Engagements Archives | Page 18 of 47

In Celebs

Looking back Romeo and Basetsana Kumalo’s 18th anniversary

October 6, 2020 No Comments

Entrepreneur, media personality, and telecommunications expert Romeo Kumalo and former Miss South Africa and businesswoman, Basetsana Kumalo are one of South Africa’s iconic couples. The two have been together for 21 years but married for 19 years.

The former Miss South Africa met her Vodacom executive and former broadcaster husband Romeo whe she was crowned Miss Soweto in 1990. They began dating in 1997 and tied the knot in 2000.

The notoriously private pair are a powerhouse together, and rarely share details into their life.

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18th Anniversary

On their 18th anniversary, their children asked them how come there were no wedding pictures, so the duo decided to relive the moment and have a second wedding for their 18th anniversary.

They had an intimate celebration that only family and friends attended.

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Basetsana and Romeo included their children this time around. This was initially their idea so it was fitting for them to cut the cake.

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Basetsana’s friend Dr Mpho Ndou helped the Kumalos create “the most exquisite” setting for their special day.

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The view from the venue was spectacular, fitting for a couple like Basetsana and Romeo

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Picture: Instagram

In Advice

Pretty in a pavé setting

October 5, 2020 No Comments

An engagement ring is a highly treasured jewellery item, one you’ll (hopefully) have forever. It’s thus important to have your ring match your own personal style and taste. With so many designs, settings and stones to choose from, ring shopping can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to help.

While the setting, or the way the stone is secured into the ring, may not be the most important thing one thinks of, it is crucial to the anatomy of the ring. It helps determine the overall design of the ring and its durability.

A pavé setting, also known as a bead setting, is perfect for the bride wanting something a little more sparkly. It is french for ‘paved’ and it is a jewellery technique in which small diamonds are studded along the band of the ring, making it appear like a paved or cobblestoned road.

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Diamonds are closely set together in this setting, and sparkle brilliantly under the light. Typically, diamonds used for this setting must be 0.01 to 0.02 carats to be technically characterised as ‘pavé’, anything smaller falls under a ‘micro-pavé’ setting.

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An advantage of this setting is that it enhances a centre diamond that has a lower brilliance, cut or clarity grade. It adds extra sparkle and is technically the more economical choice, as smaller diamonds are less expensive than one diamond of the exact same weight.

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However, it is important to note that this setting is more susceptible to stone loss, and offers more small spaces for dirt to accumulate. This setting also requires more inspection and maintenance than most other ring settings.

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In Advice

Most popular songs to propose to

October 5, 2020 No Comments

Going down on one knee to pop the question is a special moment, one that requires the perfect setting and atmosphere. Music is an easy way to amplify the romantic spirit, and many opt to play their favourite love songs to serenade the scene.

It turns out there are some love songs that stand above the rest. Learningjewelry.com analysed the top 60 Spotify playlists dedicated proposals and engagements. Here are the sweet songs that appeared most often.

All of Me – John Legend

Perfect – Ed Sheeran

Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

A Thousand Years – Christina Perry

Make You Feel My Love – Adele

Marry You – Bruno Mars

On Bended Knee – Boys II Men

Just Say Yes – Snow Patrol

I Swear – All-4-One

Picture: Pexels

In Engagements

The history of the bridal trousseau

October 5, 2020 No Comments

Getting married is a large step in life, one that some brides start preparing for years in advance. In many cultures, it is common for women to have a bridal trousseau, a collection of items that will ease them into married life.

Trousseau is derived from the old French diminutive trousse, which means ‘to wrap or bundle in a package’. While the contents may differ from bride to bride, the overarching idea behind the trousseau is to start your wedding and marriage on the right foot. Items that often feature in a bridal trousseau include clothing, jewelry, linens, bedding, pottery, and household appliances. These items are traditionally kept safe in a cedar hope chest or trunk.

The bridal trousseau can be dated back hundreds of years and across various cultures, and was often considered a symbol of status. This practice saw its early roots in the form of dowries, and has been witnessed in ancient civilizations including Babylon, Greece, and the Roman Empire.

