Rings That Mark the Moments: Understanding Promise, Proposal, and Engagement Rings
Love rarely arrives all at once. It grows—sometimes quietly at first, then with confidence—shaped by shared experiences, evolving dreams, and mutual commitment. In New Zealand, where relationships are often built on partnership, equality, and authenticity, it’s only natural that jewellery follows the same path.
At Sona Sansaar, we believe rings are not just symbols of love, but markers of meaningful moments. From the earliest promises to lifelong commitments, each stage of a relationship can be honoured with jewellery that reflects where you are now and where you’re heading together.

The Promise: Where Intention Begins
Every love story starts with intention. A promise ring represents that first conscious choice—an agreement that two people are committed to one another, while the future is still unfolding.
Promise rings are especially meaningful for couples in the early stages of their journey. They are about connection rather than convention, sentiment rather than ceremony. In New Zealand, promise rings are well understood as a sign of exclusivity and devotion, often exchanged quietly and worn daily.
These rings are typically crafted in silver or simple gold, with clean, understated designs that reflect modern Kiwi style. Some feature a small diamond or gemstone; others remain beautifully minimal. What matters most is not the material, but the meaning behind it.
At this stage, jewellery is less about permanence and more about presence—a reminder that love is growing, even before life feels fully settled.

The Proposal: A Question That Changes Everything
As relationships deepen, the desire to make that promise visible often follows. A proposal ring marks a turning point—the moment when intention becomes declaration.
In New Zealand, proposal rings take many forms. Some couples choose a ring specifically for the proposal, knowing they’ll select an engagement ring together later. Others use the proposal ring as the engagement ring itself. Both approaches are equally valid, reflecting the Kiwi value of shared decision-making.
Proposal rings may be crafted in gold, set with a diamond or lab-grown diamond, or chosen as a meaningful design that mirrors shared values and personal style. For some, simplicity is key; for others, symbolism takes centre stage.
What unites all proposal rings is the emotion behind them. They are chosen not for tradition alone, but for what they represent—a readiness to take the next step, together.

The Engagement: A Commitment Made Visible
An engagement ring marks one of life’s most defining moments. It is the promise of a future built side by side, worn daily as a reflection of love, trust, and shared intention.
Traditionally, engagement rings are crafted in gold—most commonly 18k gold, prized for its balance of durability and luxury—and set with a diamond or lab-grown diamond. In New Zealand, preferences often lean toward elegant, refined designs: timeless rather than ostentatious, meaningful rather than excessive. Engagement rings can also be heirloom pieces that passed through generations in the family.
Diamonds have long symbolised endurance and strength—qualities mirrored in relationships that withstand time and change. Today, many Kiwi couples are also embracing lab-grown diamond rings, valuing their identical brilliance alongside ethical and modern appeal.
An engagement ring is often the first piece of jewellery chosen with lifelong wear in mind. It represents not just love in the present, but confidence in the future.

Thoughtful Pieces That Join Your Journey
Just as relationships evolve, so do the materials chosen to mark them.
Silver often represents beginnings—accessible, modern, and understated. It’s a natural choice for promise rings and early milestones.
Gold symbolises stability and longevity. As couples grow together, gold becomes a reflection of permanence and shared investment. Whether 18k or higher, gold jewellery is designed to last through everyday life and special occasions alike.
Diamonds, both natural and lab-grown, embody resilience. They mark moments of certainty—when love is no longer just a feeling, but a commitment.
At Sona Sansaar, our collections are curated to support every stage of this journey, offering jewellery that feels appropriate, meaningful, and lasting—whatever chapter you’re in.

