your desired colour intensity, budget and specific geographic origin, we can also provide a curated selection of heated stones.

    • Heated Stones Explained: Heating is a traditional, permanent and common practice in the gem industry used to enhance the natural colour and clarity of a stone. While they are treated, they remain 100% natural gemstones that originated from the earth.

    Ultimately, your choice is purely a matter of personal taste, budget and preference. We will always provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision on the treatment status of your stone.

  • No, at Ruhuna Gemstones, we exclusively deal in 100% natural gemstones sourced from the earth.

    Our Natural Focus

    While lab-grown gems offer a uniform alternative, our passion lies in the unparalleled story and beauty of naturally grown stones.

    We believe the true luxury of a gemstone is found in its unique history:

    • A Billion-Year Story: Each natural gem is a geological miracle, a beautiful product of immense pressure, heat and time - sometimes taking billions of years to form deep within the earth.

    • Unique Imperfections: The subtle variations, colour zoning and crystalline inclusions found in natural stones are not flaws; they are the fingerprints of nature that make your gemstone truly one-of-a-kind.

    • The Rarity of Nature: We celebrate the rarity that comes from unearthing something truly unique, ensuring that the piece you wear carries an irreplaceable sense of wonder and natural heritage.

    For this reason, we focus all our expertise on sourcing and preparing magnificent, genuine gemstones created solely by nature.

  • This is one of our specialities! Our website showcases only a selection of the exceptional gemstones we have available and we thrive on the challenge of finding the perfect match for your vision.

    If you are looking for a stone with specific characteristics - be it a particular colour grade, size, cut or origin - we will work closely with you and leverage our extensive global network of trusted miners, cutters and suppliers.

    We treat this as a personal sourcing mission. We will use our expertise and contacts to find and present you with a curated selection of stones that perfectly meet your specifications, ensuring you receive a high-quality, ethically sourced gem that is exactly what you dreamed of.

  • We work with a full range of precious metals to suit your design preference and budget.

    Custom and Bespoke Jewellery

    For custom commissions, we will source and work with whichever metal the client requests. This typically includes:

    • Gold in 9-carat, 14-carat and 18-carat (in white, yellow or rose).

    • Platinum (Pt950).

    Fine Jewellery Collection

    Our finished, ready-to-wear jewellery pieces offered online are crafted from premium alloys to ensure exceptional durability and lasting beauty. These pieces are generally offered in 14-carat or 18-carat gold (white, yellow or rose), or platinum.

    We guarantee the purity and quality of all metals used in our jewellery.

  • We can certainly arrange a formal, independent valuation to accompany your purchase for insurance purposes.

    Due to the specialised nature of this service, a formal valuation can be provided with any piece at an additional cost. The valuation is conducted by a qualified, independent third-party valuer and will reflect the estimated retail replacement value of your item.

    If you require this service, please get in contact at the time of purchase or advise us during your initial consultation so we can arrange this for you and incorporate the necessary time into your order schedule.

ABOUT US

  • In order to provide you with the highest possible value, we do not operate a traditional retail storefront. We believe this deliberate strategy ensures that you receive the most value for money and the highest quality products.

    Our Value-Driven Consultation Model

    By operating exclusively online and through private consultation, we eliminate the substantial costs associated with maintaining a large retail showroom. This focus ensures that our business resources are channeled directly into acquiring and creating exceptional quality gemstones and jewellery. The result is that you receive the highest calibre pieces and personalised service, ensuring every purchase is an outstanding investment in quality and craftsmanship.

    To ensure you receive this personalised service, we offer dedicated, one-on-one consultation options. For clients residing in Melbourne, we can arrange a private, secure in-person meeting in the CBD or another professional setting to view gemstones and discuss custom designs. For our clients interstate and overseas, we offer scheduled video conference consultations (via Zoom, etc.) to showcase gemstones, review design concepts and answer all your questions face-to-face from the comfort of your home.

  • Ruhuna Gemstones was founded on a profound appreciation for two things: the unparalleled natural beauty of Earth's rarest treasures and the artistry of transforming them into enduring, wearable art. Our brand is a commitment to the integrity of nature and the mastery of our craft.

