I do not recommend ever using Ogilvie Gems (my ring broke within 6 months of purchase):

After getting engaged a few months ago, my fiancé gave me the gift of choosing my own engagement ring. I found a ring on Ogilvie Gems’ Instagram page that I really liked. I then sent them an email with the picture from their Instagram, requesting a quotation. After a few back-and-forth emails, we accepted the quotation (it was quite expensive).

A design was then sent to me — similar to the one they had posted on Instagram. I am not a jeweler, and I accepted the design simply because it was beautiful: white gold, just as I wanted, with a lovely diamond. All was well, and I received the ring on 13 May 2025.

On 16 October 2025 — less than 6 months later — I lightly bumped my hand against my desk while reaching for a drawer, and the ring bent. I would like to mention that my finger was not injured in any way, shape, or form; it was truly just a small bump against the table. When I removed the ring, it bent back into its original shape, and then completely broke in two.

On 17 October, I emailed and messaged them about the occurrence. They immediately asked if the ring was insured. I informed them that it was, but I also asked whether there was any warranty, since the ring was less than 6 months old and should not have broken that easily.

They quickly informed me that their warranty does not cover “accidental damage” and only covers manufacturing defects. I reiterated that I believe a ring meant to last a lifetime should not break so easily — certainly not within 6 months of purchase. They then told me to bring the ring in for a “third-party assessment.”

The following Tuesday, my fiancé took the ring for the “assessment,” where he quickly realized that the so-called “third party” was actually involved in the ring’s manufacturing process. I’m not an expert in legal terminology, but I’m fairly certain that someone involved in making the ring does not qualify as a true third party.

The lady there told my fiancé that she would test the metal for deficiencies but that the design would need to change when they repaired it, as the ring had broken at its thinnest point. I’d like to reiterate that when I accepted the design, there was no warning or disclaimer — no one said, “Please keep this ring locked in a safe because the smallest bump might cause accidental damage.” If they had informed me that the design was unstable, I would have asked them to adjust it. I intended to wear this ring for the rest of my life, not for just 6 months.

The test results came back stating that “the metal is structurally sound,” and that repairs would cost over R8,000 — for a ring that was already quite pricey just a few months ago.

As I no longer feel I can trust Ogilvie Gems, I told them that my fiancé would pick up the ring, that I would have it repaired elsewhere, and that I would be sharing my experience on social media.

They then sent me a long email stating that I could contact the NCC Ombudsman (which I have done) and that they “do not appreciate my threat of defamation.” I responded that telling the truth is not defamation.

I have attached a photo of the ring, which has now become yet another item on my list of things to deal with while planning my wedding.