You do not need a formal brief to start a consultation with us. Most people who message us have a rough idea and a handful of questions, not a finished plan, and that is exactly the right starting point. This guide covers what actually helps us help you, and just as importantly, what you do not need to have figured out yet.
Your budget is the most useful thing you can share
If you tell us one thing before we start, make it your budget. It is the single detail that shapes every other decision: stone size, metal, setting style, and whether a particular design is realistic at your price point. Our moissanite engagement rings start from R13,995 for a 1ct solitaire in 9ct gold, and our lab diamond engagement rings start from R24,995 for the same combination. A rough range either side of those figures is enough for us to show you what is actually possible, rather than working from a design you may not be able to afford or undershooting a budget you have more room in.
You do not need to commit to an exact number. A range is fine, and it stays completely private between us. See our engagement ring prices guide for a fuller picture of what different budgets typically buy.
Reference images say more than words
A screenshot from Pinterest, a saved post from Instagram, or a photo of a ring you liked on someone else's hand tells us more in a few seconds than a paragraph of description could. You do not need to explain why you like it. Send two or three images, even if they contradict each other slightly, and we will find the common thread, whether that is a stone shape, a band style, or a general feeling you are chasing.
If you have nothing saved, that is fine too. Browse our moissanite engagement ring collection or lab diamond engagement ring collection before your consultation and flag anything that catches your eye. Reacting to existing designs works just as well as arriving with a folder of saved images.
Ring size: helpful, but not essential yet
If you already know it, share it. If you do not, it is not a reason to wait. Ring size is one of the last things we confirm before production starts, and there is plenty of time to work it out between your first message and casting. South African ring sizes typically follow the UK alphabetical system rather than the US numerical one, so if you have a size from an American site or app, it is worth double-checking before you rely on it. Our ring size guide walks through how to measure accurately at home, including how to size a partner's finger discreetly if this is a surprise proposal.
Moissanite or lab diamond? You do not need to decide before we talk
Plenty of people reach out still weighing up moissanite against lab diamond, and that is a completely normal place to start. Both are durable, both are independently certified, and the right choice usually comes down to budget and personal preference rather than one being objectively better. We are happy to talk through the difference during your consultation rather than have you research it alone beforehand. If you want a head start, our guide on moissanite vs diamond lays out the practical differences without steering you toward either one.
What you do not need to know
You do not need to arrive knowing prong counts, cut grades, fluorescence, or pavilion angles. You do not need to have chosen a metal, a setting style, or a certification lab. These are exactly the kind of decisions we work through together once we understand your budget and taste, and getting them right is part of what the consultation is for. Nobody should feel underprepared walking into this conversation. The only thing that actually slows things down is having no idea at all what you want to spend, which is why budget is worth sorting out first.
How to reach us
WhatsApp is the fastest way to start: message us on +27 69 288 1535 with a photo, a budget, or just a rough idea, and we will take it from there. If you would rather write everything out in one go, use the form on our contact page. We reply within a few hours on business days, and by the next business day on weekends and public holidays. There is no deposit and no obligation at this stage. Our custom design page explains what happens once the conversation moves from idea to concept.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my ring size before I contact you?
No. Ring size is confirmed later in the process, well before production starts. Our ring size guide shows you how to measure it whenever you are ready.
What if I do not have any reference images?
That is fine. Describe what you have in mind in your own words, or browse our collection and tell us which designs you respond to. We can work from either.
Do I need to have already chosen moissanite or a lab diamond?
No. Many people start the conversation still deciding. We will talk you through the difference and help you weigh it against your budget during the consultation itself.
Can I bring a photo of a specific ring from another jeweller and ask you to copy it exactly?
We design and build original pieces rather than replicate another jeweller's exact design. A photo like this is genuinely useful as inspiration, for a stone shape, a band detail, or an overall feeling, and we will build something original around the elements you respond to.
How long does the consultation take?
It is rarely a single sit-down conversation. Most initial consultations resolve over one to three days of messages, as we ask questions and you have time to think between replies. We reply within a few hours on business days, so it moves quickly without ever feeling rushed.
Ready to start? Message us on WhatsApp, or use the form on our contact page, with as much or as little detail as you have. From there, our custom engagement ring process guide explains exactly what happens next, from that first message through to your ring arriving at your door. If you would rather browse first, our homepage is the best place to see the full range of what we make.