Engagements Archives | Page 20 of 45

In Announcements

Demi Lovato shares behind-the-scenes look at her proposal

July 27, 2020 No Comments

Songstress Demi Lovato shocked fans when she announced she recently became engaged to actor Max Ehrich. She has shared even more details of their special proposal, and we dare you not to cry…

Ehrich went down on one knee to propose to Lovato on July 22 in Malibu, California. They have both taken to Instagram to write emotional messages to one another to honour their engagement.

“When I was a little girl, my birth dad always called me his ‘little partner’ – something that might’ve sounded strange without his southern cowboy like accent. To me it made perfect sense. And today that word makes perfect sense again but today I’m officially going to be someone else’s partner,” Lovato wrote on Instagram when sharing the news of their proposal.

“@maxehrich – I knew I loved you the moment I met you. It was something I can’t describe to anyone who hasn’t experienced it firsthand but luckily you did too… I’ve never felt so unconditionally loved by someone in my life (other than my parents) flaws and all. You never pressure me to be anything other than myself. And you make me want to be the best version of myself. I’m honored to accept your hand in marriage. I love you more than a caption could express but I’m ecstatic to start a family and life with you. I love you forever my baby. My partner. Here’s to our future!!!!”

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When I was a little girl, my birth dad always called me his “little partner” – something that might’ve sounded strange without his southern cowboy like accent. To me it made perfect sense. And today that word makes perfect sense again but today I’m officially going to be someone else’s partner. @maxehrich – I knew I loved you the moment I met you. It was something I can’t describe to anyone who hasn’t experienced it firsthand but luckily you did too.. I’ve never felt so unconditionally loved by someone in my life (other than my parents) flaws and all. You never pressure me to be anything other than myself. And you make me want to be the best version of myself. I’m honored to accept your hand in marriage. I love you more than a caption could express but I’m ecstatic to start a family and life with you. I love you forever my baby. My partner. Here’s to our future!!!! ??❤️?? Ps. THANK YOU @angelokritikos FOR HIDING BEHIND ROCKS AND CAPTURING THE ENTIRE THING!!! I love you boo!!!

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Jul 22, 2020 at 10:46pm PDT

Ehrish shared the same pictures and wrote, “You are every love song, every film, every lyric, every poem, everything I could ever dream of and then some in a partner in life. Words cannot express how infinitely in love with you I am forever and always and then some. I cannot spend another second of my time here on Earth without the miracle of having you as my wife. here’s to forever baby ? ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh jeuejfjqjweuvu I’m so excited, you are the most beautiful inside and out in the entire world & I couldn’t be more grateful God brought us together. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH @ddlovato AND WILL FOREVER CHERISH YOUR PURE, BEAUTIFUL, INFINITE SOUL.”

Since the announcement, both Lovato and Ehrich have shared more images from their special moment, which Lovato called the best day of her life. Ehrich had her keep her eyes closed as they drove to the beach where he would propose. As he popped the question, “Crash Into Me” by Dave Matthews Band was playing.

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Two days after their proposal was the two-year anniversary of what Lovato calls her ‘miracle day’, marking the day doctors saved her life after she suffered from a drug overdose in 2018.

“Only two years after that terrible day, I’m engaged to the love of my life, and I can genuinely say I feel free of my demons,” she wrote on Instagram. “I never thought this feeling was possible. And it’s not because I fell in love (although that didn’t hurt), but because over the past two years, I’ve done more work on myself than I have in my entire life.”

“Long before I had an engagement ring on my finger, I had the word ‘me’ to remind myself that no matter what, I vow to love myself. You can’t fully love another without loving yourself first.”

Congrats to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram/ Demi Lovato

In Advice

The chameleon: Colour-shifting alexandrite engagement rings

July 22, 2020 No Comments

Diamond’s are a girls best friend but gemstones are so mysterious and make an excellent choice for the alternative bride’s engagement ring.

Alexandrites are unique, colour-changing gemstones that are as mesmerising as they are beautiful. If you want a unique stone to centre your engagement ring, this gem is the perfect choice. Here’s what you need to know.

