Buying Diamonds in South Africa as a Visitor
Factory-direct GIA & IGI certified diamonds — significantly below what you'd pay at home. Here's everything you need to know before you buy.
Why International Visitors Choose to Buy Diamonds in South Africa
South Africa is one of the world's top diamond-producing nations. Buying directly from a Johannesburg dealer puts you at the source — before the stones travel to London, New York, or Shanghai retail stores with their layers of markup.
Factory-Direct Pricing
No retail markup. No middleman. Diagem sources and cuts diamonds directly — what international jewellers sell with retail chain margins, you buy direct from the source.
Same Certified Stones, Better Value
The same GIA and IGI certified diamonds sold in London, New York or Shanghai boutiques — identical grading reports, significantly lower prices.
25 Years. DDC SA & WFDB Member
Established in 1999. Full member of the Diamond Dealers Club of South Africa and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses — bodies only ethical, established dealers qualify for.
Claim Back 15% VAT as a Foreign Visitor
South Africa charges 15% VAT on all goods. As a foreign visitor who exports your purchase, you are entitled to a full refund of that VAT via the official SARS VAT Refund Administration scheme.
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Purchase at Diagem We issue a VAT-compliant tax invoice at point of sale. This is the document SARS requires — provided automatically with every purchase.
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Visit the VAT Refund Administrator desk At OR Tambo or Cape Town International Airport, before check-in. Present your tax invoice, passport, and the goods for physical inspection.
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Receive your refund Refund is paid via cheque or credited back to your card on the spot.
VAT refund applies to goods physically carried out of South Africa. Different rules apply to shipped goods — see the shipping section below.
We Ship Worldwide — What You Need to Know
Diagem offers insured, tracked international shipping to all major destinations worldwide. You don't need to carry your purchase home if you'd prefer direct delivery.
Fully Insured
Every shipment is fully insured for its declared value from the moment it leaves us to when it arrives with you.
Complete Documentation
Ships with the original GIA or IGI certificate, proof of purchase, and all customs declaration documentation included.
Tracked End-to-End
Professionally packaged. Tracked. You receive updates every step of the way until delivery is confirmed.
⚠️ Your Customs Responsibility
International buyers are responsible for declaring all purchases to customs authorities in their home country on arrival. Import duties, taxes, and levies vary by country and are entirely the buyer's responsibility. Diagem provides all documentation required for customs declaration but cannot be held responsible for import duties charged by the destination country's customs authority. We strongly recommend checking your country's import allowance and duty rates before placing an order.Key Customs Allowances — Check Before You Order
- United Kingdom: Personal customs allowance for goods brought into the UK is £1,500. Goods above this value may attract import duty. Check HMRC guidelines before ordering.
- European Union: Customs allowance for returning travellers is €430 for air travel. Duty applies above this threshold.
- General: Most countries require declaration of jewellery and gemstones above a threshold value. When in doubt, declare. Diagem provides full customs documentation to support your declaration.
Two Ways to Buy
Whether you're visiting Johannesburg or buying from home — we can accommodate both. Either way, you deal directly with David.
🏢 Visit Our Johannesburg Showroom
- Book an appointment via WhatsApp before you arrive in South Africa — do not arrive unannounced
- Knox Safes Building, 1 River Street, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg 2196
- We prepare a curated selection matched to your brief before you arrive
- View and handle stones in person — compare side by side with David's guidance
- Payment: bank transfer, cash (ZAR), major credit cards
📦 Buy Remotely — We Ship to You
- WhatsApp David with your requirements: carat, shape, colour, clarity, budget
- Receive photos, video, and full GIA/IGI certificate details before committing
- Secure payment via international bank transfer
- Fully insured, tracked shipping directly to your door
- All customs documentation provided
Please read the customs responsibility section above before placing a remote order.
Why Diagem
25 years in the South African diamond trade. Internationally accredited. Fully insured delivery. Every stone certified by GIA or IGI.
25+ Years Trading
Established 1999, Johannesburg. A track record spanning 25 years in the diamond trade.
GIA & IGI Certified
Every stone independently graded. You receive the full grading certificate with your purchase.
DDC SA & WFDB Member
Internationally recognised trade memberships. Only ethical, established dealers are admitted.
Insured Delivery
Fully insured, tracked international shipping. Every parcel covered from dispatch to your door.
Related Reading
Further reading for international buyers planning a diamond purchase in South Africa.
The Exchange Rate Advantage
How three stacked advantages — exchange rate, VAT refund, and factory-direct pricing — make South Africa one of the best places in the world to buy a certified diamond.
Read more →South Africa's Diamond Heritage
The Cullinan, Kimberley, De Beers, and 150 years of cutting expertise. Why buying a diamond in South Africa carries a provenance story no other country can match.
Read more →