Start with size, not carat
Moissanite is sold by millimetre size and by diamond-equivalent weight, or DEW. This trips up a lot of first-time buyers. A round moissanite that measures about 6.5mm across sits on the finger like a 1 carat diamond, so it carries a 1ct DEW. When you shop, look at the mm measurement first. That number tells you how the stone will actually read on the hand. The carat-equivalent figure is useful for comparison, but the width is what people see.
Decide on a size that suits the wearer's hand and daily life. Larger is not always better. A 6.5mm to 7mm round is a comfortable, classic choice. If you want more presence, step up to 7.5mm or 8mm. Our team can send side-by-side photos on a real hand over WhatsApp so you can judge scale before you commit.
Understand the stone you are buying
Moissanite is silicon carbide. It rates 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, which sits just below diamond and well above sapphire, so it holds up to daily wear. Its refractive index is around 2.65, higher than diamond, which is why moissanite throws more coloured fire in the light. Good moissanite is near colourless and eye-clean. You do not need to chase clarity grades the way diamond buyers do, because quality moissanite is grown clean as standard.
If you prefer the exact look and structure of a mined diamond, consider a lab-grown diamond instead. It is chemically identical to a mined stone and graded by IGI or GIA. Compare both on our moissanite engagement rings and lab-grown diamond engagement rings pages, or read what is moissanite for a fuller explanation.
Insist on certification, then verify it
Every moissanite we set comes with a GRA certificate. Lab-grown diamonds come with IGI or GIA. The certificate confirms the stone type, the size and the grade, so you know precisely what you paid for. Keep it. You will want it for insurance. If you are unsure how the different reports compare, our GRA vs IGI vs GIA guide explains each one in plain terms. You can also read more on our certification and authenticity page.
Choose the metal
We work in 9ct and 18ct gold, in yellow, white and rose, and in platinum. We do not use 14ct. For a first ring, 9ct gold offers the best balance of durability and price in South Africa. 18ct gold has a richer colour and more gold content, so it costs more. Platinum is the most hard-wearing and the heaviest, with a naturally white finish that never needs re-plating. White gold is a good middle option, though it needs occasional rhodium re-plating over the years.
Know the real price
Buying direct from a workshop costs less than buying the same ring from a mall chain, because you are not paying for shopfront rent, stock sitting in display cases or layers of markup. Our moissanite engagement rings start at R13,995 for a 1ct solitaire in 9ct gold. Lab-grown diamond engagement rings start at R24,995 for a 1ct solitaire in 9ct gold. Price moves with stone size, metal choice and setting complexity. You can see full guidance on our engagement ring prices page, or send your brief and we will quote you on the get a quote page.
If you want to spread the cost, we offer PayFlex, PayJustNow, Happy Pay and Mobicred at checkout. For made-to-order rings you can also pay a deposit and settle the balance before we ship. See payment plans and financing for the details.
How a custom order works
Most women's engagement rings are made to order. You share a reference or an idea, we confirm the design and quote, you approve, and we build it in our South African workshop. Production usually runs four to six weeks. Men's rings in tungsten, damascus, meteorite and gold are held in stock and ship in three to five business days, from R1,595. Women's wedding bands are made to order from R12,995. Read the full journey on our our process page and start a build on the custom commission page.
Buying remotely, safely
We have one workshop and no showroom, so every order happens online. That keeps prices down and works well across the country. We consult by WhatsApp, email and video, send photos and videos of your stone and setting, and deliver free anywhere in South Africa in one to three business days once the ring ships. International orders go at a flat R1,500 and take ten to twelve days. See shipping and delivery for more.
Your ring is covered by a limited lifetime optical warranty against clouding or loss of brilliance, plus a twelve-month manufacturing warranty. Your first resize within twelve months is free; you cover postage to us and we cover the return leg. If you are still weighing options, our guide to choosing an engagement ring is a good next read, or start at our home page.
How big is a 1 carat moissanite?
A 1ct diamond-equivalent round moissanite measures about 6.5mm across. Moissanite is sold by mm size and DEW rather than actual carat weight.
Is moissanite durable enough for daily wear?
Yes. Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale, so it resists scratching and stands up to everyday use.
Does my moissanite come with a certificate?
Yes. Every moissanite is supplied with a GRA certificate. Lab-grown diamond rings come with an IGI or GIA report instead.
Can I buy without seeing the ring in person?
Yes. We consult by WhatsApp, email and video and send photos and videos through the build. Delivery is free across South Africa and insured until it reaches you.
How long does a custom ring take?
Made-to-order engagement rings take about four to six weeks to produce. Men's rings held in stock ship in three to five business days.