When you invest in an engagement ring, you’re not just buying jewellery you’re choosing a piece that represents your love, commitment, and story. It’s natural to want reassurance that your treasure will stand the test of time. Many jewellers promise a “lifetime warranty” on engagement rings, but few explain what that truly means. At ApolloGem Cape Town, we believe your trust deserves more than fine print ̶ it deserves clarity, integrity, and care that genuinely lasts a lifetime.

What Does a Lifetime Warranty Really Mean?

In the jewellery world, “lifetime warranty” is often used loosely. Most warranties cover manufacturing defects ̶ such as loose prongs or structural flaws ̶ and exclude normal wear and tear. Others require annual inspections or paid servicing to remain valid. At ApolloGem, we believe in transparency. That’s why we differentiate between a warranty and a lifetime guarantee. A lifetime warranty typically covers genuine manufacturing defects only, does not cover accidental damage, wear and tear, or misuse, and may be voided if exposed to harsh treatment such as chemicals, gym equipment, or impact. A lifetime guarantee, on the other hand, is ApolloGem’s promise of permanent fire and brilliance for all ApolloGem Moissanite stones. At ApolloGem, our message is clear: Your moissanite’s brilliance and optical performance are guaranteed for life ̶ but your care preserves it.

The Common Misunderstandings

Many clients assume a “lifetime warranty” means everything is covered forever. Unfortunately, that’s rarely true. Here’s what most jewellers won’t tell you: Routine wear and tear ̶ small scratches, polish loss, or prong wear ̶ is not covered. Damage caused by impact, dropping, gym wear, gardening, or exposure to harsh detergents is excluded. Resizing, polishing, or replacing lost stones are typically chargeable services.

At ApolloGem, we make these details clear from the start. We never rely on marketing language we rely on trust. We also offer free professional cleaning and inspection for life, ensuring your ring stays as brilliant as the day it was made.

The ApolloGem Lifetime Guarantee

At ApolloGem Cape Town, our lifetime guarantee is a promise founded on science, craftsmanship, and integrity.

What’s Covered: ApolloGem Moissanite stones only. Guaranteed lifetime brilliance and fire, maintaining optical performance indefinitely under normal wear. Manufacturing defects affecting the stone’s integrity or appearance. 

What’s Not Covered: Accidental damage such as chips, cracks, or breaks caused by impact or misuse. Surface wear or abrasions from daily activities. Exposure to harsh chemicals, detergents, or physical strain (gym, gardening, cleaning agents). Metal components (settings, prongs, or bands)  these fall under normal maintenance care.

How It Works

Each ApolloGem Moissanite is oven-baked for 48 hours after precision cutting ̶ a proprietary process that seals the crystal surface, improves hardness (rated 9.25‒9.5 on the Mohs scale), and enhances long-term transparency and stability. This means your moissanite is permanently brilliant and resilient ̶ but, like any fine gemstone, it still deserves thoughtful handling and proper care.

GRI-Certified Stones You Can Verify

All ApolloGem stones are certified by trusted authorities such as the Gemological Research Institute (GRI). Each certification includes: The stone’s cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. A unique laser-inscribed serial number for authenticity. Full online verification at www.gemresearchinstitute.com. Unlike questionable certificates from untraceable “labs,” every ApolloGem certificate corresponds to a real, verifiable gemstone.

Why Genuine Craftsmanship Matters More Than Clauses

A warranty is only as strong as the craftsmanship behind it.

At ApolloGem, every engagement ring is CAD designed, 3D printed, and then cast from a single solid piece of gold or platinum.

This process ensures maximum structural integrity, eliminating weak solder points and providing a ring that is durable, precise, and perfectly balanced. Each piece is finished and polished by hand to meet ApolloGem’s exacting standards of quality ̶ ensuring a lifetime of beauty and wearability. Clients should always remember that fine jewellery is inherently delicate, especially pieces featuring prong settings and multi-stone designs. 

Prongs are softer than the stones they hold, and over time they can loosen slightly with daily wear and minor impacts. It is advisable to check your stone settings periodically to ensure your gemstones remain secure. While every care is taken during manufacturing to ensure structural integrity, daily wear naturally puts pressure on the setting, and responsible maintenance helps preserve it for life. Because our rings are engineered for strength and brilliance, they don’t need to hide behind fine print ̶ they stand on craftsmanship.

ApolloGem’s promise isn’t just written ̶ it’s built into every ring.