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Modern June birthstone alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl. This unique gem is pleochroic, meaning its colour appears to change depending on the lighting it is in. During the day, the stone ranges from a more greenish-blue to dark yellowish-green. Candlelight makes the stone appear pink or red, because of the way the mineral absorbs light.

This phenomenon is so unique that it has been coined the ‘alexandrite effect’. Many experts consider it an emerald by day and ruby by night due to its colour shifts.

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The stone was discovered in 1834 in emerald mines in Russia’s Ural Mountains. Legend states that its discovery coincided with the day Russian tsar Alexander II came of age, which is what inspired the stone’s name. It soon became the national stone of Russia during its tsarist regime as its red and green colours reflected that of old Imperial Russia.

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Alexandrite scores an 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it quite durable. Its price depends on its colour, as the stronger shades rack up more money. Those that display both warm and cool tones are top of the line. They are still cheaper than diamonds, making them a more affordable and unique option for an engagement ring.

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Feature image: Pinterest

In Engagements

10 best TV series marriage proposals

July 20, 2020 No Comments

Wedding episodes of any TV series are often the most-watched episode. While the wedding is great, the proposal episodes are usually the most exciting because you’ve been waiting for them for multiple seasons. Here are some of the best wedding proposals we’ve seen on our screens.

Monica and Chandler (Friends)

This is a big one. Audiences had been waiting for this couple to get married. Monic’s sweet proposal by candlelight is perfectly rounded out by her best friend and boyfriend finishing her declaration of love when she gets a bit too emotional.

“You make me happier than I ever thought I could be and if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way,” he said.

David and Patrick (Schitt’s Creek)

David might be extra and Patrick less so but they make the perfectly couple despite the differences. Their proposal setting is not one you’d expect David to be caught dead in and that is what makes it so sweet. He’s out of his comfort zone after Patrick hurts himself and even apologises for being annoyed about the trip, and then Patrick proposes.

“And now here he is, the love of my life, standing in front of me. And this just felt like the perfect place to ask you to marry me,” said Patrick.

Cece and Schmidt (New Girl)

The couple who always seemed like they were missing each other finally got engaged after Cece returns and Schmidt realises she is in love with him. He doesn’t let a single moment pass before proposing to her with the whole loft watching. Although not filled with the usual romantic settings, this proposal is great because it calls back to an earlier episode where Schmidt has to put $5 in the “douchebag jar” for saying to Cece “girl, Imma marry you.”

Nathan and Haley (One Tree Hill)

Nathan and Haley were the couple on One Tree Hill. In retrospect their marriage was insane because they were so young and still in High School both times they did it, it was great to finally get a proposal since we didn’t see the first one. To reaffirm their relationship after all the ups and downs, Nathan re-asks Haley and she responds with their iconic saying “Always and Forever.”

“Even if I could I wouldn’t take back all the bad stuff that happened between us. Because it brought us here to this moment, this river. Marry me, Haley? Marry me again in front of all our friends and our family?”

Ben and Leslie (Parks and Recreation)

Leslie is a control freak and this even extends to the surprise proposal she gets from Ben. As he goes down on one knee in their new house, Leslie asks him to wait so she can “take in the moment”. It’s classic Leslie and the audience loves it but eventually, you just want to scream “let him do it already”.

“I’m thinking about my future. I am deeply, ridiculously in love with you. Above everything else I just — I want to be with you forever. So Leslie Knope will you —” said Ben.

Valencia and Beth (Crazy ex-girlfriend)

Although this proposal might not be as well-known as some of the others, it is one of the sweetest. Valencia expects a traditional, grandiose proposal from her girlfriend Beth but then realises those kinds of gestures aren’t necessary.

Valencia realises unlike in the heteronormative standard, she can also propose rather than waiting for it to happen to her. The moment when she does is so intimate as the two are in their tiny apartment in New York.

Piper and Alex (Orange is the new black)

If there was ever a more complicated couple on TV it would be astounding. From lovers to cellmates, these two have been through it all including massive betrayals and heartbreak. When Piper proposes to Alex most would have seen it coming, but the engagement and wedding behind bars is quintessentially their story.

