Showing posts with label Engagement. Show all posts

The Quest for the Perfect Engagement Ring: Factors to Consider

When the love of your life is as unique as a rare gem, finding the perfect engagement ring to symbolise your affection and intentions can feel like a thrilling treasure hunt. It’s a special mission filled with anticipation, excitement, and even a touch of mystery, as you delve into the sparkly world of diamonds, metals, and bespoke designs. It’s not about snagging the flashiest ring or following fleeting trends; it’s about discovering a piece that encapsulates the depth and personality of your bond.

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Engagement rings are so much more than glittering jewellery; they are the promise of a future together, a symbol of dedication, and a story waiting to unfold. So, where does one begin the search for such a meaningful artefact? The process can be as meticulous and personal as the ring itself, with each choice reflecting a note of the love you share.

Understanding The Value of Bespoke Jewellery

As you venture into the land of engagement rings, consider stepping off the beaten path of mass-produced designs and into the realm of bespoke jewellery. Handcrafted creations are not merely products; they’re personal statements infused with the essence of their maker and the spirit of the wearer. With a bespoke piece, every curve and carat tells a part of your individual story. Choosing a ring from a bespoke jeweller like Pruden and Smith comes with a variety of advantages. Sustainable luxury is at the forefront of their philosophy. They have committed to using only recycled metals, ensuring that your special moment doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. This commitment extends to the very core of their practice, where each piece is crafted with precision by expert goldsmiths.

The Symbolism In Your Ring Selection

When selecting an engagement ring, symbolism takes centre stage. It’s not merely about the visual appeal or the value of the stone; it’s about what the ring represents. The design you choose should resonate with the personal narrative you and your partner are creating. A ring could symbolise a shared value, like the passion for the outdoors, reflected in the use of natural motifs or responsibly sourced materials. Or, perhaps it symbolises the new life you’re building, with intertwined bands representing your united paths.

Measuring What Matters

Too often, the search for an engagement ring becomes a quest for the biggest diamond. However, savvy ring seekers know that quality should never be overshadowed by carat size. A smaller, brilliantly crafted stone can exhibit more fire and sparkle than a larger stone of lesser quality. Here, you’re looking for a piece that stands the test of time, both in durability and style. A ring that glows with a refined lustre speaks of thoughtfulness and discernment.

Matching The Ring To The Personality

Your partner’s individuality is your compass in the vast sea of engagement ring options. Just as a tailor fashions a suit to fit the wearer, so should an engagement ring be matched to the person who will wear it. You will also need to consider which hand they will wear their engagement ring, and how they will wear it. Is your partner someone who revels in the classics, or do they stride boldly through life, a trailblazer with a taste for the unconventional? The chosen ring should be a testament to their character, as much a part of them as their own signature.

How To Plan The Engagement Party Of Your Dreams

Have you recently popped the question or said yes to the love of your life? Congratulations! Getting married is a fantastic occasion, so why not extend the celebrations by throwing an engagement party to kick things off?

An engagement party provides the perfect opportunity not just to celebrate and show off your stunning new engagement ring but is also a good way for your families to meet if they haven’t already. Not only this, but it might also give you some ideas for your wedding day.

Here are some top tips to help you plan the party of your dreams.

Pick A Location

couple engaged


First things first, decide where you’d like to host the party. This will depend on three things: your budget, the number of people you intend to invite, and how formal you want the party to be. You could host somewhere that is personal to you, such as where you got engaged or had your first date. Or you might choose to host the party at home if you are going for something more low-key and at a lower cost.

Wherever you choose, make sure there is going to be room to host everyone comfortably, and that other elements of your party aren’t going to be compromised. For example, if you’d like to handle catering yourself, make sure to pick a venue that allows this.

Decide On A Date

Next up you need to choose the date you’re going to have the party. If you aren’t hosting at home, then this will likely be semi-determined by the availability of the venue. If you plan on having a long engagement, you may want to have the party several months after your engagement. However, if you plan on getting married within a year or so, throw the party sooner rather than later so you can start focussing on planning the wedding itself.

Create A Guest List

Now you have a venue and a date it’s time to put the guest list together. It is natural to assume that if you are invited to an engagement party, you will be invited to the wedding so bear that in mind when making the list. It may be that some people who will make the effort to come to the wedding may not be able to make the engagement party, especially if they are going to be travelling far. Despite this, it is nice to extend the invite regardless.

Send Out Invites

It’s easy to get carried away with invites, from confetti-filled envelopes to wax seals, there are plenty of options to pick from. Since you are soon going to be planning a wedding, it might be best to go simple with invites for the engagement party. Consider going paperless for a quick, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective option.

