GemTrove
Practical information about GemTrove's Natural Diamond Upgrade Policy information, including the practical details customers should know before using our jewellery and diamond.
GemTrove Natural Diamond Upgrade Policy
GemTrove’s natural diamond upgrade policy is designed for eligible customers who purchased a natural diamond from GemTrove and wish to upgrade to a higher-value natural diamond in the future.
This policy explains the main eligibility rules, documentation requirements, inspection process, exclusions and practical costs that may apply when upgrading a natural diamond.
Clear conditions before any upgrade
Diamond upgrades require careful checking of the original diamond, invoice, certificate, condition and new diamond selection before approval.
- Applies to eligible natural diamonds purchased from GemTrove
- Upgrade diamond must be a higher-value natural diamond
- New diamond must be at least 50% higher in value than the original diamond
- Original diamond must pass GemTrove inspection
- Original invoice and certificate are required where applicable
- Setting, labour and remodelling costs are separate
Purpose of This Policy
This policy helps customers understand how GemTrove assesses natural diamond upgrade requests. It is intended for customers who have purchased an eligible natural diamond from GemTrove and wish to trade it towards a higher-value natural diamond.
The upgrade policy is not a refund policy, buy-back policy or general exchange policy. It is a conditional upgrade pathway, subject to inspection, documentation, approval and the availability of a suitable new natural diamond.
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Natural Diamonds Only
This policy applies to eligible natural diamonds purchased from GemTrove, subject to inspection and approval.
50% Higher Value
The new natural diamond must be at least 50% higher in value than the original diamond.
Inspection Required
The original diamond must be checked for identity, condition, damage, alterations and documentation.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
All upgrade requests are subject to GemTrove’s review. The original diamond must be identifiable, in suitable condition and supported by the required purchase records and diamond documentation.
| Requirement | Policy Guidance | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Original diamond purchase | The diamond must have been purchased from GemTrove. | This allows GemTrove to verify the original sale and diamond details. |
| Natural diamond only | The policy applies to eligible natural diamonds, not lab-grown diamonds unless separately agreed in writing. | Natural and lab-grown diamonds have different market structures and value behaviour. |
| Higher-value upgrade | The new natural diamond must be at least 50% higher in value than the original diamond. | This keeps the policy focused on genuine upgrades, not lateral exchanges. |
| Original invoice | The customer should provide the original GemTrove invoice or proof of purchase. | This confirms ownership history and original purchase details. |
| Diamond certificate | Original GIA, IGI or relevant diamond documentation should be provided where applicable. | Certificate details help verify the diamond and its specifications. |
| Condition inspection | The diamond must be inspected for chips, fractures, abrasion, recutting, repolishing or other changes. | Damage or alteration can affect upgrade eligibility and value. |
| GemTrove approval | Final approval is subject to GemTrove’s inspection and confirmation. | Each upgrade must be reviewed individually before acceptance. |
Important: Bringing the original invoice, diamond certificate and jewellery item to the appointment helps GemTrove assess the upgrade request more efficiently.
What Is Included and What Is Not Included?
The upgrade value generally relates to the eligible natural diamond itself. The jewellery setting, metal, labour, design, CAD work, side stones, resizing, repair, insurance, shipping, valuation and other costs are separate unless GemTrove confirms otherwise in writing.
| Item | Usually Included in Diamond Upgrade Credit? | Policy Note |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible original natural diamond | Yes, subject to inspection and approval | The upgrade credit applies to the natural diamond value confirmed by GemTrove. |
| Ring setting or jewellery mount | No | Settings are not normally part of the diamond upgrade credit. |
| Metal value | No | Gold, platinum or other metal value is separate from the diamond upgrade. |
| Side stones | No, unless separately approved | Small diamonds or gemstones in the setting are not automatically included. |
| Labour, CAD or remodelling | No | Design, making, resizing, resetting and remodelling are separate costs. |
| Valuation, insurance or finance costs | No | These are separate services or third-party costs. |
| New certificate or updated valuation | No | Updated documentation may be required and may involve additional cost. |
Condition of the Original Diamond
The original diamond must be inspected before an upgrade is approved. If the diamond has been damaged, chipped, fractured, abraded, recut, repolished, replaced, treated, altered or is not the same diamond originally purchased, the upgrade may be declined or reassessed.
