FAQs

Buying Process

How does the buying process work?

You book a free 20-minute Zoom call. We discuss what you're looking for — stone type, color, size, budget. Then we go to China Fort market in Beruwala and source matching stones specifically for you. You see each stone live on video before any purchase decision. You only pay if you say yes to a specific stone.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?

No deposit, no commitment. The consultation is completely free. Payment only happens after you've seen the stone on video and confirmed you want it. We never charge you for sourcing time.

How long does it take to find my stone?

For in-stock or common requests — 1 to 3 days. For rare specifications (specific origin, unheated, high carat) — typically 1 to 2 weeks. We'll give you a realistic timeline during the consultation. We'd rather tell you it takes longer than overpromise.

Can I see the stone before buying?

Yes — always. We show every stone on Zoom under natural light, with a loupe closeup. You see the color, clarity, and any inclusions in real time. No stone ships without your explicit approval. This is non-negotiable for us.

Authenticity & Certification

How do I know the stone is genuine?

Every stone we sell comes with a certificate from an independent gemological laboratory — GIA, GRS, AIGS, GUILD, or Gübelin. These labs have no commercial relationship with VividCarat. Their reports confirm species, origin, and treatment status. You can verify any certificate directly with the issuing lab using the report number.

What does "unheated" mean and why does it matter?

Heat treatment is used to improve color and clarity in many sapphires and rubies. Unheated stones — where the color is entirely natural — are significantly rarer and command a premium of 30% to 300% over heated equivalents of the same quality. A lab certificate is the only reliable way to confirm no-heat status. We always disclose treatment status upfront.

Is the stone natural or synthetic?

All stones we sell are natural. Lab-grown stones are not our business. Every certificate explicitly states "natural" as the species classification. If you ever have doubts, the lab report number can be verified directly on the issuing laboratory's website.

Can I get the stone independently appraised?

Yes, and we encourage it. Buy the stone, have it appraised by any GIA-certified appraiser you choose. If there's a discrepancy with what we represented, you have 14 days to return it for a full refund — no questions asked.

Pricing & Value

Why are your prices lower than US retail?

We're 2 minutes from China Fort market in Beruwala — one of the world's largest colored gemstone trading hubs. We buy direct from 4th-generation dealers, skip 4 to 6 middlemen, and sell direct to you. No retail markup, no storefront overhead, no commissioned sales staff. The price difference is structural, not a quality compromise.

How do I know I'm getting a fair price?

You can cross-reference our prices against GemFix (US retail benchmark) and Gemstock (Bangkok wholesale pricing). We typically price 15–25% below Gemfix, which reflects a realistic direct-source discount — not a suspicious one. Ask us for a comparison during the consultation and we'll walk you through it.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. The price you agree to is the price you pay. Certification costs, if any, are disclosed before you commit. Shipping is free on orders over $1,000. Import duties in your country are your responsibility — see our VAT & Customs page for rates by country.

Shipping & Returns

How is the stone shipped?

Via FedEx, DHL, or Brinks — depending on value and destination. All shipments are fully insured for the declared value from the moment they leave our hands. Signature confirmation is required on delivery. Packaging is discreet with no gemstone terminology on the label.

What if I change my mind after receiving the stone?

You have 14 days from delivery to return any stone in its original, unmodified condition. Contact us first to receive an RMA number — do not ship without it. Once we receive and inspect the stone, a full refund is issued within 5–7 business days to your original payment method. Original shipping is non-refundable, but return shipping for approved claims is covered by us.

What if the stone arrives damaged?

Document the damage immediately with photos, note it on the carrier's delivery receipt before signing, and contact us within 24 hours. Since all shipments are insured for full value, we handle the claim and arrange a replacement or refund. Do not discard the original packaging — it's needed for the insurance claim.

About VividCarat

Who is Russell?

Russell is the gemologist behind VividCarat, based in Beruwala, Sri Lanka — 2 minutes from China Fort market. He's been working with colored gemstones for over 10 years, sourcing directly from 4th-generation dealer families. He is not a broker or aggregator — he physically examines every stone at the market before presenting it to a client.

How do I get started?

Book a free Zoom consultation. No deposit, no obligation. Describe what you're looking for and Russell will walk you through realistic options at your budget. Most people leave the first call with a clear picture of what's available — and many are surprised by what's possible at source prices.