The Real Cost of Wedding Rings in South Africa
The Real Cost of Wedding Rings in South Africa – and Why More Couples Are Choosing Moissanite
Getting married in South Africa is a dream for many couples. But when it comes to buying wedding rings, most people are shocked by how quickly costs can add up. Gold prices keep rising, diamond costs vary wildly, and jewellers often add steep markups. Understanding what drives the price of wedding rings helps you make better choices, especially when you’re trying to balance beauty, ethics, and value.
This guide explains why wedding rings cost what they do in South Africa, how prices have changed over time, and why more couples are choosing moissanite as a smarter, more affordable alternative.
The Rising Cost of Wedding Rings in South Africa
Over the past decade, the price of wedding rings in South Africa has risen steadily. Several factors contribute to this increase:
Gold and platinum prices: Precious metals are traded globally, and their value fluctuates with the economy. In the last five years, gold has increased by over 50%, pushing up the base cost of any gold wedding ring.
Import duties and taxes: Even though South Africa has a strong jewellery industry, many jewellers import settings, stones, and tools. Import costs and VAT drive final retail prices higher.
Retail markups: Brick-and-mortar jewellery stores add between 100% and 300% markups to cover overheads and brand prestige. That means you often pay more for the store name than the actual materials.
Diamonds and certification: Natural diamonds remain one of the biggest cost factors. Certified stones can cost several times more than lab-grown or moissanite alternatives of the same size and clarity.
When you factor all of this in, a simple 9ct gold wedding band that might have cost R3,000 a few years ago can now cost upwards of R7,000 or more.
Add a diamond or custom detail, and that number jumps fast.
Cost of Wedding Rings in South Africa
The Problem with Traditional Diamond Pricing
The diamond industry has long been built on perceived value. Marketing campaigns from the mid-20th century created the idea that a diamond must cost “two months’ salary” to show love.
Today, younger South African couples are pushing back on that idea. They value experience, meaning, and ethical sourcing more than status symbols. Unfortunately, traditional diamonds still carry high costs due to:
Mining expenses: Extracting diamonds is labour-intensive and environmentally damaging.
Supply control: Major corporations manage diamond supply to keep prices artificially high.
Middlemen: From miners to wholesalers to retailers, each adds a markup before the ring reaches you.
Choosing moissanite or a lab-grown diamonds for wedding rings removes these layers. You get the same luxury look, ethical sourcing, and long-lasting quality – without the hidden premiums.
Why Moissanite Has Become the Smart Choice
Moissanite has gained massive popularity for engagement rings in South Africa in the last few years. Couples are discovering it offers everything they love about diamonds, and more:
Affordability: You can buy a larger, more brilliant stone for less.
Brilliance: Moissanite refracts light more than diamonds, giving it a brighter sparkle.
Durability: Scoring 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it’s suitable for daily wear.
Ethical sourcing: Moissanite is lab-created, meaning no mining impact or human exploitation.
For example, a 1.5ct moissanite engagement ring in 9ct gold might cost around R13,000, while the same ring with a natural diamond could exceed R120,000.
This affordability means couples can invest more in other wedding priorities or choose custom designs without exceeding their budget.
See our collection of Womens Wedding Rings to explore modern moissanite and lab-grown diamond options designed for South African couples.
Cost of Wedding Rings in South Africa
Understanding Wedding Ring Prices in South Africa
Wedding rings are one of the most meaningful purchases you’ll ever make.
Understanding why prices vary helps you make confident, informed decisions. In South Africa’s changing jewellery market, moissanite gives couples a way to enjoy lasting beauty, luxury, and value without the heavy costs tied to traditional diamonds.
If you’re ready to explore beautiful, ethical options, view our Womens Wedding Rings, Mens Wedding Rings , Wedding Ring Sets or start your design with our Custom Design Option today.
Cost of Wedding Rings in South Africa
1. How much does an engagement ring cost in South Africa?
Most quality rings cost between R8,000 -50,000 depending on gemstone, carat size, and setting style.
