FAQ

What is the difference between fine and high jewellery?

There is no fixed industry line between the two. Fine jewellery is crafted from precious metals and genuine gemstones, made to be worn — every day or for occasions. High jewellery is the summit of the craft: rare stones, exceptional artistry, often one-of-a-kind or made in very limited numbers. Noradee curates both, and every piece meets the same standard of quality, whichever name it carries.

How do I choose a high-quality gemstone or diamond piece?

First and foremost, you — or the person who will wear or collect it — must love it. A stone that moves you is worn, remembered and passed on; a stone chosen only for its grading report often stays in a safe. Every technical factor serves that first feeling, never the other way around. Once a piece has your heart, what it is meant to carry decides which qualities matter most:

  • A symbol of who you are. A new chapter, a success, a piece chosen for yourself. Let colour, story and design lead: a hue you are drawn to, an origin that means something, a design that is unmistakably yours rather than what everyone already owns.

  • A gift. Choose for the wearer's life, not only the moment. Earrings and pendants avoid sizing questions, a durable stone suits daily wear, and the gemmological report travels with the gift as quiet proof of what it is.

  • A special occasion. Engagements, anniversaries, births — pieces meant to be worn for decades. Favour resilient stones such as diamond, sapphire and ruby, a secure setting, and a story worth retelling at the next generation's milestones.

  • Lasting value. For collectors who also think long-term, rarity matters most: natural stones, untreated or minimally treated, of notable size and quality, documented by a leading laboratory (GIA for diamonds; SSEF or Gübelin for coloured gemstones). We will gladly share what we know about such stones, but we do not give financial advice, no jewellery is a guaranteed investment, and resale might achieves less than the original purchase price.

Whatever your reason, we weigh these factors with you, one conversation at a time. The technical details for coloured gemstones and diamonds follow below.

What key factors should I consider when selecting a high-quality colored gemstone jewellery? 

When selecting a high-quality colored gemstone jewellery, several key factors should be considered to ensure you're getting the best value and beauty: 

  1. Color: The color of the gemstone is perhaps the most critical factor. Look for vibrant, rich hues with even saturation throughout the stone. Avoid gems with noticeable color zoning or uneven distribution of color, as these may indicate lower quality. 

  2. Clarity: While colored gemstones may have natural inclusions, which are often considered part of their character, avoid stones with prominent flaws that affect their overall beauty and durability. Opt for gems with good clarity that do not have visible blemishes or cracks. 

  3. Cut: The cut of the gemstone greatly impacts its brilliance, sparkle, and overall appearance. Look for stones with well-proportioned cuts that maximize light reflection and color intensity. Avoid gems with poorly executed cuts that result in dullness or uneven color distribution. 

  4. Carat Weight: Consider the size of the gemstone in relation to your personal preferences and budget. Remember that larger stones are rarer and may command higher prices, so balance size with quality when making your selection. 

  5. Origin and Treatment: Some colored gemstones may undergo treatments to enhance their color or clarity. Be sure to inquire about the origin of the gemstone and any treatments it may have undergone. Natural, untreated gemstones are often preferred for their rarity and value. 

  6. Durability: Assess the hardness and durability of the gemstone, especially if you plan to wear the ring regularly. Some gemstones are more prone to scratching or damage than others, so choose a stone that suits your lifestyle and intended usage. 

  7. Setting and Metal: Consider the setting style and metal choice for your colored gemstone ring. The setting should securely hold the gemstone while complementing its color and shape. Additionally, select a metal (such as gold or platinum) that enhances the beauty of the gemstone and suits your personal taste. 

By carefully evaluating these factors and working with a reputable jeweler or gemstone dealer, you can select a high-quality colored gemstone ring that brings joy and beauty for years to come.

What key factors should I consider when selecting a high-quality diamond ring? 

While color, cut, carat weight and clarity are certainly important factors to consider when purchasing a diamond ring, we always advise clients not to become overly fixated on the technical details but on the beauty of the gemstone itself. Overall, the implementation of the 4 C's has been instrumental in standardizing diamond grading and evaluation, promoting consumer awareness and confidence, and supporting the integrity of the diamond industry. 

Read more about the 4 Cs of Diamond quality: https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/diamond-buying-guide/

What is the difference between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds? 

The main difference between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds lies in their origin and production process. Natural mined diamonds are naturally occurring gemstones formed deep within the Earth's mantle over billions of years through natural geological processes. On the other hand, laboratory-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes that simulate the natural conditions under which diamonds form. Overall, both mined and laboratory-grown diamonds offer exceptional beauty and durability, but their differences in origin, production process, environmental impact, and availability provide consumers with choices based on their preferences and values. At Noradee, we wholeheartedly embrace the beauty of Earth's diamonds, curating only jewellery adorned with natural diamonds. However, we are also happy to recommend a few trusted laboratory-grown diamond jewelers if that is your preference.

Why choose a private jewellery curator rather than a boutique?

A boutique can only show you its own house. We are independent of any single brand or maison, so every search begins with you, not with what happens to be on a shelf. That freedom lets us find what stores rarely can:

  • Pieces no longer made — discontinued designs and earlier editions, sourced on request.

  • Rare and one-of-a-kind jewels — exceptional stones and creations by master artisans and contemporary designers, made in very small numbers.

  • Pieces not available everywhere — creations sold only in certain markets, or never displayed in stores at all.

  • Craftsmanship before names — we choose for the quality of the stone and the skill of the hand that set it, not the name on the box.

Each search is personal, and depending on the piece it can take up to several months. We therefore accept only a limited number of sourcing requests at a time. Throughout, you receive one-to-one attention and the time to decide, without pressure.

How can I pay?

By bank transfer or via a secure SumUp payment link, which we send to you once your jewellery piece is reserved.

Bank transfer
Once your piece is confirmed, we send you a personal invoice with our bank details. Your piece is held exclusively for you for 7 days while the transfer clears. It is dispatched, fully insured, once funds are received. Payments are in CHF, EUR or USD.

Secure card payment
If you prefer to pay by card, we send you a secure, personal payment link through SumUp. SumUp accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay. Your card details go only to SumUp’s secure checkout. Noradee never sees or stores them.

What is a gemmological report?

A gemmological report is an independent laboratory's document describing a gemstone: its identity, weight, measurements, colour, clarity and any treatment — and, where it can be established, its origin. It is the stone's passport for buyers, insurers and appraisers. Every Noradee piece and loose gemstone comes with a report from a respected laboratory such as GIA, Gübelin, SSEF, Lotus Gemology or Bellerophon Gemlab.

How can I verify a gemmological report?

Most leading laboratories offer an online check: enter the report number on their website and compare the details with your stone.

If anything in a report raises a question, write to us. You should feel complete confidence in your fine or high jewellery.

Which laboratories do you recommend if I may one day sell at auction?

Auction houses value reports from laboratories they know and trust. For diamonds, we recommend GIA; for coloured gemstones, SSEF or Gübelin. If you are unsure which to choose, we are glad to advise.