Budget
Buying an Engagement Ring can be a big financial decision but we’re here to make the process less daunting. Once you have decided on a suitable budget for your ring, we will advise on the best options to give you the best quality at an affordable price. We will source suitable stones for you to view upfront as well as guide you on how to utilise your budget effectively.
Buying a Diamond
This is the most important choice when purchasing an Engagement Ring. Your budget, ring design and metal choice will be based around what type of centre diamond you choose. Information on how diamonds are graded can be found on our Diamond Grading Page which explains the 4 C’s in detail.
Nowadays Natural Diamonds are not the only option for your Engagement Rings and Wedding bands. Lab Grown Diamonds, valuable coloured Gemstones, and Synthetic Diamonds are popular affordable alternatives.
Lab Grown Diamonds & Synthetic Diamond Alternatives
Many of our customers inquire about lab grown diamond jewellery in order to keep within budget or to afford a larger or higher quality diamond.
Lab Made Diamonds share the same physical and optical qualities as Natural Diamonds and are graded the same. They are as durable and brilliant as earth-made diamonds, and controlled growing conditions produce high clarity scores and offer a wide colour range. These properties make Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings in South Africa a popular choice.
We also offer synthetic diamonds and diamond alternatives for your centre stone or halo setting. Cubic Zirconia and cultivated moissanite are both attractive synthetic diamond alternatives. In fact, moissanite has more ‘fire’ in its sparkle than a real diamond and emits a rainbow of light. Coloured gemstones such as our Blue Sapphires and Pink Morganite complement White and Rose Gold Ring settings.
Whatever gemstone you choose, we will work together to shape, polish and create a valuable Engagement Ring that is an everlasting reflection of your eternal love.
Laboratory Certificates
All our natural and lab grown diamonds are supplied with individual laboratory certificates which are separate to the Valuation Certificate we will give you for your Insurance Company. The Laboratory Certificates are independent grading certificates which show the cut, colour, clarity, weight and serial number of the diamond.
Should you purchase a sought after GIA Laboratory graded diamond, your diamond will also have its unique serial number inscribed on it which is only visible under fluorescent light.
Ring Design
Carmen will help you decide on the best setting to suit your diamond and the overall look and feel of the ring as well as take into consideration the style best suited to the love of your life.
Simple Solitaire settings are timeless. Vintage Rose Gold is popular at the moment as well as detailed Filigree designs in White Gold or Platinum. Centre diamonds can also be enhanced with halo settings to create a sparkling showpiece. Our design work is done with modern CAD technology so you’ll be able to see colour images and detailed renderings of your ring before it’s made.
Metal Choice
Depending on your budget and ring design you will be able to to choose from Platinum, White Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold and Silver. Platinum is the most durable metal and over the past few years the metal cost has dropped considerably so it’s a far more affordable option than it used to be. Platinum is naturally a white metal and doesn’t require any treatment to maintain it’s colour other than polishing once a year. It’s heavier than the other metals and more durable. Rose gold is a popular choice nowadays as well as Yellow & White gold two tone style rings. White gold needs regular rhodium plating (about once a year) to keep the metal white and shiny. White gold consists of yellow gold mixed with various alloys including palladium. In it’s natural form white gold has a grey hue to it hence the necessity to rhodium plate the metal to maintain a white colour.
