Popping that pretty question can be a rather nerve-racking time—we get that. What should be a piece of cake, however, is picking out that sparkling little something to seal the deal with.
We’ve done the snooping and scoping, now it’s over to you to do the engagement ring trawling and of course—the all-important popping of the question. Here’s your definitive list of the best places to shop for engagement rings in New Zealand whether you're after a bespoke engagement ring like Below Deck star Aesha Scott's, a classic ring, a contemporary ring or a vintage or antique engagement ring.
The Best Bespoke Engagement Ring Boutiques In New Zealand
The Rolling Mill
By Appointment In Wellington & Online
Craftsmanship is the name of the game for Wellington studio, The Rolling Mill. The brainchild of a husband and wife team, it’s home to the most hands-on, bespoke engagement ring experience where any jewellery wish can come true.
Literally, everything is hand-made right the way through. The journey goes a little something like this: meet the friendly team online or in person, choose your stones from cut to colour to clarity, sketch out its special setting (don’t worry, the pencil-to-paper part is left to the professionals) and wait patiently as they get tinkering on the jewellers' bench. Once your special something is completed, it’s over to you to collect and you’ll be away laughing—with your new fiancée, of course.
Layla Kaisi Collection
By Appointment In Auckland & Online
Image credit: Layla Kaisi | Supplied
Prefer the thought of a ring with a touch of colour? Enter the world of Layla Kaisi's eponymous label, where ethereal tones and out-of-this-world unique stones and cuts come together to create modern, feminine and slightly fantastical confections.
A quick look through her gallery will give you inspiration as to the endless options your bespoke adventure can take you on (a plus, considering how quickly her one-of-a-kind rings tend to get snapped up). Wherever it takes you, know that it’ll be—and we quote—exactly what you wanted, but nothing that you imagined.
Below Deck star and endearing Kiwi personality Aesha Scott has just got engaged to her long-term boyfriend Scott Dobson with a ring by New Zealand jewellery designer Layla Kaisi.
The engagement ring features a round-cut diamond centre stone set with six-pointed claws within a medley of seven accent diamonds which represents Aesha's family while the gold band represents Scott. Bless.
Nolan And Vada
By Appointment In Auckland & Online
On the hunt for a completely bespoke sapphire engagement ring? Well firstly congratulations on your excellent taste, and secondly, we suggest you make yourself known to the best purveyor for custom sapphire creations in New Zealand: Nolan & Vada.
Blue Sapphires, teal sapphires, peach sapphires, there’s endless, ethical options—and that’s before we’ve even snooped around their gorgeous settings. Speaking of, did you know that most of the gold used is recycled gold waste from within the industry? It’s safe to say that Nolan & Vada is a truly considered experience.
The Best Classic Engagement Ring Boutiques In New Zealand
Zoe & Morgan
City Works Depot, Newmarket & Various Stores Across NZ
No one does pretty, feminine and fun with an edge like Zoe & Morgan. And we mean that quite literally: geometric designs are a staple among their coveted collection, with deco detailing as their signature style.
Covet these, plus impossibly pretty takes on all kinds of rings, by making a beeline for their Modern Love collection—a treasure trove where every kind of shape, setting, and stone can be found in their inimitable style. Better yet, all have their prices displayed letting you focus on the prettiness at hand, sans the guesswork.
Naveya & Sloane
By Appointment In Auckland CBD & Online
Image credit: Naveya & Sloane | Instagram
You’ve no doubt seen their sumptuous creations pop up over Instagram—and on the fingers of some of New Zealand’s greatest tastemakers. Truth be told, there’s no one who does a classic solitaire—plus some—like Naveya & Sloane.
Find all of the most beautiful diamond cuts perfectly poised over their signature clasp settings, designed to show off the stone: like the Indus Setting for a sleek, simple solitaire or the regal Sloane Setting, inspired by the shapes of a crown. Fancy something a touch more personal? Their bespoke service is ready to make all your glittering dreams come true.
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Orsini Fine Jewellery
Parnell, Auckland & Online
The road to finding that perfect piece of jewellery at Orsini Fine Jewellery's online or Parnell boutique reads as seamlessly as a love letter. Start your jewel scavenger hunt by choosing between two classic camps: the solitaire or the halo-trimmed collections. From there, be enchanted by takes on these two styles, ranging from simple to understated extravagance.
Next up, it’s time to select which diamond you’ll slot in seeing how subtle changes make a world of difference—before choosing your metal at the last step. Well, the last step before that all-important proposal, of course.
Four Words
By Appointment In Auckland CBD & Online
Image credit: Four Words | Instagram
On the lookout for ethical, lab-grown sparkles? The must-know online destination for people and planet-friendly engagement rings in New Zealand is Four Words. From the consultation to the bespoke creation to 3D modelling, everything is guided by your very own concierge.
It’s not just about diamonds: lab-grown tourmalines, aquamarine, amethysts, emeralds, rubies, and other sparkling counterparts are all found chez Four Words. All of the size and sparkle of diamonds (well, in some cases more–we’re looking at you, moissanite) and none of the uncertainty conflict. It’s a winning recipe for a grand ‘yes’, we think.
