Why Custom?
Most people buy a catalogue ring. There's nothing wrong with that — the catalogues are good, and the right stone in a well-built setting is the ring she'll love. But some buyers come to us with something more specific in mind: a setting they saw somewhere, a detail that matters, a combination that doesn't exist yet. This guide is for them.
At Heritage & Co., custom design is not a premium add-on or an afterthought. It's built into how we work. This guide explains exactly what the custom process looks like — from your first conversation to the ring being delivered — so you know what to expect before you begin.
Step 1: The Initial Brief (WhatsApp or Email)
Every custom ring starts with a conversation. You don't need sketches, CAD files, or technical specifications. You need a sense of what you're after — even if it's vague.
Useful things to bring to the first conversation:
- Reference images (Instagram screenshots, Pinterest saves, photos of rings she already wears)
- A sense of her style: minimalist or detailed? Classic or contemporary? Bold or understated?
- Your budget range
- Any specific requirements: stone shape preference, metal colour, whether she wears yellow or silver-toned jewellery currently
- Your timeline — when do you need the ring?
You don't need all of these. Some of our best custom projects have started with "I want something like this, but different" and a single photo. We ask questions; you answer as much or as little as you know.
Start the conversation here: WhatsApp us at +27 82 818 9106.
Step 2: Design Proposal and Quotation
Based on your brief, we'll come back to you with a design direction — a written description or sketch of what we're proposing, with the key specifications: stone size, stone shape, metal, setting style, and any distinctive design elements.
At this stage you'll also receive a quotation. Custom rings at Heritage & Co. are priced on the same stone-led philosophy as our catalogue range — you pay for the stone first, the design complexity second, and the metal third. There are no arbitrary "custom fees" added simply because the design is original.
This phase typically takes 2–3 business days. You'll see the proposed design in writing (and often a reference sketch or 3D render for more complex pieces) before any commitment is required.
Step 3: Revision and Sign-Off
Once we've presented the initial proposal, you can request changes. Stone size adjustment, different metal, modified setting, changed proportions — all of these are normal at this stage. We iterate until the design matches your vision.
For more complex custom designs, we provide a CAD (computer-aided design) render before production — a photorealistic 3D model of the ring from multiple angles. This allows you to see exactly what the ring will look like before a single gram of gold is committed.
When you're happy with the design and quotation, you confirm with a 50% deposit. Production begins at this point.
Step 4: Production
Our production timeline for custom rings is typically 3–5 weeks from deposit to delivery. Complex designs with extensive pavé setting or architectural elements may take up to 6 weeks.
What happens during production:
- The ring is cast in the specified gold alloy from the approved design
- The stone is sourced to the agreed specification and independently certified (GRA for moissanite, IGI for lab diamonds)
- The stone is set by hand — our setters work to the same prong specifications that characterise all Heritage & Co. rings (reinforced setting, balanced prong height, secure seating)
- The ring is polished and finished
- Final quality inspection
We send you progress updates at key milestones — you won't be waiting in silence wondering what's happening.
Step 5: Delivery and Sizing
Before the ring is shipped, we confirm your sizing. If the ring needs to be sized after delivery (which is common — proposals happen, fingers get measured in surprise moments), we offer a free first resize on all custom rings.
Delivery is via courier with full insurance on the package value. We ship nationwide across South Africa, typically via Courier Guy or similar tracked services with signature required.
What Custom Design Costs at Heritage & Co.
Custom rings at Heritage & Co. start at the same entry point as our catalogue range — R14,995 for a 1ct moissanite solitaire in 10K gold. There is no custom premium for simple original designs.
More complex designs (pavé bands, halo settings, multi-stone arrangements, architectural profiles) are priced based on their design complexity — typically R2,000–R8,000 above equivalent catalogue pricing for the added setting labour and production time.
CAD rendering is included for all designs above R30,000 or any design with structural complexity. For simpler designs, a detailed written description and reference images are typically sufficient.
Common Custom Requests We Build
- Oval moissanite solitaires with a specific band profile not in our catalogue
- Matching engagement and wedding band sets designed as a pair
- Marquise or pear stones in a custom bezel or tension setting
- Vintage-inspired designs with milgrain or engraving detail
- Two-tone rings (yellow gold body with white gold prongs)
- Custom design details on the inner band
- Rings incorporating a family stone or heirloom element
What We Don't Do
We don't reproduce other jewellers' trademarked designs. We don't work with silver for engagement rings or centre-stone jewellery (gold minimum on all lifetime pieces). We don't work with uncertified stones — every stone we set is independently certified regardless of the design.
Ready to Start?
Custom design conversations start on WhatsApp. No formal process, no consultation fee, no commitment until you've seen and approved a design and quotation. Message us at +27 82 818 9106 with your brief — as detailed or as rough as you have — and we'll take it from there.
You can also browse our existing ring collection for inspiration — many custom projects start as variations on a catalogue design.
