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    Californian bride-to-be swallows her engagement ring

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    Of all the things that could go wrong before and on your wedding day, swallowing your engagement ring probably doesn’t make the cut. For one Californian bride-to-be, however, this unfortunate incident was a reality.

    Jenna woke up on the morning of September 11, 2019 and realised that her engagement ring was missing. She remembered having a vivid nightmare which entailed her and Bob Howell, her future hubby, in a ‘very sketchy situation’. Her fiancé advised her to swallow her ring (in the dream) in order to protect it. She swallowed the ring and when she woke up, she just assumed that it was all a dream.

    She realised that she must have actually ‘protected’ her engagement ring and ingested it. The rest of the day included many awkward and funny conversations with doctors and nurses. They proceeded to take an X-ray to verify the theory. Jenna did, in fact, swallow her engagement ring.

    Jenna and Bob spent the day laughing and giggling as they moved from one doctor to the next. They finally decided to perform an upper endoscopy and assured her that it was ‘no big deal’.

    The ring was recovered and given to Bob for safe keeping. After the procedure, her future hubby decided to treat her to some take-out and a yummy chocolate shake which she was very grateful for.

    The ring is back with Jenna and the pair are still getting married.

    Feature image: Facebook/Jenna Evans

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    Difference between the engagement and wedding ring

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    An engagement usually includes a ring. Your partner gets down on one knee and pops the question. A beautiful ring is placed on your finger and you’re over the moon with happiness. When the big day finally comes is the same ring used? If not what happens to the ring? What is the difference between the engagement and wedding ring?

     

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    “It was our ninth anniversary and Andy told me to pack my bags for a surprise trip. I was ecstatic because I had a feeling we were going to Banff — a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting. I packed my bag and we headed to dinner. On the way, I remember saying that he’d lost his touch for surprises because I had already figured out where we were going — or so I thought! After dinner, we went back to our apartment and he suggested that we take some photos on our rooftop because the sunset was stunning. As the doors opened to the roof, I saw a beautiful arch in the corner paired with a perfect view of the city. The arch was made of fresh flowers and moss, and so it truly felt like a concrete jungle up there. I still had no clue as to what was going on! I thought Andy had just this set up for photos. Suddenly, I heard a drone buzzing above me. I looked up and it began descending towards us with a ring box attached to it. I was shocked! Andy grabbed the box, got down on his knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes! It was a beautiful moment and truly everything I could’ve asked for. Oh, and there was no surprise trip… THIS was the surprise! So, he definitely hasn’t lost his touch.” — @jlinhh #justsaidyes

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    Timing

    One big difference between the two rings is the timing. The engagement ring is given when your partner proposes. The wedding ring is exchanged between the couple on their big day.

     

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    “If you would’ve told me I was going to marry David, I probably would’ve laughed at you. We first met in college. We knew about one another (it was a small private college), but we both were in relationships at the time. I left that college after my first year there. Fast forward six years later and I get a private message on my Instagram (yes, he literally slid in my DM!) from David. At this point in my life, I was taking a much needed break from the dating seen. I had been single for over 2 years at this point, needless to say, I wasn’t paying any attention to men. But I thank God that I responded to his message. David wanted to hang out, but I didn’t want to take time out of my life to see him. So, I told him that I have a kickboxing class Tuesday night if he wants to hang out. Surprisingly, he showed up! After class we had a long and wonderful chat. From that night on, we spoke every day. There was something different about this guy.” Featured: @kimbsasser & @thedavidsasser

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    Design

    Usually but not always its the design of the two rings that differs too. The engagement ring is meant to make a statement and have a massive wow factor. It is meant to be an indicator of your partners wealth. It typically has a large beautiful stone or consists of many small ones. With that being said this is by no means necessary. Many couples opt for simple rings and have no desire for elaborate expensive rings. The wedding ring is normally quite simple and plain. It is usually a lot cheaper as it’s not as elaborate as the engagement ring.

     

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    I Do.. I Do.. #wedding #weddingband #weddingring #ringshot #simpleband #100mmf28l #weddingday #weddingphotography #weddingblog

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    Should you wear both rings at the same time, if you have both?

    Your engagement ring will be worn for the full duration of the engagement up until the big day. Many people wear both after the wedding day or opt for only one. This is why the rings are generally purchased as a set. When buying both rings together as a set they match. This means that after the wedding you can wear both rings with ease.


    Problems occur when the rings don’t match. It often looks odd or don’t fit together on the same finger and can become uncomfortable. It can be quite difficult to find two different rings that match when worn together.