The Diamond Shop
Ponsonby, Auckland & Online
If your eyes happen to be fixed on a diamond solitaire, set your sights on The Diamond Shop on Auckland’s Jervois Road. Sleek, chic and romantic, the boutique’s aesthetic is a taster of the creations you’ll find here.
Pear cut, cushion cut and radiant diamond are among the shapes atop a perfectly proportioned band in the aptly named Solitaire Classic Collection. Whether you pick your treasure from the counter or book a bespoke appointment, rest assured that your creation will be timeless and effortlessly elegant.
The Best Contemporary Engagement Ring Boutiques In New Zealand
Godavari Diamonds
Online & At WORLD Boutique
Image credit: Godavari Diamonds | Supplied
Taking the cake for the most unique and personal engagement rings in New Zealand is Godavari Diamonds. While not *technically* a ring just yet, their signature Globe Diamonds have all the trimmings to be created into one.
True to the name, your choice of diamond will come mounted on an iconic pink globe—or one made from the metal designed to melt down into the ring’s band and clasp—within the ring box. It’s perfect for lovers who want to propose with something show-stopping, then create the ring of their dreams together.
Lulu’s Collective
Online
Bursting onto the scene in 2022, and attracting the eyes of magpies and dopamine-dressers from around the globe is Lulu’s Collective: a curated online treasure trove through which you can explore curious, colourful, considered and downlight luxurious jewellery.
Fancy an emerald piped with a bright enamel? Perhaps a multi-heart-shaped stone band? Or even a personalised signet ring to pop the question with? Lulu’s selection of rings and candy makes it the best online New Zealand destination ceremony pieces—and more—outside the jewellery box.
Figursky
Online
Image credit: Figursky | Instagram
We’re obsessed with Figursky's signature style, pairing stones of all pretty, mostly pastel, tones in quirky shapes atop fine bands. Think of a bold pink tourmaline kite alongside a dainty round amethyst. Or perhaps a cascade of assorted cuts, sizes and blushing shades across your finger.
If you can dream up a bespoke stone shape and colour combination, the team here can make it happen in a metal of your choosing—if you don’t immediately pounce on one of their gorgeous ready-made bands, that is. Speaking of swiftly adding to cart, though your ceremony may be a while away, you’ll want to have a peek at the Eternity Edge Ring for the most unique, diamond-edged ceremony band.
Silk & Steel
In Various Boutiques & Online
Silk & Steel may be known for their take on elevated, event and everyday pieces. However, a lot of ogling and a little bit of out-of-the-box thinking makes it a solid destination for fiancés that prefer their adornments on the less traditional—or more va-va-voom—side of things. Opt for the big, bold and beautiful Goddess or Prima Donna Rings, or keep things more subtle with the likes of the dainty clustered Theia rings.
Meadowlark
City Works Depot & Online
Image credit: Meadowlark | Instagram
Known, loved, and obsessed over by its cult following, New Zealand jewellery label Meadowlark produces lust-worthy jewellery—engagement rings very much included. After all, their line is designed by husband and wife team, Claire Hammon and Greg Fromont. Their iconic bold, modern, and often playful shapes, are carried right through to their extensive range of ready-to-buy engagement rings.
Case in point, is the Hex Engagement Ring, boasting the label's iconic linear aesthetic: where a round stone is surrounded by a hexagonal halo of diamonds on a finely diamond-studded band. This, along with many of their rings features the ability to customise the gemstones and metal.
The Best Vintage & Antique Engagement Ring Boutiques In New Zealand
Coco Florence
Mount Maunganui & Online
Fulfilling dreams, one sparkle at a time is Coco Florence: a New Zealand-based online destination for all kinds of vintage and antique jewellery. It’s one of the best ways of experiencing the jewellery bazaar feel without so much as having to leave the house.
With vintage rings as the centrepiece of their collections, you’ll no doubt find that perfect engagement piece—full of charm, beauty and hopefully luck to usher you lovebirds into your next chapter.
Jems Of Remuera
Remuera & Online
Image credit: Jems Of Remuera | Instagram
A literal gem of the antique and vintage jewellery scene is Jems of Remuera. Who, you guessed it, you’ll find in the namesake suburb with a full glittering cabinet (and online boutique) of treasures from yesteryear alongside that of today.
If coloured stones are more up your alley, you’ll no doubt be smitten by the sapphires, rubies, emeralds and more on show in their engagement ring collection. Fancy furnishing a bit more than your fingertips? There’s also a homeware and furniture department in the boutique for some extra indulgence.
Abbey Antiques
Remuera
Remuera is the Auckland nook known for things that err on the side of lavish—and this petite treasure trove, found right on the main strip, is a true testament to that. At Abbey Antiques, you’ll be greeted with a mighty fine selection of vintage knick-knacks in pristine condition, plus friendly, knowledgeable service.
Fair not, while the name may suggest antiques, jewellery is the main attraction and inventory here—where many, many engagement-worthy rings line their cabinets. No time to trawl the ‘Remers township? Then we suggest you keep an eye out for their online highlights.
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Main image credit: Layla Kaisi | Supplied
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