2. Is moissanite wedding rings a good alternative to diamond wedding rings?
Yes. Moissanite offers incredible brilliance at a fraction of the price of diamonds, making it popular in South Africa for engagement rings for budget conscious couples.
3. Can you ship anywhere in South Africa?
We deliver nationwide, including Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and smaller towns.
4. Do you make custom engagement rings?
Absolutely, we can design to your exact specifications, from gemstone choice to band style. Contact us to start your custom ring design
5. How do I know my ring size?
We provide a free ring-sizing guide online and offer resizing services.
6. Do you offer lab grown diamonds in South Africa?
Yes. All our lab-grown diamonds meet the highest grading standards and are certified.
7. How long does delivery take?
Typically 3–7 business days within South Africa, depending on the design’s complexity.
8. Are moissanite wedding rings durable enough for daily wear?
Yes. Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond. It’s ideal for everyday wear.
Do moissanite stones lose their sparkle over time?
No. Moissanite maintains its brilliance for life and doesn’t cloud or fade.
Can I combine moissanite with natural or lab-grown diamonds?
Absolutely. Many couples choose hybrid designs.
How do I know my moissanite is genuine?
Each Moissanite By Design piece includes a certificate of authenticity.
Can I design a matching set of engagement and wedding rings?
Yes. Our design team can create matching sets through the Custom Engagement Rings Option
8. What payment options do you accept?
You can pay for your order using any of the following payment options at checkout:
- Yoco® – For Credit Card payments
- PayFast – For Instant EFT or Credit Card payments
- PayJustNow – For payment over 3 equal interest-free instalments
- HappyPay
- Float
- Payflex
- Mobicred payment plan
- Direct Bank Transfer (EFT)
Why Moissanite By Design Is Changing the Wedding Ring Game
Moissanite By Design was created for couples who want beautiful, ethical, and affordable fine jewellery. Every piece is designed to last a lifetime while offering unmatched value.
What sets us apart:
Expert craftsmanship: Every ring is made with precision and care.
Custom design options: Create a ring that reflects your story and style.
Affordable pricing: We believe you shouldn’t have to overspend to get a luxury finish.
Sustainable materials: Our moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are ethically sourced.
Explore our Ladies Wedding Rings or Mens Wedding Rings or design your own through our Custom Engagement Rings Option
Cost of Wedding Rings in South Africa
Not all wedding rings are priced equally. The following elements have the biggest impact on cost:
Metal Type
Gold remains the most popular metal choice for wedding rings in South Africa. However, the type of gold matters:
9ct gold is more affordable but less rich in colour.
14ct gold offers a balance between durability and luxury.
18ct gold is softer and more expensive because of its higher gold content.
Platinum and white gold are also popular choices for wedding rings, but platinum tends to cost more due to its density and rarity.
Stone Choice
A diamond wedding ring used to be the traditional favourite.
However, moissanite wedding rings and lab diamond wedding rings have become a modern alternative for couples who want the same sparkle at a fraction of the cost. A 1-carat moissanite costs roughly 10% of what a mined diamond of similar size would cost, while still scoring higher in brilliance and durability.
If you’re exploring options, see our full comparison here: Mined Diamond vs Lab Grown Diamond
Design Complexity
Intricate designs, hand engraving, pavé settings, and custom orders all add labour costs. Rings that are designed from scratch — like those from our Custom Engagement Rings – typically take longer to make, but they offer better value than pre-made retail pieces because you control every detail and price component.
Certification and Branding
Many jewellers charge premium rates for brand-name certifications. While certification ensures transparency, it’s worth remembering that stones like moissanite or lab-grown diamonds also come with authenticity certificates, but without inflated prices.
How to Save on Your Wedding Rings
If you’re planning your wedding and want beautiful rings without unnecessary costs, here are practical ways to save:
Go for moissanite wedding rings or lab-grown diamond wedding rings. These stones offer superior quality at a fraction of the price.
Choose 9ct or 14ct gold. They look nearly identical to 18ct but cost much less.
Buy from direct jewellers. Online stores like Moissanite By Design cut out retail overheads and pass savings directly to you.