“You have taught me that love hurts. You have taught me that life…it hurts. And I want to be there for you. I want us to be there for each other so that maybe it hurts a little less” said Piper.

Jim and Pam (The Office)

Alongside Monica and Chandler, this is the proposal much of the world was waiting for. This office romance turned full-on marriage switched the office fling from something sordid to romantic.

Much like the series setting itself is mundane and boring, Pam and Jim’s proposal takes place in an equally dull spot – the petrol station shop and it’s perfect. The spot is halfway between their lives in two neighbouring towns and Pam is perfectly surprised when he gets down on one knee.

“I just couldn’t wait. Pam, will you marry me?” said Jim.

Meredith and Derek (Grey’s Anatomy)

While their post-it marriage has gone down in TV history as one of the most memorable of all time, their proposal was equally as epic. This television IT couple from the 2000s frustrated us with their constant back and forth.

Finally, Derek tells Meredith he wants to spend the rest of his life with her in the hospital elevator surrounded by CT scans to mark all the important steps they’ve taken together. It’s a fantastic round-up of the series so far and the perfectly romantic height of this relationship.

“If there’s a crisis you don’t freeze, you move forward. You get the rest of us to move forward because you’ve seen worse, you’ve survived worse. And you know we’ll survive too. You say you’re all dark and twisty, it’s not a flaw. It’s a strength. It makes you who you are. I’m not gonna get down on one knee. I’m not gonna ask a question. I love you, Meredith Grey and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Derrick said.

Tali and Darren (Tali’s Wedding Diary)

Okay so this one might not be a “best” but it’s pretty great. Tali and Darren are running on the promenade in Sea Point, Cape Town. Down on the rocks, Tali is taking photos for Insta when Darren gets down on one knee. It’s classic Joburg girl vibes when she starts screaming “oh my god” over Darren’s romantic proposal and makes him repeat for a video on Insta.

While not the most romantic and more a spoof on the millennial obsession with documenting everything, it is great to see a more “realistic” if not slapstick version of a proposal on our screens.

Image: Drivingrl/Twitter

In Advice

Choosing the perfect metal for your ring

July 16, 2020 No Comments

When it comes to choosing rings, most focus their attention solely on the stone. However, there are other components to consider too! One element is the ring metal.

From the classics like gold or sterling silver to others such as palladium and titanium, there are many to choose from. The perfection option for you is out there!

Here are some ring metals to choose from:

Tungsten

According to Brides, this metal is as strong as they come. It is considered to be the most durable metal, four times stronger than titanium, and is scratch-resistant too. What makes it even better is that the price tag won’t break the bank either.

Tungsten, however, cannot be resized. This is important to remember as you’ll want to keep it forever, which means at some point you may need to alter the size.

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Sterling Silver

This metal is one of the oldest in relation to the making of jewellery. It is also quite affordable, perfect for anyone looking for a luxury look for less money.

Pure silver is too weak to be used on its own so it is often mixed with other metals to create sterling silver, which is much more durable.

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Gold

A classic choice, gold is one of the most popular ring metals. It offers several options, including white gold, rose, and yellow. Be careful when opting for gold, though. Anything under 24-karat may be easily bent, and often, to make these stronger they are alloyed with other metals. This means your ring may be weak or not pure gold. Look into that before going for gold.

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Palladium

Palladium looks a lot like platinum and is much less pricey. This band will be light, comfortable, and it is hypoallergenic too. It’s perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle.

It is, however, not as durable as some might hope and can be scratched too. Resizing is also a common issue related to this metal.

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Titanium

Initially used in industrial applications, titanium has risen in popularity for jewellery, specifically men’s wedding bands. It is light on the hand and is modern and unique.

Jewellery made of Titanium doesn’t include alloys and is hypoallergenic. It is also very strong and mostly scratch-resistant.

A downside, however, is that it cannot be resized.

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Platinum

Considering that it is one of the most rare metals out there, platinum is choice of luxury. It is also very strong, rarely gets damaged, does not fade in colour, and holds stones in place securely.

With all its upsides, a platinum band may be quite pricey. Consider your budget before you opt for this one.

