What is a marketplace and how does it work?
Rarearth is a peer-to-peer marketplace — a platform that connects private buyers and sellers of certified natural stones directly, without a traditional retailer in the middle. Sellers list their items on the platform, buyers browse and compare listings, and Rarearth facilitates the transaction from verification through to delivery. Unlike a jewellery store, we do not hold inventory or set prices. The market does.
How do I create an account?
Creating an account is straightforward. Click “Sign Up” on the Rarearth homepage, provide your name, email address, and contact details, and follow the verification steps to confirm your identity. Once your account is active, you can browse listings immediately and submit your own listings for approval.
Is Rarearth available Australia-wide?
Yes. Rarearth is an online platform available to buyers and sellers across Australia. One of the core purposes of the platform is to connect parties who would otherwise be limited to their local market — giving sellers national reach and giving buyers access to a far broader range of certified stones than any single city’s stores could offer.
Is Rarearth available to businesses as well as individuals?
Yes. Rarearth is open to both individuals and businesses. Independent jewellery stores, traders, and gemmologists are welcome to create accounts and participate in the marketplace — whether buying to expand their inventory or selling on behalf of clients. The platform is designed to serve serious participants at every level of the market.
How do I contact Rarearth if I have an issue?
You can reach our team via the Contact page on rarearth.co or by emailing us directly at support@rarearth.co. We aim to respond to all enquiries within two business days. For urgent matters relating to an active transaction, please mark your message as urgent and include your order reference number.
How can I trust what I am buying is legitimate?
Every item listed on Rarearth must be supported by certification from a recognised grading authority — such as the GIA, AGS, or in the case of Argyle pink diamonds, an original Rio Tinto Argyle provenance certificate. Sellers are required to submit all certification documentation at the point of listing, and Rarearth verifies this documentation prior to completing any transaction. You will never be asked to take a seller’s word for it — legitimacy is confirmed before funds change hands.
What certifications should I look for when buying?
The certification required depends on the stone. For Argyle pink diamonds, the original Rio Tinto Argyle Diamond Identification and Provenance Certificate is the primary document of authenticity. For other diamonds and gemstones, certification from the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGS (American Gem Society), or Gübelin Gem Lab are among the most widely recognised and respected. All certifications on Rarearth are verified by our team before a transaction is completed — however we encourage buyers to review documentation themselves and raise any questions before confirming a purchase.
How do I compare listings?
Browse by collection — Argyle pink diamonds, diamonds, gemstones, or pearls — and filter by specifications such as carat weight, colour grade, cut, and certification type. Each listing displays full stone details alongside the seller’s asking price, allowing you to compare stones of similar specification side by side. This transparency is central to what Rarearth provides — the ability to assess fair market value across a broad selection of certified stones in one place.
Are prices negotiable?
Sellers set their own asking prices on Rarearth. Whether a price is negotiable is at the seller’s discretion. Where the platform supports offer functionality, buyers may submit an offer below the asking price for the seller to accept, counter, or decline. Listed prices are not set or influenced by Rarearth.
What is the buyer’s premium?
A buyer’s premium is an additional fee applied to the final sale price of a purchased item, payable by the buyer. On Rarearth, the buyer’s premium is XX% of the purchase price and is displayed clearly at checkout before you confirm your order. This fee contributes to the cost of platform operations, transaction security, and product verification.
When do I need to pay for my purchased item?
Payment is not taken at the moment you place an offer or agree to purchase. Once a sale is agreed, Rarearth completes its verification of the seller’s certification documentation. Payment is due only once verification is confirmed — ensuring you never pay for an item before its legitimacy has been established.
How will my purchased item be delivered?
Once payment is confirmed, Rarearth coordinates delivery through a specialist third-party courier experienced in handling high-value goods. Every shipment is fully insured and tracked end-to-end, from the seller’s location to your door. Delivery timeframes and any associated costs will be communicated to you at the point of purchase.
How do I know I will receive my purchased item?
Rarearth holds the seller’s item through the verification and payment process before dispatch is authorised. Delivery is coordinated directly by Rarearth through our insured courier partner — not by the seller independently. Every shipment carries full tracking, and you will be notified at each stage of the delivery process. In the event of a delivery issue, Rarearth will manage the resolution on your behalf.
Can I return a purchased item if I change my mind?
Due to the certified, high-value nature of items traded on Rarearth, all sales are final once a transaction is completed and the item has been dispatched. We strongly encourage all buyers to review certification documents, listing specifications, and imagery in full before confirming a purchase. If you believe an item has been misrepresented, please contact us immediately and we will investigate the matter in accordance with our dispute resolution process.
How do I list an item for sale?
To list an item, log into your Rarearth account and navigate to “List an Item.” You will be prompted to upload your stone’s certification documents, provide listing details including specifications and asking price, and submit for review. Our team will verify your documentation before the listing goes live on the platform. You will be notified once your listing is approved and visible to buyers.
What certification do I need to list an item?
All items listed on Rarearth must be supported by valid certification from a recognised grading authority. For Argyle pink diamonds, this includes the original Rio Tinto Argyle Diamond Identification and Provenance Certificate. For other diamonds and gemstones, certification from the GIA, AGS, Gübelin, or an equivalent recognised body is required. Listings submitted without valid certification documentation will not be approved. If you are unsure whether your certification meets our requirements, contact us before submitting your listing.
Who sets the sale price — me or Rarearth?
You set your own asking price. Rarearth does not dictate, recommend, or influence the price at which you list your stone. The platform is designed to let the market determine fair value — giving you visibility over comparable listings so you can make an informed pricing decision, while retaining full control over your own asking price.
What commission does Rarearth charge on a sale?
Rarearth charges a seller’s commission of XX% on the final sale price of each item sold through the platform. This is deducted from the proceeds of your sale at the point of settlement. There are no upfront listing fees — you only pay when your item sells.
How long will it take to sell my item?
Sale timelines vary depending on the stone, its specifications, certification, and asking price. Rarearth does not guarantee a timeframe for sale. To give your listing the best chance of selling promptly, ensure your certification documents are complete, your listing details are thorough, and your asking price reflects current market conditions. Our platform gives you visibility over comparable listings to help you price competitively.
What happens if my item doesn’t sell?
If your item does not sell, it will remain listed on the platform until you choose to adjust your asking price, update your listing details, or withdraw it entirely. There are no penalties for relisting or for removing a listing. You remain in full control of your item throughout the process.
Is my payment secure?
Yes. All payments on Rarearth are processed through a secure, encrypted payment gateway. We do not store your card or banking details on our platform. For high-value transactions, additional identity verification may be required before payment is processed. If you have concerns about a specific transaction, contact our team before proceeding.
What happens if there is a dispute between buyer and seller?
In the event of a dispute, contact Rarearth directly at support@rarearth.co with your order reference and a description of the issue. Our team will review the matter, liaise with both parties, and work toward a fair resolution. Where an item has been materially misrepresented by a seller, Rarearth will investigate and take appropriate action, which may include removal of the seller from the platform. All disputes are handled in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
How does Rarearth protect my personal information?
Rarearth collects and manages personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. We use encryption, secure connections, and strict access controls to protect your data. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. For full details on how we handle your information, please refer to our Privacy Statement at rarearth.co/privacy.