Choose Your Outfit

Outfit planning for any party can be stressful, especially when you are the host. Therefore, it is best to plan in advance to avoid last-minute panic. Often, newly engaged people will opt to wear white to any event related to their wedding, but don’t feel pressured to do this if you would prefer to wear something else.

Don’t Forget The Details

Finally, now all the more logistical to-dos have been ticked off, it’s time to consider the more personal details you’d like for the party. This will totally depend on your preferences as a couple. You might want to have pictures from your proposal up at the venue or maybe you have certain music you’d like to be playing throughout the night.

Adding in personal details doesn’t need to be expensive, there are lots of tutorials available online to help add special touches to any event. Looking into DIYs for the engagement party might also handily lead to finding some inspiration for your wedding day.

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Tips On Picking The Perfect Engagement Ring

Getting engaged is one of the most magical things you can do. It is a marker of personal success, that you have found someone with which you are excited and enthralled to spend the rest of your natural life. It is a celebration like no other, and a commitment like no other – so, naturally, it requires a ring like no other.

engagement couple kissing

Choosing an engagement ring can be an extremely stressful task, whoever you are. There are many variables at play, not in the least of which being the ever-present question “will they like it?” With the average engagement ring costing up to £2100, it is a decision not to be made lightly. So, what should you consider before diving in with a purchase?

Start With The Shape

Naturally, the first point of order in relation to engagement ring chatter is the stone. The stone is the focal point, around which everything else is designed – whether the band or the ornamentations that hold said stone in place. Whatever the stone, start by thinking about the shape. Are you aiming for a round, pearl shape? A tear-drop shape? Or even a classic princess cut, arguably the most popular shape and the one that defines most diamond rings.

Shape is also somewhat dictated by the essential qualities of each mineral – namely, the ‘cleavage’. This describes the way in which minerals shear, which can conversely cause issues when it comes to shaping and polishing.

Carats, Shine And Budget

Your next concern will relate to the qualities your gemstone should possess. How many carats should it be, and how much ‘sparkle’ can you possibly fit into one ring? Carat is essentially a measurement of weight, equivalent to 0.2g. The more carats a gem has, the heavier it is. There are separate measurement methodologies for brilliance, but really – the shinier the better, right?

Here, though, budget becomes a key sticking point. Your perfect engagement ring might be a 24-carat diamond with gold band, and might cost more than your car but you may have to compromise. Engagement rings are not hard to come by, though, and with a basic idea of your ideal shape and size, you can find a gem that suits your loved one down to the ground.

Something for Someone You Love

In amongst all the jewellery jargon, and with the pressure of a thousand romance comedies bearing down on you, it can be easy to forget exactly why you’re picking out an engagement ring. You’re doing so in hopes of spending the rest of your life with someone you love; someone with whom you might share anything and everything, from taste in music to future ambitions.

All of this to say, your choice of ring needn’t necessarily boast the perfect weight and sparkle, nor need it cost the earth. Indeed, your intuition might be your best friend, think about what she likes and her style and you might just find the perfect ring that speaks to the both of you.

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What Are The Best Diamond Cuts For Engagement Rings?

If you’ve decided to pop the question, the next step is to select the right engagement ring for your big proposal. This can often be a challenge, since there are many different cuts and shapes when it comes to diamond engagement rings, and this is probably something you don’t want to get wrong. 

I'm here to help with a short guide to the top 10 most popular choices, so you can make an informed decision. If you want to find a deal on diamond jewellery from AliExpress, you can save money with your online purchase by checking out the deals and discounts from BravoVoucher at https://www.bravovoucher.co.uk/discount-code-aliexpress.html


engaged couple

  1. The Princess Cut - this is a timeless classic style and is as popular today as it was back in the 1960s. It’s a square-shaped diamond with pointed corners, that create a kind of inverted pyramid for that extra sparkle and is usually set in a platinum band.

  2. The Round Brilliant Cut - Also one of the most popular classics, the shape of this diamond is similar to a cone and usually has 58 facets that provide maximum light reflection. This means, that it’s one of the sparkliest diamonds around.

  3. The Emerald Cut - this cut is usually a rectangular shape which makes it ideal for a high clarity diamond stone. It’s a good choice if you want to go for something glamorous with a hint of vintage style.

  4. The Baguette Cut - this diamond is long, slim, rectangular, and quite similar to the Emerald cut. It’s most commonly found in rings that have more than one stone. As well as engagement rings, it’s also popular for eternity rings.

  5. The Oval Cut - like the round stone, but a longer version, the oval shape can contain just as many facets meaning that it shines and sparkles just as much. It’s ideal if you want a ring that elongates the finger.

