Summer in South Africa carries a spirit of celebration. You can feel the uplifted energy in the streets. The mountains, beaches, and forests are all alive with laughter and joy. And at the heart of every celebration, as always, there is love. So, without a doubt, it’s the season for proposals, weddings, anniversaries, renewed vows, and first-time mums and dads.

At Uwe Koetter, we welcome all stories of love and take pride in guiding our clients on the best metal, setting style on stone cut for their unique jewellery piece. A proposal is a moment that many want to remember for the rest of their lives, and the engagement ring signifies a deep sentiment truly unique to them. 

Engagement History and Traditions

Have you ever wondered why it seems to be a worldwide tradition to use the fourth finger for the engagement ring?  For centuries, people believed that this was the finger that carried the vena amoris (‘vein of love’), a vein that directly connected to the heart. By the Victorian era, the tale had blossomed in etiquette books and jewellery columns, often credited to Rome or even ancient Egypt, and cherished for its romance rather than its anatomy. Today, vena amoris is a beautiful story rather than a biological fact. The majority of couples keep this tradition because it connects their rings to centuries of promise and an unbreakable unity of love.

Interestingly, although we use the left finger in South Africa, it isn’t always the case in other countries.There is no single rule. While countries such as the United Kingdom, USA and most English-speaking countries favour the left ring finger; many Orthodox traditions (e.g. Russia,

Greece) and countries like Germany and Austria use the right. In Brazil, couples often wear engagement rings on the right and switch to the left after marriage, while in a traditional Jewish ceremony, the ring is placed on the bride’s right index finger and later moved. Ultimately, couples choose what feels meaningful and comfortable – often guided by tradition but, at times, guided by what personally speaks to them.

At Uwe Koetter, we’ve had the privilege to create unique couple wedding sets for clients that want to use their wedding rings as a way to express their personalities. Over the years, we’ve collected an archive of out-of-the-box wedding pairs that represents the people that will wear it everyday. Many couples choose to step away from identical rings and create pieces that reflect their personalities, their union and their style. A set can share a unifying detail while allowing for differences in width, profile, texture or gemstone choices. Here are examples of pairs that sit beautifully together.

Russian Wedding Wings: Three Bands, One Promise

Russian wedding rings, also known as rolling rings, interlock three slender bands into one sculptural piece. Traditionally, each band is made from rose, yellow and white gold, respectively, where the trio can represent each of the two people and their shared life together, or each representing a treasured value such as love, trust and respect. We often reinterpret this classic with engraved textures, pavé on a single band, or a monochrome trio in one precious metal to further differentiate yet complement the unity of the bands. The effect is contemporary and deeply meaningful.

No Limit to Love

We believe that although love holds tradition, it has no bounds. Over the years, we have designed engagement rings, wedding bands and bespoke sets that carry a couple’s history in precious metal and stone. We are proud supporters of LGBTQ+ clients and all expressions of commitment, partnership, love and union. We aim to create pieces that represent our clients, their journey and their own unique love story with pieces that will stand the test of time.

The two ring sets below beautifully showcases how two brides chose a design that reflects both of their individual personalities, while also representing their union. Each solitaire engagement ring is distinct – one with a round cognac diamond, the other with a brilliant-cut black diamond – to suit its wearer’s unique taste and style. The engagement rings are effortlessly united by two matching wedding bands, representing two individuals stepping into a lifetime of love and union.

From One Promise, Grows Many

So the story doesn’t end there; it is where the next chapter begins. There is a whole life after the ‘happily ever after’. So what’s next?

At Uwe Koetter, we believe that every part of your love story deserves to be remembered. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, renewing your wedding vows or welcoming a new member to the family, we craft pieces that will hold your memories and milestones in timeless elegance.  

Renewed Vows

Couples choose to renew their vows to honour how far they have travelled together and to promise, once more, the kind of love they wish to keep. For some, it marks a milestone anniversary, a new chapter after weathering challenges, or the joy of blending families and inviting children to witness their commitment. Others seek a spiritual blessing, a more intimate celebration than their first wedding, or the chance to exchange new words that reflect who they are now. Often, a vow renewal becomes a quiet moment to refresh their rings or add a meaningful band — turning years of shared life into a symbol they can wear every day.

Eternity Rings: An Endless Symbol

An eternity ring is one of the most popular ring choices to mark significant milestones in a marriage. Its unbroken chain of diamonds or gemstones are often used to symbolise everlasting love. There are two main variations of an eternity ring, namely a full eternity and a half eternity ring.

• Full eternity: Stones set all the way around for uninterrupted sparkle and a sense of completeness. Traditionally, this type of ring is gifted on anniversaries to continuously symbolise the couple’s unwavering love.
  
• Half eternity: Stones across the top half for similar brilliance with a softer profile against the palm. A more cost-effective and durable option for everyday wear. It has become increasingly popular to layer a half eternity ring with a bold engagement ring.

Bespoke is Where Your Story Begins

Any bespoke piece starts off as an idea and it is our job to bring that idea to life. We sketch, refine and source stones that meet your standards for beauty and value, while our on-site goldsmiths, setters and polishers ensure that the final piece exceeds expectations. Whether you dream of a sapphire full eternity, a knife-edge platinum band or an interlocking trio in softly brushed gold, we will craft it with care.

Book a design consultation at our Gardens studio or online. Bring your ideas, your heirlooms and your questions. We will help you create a set that feels like you, now and for all the years to come.

Uwe Koetter. Designed and created in Cape Town, worn for a lifetime.