FAQ - Common Questions About Sapphires
OUR CEYLON SAPPHIRES
Sri Lanka, the island of exotic gems has a colourful gem mining and trading history of at least 2500 years. Sapphires of unusually fine quality are found in Sri Lanka in a variety of stunning hues, including blue, pink, yellow, peach, orange, and pinkish orange (padparadscha). To date, Ceylon sapphires are the most popular of all sapphires due to their vibrant hues and special brilliance.
We are pleased to be carrying one of the best selections of Ceylon sapphires to cater for the modern market.
Sri Lanka is one of the only gem-producing countries that has been producing sustainable quantities of gemstones with minimal environmental impact for over 2,000 years. To maintain the sustainability of gem production, mining in Sri Lanka is generally carried out on a small scale using labour-intensive traditional mining practices rather than the use of machinery.
As one of the major income-generating industries in the country, it is in everyone's best interest to maintain the sustainability of production mining. Due to legislative restrictions for protecting the income of locals, you do not come across larger international companies taking over mining areas for heavy mining.
Mining in Sri Lanka is conducted in partnership with approximately ten parties including miners. All parties share the profits from the sale of gemstones.
Sri Lanka Gem Corporation oversees sustainability of the mining and the Mines and Minerals Act of 1992 prohibits any person under the age of 18 from participating in gemstone mining.
WHERE WE ARE
Our showroom is conveniently located online. Shop Sapphires
Deliqa Gems is a registered business name in Australia. All stones are brought to our Melbourne Showroom directly from Sri Lanka and shipped worldwide from Melbourne.
WHAT ARE UNHEATED SAPPHIRES
Unheated sapphires have not gone through any treatment process including traditional heat enhancement. These stones were mined as they are and simply cut and polished. High-quality unheated sapphires are extremely rare in nature. Deliqa Gems only supplies the finest unheated natural sapphire.
WHY ONLY UNHEATED SAPPHIRES?
Staying true to nature, we wanted to ensure that our customers have access to absolutely natural sapphires. Rarity, beauty, and durability are the three values of a gemstone. Just to sum it up in a measurable number, on average 95% of the sapphires available in the market today have been through some form of treatment (source: GIA) and only 5% are unheated sapphires.
Deliqa Gems offers some of nature’s finest, most exquisite unheated gemstones.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH TREATED SAPPHIRES?
Absolutely nothing is wrong with any form of treatment as long as it fits the customer’s purpose, what it is worth to them, aware of what they are purchasing, and are aware of the care instructions. As well as beauty and durability, gemstones are valued and fascinated for their rarity; unheated sapphires are rarer and original.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
We ship to most countries except to countries that have shipping/ import restrictions or are excluded from the PayPal payment system. If you are unsure, please contact us to confirm.
SHIPPING TO THE UNITED STATES
We frequently ship to the USA, one of our largest markets with many loyal customers. The USA does not impose import taxes on our gemstones, making your purchase hassle-free. Enjoy a smooth buying experience with fast shipping and access to some of the finest natural gemstones and jewelry available.
SHIPPING TO CANADA
Canada is another international country we ship to frequently. While import taxes may apply, we ensure a smooth and efficient shipping process, allowing you to enjoy our exquisite gemstones and jewellery with ease. Experience the beauty of our natural gemstones fast and securely.
EXPRESS SHIPPING
We ship to most countries except countries that have import restrictions and/or are excluded from PayPal payment system. If you are unsure, please contact us to confirm.
Once the payment has been cleared, the item will be shipped to the address specified on the PayPal payment confirmation. Please note that we can only ship to the address specified on the PayPal payment confirmation, so please ensure you provide the correct address.
How Fast is Handling?
We will post the item within 24 hours of payment clearance (excluding weekends and public holidays).
Do I Need to Sign For The Package?
A signature on delivery is required. A tracking number will be provided. Items will be posted via Australia Post insured 'Express Post or Express Post Platinum' within Australia and 'Express Courier International or FedEx' internationally.
How Long Does Shipping Take?
Expected delivery time within Australia is 1-2 business days. Shipments to Canada and the United States take 2-7 business days and typically to other countries. Destination customs may delay the delivery.
14-DAY SAPPHIRE RETURNS POLICY
Loose sapphires will be accepted by Deliqa Gems for refund or exchange (excluding any shipping charges and taxes) only from the purchaser identified on the invoice and only if returned in original condition along with supporting documents (i.e. gem identification report), within 14 days of delivery and accompanied by the original invoice. You must contact us prior to return.
How Do I Ship My Return?
Import Taxes
Currency Exchange Rate
PAYMENT
Payment can be made via secure PayPal payment option. You do not need to have a PayPal account to make the payment; PayPal express payment option will allow you to make the payment via your credit card or debit card securely, instantly. Simply select this option at checkout.
Full payment required within 48 hours of purchase unless arranged otherwise. Unpaid items will be re-listed for sale after 48 hours.
CERTIFICATION
All our stones are accompanied by a gemological certificate issued by an independent gemmologist. Should you wish we can arrange a certificate from a lab of your choice in Melbourne, Australia at an additional cost. Please contact us for more information.
SAPPHIRE HARDNESS
Corundum (the gem material of sapphire and ruby) is the second hardest gem material at hardness 9 on Mohs scale, second only to diamond (10), making it a highly durable and easy to look after gemstone.
CAN WE GET YOU IN TOUCH WITH A CUSTOM JEWELLER
Yes, we have a database of some excellent independent jewellers that will work with you. Contact us to see if we know of someone in your area.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographing gemstones is challenging. Understandably gemstones sparkle when the light reflects off it with movement; the same facet that gives the stone a beautiful sparkle will show a dark or white shadow when photographed. Colour may still vary slightly from the actual colour.
