Custom Engagement Ring Buyer Guide for South Africa
Create an engagement ring that tells your story. Choose your style, stone, and metal, and we’ll bring your vision to life with expert craftsmanship and friendly service. We help you create a ring that reflects your love story, your style, and your budget.
Custom Engagement Ring Buyer Guide for South Africa
Buying an engagement ring is a high-pressure decision. You want the right design, the right stone, and a price that makes sense. You are not only choosing a piece of jewellery. You are choosing something your partner will wear every day for the rest of their life.
For many people, this decision comes with uncertainty. You may feel unsure about pricing, overwhelmed by choice, or worried about making the wrong call. That pressure often pushes buyers toward what feels easiest rather than what feels right.
A custom engagement ring gives you control. You choose the stone, the metal, the setting, and the budget before anything is made. Nothing is locked in until you approve it. Instead of adapting to a pre-made ring, the ring is built around your priorities.
This guide explains how custom engagement rings work in South Africa, what they cost, how long they take, and how to avoid common mistakes. If you want clarity before you commit, start here.
What Is a Custom Engagement Ring?
A custom engagement ring is made to order after you choose the design details. The ring does not exist until you approve it. Nothing is pulled from a shelf or modified from a template.
You select every major element of the ring, including:
Stone type and shape
Metal colour and finish
Setting style
Band width and proportions
Once these details are agreed, a digital design is created. This design reflects the exact measurements, layout, and proportions of the final ring. You review that design before production starts.
This step is critical. It ensures the final engagement ring matches what you approved, not an interpretation or approximation. You see how the ring will look and feel before it is made.
Custom engagement rings are designed for people who want control instead of compromise. You are not limited to what is already in a display case. The design is built around your preferences, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Custom vs Ready-Made Engagement Rings
Most retail engagement rings are pre-manufactured. You choose from what is already made, often with limited ability to change stone quality, proportions, or setting details.
Ready-Made Engagement Rings
Fixed designs
Limited stone sizes and shapes
Retail markups built into pricing
Few meaningful design changes allowed
Retail rings are designed for speed and volume. Pricing often reflects showroom overheads, brand positioning, and stock risk rather than materials alone. Stone quality is usually standardised, with little flexibility.
Custom Engagement Rings
Designed around your budget
Stone quality prioritised
No retail display costs
One-of-a-kind result
With a custom ring, you are not paying for inventory that sits in a store. You are paying for materials, design work, and craftsmanship. In South Africa, this often results in better value when comparing stone quality and long-term wear.
Instead of adjusting your expectations to match a ring, the ring is adjusted to match you. At Moissanite by Design, we would love to assist you on this special journey
Shop Moissanite Engagement Rings by Style
Whether you dream of a classic solitaire, a glamorous halo, or a modern trilogy ring, our moissanite jewellery is designed to reflect your personal style. Browse our collections to discover the perfect design, from sleek minimal settings to vintage-inspired details, all handcrafted in South Africa with precision and care.
Customer Love - Reviews From Our Happy Customers
How the Custom Engagement Ring Process Works in South Africa
A structured process removes uncertainty and reduces mistakes. You always know what happens next and what decisions still need to be made.
Step 1: Design Consultation
You share your ideas, preferences, and budget. This can include inspiration photos, Pinterest links, or general descriptions of what your partner likes. You do not need technical knowledge or exact specifications at this stage.
The goal is clarity, not perfection. The design direction is established before anything visual is produced.
Step 2: Quote and CAD Design
Once the design direction is clear, you receive a detailed quote and a CAD design. The CAD shows exact proportions, stone placement, band width, and setting details.
This is where most buyers gain confidence. You can see the ring before it exists. You understand how the elements come together and how the ring will sit on the hand.
Step 3: Design Revisions
You can request changes to the CAD design. This may include adjusting stone size, band thickness, prong style, or setting height. Revisions happen before production, which prevents costly changes later.
This stage ensures the engagement ring aligns with both your expectations and your budget.
Step 4: Final Approval
Once you approve the final design, production begins. At this point, materials are allocated and the ring moves into crafting. No further design changes are made after this stage.
