A world class expert, with you every step of the way
More than a purchase
This is an Experience
Choosing The Sapphire Merchant to craft your moment defining treasure is an experience of world-class expertise, highly personalised service, and access to New Zealand’s most comprehensive gemstone collection, it’s bespoke luxury you can trust.
Choosing to build bespoke with us
How it works
We believe gemstones are the ultimate extraordinary. We’re passionate about finding the perfectly matched custodian for each and every gemstone in our collection. This means understanding your unique needs, vision, and story is paramount to us.
No. 1
Consultation & Gemstone Selection
Book an optional complimentary 1:1 consultation with Gemma Brain, world-class gem expert and the founder of The Sapphire Merchant. Gemma’s passion and knowledge makes her the ultimate gem-to-custodian matchmaker. During this session, Gemma will gauge your vision, story and budget to present you with the best suited selection of gemstones for your jewellery piece.
Our design process is a true collaboration, entwining your vision with our creativity. Upon choosing your precious gemstone(s), we gather information to conceptualise your vision. We talk through the anatomy of a ring (or jewellery piece) and guide you towards what might work best for you.
no. 2
Design Development
Using computer-aided design (CAD) technology, we transform your jewellery idea into a detailed 3D model. You have the flexibility to customise every aspect of your design, and we will guide you through this creative process to ensure your unique vision is brought to life.
We offer three revisions in our package, and further revisions are charged at $50NZD per revision. Once your design is perfected, a quote is supplied to you.
Our skilled team of jewellery artisans brings your jewellery piece to life with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the highest-quality finish. As an indication, this usually starts from $2300NZD and is dependent on design, metal weight and diamond usage.
no. 3
Confirmation & completion
To accept the quote a 50% deposit is required. This payment acts as confirmation of your design. Please allow up to 28 days for your custom piece to be crafted.
We offer several
Once completed, your extraordinary jewellery piece is delivered in a beautiful jewellery box.
New Zealand’s Premier gemstone retailer
OUR MISSION
We bring the world’s finest naturally-coloured precious gemstones to New Zealand, travelling direct to source to unearth the perfect match for you. We’re passionate about this mission.
We see precious gemstones as the ultimate extraordinary and finding the right custodian for each gem is not a task we take lightly.
We’ve made it our mission to curate New Zealand’s premier gemstone collection, offering bespoke luxury and a world of choices without the high street price tag.
All our gems are naturally-coloured, most come with a lab report and all come with our personal guarantee.
A truly custom jewellery house
Craftsmanship
& Choice
We’ve spent years hand selecting the most talented craftsmen in the business, ensuring your moment defining jewellery is created with care, precision and excellence by craftsmen we trust.
From the premium metals you desire, to the precious gemstones you’d like included, the world is your oyster! We also have unprecedented access to any diamond through our Global Diamond database. We believe in creating something truly unique to you.
I found my dream sapphire & it was affordable!
“I had a look at the Sapphire Merchant website with a dream, thinking I’ll never be able to afford one... but I was super surprised! I found my dream sapphire and it was affordable! Gemma was a dream to deal with and really knows her stuff. It’s also great to know that all her gems are sourced ethically.”
Kate, NZ.
Bespoke Sapphire Ring
★★★★★
An expert who goes above & beyond
Gemma sourced the most beautiful, high-quality blue-green sapphire for my bespoke pendant. She is an expert who goes above and beyond to find your perfect gemstone.”
Kathryn, NZ.
Bespoke Pendant
★★★★★
Made the process easy & enjoyable
Just recently I purchased my stunning Padparadscha Sapphire. Such an incredible selection of shapes and colours to choose from. Gemma was so helpful in assisting me with my Sapphire purchase, selecting the right one for me. Her knowledge is extensive which made the process easy and enjoyable. Who needs Diamonds when you can have Sapphires.”
Susan, NZ.
Bespoke Ring
★★★★★
My now fiancé absolutely loves her ring
Gemma was extremely helpful in assisting me on my search for the perfect centre piece for an engagement ring. She is very knowledgeable and made the process fun and stress free. The final result wouldn’t be what it is without her input. My now fiancé absolutely loves her ring and the stunning Padparadscha Sapphire from Madagascar blew her away.”
Ollie, NZ.
Bespoke Engagement Ring
★★★★★
I highly recommend her business to anyone
When I found a Tsavorite on The Sapphire Merchant website I was very interested but nervous. I researched the gem thoroughly and everything matched what the Sapphire Merchant website said so I contacted Gemma to start a conversation. She answered my questions fully, including things I hadn’t thought to ask. Once I decided on a stone, we worked on ring designs together. I have now received my beautiful Tsavorite ring. It has been a pleasure working with Gemma throughout the process. I highly recommend her business to anyone.”
Alison, NZ.
Bespoke Ring
★★★★★
intrepid mavericks with a purpose
DIRECT
TO SOURCE
Every gemstone in our collection tells a story, of adventure, of faraway mines, of merchants and future custodians. It is our passion and purpose to uncover these stories and origins and weave them into your experience when you purchase through The Sapphire Merchant.
start browsing our gemstones →
Have Questions? We're all ears!
We are here to help! If you have any questions about our process, gemstones, bespoke and exclusive designs, or anything else you can dream up, we're all ears! Please contact us below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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