  6. The Pear Cut - slightly more unusual and unique is the pear or teardrop cut. Their shape means that they look bigger than more traditional, rounder diamonds so even a smaller stone will appear larger.

  7. The Radiant Cut - as the name suggests, the radiant cut is a very eye-catching choice. The stone can be square or rectangular, with lots of deep-cut facets for reflecting the light for maximum sparkle.

  8. The Cushion Cut - dating back to the 18th century the cushion cut gets its name from the combination of square shape with rounded corners, similar to that of a soft cushion. They are considered to be slightly less sparkly but are perfect for a vintage look.

  9. The Trilliant Cut - these diamonds originated in the Netherlands and are characterized by their triangular shape. They’re also generally considered to offer less sparkle but their unique shape is a popular alternative for many brides.

  10. The Heart Cut - for the ultimate symbol of love, consider a heart-shaped diamond. This shape is less commonly used for engagement rings than some of the others but could be perfect for adding the element of surprise and making it a unique choice.

I’ve listed some of the most popular styles to get you started but the final decision comes down to personal preference. It’s a good idea to consider the style of jewellery your partner-to-be usually wears to pin down which diamond cut they would prefer. Once you’ve got the ring sorted, the next important step is obviously to choose the location and timing for your proposal. If you’re looking for a romantic setting, Timeout Magazine has some recommendations for the best, most romantic bars and restaurants in London.


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Materialising Your Dreams: 5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring


Deciding to propose is a major life decision, but when you know you’ve got the right person, you absolutely have to go with your heart. Now that you’ve decided that you’re ready to take that leap, it’s time to buy the ring. It’s a task that often seems so complicated, but when you slow down, breathe and take a few things into consideration, everything will just fall into place. Here are 5 tips to help you choose the perfect engagement ring. This is an advertorial.

1. Consider Your Budget


The first thing you need to do is establish your budget. If you don’t want to spend more than £1,000 or $1000, keep that in mind as you browse display cases. If you want to get something unique to consider something custom. Remember, you can create the perfect engagement ring and still stay within your budget. Of course, if you have a bigger budget then you won't have to worry but there’s something for everyone at any price range, so once you know where you stand financially, you are off to a great start.

2. Choose a Metal


There are quite a variety of metals to choose from. There’s the classic yellow gold, but also white and rose gold, platinum, silver and titanium. Be sure to get to know the characteristics of the metals if you’re unsure of which to choose. For instance, platinum will last a lifetime, and is a very hard metal but is the most expensive, white gold is popular in the UK, but it will need rhodium plating every few years to keep its shine, yellow gold is a traditional standard and rose gold is a popular and on-trend metal.

3. Choose a Setting


The setting is how the stone sits on the ring. The classic 6 prong Tiffany setting is always a winner, but there is also the eternity setting, where the stones go around the entire band, pavé where many small diamonds are set close together and the rub over setting where a small rim of metal holds the stone in place. Other settings are also available so it's worth doing your research beforehand.

4. Choose a Stone


Although a diamond is always the classic favourite for an engagement ring why not choose one of her favourite stones instead, such as emerald, ruby, or sapphire?  There are many alternative gemstones for engagement rings. If you want the look of a diamond but cannot afford the cost consider white topaz, or moissanite instead. If her favourite colour is red, think about accenting a diamond with garnet or ruby. The shape of the stone also matters, round brilliant cut, emerald cut or princess cut are popular. There’s a lot of room for creativity if she isn't a traditionalist, but keep it simple if she is.

5. Consider Her Likes and Dislikes


The last thing, and perhaps the first thing should be to consider her likes and dislikes. Look at her current jewellery and fashion style to get some clues to what style of engagement ring she would like. You can also solicit the help of her friend or another family member to help you choose the perfect engagement ring. If you’re not looking to make your proposal a surprise, take her ring shopping with you.

Getting engaged is a special moment for both you and your future fiance, so you want to choose a ring that will set her heart ablaze for years and years to come. Do your best and don’t be afraid to ask for help should you need it.

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Christmas Proposal Inspiration

It’s official – Christmas is the most popular time of year to get engaged – that’s according to a survey by Wedding Wire. This is followed closely by Valentine’s Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day. If you’re planning to pop the question this festive season and need some creative inspiration to make your proposal stand out from the crowd, you’ve come to the right place. 


Engagement ring retailers Angelic Diamonds have put together this list of Christmas proposal inspiration to get you started. This post is in collaboration with them.

A Christmas Market or Christmas Carol Concert 


Christmas Markets are now in almost every city, so you don’t have to travel too far to find one. To make this engagement extra special, you could plant small, thoughtful gifts at different stalls, commemorating your relationship together — these could be inside jokes, things you know they love. Make your way around the stalls until you get to a Christmas tree where you can drop to one knee and ask those special words, ‘will you marry me?’

