Frequently Asked Questions.
Design & Craftsmanship
What is the process for designing a custom engagement ring or jewellery piece?
The design process is collaborative and highly personal. It begins with an obligation-free consultation with one of our award-winning designers, either in our Sea Point showroom or virtually via WhatsApp, email, or Zoom. After discussing your vision and budget, you can then personally select your diamond from South Africa’s largest in-store collection. Our master goldsmiths will then bring your design to life in our in-house Cape Town workshop, ensuring every detail is crafted to perfection.
How long will it take to manufacture my custom jewellery piece?
While the time can vary based on the complexity of the design and the availability of your chosen stone, most custom engagement rings and fine jewellery pieces are completed within 2 to 14 working days from the final design approval.
Do you have ready-to-wear rings and fine jewellery available in your showroom?
Yes. In addition to our custom design service, we maintain a curated collection of ready-to-wear engagement rings, wedding bands, and signature fine jewellery pieces inspired by our collections (such as the African Glory and African Rose collections) at our Cape Town showroom.
Why do you use gold and platinum for your fine jewellery, and do you work with silver?
We exclusively use gold and platinum for our fine jewellery. As sterling silver is a softer metal that deforms easily and tarnishes quickly, it is not used in our fine jewellery to maintain our exceptional standards of quality.
How do I book a consultation with one of your jewellery designers?
Walk-ins are always welcome, but we highly recommend booking an obligation-free consultation to ensure you receive dedicated time and personalised service. You can contact us via phone, email, or WhatsApp to schedule an appointment at our Sea Point showroom, or to arrange a virtual consultation.
Diamonds & Gemstone Expertise
Does Mark Solomon Jewellers offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds?
Mark Solomon Jewellers exclusively recommends and specialises in only natural diamonds. We pride ourselves on offering the largest selection of certified natural loose diamonds in South Africa. We advise our clients that, unlike lab-grown alternatives, natural diamonds possess an inherent value that holds over time, making them not only a timeless symbol but also a sound investment.
Are your diamonds certified, and what is a GIA-certified diamond?
Yes, we prioritise transparency and quality by exclusively recommending GIA-certified diamonds. The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) is the most respected authority in the world for diamond grading. A GIA report guarantees an unbiased evaluation of your diamond’s quality, ensuring it meets the highest industry benchmarks for the 4 C’s: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat.
Can you help me understand the 4 C's of diamond selection?
Absolutely. Our expert designers will guide you through the process of understanding the 4 C’s (Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat). At Mark Solomon Jewellers, we emphasise the importance of the Cut, as it is the key factor that unlocks a diamond’s brilliance and fire, ensuring maximum sparkle.
Do you stock only diamonds, or do you work with coloured gemstones as well?
We are specialist stockists of investment-grade diamonds and rare gemstones, including vibrant Tanzanites, rare Tsavorite, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, and many other precious coloured gemstones. If a specific gemstone is not readily available, our team can expertly source it or have it custom-cut to perfectly suit your design.
Services & Policies
Do you offer jewellery aftercare services like resizing, cleaning, and repairs?
Yes, we offer comprehensive aftercare services. Our master goldsmiths provide professional resizing, cleaning, polishing, and repair work for your fine jewellery. We welcome you to bring in your piece for a professional assessment.
Do you ship jewellery across South Africa and internationally?
Yes. For both local and international clients, we offer secure, fully insured courier services to deliver your custom-crafted or ready-to-wear jewellery safely to your doorstep anywhere in the world.
What payment methods do you accept for purchases?
We accept a variety of payment options, including EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer), Wire Transfer (Bank Transfer), debit cards, and credit cards. As a service to our international clients, we also accept all major foreign currencies.
Do you offer a VAT refund service for international tourists visiting Cape Town?
Yes, we facilitate VAT-free shopping for international tourists on eligible higher-value pieces. Our team can guide you through the necessary documentation to ensure a seamless process as part of your purchase.
Where is Mark Solomon Jewellers located, and do you offer any special services for visitors?
Our showroom and in-house workshop are centrally located at 373A Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town. As an added service, we offer a chauffeur-driven courtesy vehicle by prior arrangement to provide convenient transport to and from your hotel or guest house for your consultation.