Step 5: Crafting and Delivery
Your ring is custom crafted and delivered securely. You are kept informed throughout the process so you know exactly where things stand.
Why Choose Moissanite?
The modern choice for brilliance, beauty and values that last a lifetime.
Custom Engagement Ring Buyer Guide for South Africa
Typical Timelines for Custom Engagement Rings
Most custom engagement rings in South Africa follow this timeline:
Design and CAD approval: 5 to 10 working days
Production: 3 to 4 weeks
Total time: 4 to 6 weeks
More complex designs, unusual stone shapes, or multiple revisions may extend timelines slightly. If you are working toward a proposal date, it is best to allow extra time rather than rush decisions.
Planning ahead reduces stress and results in a better final ring.
How Much Do Custom Engagement Rings Cost in South Africa
Pricing depends on stone type, stone size, metal choice, and setting complexity. There is no single price for a custom ring, but realistic ranges help you plan with confidence.
Typical Price Ranges
Moissanite engagement rings: R12,000 to R35,000
Lab-grown diamond engagement rings: R18,000 to R60,000 +
These ranges reflect popular designs and common stone sizes. Larger stones, intricate settings, or premium metals will increase the total cost.
One advantage of custom design is flexibility. If a design exceeds your budget, adjustments can be made to stone size, setting style, or metal choice without sacrificing overall quality.
Choosing the Right Stone for a Custom Ring
Stone choice has the biggest impact on both price and appearance. Most buyers choose between moissanite and lab-grown diamonds.
Moissanite
Strong sparkle and light performance
High durability for daily wear
Lower cost per carat
Popular for larger visual size
Moissanite is often chosen by buyers who want presence and brilliance without overspending. It performs well in everyday wear and allows for larger stones within realistic budgets.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Diamond appearance
Lower cost than mined diamonds
Suitable for traditional preferences
Lab-grown diamonds appeal to buyers who want a diamond look while avoiding the pricing of mined stones. They suit classic styles and understated designs.
Custom Engagement Ring Buyer Guide for South Africa
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
Avoid these common issues when designing a custom engagement ring:
Prioritising carat size over cut quality
Skipping CAD approval
Choosing a setting unsuitable for daily wear
Overspending on branding instead of materials
Rushing timelines
Most mistakes happen when buyers feel pressure to decide quickly. A structured process prevents costly errors and regret.
Is a Custom Engagement Ring Worth It
A custom engagement ring is worth it if you want:
Better value for money
Control over design and budget
A ring made for your partner, not a display case
Custom design gives you flexibility without sacrificing quality. You decide what matters most and build the ring around those priorities.
Design a ring that fits your budget and your partner’s style.
Photos from real proposals
These are the actual moments people shared with us. Simple, honest, and real. No staged shots. No models. Just people showing what the ring meant to them.
Ready to put a ring on it? Design a ring that fits your budget and your partner’s style.
Questionnaire
The Sparkle Continues Here
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Our FAQs!
Here’s our most popular and frequently asked questions.
General Questions
Thinking about shopping with us? We love it, here’s all you need to know about us.
How should I shop for an engagement ring?
When shopping for an engagement ring, start by setting a budget that aligns with your financial comfort and explore financing options if needed. Choose a setting that reflects your partner’s style and complements their lifestyle, and select a center stone that balances size, quality, and ethical considerations. Remember, the process is personal, so take your time and prioritize what matters most to you and your partner.
Is Moissanite a Good Choice For Engagement Rings?
Yes! Moissanite engagement rings offer a combination of beauty, durability, and value that aligns with the desires of modern couples.
Moissanite engagement rings offer luxury and elegance at a fraction of the cost of diamonds, with various price points to fit any budget.
Known for their durability and resistance to scratching and high temperatures, moissanite rings are a choice suitable for daily wear.
Our moissanite engagement rings comes with a lifetime warranty on the stone and will remain as sparkly and eye-catching as the day you popped the question (or answered “I do!”)
Can you customise one of your existing moissanite engagement rings?
We sure can! Let us know which one you would like to customise by filling out the contact form.
What if I need help placing an order through your website?
If you need help selecting from our range of moissanite engagement rings or lab grown engagement rings, please contact us here. Our team, experienced in both lab created diamonds and moissanite, will assist you.