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Stainless Steel

Most wouldn’t consider this one ring material, but it is increasing in popularity due to its durability, strength, and low price. It is modern-looking, and depending on how you shine it could have several different appearances. Stainless steel is also very easy to care for. All you need is dish soap, water and a soft cloth.

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Cobalt

Cobalt comes with lifetime durability as it is approximately four times harder than platinum. It was first used in medicine and aerospace, but is now commonly used in wedding jewellery.

While it might be a bit heavy, it comes with various benefits including the fact that it is easily resizable, is mostly scratch-resistant, and is hypoallergenic.

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Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Lunar beauty: Magical moonstone engagement rings

July 16, 2020 No Comments

Gemstone engagement rings have been trending in the wedding world for years. From emerald to ruby, there are so many unique stones to choose from.

Moonstone may be a lesser known gem, but that doesn’t make it any less special. This unique stone has a stunning iridescent finish perfect for a boho bride.

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Moonstone is made up of two minerals: orthoclase and albite. Both of these minerals fall under the feldspar family, which makes up more than half of the Earth’s rocky crust. During formation, the minerals first intermingle then separate into alternating layers.

When light falls between the various layers of this stone, it creates a unique phenomenon called adularescence where the light appears to billow across the gem and make it appear as if it is glowing.

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Moonstone has been revered by many cultures over the years. The ancient Romans believed it was formed by the moonbeams and thus associated the stone with lunar deities. Hindu mythology also suggests the stone is made of solidified moonbeams. In Indian culture, the stone is a sacred stone and is said to bring special dreams.

Adularescent moonstone was once named’ adularia’, named after Adular, a city in Switzerland where the first yield of high-quality moonstone was discovered.

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The stone varies in colours from completely colourless to yellow to blue to pink, meaning any bride can find a shade she likes. Its value comes in its size. The thinner, the more valuable as more light is scattered off the stone, creating its characteristic mesmerising iridescence. Transparent blue moonstones are the rarest form.

As with diamonds, moonstone is also judged on the four C’s: cut, clarity, colour and carat.

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Moonstone is said to bring good luck. Some even believe if you hold a moonstone in your mouth during a full moon, you’ll see the future.

The stone ranks a 6.0 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it durable enough for everyday wear. It complements a range of cuts and metals, making it a jack of all trades in the gem world. However the ring is designed, your moonstone will shine bright.

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Feature image: Unsplash

In Engagements

8 Ravishing ring settings for the avant-garde bride

July 15, 2020 No Comments

Sometimes, “plain and simple” just won’t do. The bold bride should have her ring reflect her fearless attitude and unique personality. There’s more out there than the rings you see lined up in mainstream jewellery stores. You might be on the hunt for something different, but you need options.

If you are looking for a ring style that’s off the beaten path, take a look at these gorgeous designs.

1. Jacquie Aiche Teardrop Diamond Crown Ring

This ring has an elongated teardrop shape that is repeated. Set with smaller diamonds, and no one will be able to keep their eyes off you.

2. Jade Trau “Rae” Wrap Ring

We love the openess and flowing design that will comfort your finger like a hug, while giving a daring look.

3. Bliss Lau “Mirage” Ring

This design absolutely screams “look at me!” We love that the first impression is dramatic, yet the ring has intricate detail.

4. Azlee “Glow” Diamond Ring

Playing with geometric shapes never looked so stylish. Stand out from the crowd with this triangle-shaped setting.

5. Opalescent kite with diamond sunburst

This modern-meets-vintage masterpiece is unique with its kite-shaped form that is accentuated by small diamonds on the edge.

6. Garden-inspired Montauk ring

Flower children, this one is for you. This delicate piece is light and fine with a romantic finish.

7. Cushion cut natural French

This design will accentuate your hands and give you a sleek look. We love that it’s not afraid to shine!

8. Swati Dhanak “Feature Shards” Ring

This stellar piece reminds of antarctic glaciers, or perhaps the pieces of a puzzle, fitting perfectly together. Take your pick.

