How Long Does Custom Jewellery Take? A South African Timeline

Stage 1: Initial Consultation — Same Day or Within 24 Hours

The first conversation is the starting point. At Diagem, this happens via WhatsApp, email, or by appointment at our Houghton Estate studio. You tell us what you're looking for — style, budget, metal, stone preferences — and we give you an honest picture of what's achievable. This stage costs you nothing and commits you to nothing.

If you're sourcing a diamond from our inventory or from our global network, David will provide stone options within one business day in most cases. For unusual specifications (very large stones, rare cuts, or specific colour and clarity combinations), sourcing may take an additional two to five business days.

Stage 2: CAD Design and Approval — 3 to 5 Business Days

Once you've confirmed your stone and brief, our CAD designer creates a detailed three-dimensional render of the ring. You'll receive photos of the render from multiple angles — typically within three to five business days of confirming the design brief.

If revisions are needed (tweaking the prong shape, adjusting the band width, modifying the gallery height), allow one to two additional business days per round of revisions. Most clients approve the design within one or two rounds. Our standard quote includes two rounds of revisions; significant design changes are quoted separately.

Don't rush this stage. The CAD approval is your last opportunity to change the design before metal is committed. Take the time to review it properly.

Stage 3: Casting, Stone Setting, and Finishing — 7 to 14 Business Days

Once CAD is approved, the ring goes into production. The CAD file is used to create a wax model, which is then cast in your chosen metal. For gold this is straightforward; platinum casting requires specialist equipment and slightly more time. After casting, the ring is cleaned up, the diamond is set, and the band is finished and polished.

For a simple solitaire in yellow or white gold, this stage typically takes seven to ten business days. A platinum setting with a pavé band or a more complex design — multiple stones, intricate gallery work — will take ten to fourteen business days. Complexity adds time; don't assume a more detailed design is faster just because more is happening.

This is also the stage most affected by load-shedding and other South African logistics realities. We build a buffer into our quoted timelines for this reason.

Stage 4: Quality Check and Final Finishing — 2 to 3 Business Days

Before any ring leaves our studio, it goes through a thorough quality inspection: we check prong alignment, surface finish, stone security, and dimensional accuracy. If anything isn't right, it goes back to the bench. This isn't a box-ticking exercise. After quality sign-off, the ring is professionally cleaned and presented ready for collection or dispatch.

Stage 5: GIA or IGI Certification (if applicable) — 3 to 7 Business Days Additional

If your diamond arrives with an existing GIA or IGI certificate, no additional certification time is required — the certificate comes with the stone. If you're supplying an uncertified stone and want it certified before setting, or if you want a new certificate for a stone that's been re-cut, allow three to seven business days for IGI (which has a Johannesburg presence) or longer for GIA (which requires overseas submission via a registered dealer).

In practice, most stones we supply through Diagem already carry their certificate. We handle the logistics of any additional certification requirements.

Stage 6: Collection or Nationwide Delivery — 1 to 3 Business Days (Delivery)

Johannesburg-based clients are welcome to collect from our studio in Houghton Estate by appointment. For nationwide delivery — Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, and everywhere in between — we use a tracked, insured, signed-for courier service. Delivery typically takes one to three business days within South Africa. We handle the insurance and tracking and keep you informed throughout.