Can I add engraving to my custom engagement ring?
Absolutely. Just send us a note with necessary engraving text so that the engraving can be done.
The fit of my ring is not quite right, can I resize it?
Absolutely! At Moissanite By Design, we offer One Free Resize for moissanite engagement rings and wedding rings to use within the first 12 months of your ring’s completion (subject to eligible design style/metal type).
Can a small change be made to the engagement rings I like on your website?
All our moissanite engagement rings are made to order, which allows us to customise our standard jewellery pieces customised to suit your preferences. For example, we can change the sizes of your stones, the precious metal, and the gems that we set. Contact us to discuss all of your custom design options.
Do you supply the necessary certificates for the various gemstones?
Yes, all moissanites and lab grown diamonds bigger than 0.50 carats come with the requisite certification.
What is the process involved in purchasing a custom engagement ring?
If you are interested in designing your own custom moissanite engagement ring visit the contact page, fill out the short form and one of our consultants will contact you directly to start designing your one-of-a-kind piece.
Do you have a physical retail store?
Moissanite By Design offers a user-friendly and streamlined online service. We do not operate out of a brick and mortar store. Our remote designing abilities allow us to provide a bespoke service from wherever you are in the world.
Where are you based?
Moissanite By Design operate from our online store in Cape Town, South Africa
How much does it cost to get a custom moissanite engagement ring?
Custom moissanite engagement rings can start at as little as R10,000 but it depends on the complexity of the design, the size of the stones and the choice of metal.
How long will a custom moissanite engagement ring take to make?
Our custom moissanite engagement rings typically take 3-4 weeks depending on the complexity of the design.
Can you recreate an existing design?
Of course! Send us the design and we can recreate it or make any changes you may wish.
Shipping & Delivery
Thinking about shopping with us? We love it, here’s all you need to know about your order’s shipping and delivery, because just like you, we also want this product to reach its new home ASAP.
Do you offer FREE shipping?
Yes, we absolutely do!
Free shipping is available to all of our South African orders.
Unfortunately free shipping is not available for International orders.
How long will it take to get my order?
Moissanite Engagement Rings
We make every moissanite engagement ring to order to ensure the highest quality. Our standard manufacturing lead time is 3-4 weeks. Please know that we will do our best to get your ring completed as soon as possible.
Lab Grown Diamonds
In order to offer you the best prices, we buy and import on a weekly basis. The process is streamlined and generally fast and typically ships out to you within 8 to 15 working days.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes! At Moissanite By Design, we offer international shipping on all orders, including those for the perfect moissanite engagement ring. Shop online and add your chosen piece to your shopping bag with ease.
Import Duties and Taxes
You may have to pay local import taxes and duties, which Moissanite By Design does not cover, as some countries do not allow us to pay them as the sender
Payment Methods
We value our customers and their needs, that is why we have supplied you with numerous ways to pay and own one (or many) of our fantastic products. You can pay via the following methods:
What payment methods do you accept?
At Moissanite By Design, we accept payments via EFT, debit or credit card. If you are looking for buy now pay later payment plans, we offer PayJustNow or PayFlex.
Returns, Refunds & Exchanges Policy
We strive to produce top-quality jewellert to leave you happy and incredibly satisfied with your purchase. If we dropped the ball this time around, you are more than welcome to return the product subject to our terms below:
Returns
If you are not satisfied with your Moissanite By Design order, you have 7 days to return it to us for a refund or exchange, subject to an inspection. If 7 days have gone by since your purchase was delivered to you, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a refund or exchange, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Refunds
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
Exchanges
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged and exchange them for the same item.
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item.
We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your exchange.
Sale items
Only regular priced items may be refunded, unfortunately custom made, personalised and sale items cannot be refunded.
Shipping
To return your product, contact us at sales@moissanitebydesign.com and we will send you further instructions and a return address.
Moissanite By Design will not be liable for the shipping and insurance costs for any parcels returned for a refund, and exchange or a resizing. You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable.
Since you will be shipping valuable items, you should consider using a trackable shipping service and purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary. Replacement items will be re-made to order and sent back to you in 2 – 3 weeks.