Choosing an engagement ring might seem like a more daunting task than popping the actual question. So many aspects need to be considered to create the perfect symbol of commitment for your significant other. Below is a quick guide to make sure the ‘wow’ lasts a lifetime…
Determine your budget
Don’t pay the slightest attention to the ‘2 months salary’ rule – spend what you can afford instead of landing yourself in debt. The ring is supposed to be a symbol of love, so buying something that is romantic and sentimental means more than just splurging on a big rock. Go with a clear understanding of what you want the ring to look like, as well as an exact budget. Most of the time, like with buying a car, the price can be negotiated to fit your needs. With that said, also be realistic.
Determine the ring size
Imagine trying to slide your carefully-chosen ring onto your partner’s finger and it doesn’t fit. Get it right from the start by swiping a ring that he/she wears often to your jeweller. If the size is wrong you could always take it back to the jeweller for adjustments, bear in mind that this entails forking out more money.
Pick the band
When it comes to choosing the colour of the metal for the band, take note of what she wears on the regular. Is it gold, silver, or something more along the lines of rose gold? This will also have an influence on the ultimate cost and durability of the ring, for example, gold is shinier, but wears down faster whereas platinum lasts longer but is more expensive. Luckily, mixing metals to ensure the colour and durability is fashionable. Mix gold with copper to achieve a rose gold appearance, or mix platinum and gold to achieve white gold.
Choose the shape
This refers to the shape of the most prominent stone, most often being a diamond. The classic styles range from round, princess and cushion shapes to more unusual shapes like trillion, marquise or emerald. Once again, the shape you choose needs to reflect your partner’s style. That said, gemstones are also popular choices for engagement rings, offering something more unique and a little less expensive, but with the same shape options.
Remember the four C’s
The four C’s refer to the cut, clarity, carat weight and colour of the diamond. Not to be confused with the shape, the cut entails the angles and proportions in which the diamond is cut in order to reflect light. This is what ultimately gives a diamond its sparkle. The clarity of a diamond refers to how perfect or imperfect the diamond is, measured on a graded scale to refer to the amount of ‘inclusions’ (trace minerals or fractures in the stone) a diamond has. The fewer inclusions, the better, but some that are only slightly included (SI1 – SI3) could appear almost flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF) to the naked eye. The carat weight refers to the weight of the diamond, greatly determining the ultimate price. The colour also has an influence on the price, especially if you want that classic white, or ‘clear’ diamond compared to something more opaque or champagne in colour. Opaque diamonds offer something more unique, such as black and grey diamonds, whereas champagne or cognac colored diamond are more vibrant and antique in appearance.
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Families come in all shapes and sizes, colours, breeds, and species too. Furry companions have become integral parts of our closest circles. Considered to be children by many…
When it comes to weddings, the small unique details make every moment memorable. There’s simply no better way to personalise your dress than by adding hand-dipped colour details.
Artist Taylor Ann treats weddings dresses like canvases and creates amazing works of art that suit the exact style of each bride that dawns them.
Taylor takes a blank dress and adds a touch of personality that not only makes the dress look like a designer piece but also helps to incorporate the specific style and favourite colours of each woman who wears them.
“I’m just an Artist that wanted a wedding dress as colorful as my soul; then found out I wasn’t the only one.
Custom Bridal Art Creations are now my specialty.”
The dress that started it all was Taylor’s very own wedding dress. An image of her amazing Technicolor creation skyrocketed to fame being shared across social media and even featured in popular UK magazines.
The idea of incorporating shocking colours into a wedding dress took the world by storm.
What seemed as though it would be a once-off creation has turned into a booming business and brides all over the world are looking to have their dresses hand painted and dip-dyed.
Now Taylor specialises in helping brides bring the colours of their soul out onto their dresses and she doesn’t spare any work to make sure they’re perfect.
From sunsets to hand-painted flower details, the sky is the limit with this unique personalising technique.
