Engagements Archives | Page 25 of 48

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!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7G75mEJscX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

In Do's And Don'ts

Woman posts scathing ad after discovering fiancé’s 4-year affair

June 25, 2020 No Comments

They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. One particular woman took this saying in her stride. After discovering her fiancé was secretly cheating on her, she broke things off and attempted to sell his ring with a scathing ad.

Zoe Butt proposed to Paul Botwright on the leap year after five years together. After she discovered he had been secretly having an affair for the last four years of their relationship, however, she ended the engagement.

She then took to Facebook to post an ad to sell the sterling silver band she had proposed to her partner with. In the ad, she writes,

“Men’s wedding band for sale. Sterling Silver 925 Hallmarked. Good condition couple scratches but still looks smart, only thing wrong with it is it might be tainted by the lying cheating male it was worn by,” she wrote.

The ad has since gone viral, although no one has offered to purchase the ring.

“I just wanted to get rid of it, I was genuinely trying to sell that ring,” Butt told the Daily Mail. “But no one wants it because of how I posted it.”

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Common engagement ring mistakes to avoid

June 24, 2020 No Comments

Choosing the right engagement ring can be tough. This piece of jewellery should speak to your personality and your lifestyle.

While there are many things to look out for when engagement ring shopping, there are a few things to avoid. If you’re shopping around for your future sparkler, make sure to miss making these mistakes:

Going alone:

If you’re not of the modern types who shop for the ring together, make sure to have another person close to your partner on hand. It’s like the buddy system – there is safety in numbers. Having a friend along for the ride gives you a second opinion, and is especially great if they have a deeper insight into your partner’s style and the type of ring they want.

Not doing your research beforehand:

Clarity, pavé setting, prong… Engagement ring shopping can be overwhelming with all the jargon experts throw at you. To avoid getting confused, make sure to read up on the types of settings and stones. This also helps you narrow down on how the ring will look because you can determine what your partner will like and what they won’t like.

Also read: A guide to engagement ring settings

Not considering the four C’s:

A diamond is more than just how big it is. When evaluating this stone, make sure to take the four ‘s into account: cut, colour, clarity, and carat. These refer to the standards by which the quality of diamonds are assessed and allows one to compare diamonds.

Also read: Diamonds: Understanding the 4 C’s

Buying a ring without checking ring size:

If you don’t measure your ring finger before buying your ring, you run the risk of it not fitting. While rings can be resized, it’s best to just get it right the first time to avoid this unnecessary hassle and expense. You should also take into account whether your fingers swell in higher temperatures, as this can make wearing an already tight ring even more uncomfortable.

Going for a trendy setting and/or stone:

Trends come and go, style is eternal. When shopping for your ring, focus on timeless designs that you like, not ones you think you should like because they’re trending. While you can swap out a stone and change your setting, the easiest (and less costly) option is to choose a timeless design from the beginning so that as the years go by, your love for your ring does not lesson.

Going into debt:

This one is a biggie. You need to create a budget and stick to it to avoid spending above your means. Thinking about alternatives to diamonds or expensive precious gemstones can help. For example, lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than natural ones and are the guiltless choice for those concerned about the exploitative diamond industry.

Gemstones are cheaper than diamonds, and also make for unique engagement rings. Some, like aquamarine, closely resemble coloured diamonds and can easily be a dupe for the real thing.

Also read: The guilt-free gem: Lab-grown diamonds

Also read: The perfect engagement ring based on your zodiac sign

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Captivating citrine engagement rings

June 23, 2020 No Comments

Want an engagement ring that is as bright as the sun? Instead of opting for a yellow diamond, a citrine stone might just be the perfect choice.

The bright yellow or intense orange stone is a type of quartz and gets its colouring from traces of iron. The stone has been symbolic of the sun for centuries, and many associate it with health and happiness. Citrine was considered the ‘sun stone’ for years, and believed to hold sunlight and to be able to protect against snakebites, heartbreak and evil.

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Citrine’s name is believed to have a number of sources that relate to citrus in ode to its colouring, including the French word ‘citron’ which means ‘lemon’.

Natural citrine can be found in the Ural Mountains of Russia and in Madagascar, while the majority of heat-treated citrine comes from Brazil.

Many confused citrine and topaz because of their similar colourings. However, they differ in that topaz is heavier and harder with a higher refractive index than citrine.

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Citrine is the November birthstone and has good durability that makes it great for an engagement ring. It ranks a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. However, it is still prone to scratching and damage, so wearers are advised to never wear two gemstones side by side. To clean it, simply use warm water, mild soap and a gentle brush.

Like a diamond, a citrine’s value is based on the Four Cs: colour, cut, clarity, and carat. The more saturated its colour, the more expensive the stone.

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Feature image: Unsplash

In Announcements

Food Network star Alex Guarnaschelli is engaged

June 22, 2020 No Comments

Alex Guarnaschelli, the no-nonsense chef and Food Network star who rose to fame as a judge on cooking competition Chopped, is newly engaged to partner Michael Castellon.

Castellon, who is also a chef, prosed on Guarnaschelli’s 48th birthday. They were having a socially distanced get-together with some friends to celebrate, and the pair drove to the store for more supplies. On their way back, Castellon suddenly pulled the car over.

