Frequently asked questions
The questions clients ask first.
Plain answers to fifteen questions that come up most often, before a viewing, a sale, a trade, or a wholesale account. If something is missing, the contact desk takes the rest: /contact/.
Are Prodiam diamonds natural or lab-grown?
Every Prodiam diamond is a natural, mined-Earth diamond. We do not stock or sell synthetic / lab-grown diamonds. The Prodiam buying creed is explicit: only natural, only certified, only stones that hold their cut and their value.
Which gemmological labs grade Prodiam stones?
Primarily the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), to GIA Excellent cut grade, which is the top GIA cut grade and meets the AGS Ideal cut specification. We also accept European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) certificates on selected pieces. Every loose stone ships with its laboratory report.
How does a private viewing work?
Private viewings are by appointment at the Bedfordview viewing room (Suite F1W6, The Paragon, 1 Kramer Road). On arrival use the intercom; secure underground parking is available. The viewing room sits on the same address as our cutting works and the GIA South Africa office. You see the stone under loupe and microscope; we walk through the certificate and the cut grade. Allow 60 to 90 minutes.
Do you offer a return or exchange period?
Distance-sale buyers are entitled to a 7-day inspection period from delivery, in line with the Consumer Protection Act, during which the piece may be returned in its original sealed condition for a full refund less return shipping. We also offer a 14-day exchange courtesy on stock pieces purchased at the viewing room, straight swap for any other piece in inventory of equal or greater value (you pay the difference). Engraved or sized commissions are excluded under CPA s44(1)(b).
How does Prodiam verify a GIA certificate?
Every GIA report number is independently verifiable through the GIA Report Check service at gia.edu. We supply the certificate as a PDF on request before viewing, and the original printed report is signed across with the stone at the viewing room. The GIA South Africa office is in the same building as our viewing room, re-grading on request, on the same address.
Is delivery insured?
Domestic SA delivery is insured overnight via Brink's, G4S, or our nominated jewellery courier. International dispatch is jewellery-grade insured via Ferrari Group or FedEx Custom Critical, 2 to 5 working days, with full customs paperwork prepared. Insurance up to invoice value is included; extra cover is available on request before dispatch.
Can I have a piece resized or engraved?
Yes. Standard sizing (one to two sizes either direction) is included on commissions. Hand-engraving, hidden-halo additions, change of metal colour, and other modifications are quoted on the brief. Allow 2 to 6 weeks depending on the work.
What is FICA / KYC and why do you ask for it?
The Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) requires SA financial-services and high-value-goods firms to verify buyer identity. We request a copy of your SA ID or passport and a recent proof of address before releasing pieces above R 25 000. These documents are stored encrypted, used only for FICA compliance, and retained per the schedule in our Privacy Notice (POPIA-compliant).
Can you arrange in-store finance or a payment plan?
For approved buyers we can structure split-settlement (deposit to reserve, balance on collection) up to 60 days. PayFast offers MobiCred for pre-approved buyers as a card-based option. We do not offer an in-house revolving credit product. For trade accounts, Net 30 memo terms are standard once the wholesale account is approved.
Where do Prodiam diamonds come from? Are they ethically sourced?
Rough is sourced direct from De Beers Consolidated Mines viewings in Johannesburg, plus SA tender houses at Kimberley, Wolmaransstad, Schweizer Reneke, and the State Diamond Trader. All rough is Kimberley Process documented from the mine of origin. Manufacturing is licensed under the SA Diamonds Act 1986 (Beneficiation Licence valid through 2029). We comply with the De Beers Best Practice Principles. The supply chain is end-to-end traceable in a way most retail diamonds are not.
How do I know it is the same stone at hand-over as at the viewing?
Each loose stone has a GIA report with a unique report number, and on stones above 0.30 ct GIA laser-inscribes that report number on the girdle. Under loupe at hand-over you can match the inscription to the certificate. For mounted pieces we provide a signed handover document with the stone's spec and report number.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. International dispatch via Ferrari Group or FedEx Custom Critical, jewellery-grade insured. We prepare full customs paperwork including the GIA cert and our SA Beneficiation Licence reference. SWIFT settlement in USD, GBP, EUR, or CHF, settled to a ZAR receiving account at spot, with the cross-rate disclosed before settlement.
Do you buy diamonds and jewellery from the public?
Yes. Prodiam runs a buy-back desk for loose certified diamonds, estate and inherited jewellery, signed pieces, and licensed SA rough. We can re-cut, re-set, or re-supply, so we value the stone honestly rather than discount-as-is the way a retail jeweller does. See the buy-back submission form on /buy/.
Can I trade my existing piece toward an upgrade?
Yes. Trade-in value is benchmarked to Rapaport on the day. Routes include outright sale (cash), re-mount (keep the stone, redesign the setting), and re-cut & re-mount (suitable for older European or transitional cuts, lose 10 to 25% weight, gain meaningful brilliance and re-sale value). See /upgrade/.
What is a De Beers Emerging Beneficiation Customer (EBC)?
EBC is a specific South African beneficiation programme administered by De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa (DBSSSA), distinct from the global Sightholder programme. EBC requires majority-SA-citizen ownership, mandates in-country manufacturing, and operates under the De Beers Best Practice Principles. D and D Diamonds CC trading as Procut DCW has been a DBCM EBC since 2019.