A Cape Town-based jeweller wants to give R20Â 000 worth of custom-made bling to South Africa’s first legally married same-sex couple.
The jeweller plans to present handcrafted and designed wedding bands in person at the couple’s wedding ceremony, Uwe Koetter Jewellers chief designer and director Johan Louw said on Thursday.
”I think it’s a great marketing opportunity and it’s a great event — we are the first country in Africa to enshrine it and so it’s something to celebrate,” Louw said.
Same-sex couples can now legally tie the knot after the Civil Union Bill was signed into law on Thursday.
Louw said he would like to meet the couple, analyse their style and personality and to see what they liked.
He was optimistic the rings would be ready on time.
”If needs be we can do it in 24 hours. Even if we have to work through the night, the rings will be designed and sized for the couple in time for the nuptials.”
Documents proving the venue and person officiating will be required to qualify for the gift.
”If there is no clear first couple, then we will have a live draw on radio,” he said.
The budget was R10Â 000 per ring and possible materials included palladium (a type of platinum metal), 18-carat yellow gold, coloured stones and even diamonds.
”R10Â 000 is an ample budget that can give something special.”
The jeweller saw the legislation as opportunity for business growth and as an opportunity that could not be missed.
The new Act seeks to regulate the solemnisation and registration of civil unions by way of either marriage or a civil partnership and provides for the legal consequences of the solemnisation and registration of civil unions. — Sapa