You’re engaged and you want to flaunt your ring all day, every day, we don’t blame you. But wearing a new and expensive piece of jewellery 24/7 takes some getting used to and there are times and places not to wear your engagement ring to keep it safe and sound.
Here are some places you might want to go ring-free:
The beach
You want to take a selfie in your stellar bikini and show off your gorgeous ring but there’s a risk of losing it in the sand or the water. Sand can also easily get into the ring setting or under your stone.
The gym
You could probably wear your ring during cardio but if you’re doing weights don’t even try it. The strong pressure of the weights could bend the band and if you have a pavé band it’s possible that the smaller stones may fall out of the setting if it takes too many knockings.
The shower
This one may be obvious but it’s easy to forget to take off your ring if you’re in a rush to shower. Shampoos, body washes, soaps, hair and beauty products all cause a residue buildup either on or under your stone which is difficult to clean. Also remember to be careful when you’re applying lotion or hair serum with your ring on.
The pool / jacuzzi
Chlorine in pool water can cause damage to your ring, and over time it will discolour the metal of your ring band.
While cleaning
Whether you’re cleaning the oven or your car or even just washing the dishes, take your ring off! If you have a coloured stone you need to be even more careful because the chemicals from the detergents can erode the finish and polish of the stone.
It’s easy to think that popular bridal fashion, including makeup, attire, accessories and more is the same everywhere. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Across the world, bridal beauty looks differ depending on where you go.
Of course, they’re all stunning. But an Indian bride, a Chinese Bride, and a European bride, for example, are all likely to look and be dressed completely differently on their big days.
That being said, you’re probably wondering how exactly bridal beauty looks on different parts of the globe. Well, wonder no longer, here are 6 different ways brides are styled from around the world:
Japan
The look Japanese brides go for will differ depending on their religion. However, modern brides often opt for a red or white kimono. Traditionally, a Japanese bride would paint her face white, but now they go for more natural makeup looks. An up-do with floral accessories are common for their hairstyles on their big day.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfQhJyYH5EN/
Djibouti
In this East African country, brides adorn the faces with gold chains. Often the nose is pierced before the wedding, and is decorated with a chain.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXS6Aw_H4U0/
Nigeria
Nigerian bridal looks differ widely within the country, as Nigeria has about 250 ethnic groups within it. For this reason, traditions differ. However, it is common for Nigerian brides to wear bright colours and to wear a head tie called a Gele.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3EUD32g8fY/
Yemen
In Yemen, brides start their beauty regimes up to five days before the wedding. Included in this is the Hammam Turkish bathing tradition. Yemeni brides wear henna on their hands and feet, and they don gold or silver jewellery and veils.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMHwwitBby7/
India
Indian brides, specifically those who are loyal to Hinduism, wear red on their wedding day. Nose rings are considered a mark of beauty and thus they are very popular for brides in India. Henna decorates the bride’s hands, and black Kajal emphasises her eyes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDOe4NBAIJk/
Armenia
In Armenia, it is common for brides to thread the entirety of their faces before the wedding. This is to ensure a smooth looking profile on the big day. Their style is similar to that of an American bride.
One of the toughest decisions engaged couples can make while planning a wedding is their guest list. Of course, you want your closest family and friends present on your special day. However, sometimes its not possible to include everyone. If your wedding venue has imited space, you have to make the choice on who to include and who to leave out.
One couple faced this conundrum and instead of keeping their guest list small, they decided to let their guests know exactly what’s going on. In a wedding invite, the unnamed couple explains that they have had to “categorise” guests to ensure they do not surpass capacity restrictions.
“Dear friends and family, please understand that our venue is limited in the number of guests we’ll be able to accommodate for our wedding day,” the invite reads. “As much as we’d love to have each and every one of you join us on our big day, we’re forced to split our guests into groups to ensure we don’t surpass our capacity restrictions.”
Guests were separated into Groups A, B and C. Group A are the special few at the top of the list, and are asked to RSVP as soon as possible . Groups B and C must watch the couple’s wedding website to see if there are any available spaces that open up, depending on Group A’s RSVPs.
The couple also ask that guests leave their kids at home with a babysitter, and that singletons don’t bring a partner to keep the guest list as low as possible.
This ranking quickly went viral on Reddit and Facebook page when a user posted: “That’s it, I’m wedding shaming”. It sparked a fierce debate on whether the couple are right to categorise guests in this manner. Some believed it was the smart thing to do, while others thought it was rude for the couple to tell guests which group they are in, as it essentially says how important (or not) they are to the couple.
“Nope.. if I got that and found put i was in group b I would be pissed. Find a venue that can accommodate everyone you want there or don’t invite me after the fact because you then want to fill it up. No thanks,” writes on Facebook user.
What do you think? Were the coupe right, or is there a more tactful way they could have gone about it?
Lady Amelia Spencer, the daughter of Earl Spencer and niece of Princess Diana, is engaged to be married. The cousin to Prince William and Harry said ‘yes’ to her university sweetheart, Greg Mallett on July 22.
Amelia grew up in the country along with siblings Lady Eliza Spencer, Louis Spencer Viscount Althorp and Lady Kitty Spencer, who is engaged to South African-born Michael Lewis, the chairperson of Foschini Ltd.
She met Mallett at the University of Cape Town, where they were both students. They have been together for 11 years.
Mallett popped the question at the Clouds Wine & Guest Estate in Stellenbosch.
“So this was the best day of my life. 22nd of July 2020, I asked the love of my life to spend the rest of her life with me and she said YES. Couldn’t be happier and I love you with all my heart @ameliaspencer15,” wrote Mallett on Instagram.
Her father, Charles Spencer took to Twitter to express his happiness. According to Spencer, Mallett asked for his blessing before proposing.
So happy for my daughter, Amelia, engaged to her boyfriend of 11 years, Greg – it’s wonderful to hear them both so excited about their future. Sending them both love, and every good wish for their life together. I love that Greg asked my blessing before proposing. Very sweet. pic.twitter.com/MKx9UpsBJB
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!!!!”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCnDLYmpeoD/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Credit: Pinterest
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.
Credit: Pinterest
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.
Credit: Pinterest
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.
Credit: Pinterest
6. Garden-inspired Montauk ring
Flower children, this one is for you. This delicate piece is light and fine with a romantic finish.
Credit: Pinterest
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!
Credit: Pinterest
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.
