Lesley & Sarei’s Story
The Prata Experience: Bringing a Ring to Life
When Karen first approached us, she had a clear vision of the ring her son Lesley wanted for his future wife: an elegant emerald-cut solitaire set in yellow gold. The first step was gathering all the necessary information from her to ensure we could source the highest quality diamond, selected for its exceptional brilliance.
The most important step was finding the perfect stone. We selected a diamond with VVS1 clarity, essential for an emerald cut, where open facets demand an eye-clean stone. Every detail mattered—the cut and ratio were carefully assessed to maximise light refraction and ensure a breathtaking sparkle.
Once the diamond was approved, we moved on to the ring setting. Lesley already had a strong idea of the design, so our team recreated it using advanced CAD technology, fine-tuning the proportions to suit the ring size, the diamond, and to ensure both stability and perfection.
After the CAD design was approved, our expert setter carefully placed the stone, finishing the setting with stylish cat-style claws for both elegance and security. The result was a ring that perfectly combined Lesley’s vision, technical precision, and enduring beauty.
We also added a custom engraving, making the ring uniquely personal and capturing a special sentiment
Lesley & Sarei’s Story
Our first meeting was by chance—both of us “extras” on a date with friends. It wasn’t meant to lead anywhere, but from that very first evening, Lesley and I connected. Though he was working in the Eastern Cape and far from home, we kept in touch. When Lesley moved back and I finished school, our relationship grew stronger, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
We’re a fun-loving couple who don’t take life too seriously. We make the most of our time together and forget the rest of the world. As the years passed, Lesley began working abroad while I completed my studies. Seeing friends getting engaged and married made us realise it was our turn to take the next step.
Because honesty has always been at the heart of our relationship, Lesley enlisted his mom, Karen, to help with the ring design while he was away. Naturally, she wanted to ensure everything was legitimate and carefully researched before reaching out to Prata Diamonds.
From the very start, Michelle at Prata Diamonds made the experience seamless and personal. Every step—from choosing the perfect diamond to seeing the finished design—was handled with care and professionalism. What could have been stressful became a joyful and memorable journey, exceeding all our expectations.
The proposal itself was unforgettable. Lesley received the ring, then told me he was visiting a friend—but instead, he drove to my dad in Bothaville to ask for my hand, returned, and then made his way to the Granokop lookout in the Kruger National Park, with breathtaking views all around. Onlookers held their breath as he got down on one knee. In disbelief, I initially shouted “No!” before bursting into tears—it wasn’t a refusal, just pure shock that the day had finally come. Our previous discussions about a long engagement quickly flew out the window—we couldn’t wait to start this next chapter together.
We cannot thank Prata Diamonds enough for making this milestone truly unforgettable. A custom-made engagement ring for such an important occasion can feel daunting, but the honesty, care, and attention to detail made the process effortless.
We are beyond thrilled with the final result and would recommend Prata Diamonds to anyone seeking custom-made engagement rings, exceptional service, and luxury jewellery.