| Condition Issue | Possible Effect | GemTrove Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Chipped diamond | May reduce value or make the diamond ineligible | Inspection is required before any upgrade can be considered. |
| Fracture or durability concern | May make the diamond unsuitable for upgrade acceptance | Further assessment or recut advice may be needed. |
| Recut or repolished diamond | May no longer match original certificate details | Updated certification or valuation may be required. |
| Missing certificate | May delay or limit verification | Re-certification or further gemological checking may be needed. |
| Diamond no longer matches records | Upgrade may be declined | The diamond must be verifiable as the original eligible diamond. |
| Heavy wear or abrasion | May affect acceptance or upgrade value | GemTrove will assess the diamond before confirming options. |
Gemologist-led review: GemTrove may use magnification, certificate details, measurements, inscriptions and gemological checks to confirm diamond identity and condition.
How the Upgrade Value Is Treated
The upgrade value is assessed against the eligible original natural diamond. Where the original invoice clearly itemises the diamond, this helps confirm the original diamond value. Where details are unclear, GemTrove may need to review records and provide a case-by-case assessment.
The upgraded diamond must be at least 50% higher in value than the original diamond. The customer is responsible for paying the price difference, plus any applicable GST, setting costs, labour, resizing, remodelling, valuation or documentation costs.
| Upgrade Cost Area | How It Works | Customer Note |
|---|---|---|
| Original diamond value | Used as the basis for upgrade assessment where eligible | Invoice and certificate help confirm this value. |
| New diamond value | Must be at least 50% higher than the original diamond value | The upgrade must be a genuine step up in value. |
| Price difference | Paid by the customer after upgrade credit is applied | Final quote is confirmed before proceeding. |
| Setting or remodelling | Charged separately if the new diamond needs a new or altered setting | A larger diamond often requires setting changes. |
| Certificate or valuation | May be needed for the new diamond or finished jewellery | Documentation costs are separate unless stated otherwise. |
| Repairs or restoration | Charged separately if the existing jewellery needs work | Worn claws, thin bands or damaged settings must be addressed before resetting. |
Jewellery Setting and Remodelling Costs
A diamond upgrade often requires jewellery work. A larger diamond may not fit the original ring, pendant or setting. The claws, basket, halo, shoulders, side stones, band width or wedding band fit may need to be adjusted or remade.
These jewellery costs are separate from the diamond upgrade. GemTrove will assess whether the existing jewellery can safely accept the new diamond or whether a new setting or remodelling design is recommended.
| Jewellery Issue | Why It Matters | Possible Direction |
|---|---|---|
| New diamond is larger | Original setting may not fit | New head, basket, claws or complete remodelling may be required. |
| Different diamond shape | Shape change affects setting design | New setting is often required when changing shape. |
| Worn claws | Stone security may be compromised | Claw repair or new setting may be required before resetting. |
| Thin or damaged band | Ring may not safely support a larger diamond | Band reinforcement, half-shank replacement or remodelling may be needed. |
| Matching wedding band | Upgrade may change how rings sit together | Wedding band adjustment or redesign may be discussed. |
| Updated valuation | Insurance details may need to match the new diamond and setting | Updated valuation is recommended after major upgrade work. |
Natural Diamonds, Lab-Grown Diamonds and Gemstones
This page is specifically for GemTrove’s natural diamond upgrade policy. Lab-grown diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, moissanite, simulants and other stones are not automatically included under this natural diamond upgrade policy unless GemTrove confirms a separate arrangement in writing.
| Stone Type | Covered by This Policy? | Policy Note |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible natural diamond purchased from GemTrove | Yes, subject to inspection and approval | The new natural diamond must be at least 50% higher in value. |
| Natural diamond not purchased from GemTrove | No | May be assessed for sale, redesign or custom work separately. |
| Lab-grown diamond | No, unless separately agreed in writing | Lab-grown diamonds have different value behaviour and policy treatment. |
| Coloured gemstone | No | Gemstone upgrades or remodelling are separate from this policy. |
| Moissanite or simulant | No | This policy is for eligible natural diamonds only. |
| Side stones in jewellery | No, unless separately approved | Side stones are not automatically included in the upgrade credit. |
Natural Diamond Upgrade Process
The upgrade process begins with an appointment and inspection. GemTrove will review the original diamond, documentation and customer goals before presenting suitable upgrade options.