Jewellery as Love—and as an Investment
Beyond emotion, fine jewellery carries enduring value. Gold has long been recognised as a store of wealth, while diamonds on engagement rings remain prized for their beauty and strength.
For many couples, investing in gold and diamond jewellery is not about extravagance, but foresight. It’s about choosing pieces that can be worn, cherished, and eventually passed down—symbols of a love that grew over time.
This perspective resonates deeply with Kiwi couples, who often view jewellery not as a single purchase, but as part of a shared future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rings and Relationships
Engagement Rings
Is $1,000 okay for an engagement ring? How much should an engagement ring cost in NZ?
Yes—$1,000 can be perfectly appropriate for an engagement ring in New Zealand. Many Kiwi couples prioritise meaning and quality over price, choosing designs that suit their lifestyle and future plans. Engagement rings in NZ can range widely, from rings under $1,000 to several thousand dollars, depending on materials, craftsmanship, and diamonds.
How much are you supposed to spend on an engagement ring? What is the three-month rule?
The traditional “three-month salary rule” is no longer a standard expectation in New Zealand. Modern couples often spend what feels comfortable and responsible, focusing on shared financial goals rather than outdated formulas. The right ring is one that reflects commitment—not pressure.
What kind of ring are you supposed to propose with?
There is no single rule. Some couples choose diamond proposal rings, others opt for gold bands or modern proposal engagement rings that combine proposal and engagement into one meaningful piece. The best choice is a ring that aligns with your partner’s style and your shared values.
Promise Rings
What is a promise ring meant for? How big of a deal is a promise ring?
A promise ring symbolises commitment, exclusivity, and intention. While it does not carry the same formal meaning as an engagement ring, it can be deeply significant especially for couples in the early stages of their relationship.
Which finger do you put a promise ring on?
In New Zealand, promise rings are commonly worn on the ring finger of either hand, or sometimes on the middle finger. There is no strict rule; the meaning matters more than the placement.
What materials are promise rings usually made from?
Promise rings are often crafted as silver promise rings for simplicity, or gold promise rings for added longevity. Some couples choose diamond promise rings to mark a particularly meaningful commitment.
Proposal Rings
Which finger is the proposal ring worn on?
Proposal rings are typically worn on the ring finger of the left hand, though some choose to wear them on the right hand until an engagement ring is selected. Practices vary, and comfort and preference come first.
Are proposal rings and engagement rings the same?
They can be. Many couples choose proposal engagement rings that serve both purposes, while others prefer a proposal ring followed by selecting an engagement ring together. Both approaches are widely accepted in New Zealand.
How much do engagement rings cost in NZ? Is a $1,000 engagement ring cheap?
Engagement rings in NZ span a wide range of prices, and a $1,000 ring is not considered cheap—it is simply a reflection of priorities and life stage. What matters most is craftsmanship, durability, and the meaning behind the ring.
As love continues to evolve, jewellery becomes part of a wider story—anniversaries celebrated, milestones honoured, and eventually, wedding rings exchanged. While each chapter deserves its own moment, every ring worn along the way serves as a reminder that love is not defined by one gesture alone, but by a lifetime of choosing one another.

Sona Sansaar: With You at Every Stage
At Sona Sansaar, we are honoured to be part of these journeys. From promise rings to engagement diamonds, our collections are designed to reflect real relationships—growing, evolving, and deeply personal. We are more than happy to offer guidance if you have questions about which ring is best for you or your special someone.
We offer secure nationwide delivery across New Zealand, ensuring your jewellery arrives safely and beautifully presented. For those who prefer a more personal experience, we warmly welcome you to visit our physical stores in Mt Roskill and Papatoetoe, where our experienced team can guide you through every choice.
Because love doesn’t stand still and neither should the jewellery that marks it.
Rings That Tell Your Story
There is no single way to love, and no single ring that defines it. Whether your journey begins with a simple promise or a diamond engagement, what matters most is that each piece reflects your story.
At Sona Sansaar, we believe jewellery should grow with you, marking not just where you are, but everything you are becoming, together.
- Diamond Engagement Rings
- Diamond Promise Rings
- Diamond Ring
- Engagement Rings
- Gold and Diamond Jewellery
- Gold Engagement Rings
- Gold Promise Rings
- Lab Drown Diamonds
- Natural Diamonds
- Promise Rings
- Proposal Engagement Rings
- Proposal Rings
- Pure Gold Jewellery
- Silver Promise Rings
- Sona Sansaar
- Valentines Day Gifts