You could also take your partner to a Christmas Carol Concert. If they’re a fan of taking part in traditional Christmas songs, you could check out local events and surprise them during one of their favourite carols.

An Ice Skating Adventure at The Natural History Museum 


Unless your partner has two left feet on the ice, proposing at an ice rink is one of the most romantic things you could do this Christmas. With a Christmas tree in the centre, the Natural History Museum’s ice rink is enveloped in trees illuminated by hundreds of fairy lights. A romantic atmosphere is set with the 12th century gothic Natural History Museum as the backdrop to your question. Day or night, your partner is bound to be in awe of the location.

If you contact your local ice rink, they’re usually happy to help you plan the engagement and may even offer special discounts and treats. Hiring professional flashmob ice skaters is a fun way to surprise the person you’re proposing to, turning fellow ice skaters from strangers on the rink to a unique event dedicated to him or her. And chances are, they won’t be expecting it at all.

A Cosy Lake District Getaway 


You could plan a cosy Christmas getaway for you and your loved one this year. If you both love the outdoors, the Lake District offers plenty of scenic winter walks to embark on together, during which you could pop the question against a backdrop of magnificent mountains and frost-coated trees. Afterwards, nothing beats relaxing in a snug cottage with a roaring fire to keep you warm and toasty.

The Lake District also offers plenty of Christmas events throughout the month of December. From the Carlisle Christmas market to the Keswick Proms. For a more luxurious proposal experience, Lake District Country Hotels are offering a three-night Christmas package, where you can enjoy mulled wine and gourmet food.

Your Local Christmas Tree Farm 


If you think your partner would prefer more of a low-key proposal, an understated yet traditionally festive location such as a Christmas Tree Farm could be what you need. This is also an excellent way to catch them off guard whilst in the midst of a festive activity.

It’s worth getting in contact with your local Christmas tree farm and asking if there’s a secluded area where you can decorate, and maybe even hire a photographer to hide and snap pics of the unforgettable, private moment. You could even take the Christmas tree you got engaged next to home!

So, there we have some of the best Christmas settings to pop the question this year, check out Christmas events at cities near you for more inspiration. 

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How Can You Be Sure That Your Partner Is "The One"


A lot of people overthink things such as which ring to buy when going to a engagement rings UK store. What you really should be asking is whether you are ready to make a commitment. Before rushing to buy an engagement ring, you should weigh up every little detail about your relationship and be absolutely sure about your decision. Here’s how you can figure out whether your partner is marriage-worthy.

You Can Speak Your Mind

When you are with your partner, you should be able to say things without having to filter your words. Even if you are going to say something negative you need to be able to voice your darkest opinion to your partner. Of course, you will have disagreements but your partner should not react negatively to everything you have to say. You can learn open communication with your partner to make the relationship healthy.

Boundaries! What Boundaries? 

Comfort is very important for a lasting relationship. Your partner should make you feel accepted at your best and worst.  If your partner shames you for anything, then they are not the one for you.

They Bring Out The Best In You

Being in a relationship should be a positive experience. The world might make you feel that you are not good enough, but your partner should be able to pull you out of the rut and boost your confidence. Your partner should help you nurture and grow your personality instead of holding you back. A good relationship is one where you want to be a better person for your partner.

You Are Always In Touch

Everyone has a busy life in today’s world. However, this should never come in the way of your relationship. Your partner should be as willing as you to communicate with you through their day. Why not send them a quick text or phone call when you are on your lunch break to let them know what you are up to?

They Make The Mundane Fun


The daily grind of life can get very mundane. Meeting your partner should bring brightness to your life. It's important to have your own interests too but If you see that your partner is not interested in sharing activities with you, it might be a sign that they are not the one for you.

You Share The Same Interests

Opposites might attract, but it is essential to have shared interests as I said above.  If you both cannot enjoy doing the same things, then your relationship may not work out. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule but this is something to think about.

Fights Are Always Forgiven

All couples fight over various things. A fight should never leave a permanent scar on your relationship. Your partner should not hold a grudge against you after a fight. If your partner forgets and forgives conflicts then that is a great sign that they are a keeper. The saying 'never go to bed on an argument' is so true for a healthy relationship.

You Both Want The Same Destination for Your Relationship

You might have been with your partner for years, but your partner still may not be the one for you if you both want different things from your relationship. Your partner should have the same relationship vision as you. You can talk to your partner to see if you both are on the same page regarding the relationship.

Do not jump the gun to buy engagement rings UK jewellers sell. Take your time to judge whether your partner indeed is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with.

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