    The rings are worn on the fourth finger on the left hand. The vein in the ring finger is believed to be closest to your heart. It is called the vena amoris which means the vein of love.

    Picture: Pexels

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    A quick guide to women popping the question

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    Traditionally, it has always been that the man proposes to the woman. But in this day and age where gender roles are changing and same-sex relationships are legal and accepted, more and more women are bending the knee.

    Just do it

    Whether you’re a woman in a same-sex relationship or a straight relationship, you should disregard what is traditionally accepted and be able to propose to your partner. If you feel the time is right and that you and your partner are in a place to get married, there is no need to wait for them to propose; you can ask them to marry you.

    The moment

    The proposal should go the same as any traditional proposal in the sense that you plan the proposal. Look at creating a special moment that will become a beautiful memory in your relationship.

    A symbol of love

    If you are a woman proposing to a woman, then it is likely that you will present an engagement ring. If you’re a woman proposing to a man, you should consider presenting some sort of gift that they can keep forever and has sentiment to it. A great proposal gift for a man is a watch, and a great addition to that would be to get it engraved.

    Despite the fact that a woman proposing is not the norm, it certainly should be. With the dismantling of gender roles, leaving proposals solely up to men should be dismantled too.

    At the end of the day, it is a decision to get married and it should not matter who asked whom.

    Image: Unsplash

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    How to pull off the perfect destination proposal

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    Planning the perfect proposal is nerve-wracking, exciting and maybe even a little overwhelming, all bundled up neatly into one big knot in your stomach. Throw in an unfamiliar destination, and that knot gets a little bigger. But don’t fear, we’ve got the fool-proof guide to making it go as smoothly as possible:

    Do your research beforehand

    By planning ahead, you’ll take a little pressure off yourself as well as have more peace of mind about how it’s all going to play out. Have a plan of where, how and when you’d like to pop the question, but don’t expect it to work out exactly as you see it in your head. When the moment is right, you’ll know, but also don’t be too stressed about changing it up in case of unforeseenable elements, like the weather.

    That said, make sure you’re aware of what’s happeing in the area you’re planning to propose in, especially if you’ve never been there. Do a little internet search beforhand to see if any events are happening, if the area is a sacred place perhaps, or if  any of the areas are restricted. It will also be handy to look at popular scenic locations, or romantic spots that other people have popped the question at for some inspiration.

    Communicate with your hotel

    …or resort, B&B, or wherever you’re planning on staying. Even if you’re not planning to propose at the place you’re staying at, they’ll most likely make some extra effort to make it romantic for you if they know what your plans are. Some places even organise some complimentary champagne, a romantic dinner, or some rose petals in your room for after you’ve popped the question.

    Insure the ring

    Before you even leave for your getaway, make sure the ring is insured. Things happen, but if you’re planning to propose while away, it’s the last thing you’d want to worry about. Get the ring insured for in case a stone pops out, or heaven forbid, it gets misplaced or stolen. It’s the responsible thing to do anyway, plus it will put your mind at ease.

    Hide the ring, safely

    Packing is stressful enough as it is, or at least for some. But making sure the ring stays safely hidden from your fiance-to-be’s eyes is extra daunting. If you don’t want to worry about it falling out of your pocket, or your partner accidentally seeing it in your bag, pack it in your check-in luggage. However, if you’re scared of your luggage getting lost or delayed (because yes, these things happen), keep it safely stashed in your carry-on. Rather safe than sorry, right?

    Furthermore, if you’re worried about it being discovered at customs, it’s a good idea to place the ring box inside a bigger, nondescript box with a note inside to give the inspector or security guard a quick heads up in case they have to take a closer look.

    Don’t wait until the last minute to propose

    You want to wait for that perfect moment, but don’t wait until the last day of the trip. Nerves might not be your best friend, so your partner might notice that you’re acting a little differently. A little anticipation is good, especially if your partner is kind of expecting it, but if you propose earlier on, you’ll have more time to celebrate it in a special place.

    Don’t overthink it

    Sometimes it’s best to just go with your gut. If the moment feels right, go for it, even if it doesn’t go with your plans. Being spontaneous and it being unexpected sometimes makes the moment that much more special.

    Image: Unsplash

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    Deciding on the shape of your engagement ring

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    There are many popular diamond shapes to choose from when it comes to engagement rings. The top ten are: round, princess, oval, marquise, pear, cushion, emerald, asscher, radiant and heart.