It reached its peak in popularity during the Renaissance, specifically in France. Brides with wealthy families would fill a chest with items like linens, dresses, bedding and homeware to prepare her for her future marriage. The fuller and more ornate the trousseau, the higher the bride’s status. Those from a lower economic class often hand-made items to put into the trousseau.

A bridal handkerchief was a must-have item in these days. Historically, the Romans were said to wet the handkerchief with perfume and brides would wear it over their shoulders or neck. Once the French got hold of this, it became a practice reserved for royalty or the upper class.

By the mid-19th century, brides of all classes had adopted this trend and began sporting handkerchiefs customised with the initials of the bride and groom, interlaced as a representation of their union.

In Accessories

What to consider when resetting your engagement ring

September 30, 2020 No Comments

Do you sometimes wish to have a different ring on your ring finger? Look no further. Here are FAQs and all you need to know when thinking of resetting your ring

A ring makeover does not have to cost you an arm and a leg, and you don’t have to buy a completely new ring either. You can rearrange your stones and make them brand new.

1. Why reset your ring
There are many reasons to reset your ring and those may include a divorce, feeling your ring is worn out, or just wanting a new look. However, when you reset your ring, its value changes and it will no longer be the original price.

2. Cost to reset
Resetting your ring may cost from R5000 to R20 000, depending on the design and the type of stone it is. The cost is less expensive than buying a new ring. However, adding new diamonds might cost more so you need to do your maths before taking your ring for a new look.

3. How long will it take
The waiting period depends on what you want to be done on your ring and it also depends on where you take it. Adding more diamonds might take longer. If you take your ring to a local jeweler it might take up to six weeks to finish it but private jewelers may have it done faster.

4 Know your stone
Do your research about your stone. It will make it easy for you to decide what to do with it if you know a little more about it. This way, you know what to expect from reconstruction and the risks.

5. Insurance
Mistakes happen all the time and you want to avoid them happening to your stone but you can never be a 100% sure, the best thing to do is make sure your ring is insured and ask your jeweler what is their policy if they mess or break the stone, have that written down to protect yourself. Normally, jewelers have a free repair policy but asking won’t hurt.

6. Ask
Jewelry is an important piece in anyone’s life because there is always a story behind it. When you take your ring for resetting, ask as many questions as you possibly can. Do your research prior and go prepared. This will save you.

Picture: Pexels

In Weddings

How to have a pet-friendly wedding

September 29, 2020 No Comments

They say that a dog is a man’s best friend, so it seems natural they would be involved in your big day. Pet-lovers can include their furry companions on their wedding day in a number of ways, but it is most important to make sure your wedding is pet-friendly before doing so.

There are many things to consider, like whether the venue accommodates pets and how the guests will react. Here’s what to keep in mind.

1. Location

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If you are planning to have your pet present at your wedding, it is very important to consider the venue of the wedding. Consult your wedding planner when you are booking a venue because some places do not allow pets inside. It might be best to opt for an outdoor wedding where your pups can run free.

2. Guests

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If you plan to have pets present, make sure to let your guests know beforehand. Some people are allergic to certain animals or have deep fears that can impact on their experience at your wedding. To avoid the drama, include in your wedding invitation which animals will be present and allow your guest to decide if they are still comfortable to attend.

3. Pet behaviour

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You know your pet best. You know how they act around people and what things make them happy, so when you plan on including your four-legged friends, know exactly which tasks to give them. You wouldn’t want to give the tasks or of a ring bearer to a puppy that likes playing catch or is super energetic. Its also best to hire a pet sitter to look after the animals during the day while you’re busy mingling with your guests.

4. Inform the photographer

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Tell your photographer in advance that you are planning on bringing along your pet to the wedding, this gives them time to plan creative ways to take pictures that include your pet.

5. Dress-up

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Consider something simple and pet friendly when you dressing up your pet for the wedding. You do not want to make them uncomfortable with things that could potentially strangle them, a bow tie or flowers around the neck is the perfect option.

6 Decor and setting

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Use the decoration of the wedding venue to get creative and include your pets on the decor to make them feel included on the big day.

Pictures: Pexels

In Advice

A bold choice: Bezel set rings

September 29, 2020 No Comments

Looking for an uncommon ring setting? We’ve got the perfect one. The bezel setting is an uncommon choice, and offers a highly unique look.