Simplify the design. Clean, timeless designs never go out of style and reduce labour costs.
Custom design your ring. By working directly with a jeweller, you control material and stone choices from start to finish.
A great place to start is our Custom Design Option, where you can design your dream wedding ring online and get transparent pricing upfront.
Cost of Wedding Rings in South Africa
Price isn’t the only reason South African couples are switching to moissanite and lab-grown diamonds. There’s also peace of mind.
Buying a mined diamond often involves hidden ethical and environmental costs. Mining destroys ecosystems and can exploit workers in vulnerable regions. Moissanite, by contrast, is created in controlled lab environments with zero environmental impact.
Couples today care about where their rings come from. They want their wedding rings to reflect love, not compromise. Choosing moissanite Wedding Rings aligns with modern values – sustainability, transparency, and fairness – while still giving you timeless luxury.
What You Can Expect to Pay in 2025
Here’s a general price comparison for popular wedding ring types in South Africa (as of 2025):
| Type | Metal | Average Price (Pair) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain 9ct Gold Bands | 9ct Yellow/White Gold | R7,000 – R12,000 | Durable and timeless |
| Diamond Wedding Rings | 14ct/18ct Gold | R25,000 – R120,000+ | Dependent on size and certification |
| Moissanite Wedding Rings | 14ct/18ct Gold | R10,000 – R30,000 | Best balance of value and sparkle |
| Platinum Wedding Rings | Platinum | R18,000 – R60,000 | Hypoallergenic but heavier |
| Lab-Grown Diamond Rings | 14ct Gold | R15,000 – R45,000 | Sustainable and visually identical to mined diamonds |
Moissanite offers a luxury look without stretching your budget. The cost difference gives you room to upgrade your stone size, add engraving, or create a custom design that’s truly personal.
Why Wedding Rings Cost As Much in South Africa (and How to Save with Moissanite)
Wedding rings are one of the biggest investments couples make when planning a wedding. In South Africa, the price of wedding and engagement rings has continued to rise, driven by global diamond costs, metal prices, and luxury markups.
But with modern alternatives like moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, couples now have smarter options that look identical to natural diamonds for a fraction of the cost.
At Moissanite by Design, we design fine, custom engagement and wedding rings that give you the same sparkle and elegance without the inflated diamond price tag.
How Much Do Wedding Rings Cost in South Africa?
On average, South Africans spend between R30,000 and R40,000 on engagement or wedding rings. However:
Around 60% of couples spend under R10,000, according to market data.
Prices rise sharply above R35,000 as natural diamonds and 18k metals push up the total.
The price difference between natural and lab-grown stones can be as high as 70% for similar carat weights.
The high cost has less to do with local labour and more to do with the global diamond trade, import taxes, and jeweller markups.
Why Are Wedding Rings So Expensive?
1. The Stone You Choose
The largest cost factor is the gemstone. Natural diamonds are priced according to the 4Cs – cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight. Even small differences in grade can shift prices by tens of thousands of rand.
Moissanite, on the other hand, is grown in controlled lab environments with perfect clarity and brilliance. You get a flawless look at a far lower cost – typically R5,000 to R15,000 for stones that visually match diamonds worth R50,000+.
2. Metal Type and Purity
Gold, platinum, and palladium prices fluctuate with global markets. Platinum costs the most due to its rarity and density.
9ct gold is more affordable and still durable.
18ct gold and platinum raise costs significantly.
At Moissanite by Design, we guide you toward metals that balance longevity with price.
3. Design and Craftsmanship
Intricate settings, multiple stones, and custom engraving increase labour time. Handcrafted rings take longer, but also hold more long-term value. Our rings are custom-made locally in South Africa, cutting out unnecessary middlemen and import costs.
4. Global Pricing Influence
Diamond pricing is tightly controlled by global suppliers like De Beers, which keeps costs artificially high. Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds aren’t bound by those price controls, which means we can offer transparent, fair pricing every time.
Is It Cheaper to Buy Wedding Rings in South Africa?