    The shape of the diamond refers the basic outline when viewed face up. The cut of a diamond refers to how the diamond’s facets are arranged and its ability to reflect light. The most common cutting style is brilliant (cut with 57 or 58 facets to maximise sparkle) and then there is also the step cut which is generally used when cutting square and rectangular shapes (used for cutting emerald and asscher shapes).

    Considering the 4 C’s and your budget when deciding on a shape is important but what it really comes down to is personal preference and each shape has its own charm.

    Round

    A round shaped diamond is the most popular choice for an engagement ring as it looks good on most hands and in most settings. Almost all round diamonds are cut brilliant which maximises the potential brightness. However, due to the high demand of this shape, the cost per carat is higher than other shapes.

    Princess

    This shape is also very popular due to the fact that it has a unique shape and has a slightly lower price per carat than the round shape. It also works in most ring setting styles, although it should be set with 4 prongs to protect all four corners. A brilliant cut princess diamond rivals the brilliant round because it offers that sparkle at a lower price. Its square shape also easily disguises imperfections meaning that you can choose pretty much any carat size.

    Oval

    This shape is becoming more popular and it is an adaptation of the brilliant cut round shape so it is perfect for those who like the sparkle of the round but want something a bit more unique. The elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger size and makes the finger appear longer and slimmer. It is also flexible in terms of setting styles and hides small imperfections.

    Marquise

    This long and narrow shape has one of the largest surface areas in the upper part of the diamond of all the shapes. It makes the size appear larger than it is and makes the finger seem longer and slimmer, like the oval. Symmetry is important when cutting this shape as the two end points should align and the right and left sides should form a mirror image. It should be set with 2 prongs to protect the two points.

    Pear

    This shape is a combination of the round and marquise shapes with a tapered point on the one end. It also has the lengthening and slimming effect on the finger due to its asymmetry. It is feminine, unique and elegant. This shape also needs to be symmetrical and set with a prong at the point for protection. You can decide which direction you would like the point to face but positioning the point to face the fingernails is more flattering on the hand.

    Cushion

    Cushion cut is a square shape with rounded corners. This style shows clarity (imperfections) well which is something to take into consideration when deciding which of the 4 c’s is most important to you – high clarity in this case. This shape works well in vintage settings.

    Emerald

    This shape was originally for cutting emeralds, hence the name. Due to the way it’s cut, it produces a hall of mirrors effect rather than the sparkle that comes with brilliant cuts. It also emphasises the symmetry that comes with this shape. It is flattering on the hand and the long lines and flashes of light that come with this shape bring a sense of elegance. It is not such a common choice for an engagement ring meaning that you can find more affordable options in higher quality than other shapes. However, this shape does not hide imperfections as well as shapes that are cut brilliant.

    Asscher

    This shape has an antique feel to it and is similar to the square emerald but with larger facets. The more facets, the more sparkle. But like the emerald and because of the open and square cut corners, it does not hide imperfections well and so a high clarity is necessary.

    Radiant

    This shape is the first square shape to be cut brilliant, the second being princess. A square radiant shape is similar to princess but with cropped corners. It will often look the same as princess if it is set with four prongs covering each corner. A rectangular radiant shape is perfect for those who like the look of the emerald shape but want the shine that comes with the brilliant cut. Clarity is less of a concern with this shape as the many facets hide imperfections.

    Heart

    This shape is a classic symbol of love but carat weight is important as the shape is difficult to achieve in diamonds smaller than 0.50 carats. Symmetry is also important in this shape. The irregular shape of a heart cut means it will need to be set with more prongs to protect the stone. The many facets that come with the cutting of this shape will ensure a lot of sparkle.

    Now that you know what each shape has to offer, you need to decide what is most important within your budget – size or quality?

    If size is important to you but you are on a budget, you should consider a shape that appears larger than the carat weight indicates, such as the emerald and marquise.

    If having a very sparkly ring is important, you should choose a shape that is cut brilliant rather than step.

    If clarity is important to you but you are on a budget, choose a shape that has many facets (like round and princess) because the facets help to hide imperfections.

    It is recommended to narrow your choice down to two shape options and then try on the rings that are available to you within your budget to see what you love most.

    Image: Unsplash

     

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    Say I do with a ring tattoo

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    More and more young couples are moving away from wedding traditions. From having both parents and siblings walk the bride down the aisle, to not throwing the bouquet, and now swopping out wedding bands for tattoos.

     

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    The exchange of wedding bands after saying “I do” is symbolic of tradition. Unfortunately though, wedding bands can be removed, stolen or lost. You could also be the indecisive type, like my mother, who has melted down and re-designed her wedding band, as the original was everything but timeless.

