A wedding ring is more than just a piece of jewellery. It’s a symbol of eternal love, commitment, and a personal reflection of your unique style. In South Africa, the wedding ring industry is filled with incredible local jewellers who craft rings that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. Whether you prefer classic elegance or a bold, modern statement, choosing the right wedding ring is an exciting part of your bridal journey.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular wedding ring styles, metal choices, and 2025 trends that South African brides are falling in love with. Plus, we’ll introduce you to some of the country’s top jewellers from The Bridal Plan’s vendor list to help you find your perfect ring.
Featured Vendor: Ring Artisan
Popular Wedding Ring Styles for South African Brides
Classic Solitaire
The solitaire diamond ring remains a timeless favourite. With its single, striking diamond set on a plain band, this style is perfect for brides who love minimalism and elegance. It allows the diamond to shine as the hero of the design, making it a versatile choice that never goes out of style.
Halo Setting
A halo ring features a central diamond surrounded by a circle of smaller stones. This design adds extra sparkle and can make the centre stone appear larger. It’s a glamorous option for brides who want a touch of luxury without being overly extravagant.
Vintage-Inspired Rings
Brides who are drawn to romance and history often fall in love with vintage-inspired designs. Think intricate filigree work, milgrain detailing, and old-world charm. These rings are perfect for those who want a one-of-a-kind piece that feels like a family heirloom.
Eternity Bands
Eternity rings feature a continuous line of diamonds or gemstones encircling the entire band. They symbolise never-ending love and are a popular choice for both engagement and wedding bands. Many South African brides are opting for half-eternity bands as a more practical (yet equally stunning) alternative.
Unique & Alternative Designs
Modern brides are moving beyond traditional styles, embracing unique ring designs with coloured gemstones, mixed metals, and custom-cut diamonds. Alternative designs allow couples to create a ring that feels deeply personal and perfectly aligned with their story.
Also see this guide to find out about even more styles.
Featured Vendor: Ami The Brand
Choosing the Right Metal for Wedding Rings in South Africa
When browsing wedding rings in South Africa, you’ll find yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum among the most popular options.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold remains a classic choice for wedding rings. Its warm tone complements most skin tones and pairs beautifully with both diamonds and coloured gemstones. South African brides who appreciate tradition often lean towards yellow gold for its timeless appeal.
White Gold
White gold offers a sleek, modern look with its bright, silver-like appearance. It’s a popular option for brides who prefer a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Keep in mind that white gold requires occasional rhodium plating to maintain its lustre over time.
Rose Gold
Rose gold has taken the wedding world by storm, thanks to its romantic, blush-toned hue. This metal is ideal for brides seeking a unique yet soft and feminine look. It pairs beautifully with both white and coloured stones.
Platinum
Known for its durability and natural white sheen, platinum is a premium choice for brides who want a ring that will stand the test of time. Though more expensive, its strength and hypoallergenic properties make it a worthwhile investment.
The 4 Cs of Diamonds – Why It Matters
When selecting a diamond ring, understanding the 4 Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat) is essential. Each factor affects the diamond’s appearance and value. South African jewellers often educate their brides on these elements to ensure they make informed choices.
- Cut: Determines how well a diamond reflects light, impacting its sparkle.
- Colour: Ranges from colourless to light yellow. The closer to colourless, the more valuable.
- Clarity: Refers to the presence of inclusions or blemishes.
- Carat: The weight of the diamond, often associated with size.
Knowing the balance of these characteristics will help you select a diamond that aligns with your budget and style.
Wedding Ring Trends South African Brides Will Love in 2025
Oval and Pear-Cut Diamonds
While round-cut diamonds remain popular, brides are increasingly drawn to elongated shapes like oval and pear cuts. These cuts are flattering on the finger and offer a fresh alternative to traditional round designs.
Stackable Rings
Stacking multiple bands to create a layered, customised look is a trend that continues to gain popularity. Brides are combining engagement rings with textured or diamond-encrusted wedding bands for a modern, fashion-forward aesthetic.
Mixed Metals
Gone are the days of sticking to a single metal. Brides are now blending yellow, white, and rose gold to create unique, multi-tonal ring stacks. This trend allows for greater versatility and a bespoke feel.
Ethical & Lab-Grown Diamonds
With sustainability becoming a priority, more South African brides are opting for ethically sourced or lab-grown diamonds. These stones offer the same brilliance and durability as mined diamonds, often at a more affordable price point.
South African Jewellers You Need to Know
Charles Greig Jewellers (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban)
With a legacy spanning over 120 years, Charles Greig Jewellers is synonymous with timeless craftsmanship. Known for their bespoke designs and exquisite quality, they offer brides a luxurious experience from consultation to final creation. Whether you prefer a classic solitaire or a custom vintage-inspired piece, their team will bring your vision to life.
Jack Friedman (Nationwide)
Jack Friedman is a celebrated South African jeweller with a focus on engagement and wedding rings that exude elegance and creativity. Their collections range from timeless classics to modern showstoppers, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail. They also offer custom design services, allowing brides to create rings that are as unique as their love stories.
Ring Artisan (Cape Town)
Ring Artisan specialises in handcrafted, bespoke rings that reflect each couple’s unique love story. Their team focuses on creating meaningful designs with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every piece feels personal and significant. Brides who want a truly custom experience, from initial sketches to final polish, will find their perfect match with Ring Artisan.
Ami The Brand Fine Jewellery (Cape Town)
Ami The Brand is renowned for their contemporary designs that blend classic elegance with a modern twist. Their rings often feature delicate details, innovative settings, and ethically sourced diamonds. Brides looking for fine craftsmanship and a boutique design experience will appreciate Ami’s personal approach to creating timeless yet fresh pieces.
KVJ Collection (Pretoria)
KVJ Collection offers a luxurious selection of wedding and engagement rings with a focus on bold, statement designs. Their pieces are known for intricate detailing and exceptional quality, making them a go-to for brides who want a ring that captures attention. KVJ also offers custom design services, allowing couples to create one-of-a-kind rings that perfectly represent their style.
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Rings in South Africa
- Start Early. Give yourself ample time to explore different styles and jewellers. Starting early allows for customisations and avoids last-minute stress.
- Match Your Lifestyle. Consider your daily routine when choosing a ring. Brides with active lifestyles may prefer designs that sit lower on the finger and are less prone to catching on clothing.
- Try Different Styles. Sometimes, the ring you envision isn’t the one you fall in love with. Be open to trying on various styles, even those outside your initial preference.
- Set a Realistic Budget. Understand what you’re willing to invest and communicate this with your jeweller. A good jeweller will help you find the perfect ring within your budget, without compromising on quality.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding ring is a symbol of your love story. It deserves careful thought, personal touches, and expert craftsmanship. South Africa is home to world-class jewellers who will guide you through every step, ensuring the ring you choose is as special as the moment you say, “I do.” Whether you prefer classic designs or contemporary trends, there’s a perfect ring waiting to be discovered.