While labour costs in South Africa are lower, import taxes and global diamond prices cancel out most of that saving. Many “diamond specials” still reflect global retail rates.
Buying locally from Moissanite by Design avoids these markups.
We use lab-grown moissanite and ethical materials sourced directly.
We design and manufacture rings in South Africa, reducing shipping and import overheads.
Our pricing is based on craftsmanship, not inflated diamond market rates.
A similar diamond ring from a major retailer might cost R80,000–R100,000, while a comparable moissanite design from us ranges between R15,000–R35,000, depending on metal and carat size.
Why Choose Moissanite Over Diamonds?
| Feature | Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance | High | Higher (more fire and sparkle) |
| Durability | Excellent | Excellent (9.25 on Mohs scale) |
| Ethics | Often mined | Always lab-grown, conflict-free |
| Price | R30,000–R150,000+ | R5,000–R40,000 |
| Appearance | White sparkle | Slightly more colourful fire |
Most people cannot tell the difference between moissanite and diamond with the naked eye. You get a visually identical stone, stronger ethical sourcing, and a far lower total cost, ideal for couples who value both beauty and conscience.
The Average South African Wedding Cost
According to the South African Federation of Wedding Planners, a typical wedding for 80 to 100 guests costs between R70,000 and R80,000 – sometimes more than R200,000 when venues, catering, and décor are included.
Given that, it makes sense to invest smartly in your rings without overspending. Choosing moissanite lets you save on the engagement and wedding ring portion of your budget while keeping the same visual and emotional impact.
South African Wedding Ring Traditions
South Africans generally wear the engagement ring and wedding band together on the left ring finger. The engagement ring is typically presented first, followed by matching wedding bands exchanged during the ceremony.
At Moissanite by Design, couples often create matching sets – a moissanite engagement ring paired with a plain or pavé-set wedding band. Each is handcrafted to suit your style, metal preference, and budget.
Is South Africa a Good Place to Buy Wedding Rings?
Yes, but with caution. The local jewellery industry is competitive, and quality varies widely. Many stores still import stones or finished rings, adding large markups.
Moissanite by Design simplifies the process:
All stones are graded and certified.
Every ring is made locally by our team.
Prices are transparent from the start.
You get luxury craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and warranty protection on every piece.
What Should a Wedding Ring Cost in 2025?
With gold prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate where they are, here’s what to expect for quality pieces:
Moissanite engagement rings: from R10,000 to R40,000
Wedding bands (plain gold or moissanite-accented): from R4,000 to R18,000
- Mens Wedding Rings: from R3,000 to R20,000 depending on the design, stones and metal
Wedding Ring Sets: from R20,000 upward depending on design complexity
Our most popular rings fall between R12,000 and R25,000, balancing beauty, durability, and affordability.
Smart Tips Before You Buy
Set your budget early. Decide how much you want to spend before viewing designs.
Ask about certification. Ensure your stone’s quality is documented.
Check craftsmanship. Look for solid construction and balanced proportions.
Prioritize sparkle, not status. Moissanite gives you maximum brilliance for less.
Buy from a trusted jeweller. Choose a local specialist who stands behind their work.
Get More Value from Your Wedding Ring in South Africa Without Overspending
Wedding rings will always carry emotional and symbolic value – but they don’t have to come with unnecessary costs. With moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, you can have a luxurious, handcrafted wedding ring at an affordable price without compromising on beauty or ethics.
If you’re comparing prices or starting to design your ring, visit Moissanite by Design to explore our collection or book a custom design consultation today.
Your perfect ring shouldn’t cost more, it should simply mean more.
Cost of Wedding Rings in South Africa
In the Hands of Love, As Worn by Our Clients
Discover the beauty of our jewellery in the moments it was made for. From engagement rings and wedding bands to bespoke fine jewellery, every piece is handcrafted in South Africa and worn with love by our clients. Let these creations inspire your own design and show you what is possible when craftsmanship meets personal meaning.
The Sparkle Continues Here
Follow along on our Instagram channel for fresh designs, behind-the-scenes moments and endless inspiration.