    For men, wearing a wedding band may be a bit unappealing. My father for example, never wore his wedding band. When I asked him why I got a simple, “I hate wearing jewelry”. He instead kept it and gave it to me when I turned 13. I now wear it on a thin silver necklace.

    Getting a tattoo on your ring finger is more appealing to some, especially those looking to move away from traditional norms. Those who do not enjoy wearing jewelry can opt for a more edgy symbol of their eternal commitment to their partner. A tattoo is far more permanent than a wedding band after all.

     

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    Matching wedding tattoos are also an option for couples. Or alternatively, you can pair your wedding bands with a wedding tattoo underneath. Getting a tattoo together is also a unique bonding experience.

     

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    There are many wedding band tattoo designs out there. From Roman Numerals of your wedding date, to each other’s initials, to an actual ring design to Mr and Mrs – Mr and Mr – or Mrs and Mrs, to something simple as a single thin band. If you are interested in exploring the idea, click here.

    If you’re already married, then getting a wedding band tattoo as a sort of vow-renewal, or as an anniversary gift could also be an option.

    We saw Beyoncé and Jay Z get matching “IV” tattoos, Dax Shepard has a ‘bell’ tattoo on his ring finger for his wife Kirsten Bell and Behati Prinsloo’s has three dots on her ring finger too. The symbolism of a permanent wedding band tattoo emphasises the eternal commitment of being married. There is nothing more romantic than that.

    Tattoo parlour recommendations:

    Body Architects in Claremont, Cape Town

    Cape Electric Tattoo in Gardens, Cape Town

    Descriptive Art Collective in Woodstock, Cape Town

    Image: Instagram @lindsay_k_evans

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    Alternative engagement ring stones

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    An engagement ring holds a large amount of significance for a couple. For hundreds of years, the classic diamond has been a major trend for engagement rings, often honoured for their simple beauty, shine, and value.

    But with more and more traditions evolving, the classic diamond engagement ring is slowly being replaced with other special stones, materials and designs that value originality, affordability and meaning.

    Take a look at our top picks for alternative engagement rings:

    1. TANZANITE

    The next best thing to diamonds is the striking tanzanite. With its deep blue, this stone can complement a silver, rose gold or white gold band beautifully. As far as cut goes, tanzanite is popular in many shapes. This teardrop ring shows how tanzanite can pair with other jewels as well.

    2. MORGANITE

    With a light, dusty pink tint, morganite is an affordable and stunning stone which signifies unconditional love and compassion – two necessary traits in all marriages. This stone is equally as versatile due to its light shade and works well with all metals.

    3. JEWEL BAND

    If you want to have a more practical and simple engagement ring, then a plain band with a few jewels may be the one for you. Incorporate your favourite stone, or multiple to make a statement. If you opt for a brightly coloured stone such as the ruby or peridot, your band is bound to stand out.

    4.  OPAL

    Opals are a rare and highly sought after stone that adds a touch of glamour to a ring. They can give off a vintage appearance, but if you pair it with a simple silver band surrounded by smaller diamonds, it becomes a modern but still unique ring.

    5. VINTAGE

    Whether it’s an heirloom, has been bought in an antique store, or specially made to appear old-fashioned, vintage rings will always be breathtaking options for engagement rings. The metal is darker and has intricate detail, which is often accompanied by a large and neatly cut stone.

    6. ONYX

    Dare to make a bold statement with a dark and shimmery onyx centrepiece on your engagement ring. This black stone complements yellow gold in a unique and modern way, which has slowly started to pick up attraction on the market.

    7. PEARL

    Having a pearl on your engagement ring definitely adds a touch of vintage elegance. If you are a lover  of all things old-fashioned, opting for these lovely round jewels will bring your dream ring to life.

    8. ROUGH CUT

    The cut of the stone makes a big impact on the overall ring. Just simply using an uncut diamond instead of a neatly cut one can change the look and feel of your ring. A rough cut ring is more rustic and natural-looking, for a more organic finish. In this case, it’s better to seek a specialist for a hand-crafted option.

    9. TURQUOISE

    If you love to be different then this is the stone for you. Choosing a turquoise jewel for your engagement ring is a big step, as this particular stone has a very youthful appearance, especially when paired with a dainty band and smaller stones. But you will have a unique and special ring that you value, which is all that matters.

    10. SMOKY QUARTZ

    This earthy stone is a beautiful and affordable option for an exquisite natural-looking engagement ring and can be paired with silver or yellow gold for complementary tones. Marvel over its sparkle and changing colours when it catches the light.

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