“So we were right by my house and he just pulled over on the side of the road anxiously. And he said, ‘I see a dog running around’,” Guarnaschelli tells People. “There’s this little park with a windmill. He like, ‘I see a dog running around in there without a leash.’ ”

He got out the car to inspect, then came back to tell Guarnaschelli it’s a baby deer and she needs to see it.

“So he’s like, ‘Shh. Come see it. It’s so cute.’ And I’m like, ‘We’re going to have to do something. We’re going to have to call the animal welfare.’ I’m already rolodexing the situation,” Guarnaschelli explains to People. “We tiptoe out, full-on tiptoe, and he goes, ‘It’s right around the windmill.’ So I look and he’s like, ‘Do you see it?’ And I’m like, ‘No, where’s the baby? You promised me a baby deer’.”

“And he goes, ‘There’s no deer.’ I turn, and I look and he’s on one knee. He’s like, ‘This is why I have to marry you because you just believe me every time.’ He said, ‘Will you marry me?’ and he gave me the ring.”

The ring, featuring a stunning emerald rock, is a family heirloom.

The pair have been together for four years. The professional chef and TV personality took to Instagram on Saturday, June 20, to announce the big news.

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The bride-to-be told People Magazine that they are in no rush to marry, but she plans to go big.

“We’re not in any hurry, but I want to have a blowout,” she said. “I want a tri-state rager.”

Feature image: Instagram / Chef Mike

In Advice

Pretty in pearl engagement rings

June 17, 2020 No Comments

Many may consider pearls to be old-fashioned and matronly, but we disagree. This timeless gem adds a vintage feel but can easily be updated to reflect more a modern design.

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Trends come and go, but style is eternal. A pearl engagement ring is the perfect choice for a timeless bride. This classic gemstone is also known as the ‘Queen of the gems’ and can be dated back to 520 B.C. A pearl fragement was discovered in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess, making this stone the oldest known gem to be worn as jewellery.

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The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all revered this gemstone. In fact, the Greek word for pearl can also translate to ‘unique’, in honour of the fact that no two pearls are the same. Pearls quickly became a symbol of wealth and status, and at one point int time, a law was passed allowing only nobles to wear this gem in public.

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Pearls are the only gemstones that grow inside another living organism. They come in various types, which will determine the price. The most rare and expensive is the natural pearl. This type is formed when an irritant like a parasite naturally enters a a bi-valve mollusk like an oyster, mussel or clam. A fluid coats this irritant as a defense mechanism, and continues to deposit multiple layers of this coating until a pearl is formed.

There are an estimated 8000 different species of bi-valve mollusks, of which only 20 can consistently produce pearls. As a result, natural pears are incredibly rare.

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Cultured pearls are made in a similar fashion, except the process requires human intervention. An irritant like a bead or piece of shell, known as Mother of Pearl, is surgically inserted into the mollusk. The cultural process takes years to complete. After 3 years, mussels are at a mature stage and are able to receive an irritant either naturally or via implantation. Once there, it take another three years for the pearl to reach its full size. Only 5% of pearls produced are true gem-quality.

Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms under strict conditions, and fall into two categories: saltwater and freshwater.

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Imitation pearls are typically made of glass beads coated in a solution made from fish scales. It’s easy to tell whether a pearl is an imitation by rubbing it against you teeth. A fake pearl will glide across, while a real pearl will feel gritty.

While this gemstone is most commonly round, it can also come in alternative shapes like pear or baroque pearls.

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Feature image: Pexels

In Engagements

Nurse proposes during clap for essential workers

June 12, 2020 No Comments

Essential workers, including nurses, across the world have been separated from their loved ones for months, on account of COVID-19. Many are living away from their partners and children as they reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to the ones they care for the most.

Alyssa Kayhill and Linh Trinh are one such couple. Kayhill was a nurse in the cardiology unit of a New York hospital, Brooklyn Hospital Centre. When the pandemic hit, Kayhill was was transferred to care for COVID-19 patients, and Trinh moved out of the apartment that the couple shared.

As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. During the time they were apart, Kayhill decided it was time to make it official.

She immediately started planning an epic proposal, which fell in Pride Month and on Kayhill’s birthday. Kayhill’s sister, Kristie Loscalzo, suggested that she get on one knee during the nightly applause for essential workers.

“The 7 p.m. cheer has always been very uplifting to me, so it was wonderful to combine that with the proposal,” said Kayhill to the New York Post.

On June 8, Loscalzo helped Trinh move back into her apartment with Kayhill, as it was deemed safe to do so. She staged it as a surprise for Kayhill. Little did Trinh know, she was the one who would receive the surprise of a lifetime.

As she walked up to Kayhill to gift her with some flowers, people applauded and Kayhill got down on one knee.

“I had zero idea this was going to happen,” Trinh said. “And even though I am a shy person who hates being the center of attention, it was really beautiful.”

Of course, she said yes! The couple are now back in the same apartment and planning to start wedding preparations as soon as it’s safe to have big celebrations again.

Congrats to the happy couple!

Watch the proposal here:

Image: Screenshot from video