This setting has been around for decades, and is actually one of the oldest in the history of jewellery design. Poppy Delevigne and Mary-Kate Olsen have rocked this look.

Also known as the Rubover, this setting gives off an Art Deco aesthetic perfect for a bold bride. Here’s what you need to know.

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A bezel setting features diamonds that are completely or partially encircled by a thin border of a precious metal holding it in place. The surface of the ring is thus smooth. Also called a tube setting, it helps to accentuate the diamond and offers a contemporary look. This setting works best with round stones, but can be used on any shape from pear to heart.

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Because the stone is held securely in place, this setting is highly durable and protects the diamond very well. This is perfect for fragile stones. It also prevents anything snagging on the stone or knocking it, making it perfect for a wearer with an active lifestyle.

However, this setting conceals a large part of the stone. It can also be the more expensive option because it requires much more precious metal and is more labour intensive.

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In Celebs

Interesting facts about Kate Middleton’s wedding dress

September 28, 2020 No Comments

Everyone remembers April 29, 2011, the day that people across the world were fixated on their screens for the highly anticipated Royal wedding. Kate Middleton, a non-royal, was marrying Prince William. Some were waiting to see the decor and others, the guests. However, the wedding dress was the true show stopper of the day.

Many wondered who will have the honour of designing Kate’s dress. Sarah Burton, a famed designer for Alexander McQueen, was given the momentous task.

Kate chose to combine tradition and modernity on her dress, fitting for a princess. The dress was made out of ivory satin on the waist and hips. The waist also had a corset that shaped the dress.

The lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace.

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Interesting facts

The train of the dress was almost three metres long (2.7m).

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The embroiderers had to wash their hands every 30 minutes to avoid dirtying the gown.

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Individual flowers were hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create a design which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.

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The inspiration behind the skirt was that it opens like a blossoming flower

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There were 58 buttons down the back of the dress

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In Announcements

Actress Lily Collins is engaged

September 28, 2020 No Comments

The COVID-19 pandemic can’t stop love! Actress Lily Collins is the latest starlet to announce her engagement. The ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’ star recently took the next step with writer-director Charlie McDowell.

The pair, who have been dating for over a year, announced their happy news on social media this past weekend.

“I’ve been waiting my lifetime for you and I can’t wait to spend our lifetime together…” the actress captioned images from their special day which took place in the mountains of New Mexico.

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“In a time of uncertainty and darkness you have illuminated my life. I will forever cherish my adventure with you,” wrote McDowell.

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Collins, the daughter of iconic musician Phil Collins, rocks an unusual engagement ring featuring a one-of-a-kind rose-cut diamond.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram / Lily Collins

In Celebs

A love like this: Dineo and Solo Langa

September 25, 2020 No Comments

Actress Dineo and rapper Zothile (Solo) Langa are constantly serving us ‘couple goals’. The pair met many moons ago but were not public about their romance until four years into the relationship.They have been married for over a year but have been together for 8 years.

Here’s how this famed South African couple fell in love.

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A post shared by Dineo Langa (@dineomoeketsi) on Jan 9, 2016 at 11:54am PST

Dineo met Solo eight years ago through a mutual friend, Leroy. He had set them up to a blind date anaware to them, but luckily it was love at first sight. Solo asked for her phone number and texted her on the same day. They later went out for dinner that very same day and have been together since.

On their Showmax wedding series, Kwakuhle kwethu, Dineo admitted to having a huge crush on him and could not wait longer than five minutes to text him back.

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Solo took to social media to explain how he proposed to Dineo. They were on a holiday in Mozambique in January 2019 and he has already planned to propose. He explained how a person might think it would be easy to propose to their best friend, but it was nerve-wracking for him.

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The couple tied the knot on May 11, 2019 at the Kitchen L’antico Giardiono in Johannesburg. They had a secret ceremony where they changed outfits twice, and guests could only post pictures of themselves and not the wedding itself. They later gave us the Kwakuhle kwethu series showcasing their wedding.

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The couple share a YouTube channel where they share an inside look into their personal life. On the channel they touched on their spiritual journey as these two lovebirds are trained, traditional healers.

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They say that friendship and spirituality make them who they are. From the day they met, their conversations were easy and endless and they continue building on that.

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Pictures: Instagram