    We believe every significant piece of jewellery should carry a unique, natural story - a story of geological formation, ethical sourcing and dedicated creation. We exist to be the trusted link that brings these extraordinary, natural gems directly to clients who value transparency, quality and personalised design.

  • Every piece from Ruhuna Gemstones is the result of a collaborative process centred on expertise and precision. Our custom designs begin with our in-house design consultant, who works directly with you to translate your personal vision into detailed sketches and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models.

    The physical creation is then executed by highly skilled Australian goldsmiths and master setters. By combining modern design technology with traditional, meticulous hand-finishing techniques, we ensure every curve, claw and polish meets the highest standard of luxury craftsmanship.

  • Yes, absolutely. We regularly partner with clients from around the globe to design and deliver exceptional jewellery.

    Our International Client Experience

    Despite the distance, our process is designed to be highly personal and transparent, ensuring you feel completely involved every step of the way.

    • Virtual Consultations: All initial design discussions, gemstone viewings and concept reviews are conducted seamlessly via scheduled Zoom video conferences. This allows us to share high-resolution images, videos and design files face-to-face, regardless of your location.

    • Consistent Updates: Once your custom project begins, you will be kept fully informed and updated throughout the entire creation process. We routinely share progress via high-quality images, videos and direct phone or email updates - from the setting of your stone to the final polish.

    • Secure Global Delivery: We manage all aspects of secure, insured international shipping, ensuring your finished piece is safely delivered to your door.

    Our goal is to make the experience of commissioning a piece of bespoke jewellery as enjoyable and effortless for our international clients as it is for those locally.

SHIPPING, WARRANTY & RETURNS

  • We ensure your beautiful piece reaches you safely and securely, regardless of your location.

    Australian Clients

    For all purchases made within Australia, free insured postage is included within the cost of your item. This means you do not pay extra for shipping and your delivery is fully covered against loss or damage while in transit. We will provide you with a tracking number as soon as your order is dispatched so you can monitor its progress.

    International Clients

    For our international clients, shipping costs vary depending on the destination and the value of the piece. A precise quote for shipping and full insurance will be provided at the time of purchase or during your custom consultation or check out on our website. We use trusted international carriers to ensure swift and secure delivery.

  • We provide a 12-month limited warranty against manufacturing defects on all finished jewellery pieces.

    This warranty covers any issues that arise from the original construction of the item, such as a defect in the metal casting or a setting failure due to poor workmanship. If a covered defect is found, we will repair or replace the item free of charge.

    What is NOT Covered by the Warranty?

    It is important to understand that our warranty does not cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear or improper handling, which includes:

    • Normal Wear and Tear: Scratches, dents or signs of deterioration that happen through regular use.

    • Misuse or Accidental Damage: Damage caused by impact, snagging or improper storage.

    • Lack of Maintenance: Damage that occurs due to a failure to obtain recommended checks (e.g., ring claw tightening).

    • Third-Party Modification: Any piece that has been repaired, resized or modified by a jeweller other than Ruhuna Gemstones will void the warranty.

    Recommendation: We highly recommend regular check-ups and following our care instructions (avoiding chemical exposure, high impact) to ensure the longevity of your piece.

  • Our returns policy is structured to comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and to offer a fair process for changes of mind on standard items, while protecting the bespoke nature of our custom work.

    1. Returns for Change of Mind (Standard, In-Stock Items)

    • Eligibility: We offer a 14-day return period for a change of mind on standard, in-stock jewellery items only.

    • Conditions: The item must be returned in its original, unworn and unused condition, complete with all original packaging, documentation (including any certificates) and proof of purchase.

    • Cost: The cost of return shipping and insurance is your responsibility.

    2. Items Excluded from Change of Mind Returns

    The change of mind policy does NOT apply to the following items and their sale is considered final:

    • Custom-made, bespoke pieces or specially sourced gemstone items.

    • Items that have been resized or engraved at your request.

    • Earrings, due to hygiene reasons.

    3. Returns for Faulty Items (Australian Consumer Law)

    For items that are faulty or do not meet an applicable consumer guarantee, you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). This applies if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure is not due to normal wear and tear, misuse or accidental damage.