Image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Brooklyn Beckham engaged to Nicola Peltz

July 13, 2020 No Comments

Brooklyn Beckham and model Nicola Peltz recently got engaged. The photographer and eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham announced their big news on Saturday, July 11.

Taking to Instagram, Beckham wrote a sweet message to his new fianceé and posted a stunning picture of the pair, taken by his little sister Harper.

“Two weeks ago I asked my soulmate to marry me and she said yes xx I am the luckiest man in the world. I promise to be the best husband and the best daddy one day ❤️ I love you baby xx,” he wrote on Instagram.

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Peltz shared the same image, captioning it, “you’ve made me the luckiest girl in the world. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life by your side. your love is the most precious gift. I love you so so much baby and thank you harper for this pic ?”

The family seem to have all given their seal of approval, as they all took to Instagram with well wishes for the pair. Mom Victoria wrote on Instagram, “The MOST exciting news!! We could not be happier… Wishing you so much love and a lifetime of happiness. We all love you both so much x”.

Dad David said, “Congratulations to these two beautiful people ♥️ As they begin this exciting journey together we are so so happy for you guys.”

Beckham and Peltz began dating in late 2019, and went ‘Instagram official’ in early January 2020. Congrats to the happy couple!

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Feature image: Instagram / Brooklyn Beckham

In Advice

A heavenly stone: Jade engagement rings

July 7, 2020 No Comments

For those looking for a unique engagement ring, jade is an unusual and unexpected choice. The ancient ornamental mineral is revered in Chinese culture for its healing properties.

With many colours to choose from and good durability, this compelling stone will make an amazing centre for your ring.

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Jade refers to two separate mineral: nephrite and jadeite, which are both metamorphic rocks made up of tiny interlocking mineral crystals. The stone appears in various colours, including green, white, orange, yellow, lavender and black. However, the most valued shade is semi-transparent emerald green.

They often have a unique, streaked colouration that provides a compelling visual texture. The tones in nephrite tend to be more muted than that of jadeite, which is also the rarer of the two.

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Early Spanish explorers named the stone after the Spanish expression ‘piedra de ijada’ which translates literally to ‘stone of the pain in the side’. They were inspired to choose this name after finding Central American natives holding the stone to their sides to relieve pain. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs are believed to have used jade for medicinal purposes, as well as to create jewellery, ornaments and religious artefacts.

Historically, jade has been used since the time of prehistoric humans, who fashioned it into weapons, tools, ornaments and ritual objects.

Sometimes, carvings were etched onto the stone to invoke the powers of heaven and earth.

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The stone has long been considered heavenly. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the philosopher Confucius wrote that it is like a virtue and it’s brightness represents heaven. In fact, a flat disc of jade with a hole in the middle, known as a ‘bi’, is symbolic of heaven in Chinese culture.

The stone is called ‘yu’ in China, which means heavenly or imperial. This explains why jade is often considered the imperial gem in Chinese culture, and has been found in the tombs of Shang kings.

The stone is also symbolic of prosperity, success and good luck. The Chinese associate the stone with a clarity of mind and purity of spirit. They often carve specific shapes using the stone to represent motifs. For example, a bat is symbolic of happiness, a butterfly of long life and a peach of immortality.

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The stone is quite tough and durable, making it a good choice for an engagement ring stone. Jadeite ranks a 6.5 to 7 and Nephrite a 6.0 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Its quality is determined by looking at five key factors: colour, transparency, texture, cut and carat weight.

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Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

5 ideas for the perfect at-home proposal

July 2, 2020 No Comments

Since the nationwide lockdown is not yet over, and many romantic spots remain unsafe to visit, your big proposal plans may feel ruined. However, they don’t have to be. Proposing at home can be just as amazing.

An at-home proposal comes with an added feeling of intimacy and closeness. You and your partner can cherish the beautiful moment, in each other’s company, without any external disturbances. It could be truly magical.

So whether you’re planning an at-home proposal due to the lockdown, or if you’re just home-bodies, you need not worry. It will still be the most special experience.