1. Book Appointment
Arrange a time to bring your diamond, jewellery, invoice and certificate to GemTrove.
2. Bring Documents
Bring the original invoice, diamond certificate, valuation and any relevant records.
3. Diamond Inspection
GemTrove checks the diamond identity, condition, measurements, inscription and documentation.
4. Select Upgrade
Choose a higher-value natural diamond that meets the policy requirements and your preferences.
5. Confirm Costs
GemTrove confirms the upgrade difference, setting work, remodelling and documentation costs.
6. Complete Upgrade
The new diamond is supplied and, where required, set into your new or existing jewellery.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
For the smoothest review, bring everything related to the original diamond purchase. Missing documents may delay approval or require further checking.
| Item to Bring | Why It Helps | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Original GemTrove invoice | Confirms the original purchase and diamond value details | Yes |
| Diamond certificate | Helps verify diamond identity and specifications | Yes, where applicable |
| Current jewellery item | Allows GemTrove to inspect both the diamond and setting | Yes |
| Valuation documents | May help with insurance and updated replacement details | Recommended |
| Preferred new diamond details | Helps GemTrove shortlist suitable upgrade options | Recommended |
| Design inspiration | Useful if the setting needs to be remade or updated | Optional |
Related GemTrove Pages
Diamond upgrades often connect with new diamond selection, engagement ring redesign, ring repair, valuation and custom jewellery design.
Natural Diamond Upgrade Policy FAQ
Does this policy apply to all diamonds?
No. This policy applies to eligible natural diamonds purchased from GemTrove, subject to inspection, documentation and approval.
Does the upgraded diamond need to be more expensive?
Yes. The upgraded natural diamond must be at least 50% higher in value than the original natural diamond.
Do I need the original invoice?
Yes, the original GemTrove invoice is strongly required because it helps confirm the original purchase and diamond value. Missing records may delay or limit the upgrade assessment.
Do I need the diamond certificate?
Where the diamond was sold with a certificate, the original certificate should be provided. If it is missing, further verification or re-certification may be needed.
What happens if the original diamond is damaged?
If the diamond is chipped, fractured, abraded, altered, recut or no longer matches the original records, the upgrade may be declined or reassessed by GemTrove.
Does the policy include the ring setting?
No. The natural diamond upgrade policy generally applies to the eligible natural diamond only. Ring settings, metal, labour, side stones, remodelling and repairs are separate unless GemTrove confirms otherwise in writing.
Can I upgrade from a natural diamond to a lab-grown diamond?
This policy is for natural diamond upgrades. Requests involving lab-grown diamonds must be discussed separately and are not automatically covered by this natural diamond upgrade policy.
Can I upgrade a lab-grown diamond under this policy?
No. Lab-grown diamonds are not automatically covered under this natural diamond upgrade policy unless a separate written arrangement has been confirmed by GemTrove.
Can I use this policy for coloured gemstones?
No. Coloured gemstones, pearls, moissanite and simulants are not covered by this natural diamond upgrade policy.
Will my existing ring fit the upgraded diamond?
Not always. A larger or differently shaped diamond may require a new setting, new claws, a new basket or a complete redesign. These costs are separate from the diamond upgrade.
Can GemTrove refuse an upgrade?
Yes. GemTrove may refuse an upgrade if the diamond is not eligible, cannot be verified, is damaged, has been altered, lacks required documentation or does not meet the policy conditions.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, an appointment is recommended so GemTrove can inspect the diamond, review documentation and discuss suitable upgrade options in person.
Discuss Your Natural Diamond Upgrade with GemTrove
Bring your original GemTrove invoice, diamond certificate and jewellery item to your appointment so we can assess your upgrade options clearly and professionally.