You've decided to propose. Now comes the part that most guides make more complicated than it needs to be. Choosing an engagement ring is meaningful — but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. There are really only four decisions that matter: stone, setting, metal, and budget. Get those four right and you'll have a ring she'll wear with pride every day for the rest of her life.
Here's how to make each one.
Step 1: Set Your Budget
Forget the old rule about spending two months' salary — that was a marketing invention. Your budget should be whatever feels right for your financial situation. The good news is that modern alternatives like moissanite and lab-grown diamonds mean you can get a significantly larger, higher-quality stone for the same budget compared to mined diamonds. At Heritage & Co., our rings start from under R10,000 and scale to bespoke commissions — quality is consistent across the range.
Step 2: Choose the Stone
The centre stone defines the character of the ring. Your main options are:
Moissanite: Lab-created silicon carbide. Exceptional brilliance, 9.25 Mohs hardness, conflict-free, and 80–90% less expensive than a mined diamond of the same size. Ideal for those who want maximum sparkle and value.
Lab Diamond: Chemically identical to a mined diamond, grown sustainably in a laboratory. Graded with the same 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, carat). Slightly more expensive than moissanite but carries the traditional prestige of a diamond.
Heritage & Co. works exclusively with moissanite and lab diamonds — no mined stones, ever.
Step 3: Choose the Stone Shape
The shape of the stone is the most visible design decision. Popular choices include:
Round Brilliant: The classic. Maximises sparkle. Works with any setting.
Oval: Elongates the finger. Feels larger face-up than a round of the same carat. Currently one of the most sought-after shapes.
Cushion: Soft, romantic corners. Available in standard and "crushed ice" varieties — the latter produces an ultra-sparkly, almost liquid light effect.
Emerald: A step-cut rectangle with a sophisticated, mirror-like appearance. Requires higher clarity grades to look its best.
Pear: Teardrop shape. Elegant and elongating.
Step 4: Choose the Setting Style
Solitaire: A single stone on a plain band. Timeless, minimal, lets the stone take centre stage.
Pavé: Small diamonds set along the band, adding brilliance and sparkle around the centre stone.
Halo: A ring of small stones around the centre stone, making it appear larger.
Three-Stone: A centre stone flanked by two smaller stones, symbolising past, present, and future.
Cathedral: The setting arches up to hold the stone, giving height and a dramatic profile.
Step 5: Choose the Metal
All Heritage & Co. rings are available in solid gold — your choice of:
18ct White Gold: Bright, cool, and contemporary. Requires rhodium plating every 2–3 years to maintain its white appearance.
18ct Yellow Gold: Classic and warm. Never goes out of style. Lower maintenance than white gold.
18ct Rose Gold: Romantic pink hue. Flattering on most skin tones. A modern favourite.
Higher karat gold (18ct vs 9ct) is softer but contains more gold. For an engagement ring worn daily, 18ct offers the best balance of durability and gold content.
Step 6: Get the Size Right
Ring sizing is one of the most common sources of anxiety when buying a surprise proposal ring. A few practical tips:
Borrow a ring she already wears on her ring finger and have it measured at a jeweller. Alternatively, trace the inside of the ring on paper and bring it to us. If you're truly unsure, err slightly larger — it's easier to size down than up. Heritage & Co. offers resizing assistance on all our rings.
Step 7: Think About Lifestyle
Consider how active the wearer's lifestyle is. Someone who works with their hands frequently may prefer a lower-profile solitaire or bezel setting (where the stone is encased in metal) over a high-set pavé or halo ring. Hardness matters too — both moissanite and lab diamonds are excellent for active lifestyles.
Ready to Find the One?
Heritage & Co. offers a curated selection of moissanite and lab diamond engagement rings, all crafted in solid gold and delivered throughout South Africa. If you'd like something custom-designed, we offer bespoke commissions tailored to your exact vision.
Browse Our Engagement Ring Collection →
