We source around the world for the finest and most exotic gemstones available to help create “one of a kind” contemporary classics. Since all of our jewellers are Certified Gemmologists and Certified Diamond Graders, we can assure all of our customers that our gems are of the finest value possible. As a matter of course, we always ensure that our customers are fully informed of any gemstone enhancements known for the particular gem they are considering.

In the past, the term precious was used to describe gemstones such as diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire, precious opal, and pearl. The term semi-precious referred to all other gemstones. Today, most jewellers and gemmologists avoid using these terms, as they do not accurately reflect the true value of these gems. In fact, some gems previously classed as semi-precious, natural alexandrite and demantoid garnet for example, are so rare that they may command prices exceeding those of emerald, ruby, and even diamond.

A synthetic gemstone is a laboratory-grown gemstone that has the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as its naturally occurring counterpart. An imitation gemstone is a substance having properties other than the naturally occurring gemstone it is imitating.

From a technical point of view, coloured gemstones include all gemstones except diamonds. This also includes some non-mineral gems such as pearls and ivory. Of the vast number of minerals known, there are only a select few that qualify to be considered as gemstones. To qualify as a gemstone, the mineral must be not only rare and beautiful but also DURABLE enough to be worn as jewellery. There are many minerals that are both rare and beautiful but are too soft or fragile to be worn as jewellery.

There have been many attempts over the years to establish such a grading system but none has succeeded, primarily because coloured gemstones have such wide variations in colour, clarity, and cutting. Generally, gemstones may be grouped into three major clarity categories:

- Flawless or very minor inclusions (e.g. aquamarines and amethysts).
-Moderately included (e.g. rubies and sapphires).
-Highly included (e.g. emeralds and red tourmalines).

Colour greatly determines a coloured gemstone's value. Cutting is designed to bring out the best possible colour while retaining as much weight as possible. The value of a coloured gemstone is based on rarity as well as beauty, and many people prefer colours that reflect their individual tastes, rather than what is more expensive.

With ever-increasing advances in gemstone enhancements and synthetic gemstone production, it is more important than ever to deal with a reputable and properly trained jeweller. All ROX Jewellers are properly trained and certified, allowing us to provide you with the best gemstone identification and appraisals services possible.

Insure your jewels against loss, damage and wear and tear. Store each piece separately in a jewellery box. Never wear your jewellery whilst doing heavy work such as cleaning, gardening or renovating.

If you treat your ROX gems like the precious jewels they are they will reward you with a lifetime of pleasure!

Please bring in your ROX piece for a complimentary yearly assessment. Our designers will check settings and general condition of the piece. If any repairs are advised we will give you a detailed quote before any work is undertaken.

All gemstones have a level of hardness that is measured on a scale of one to ten. This is known as Moh’s Scale. This scale is exponential; meaning that a diamond (10 on the scale) is many times harder than quartz (7).

At ROX we only use gems that measure 6 or above in hardness making them suitable for regular wear. However, all gemstones need to be treated with care. Even diamonds, the hardest of nature’s creations, possess planes of weakness within their internal structure. Any stone, when struck at the wrong angle, can part or “cleave”. This is a rarity, though possible.

18ct Gold and Platinum are both malleable metals and will dent if hit on surfaces harder than themselves. Settings may become loose if knocked. Stones do not come loose unless knocked.

When wearing pearls, all moisturizers, perfumes and hairsprays should be applied at least 5 minutes before putting on the earrings or ring.

We strongly recommend you bring your rings and earrings in to the store for assessment and refurbishment every 12 months.

If you have purchased an 18ct White Gold ring you may wish to have it polished and Rhodium plated annually (Approximately $65 per piece).

Never wear beaded jewellery in water, in bed or during physical exertion. When wearing pearls, all moisturizers, perfumes and hairsprays should be applied at least 5 minutes before putting on the necklace. Beaded necklaces may need to be re-strung every 18 months or every 12 months if worn frequently.