For those looking for ways to pop the big question at home, here are some ideas:

– Dream Holiday At Home

Since the shops are mostly open, you’ll be able to go out and get a few decorations. Think of a holiday you’ve always wanted to take with your partner, then recreate it at home. Maybe make a cardboard cutout of the Eiffel Tower or create mini hot air balloons like to reflect the ones that float around in Cappadocia.

Try to incorporate the theme into your food choices too. It’ll make the entire occasion feel extremely well planned out.

Once it’s all set up and you’re having a great time, find the perfect moment and pop the question!

– Memory Movie

Collect all your favourite photos, videos, Instagrams, and Facebook posts, and put them all together in a slideshow. Choose a romantic song to play in the background, and your movie is sorted!

Lay out some blankets, light a few candles, and take a stroll down memory lane together. Once you’re done reliving your love story thus far, you’ll be ready to begin the next chapter by asking your partner to marry you.

– Games Night

If you and your partner are the types of people who love a good games night (who isn’t, right?), then this is the perfect idea for you.

Suggest to your significant other that you’d like to have a two-person games night, and play games like trivia, Pictionary, or any other game where your partner would have to guess your actions, or drawings.

Once you’re both into the flow of the game, sneak in “will you marry me?” as one of the questions. It’ll be a pleasant and unexpected surprise.

– Breakfast in Bed

If you’d like to keep it simple, try this. While your partner is still asleep, get up and prepare the perfect breakfast. We’re talking eggs, toast, pancakes, strawberries, the works. Add the ring somewhere on the tray, and your plan is complete!

If you’re feeling confident, you could take a slightly different route. Before they wake up, slip the ring on their finger. Wake them up to the most perfect breakfast in bed, and calmly ask “what’s that on your finger?” as you point to the ring. Once they look at their hand, you can get down on one knee and take it from there.

– Special Scavenger Hunt

Leave the very first clue somewhere obvious, where your partner goes often, perhaps next to the kettle in the kitchen, or on their laptop keyboard. Say something like “go to the place where you told me not to leave a mess”, make it something silly and personal.

Each clue should draw your partner closer and closer to where you’ve hidden the ring. Once they find it, be behind them on one knee.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

An out-of-this-word stone: Peridot engagement rings

June 29, 2020 No Comments

Peridot may be an unusual and largely unknown stone for an engagement ring, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Modern brides wanting to be different should opt for this unique and incredibly rare green stone that is truly otherworldly.

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Peridot is a remarkable stone found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle. Most of it is formed deep inside the earth when the seafloor spreads and splits the earth’s crust. Rocks from its mantle are then pushed to the surface of the earth. The gem also often occurs in volcanic rocks called basalts.

This unique stone is truly out of this world. According to the Gemological Institute of America, a rare version of peridot was found in pallasite meteorites, remnants of our solar system’s birth. In 1749 a meteorite containing peridot crystals was found on a desolate hilltop in Siberia, and it is believed to have fallen to the earth’s surface some 14.8 million years ago.

In 2005, peridot was found in comet dust brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe.

Some scientists even believe large portions of the moon are made of these crystals.

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It’s name is derived from the French word ‘peritôt’ meaning ‘unclear’, as a result of the stone’s numerous imperfections and internal fractures. The word also comes from the Arabic ‘faridat’, meaning ‘gem’.

While typically yellow-green in hue, the stone can range in colour from brown-green to pure green.

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Early historical texts suggest it was first mined in an island of the Red Sea called Topazios, now called St. John’s Island or Zabargad.

This stunning stone was much loved by the Egyptians, who called it ‘the gem of the sun’. Some wore it as a form of protection to ward off evil spirits.

Because of its look and hue, peridot was often confused for both emerald and topaz. In fact, the gems on the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral are peridots, not emeralds, as was long believed. Some historians even believe that Cleopatra’s extensive emerald collection might have largely been made up of peridot.

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Peridot is the birthstone of August babies and also symbolic of 16 years of marriage. It is considered the stone of compassion and believed to bring good health, peace, and balance to relationships.

It ranks a 6 and a half to 7 on the Mohs scale of Hardness, meaning it is durable enough for everyday wear. However, it is sensitive to heat, acids, ammonia, and hot water so wearers must be cautious.

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Feature image: Instagram