Each work Taylor creates is different from the one before and truly gives each bride a masterpiece to wear on their special day.
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Wedding Etc asked a group of brides and grooms to share their best memories of their weddings … and whether there was anything they’d do differently. 1. COMPLETE…
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
In terms of wedding decisions, choosing who will – and won’t – be getting an invite to your big day is right up there with the date and the…
Over the past few years, The Seychelles have become a major romantic travel destination trend for couples. With breathtaking scenic views and a dreamy to-do list, what couple wouldn’t want to honeymoon there?
1. COUPLE’S SPA TREATMENT
Anyone heading out on a romantic getaway would love to be relaxed and enjoy the beauty of their destination. In The Seychelles, a spa treatment should definitely be on your to-do list. Banyan Tree Luxury Spa offers their guests the very best. This is the perfect place for couples to enjoy a spiritual, mental and physical renewal. This spa offers a range of traditional Eastern healing therapies, as well as an exotic combination of ancient health and beauty practices.
2. SIP CHAMPAGNE ON THE BEACH AND WATCH THE SUNSET
What couple wouldn’t enjoy some downtime with a glass of bubbly? A full pamper session is offered to couples while relaxing on the beach, enjoying one another’s company and watching the sunset. MAIA Luxury Resort and Spa offers this luxurious royalty treatment giving couples the option of hiring their own personal butler 24/7. Every villa in this resort has its own sundeck, swimming pool and outdoor gazebo, for partners wanting to spend some quality time together outdoors.
3. VISIT THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Feeling adventurous? The botanical garden is the perfect place to explore with your loved one, while being charmed by the collection of plants and trees, the tortoise park and the rainforest walk. The garden was established in 1901 by Queen Victoria and is more than 100 years old, but still holds all its scenic beauty.
4. A DAY TOUR TO PRASLIN AND LA DIGUE
La Digue is one of many islands in The Seychelles. On this particular island you and your partner can enjoy the day on a romantic bicycle ride all along the island. Take a refreshing swim in the Anse Source D’Argent and later enjoy a delicious meal at La Do-maine. A guided tour to the neighbouring island of Praslin should also be on the to-do list to sightsee the beautiful Valleee de Mai where Coco-de-Mer grows. The site is known to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been compared to the legendary Garden of Eden.
5. A CANDLELIT DINNER ON THE BEACH
One of the best most affordable beaches of this kind is in Mahe, the Beau Vallon Beach. A reservation for two can be made at Hotel Coral Strand Smart Choice where a stunning candlelit dinner can be enjoyed, while looking at a perfect sea view. So book early and have the most romantic candlelit dinner by the sound of the roaring waves of the ocean.
6. STROLL DOWN THE VICTORIA STREETS
If you need to let your hair down and need a peaceful break from your usual city life, take a lovely walk with your partner down the Victoria Streets. There’s plenty to buy so pick up a small memento to remember the amazing time you’ve spent with your partner in The Seychelles.
7. SNORKELLING IN PARADISE
Whether you and your partner love swimming or not, snorkeling is one of many things that you definitely shouldn’t miss. The tides are calm and the water is clear blue, offering you the perfect view of the colourful fish and unique coral reefs. If you and your partner are not up for swimming, canoeing is an option too.
8. FISHING
Fishing may not be your cup of tea, but it’s definitely something fun you could do in The Seychelles. The island is used by international sporting and recreational fishermen who come back each year to break records. The island has an array of fish in its fresh blue waters. It’s always fun trying something new and this is definitely something you and your partner could enjoy.
9. WETLAND TOURS
Every Tuesday and Thursday in The Seychelles wetland tours take place with the Wildlife Conservation Center for guests to discover the local flora and fauna. It is said to be the largest managed freshwater wetland on Mahe. Learn about different species and get the opportunity to see these nature at its best with your own eyes.
10. ZIPLINE THROUGH THE FORESTS
If you and your partner are adrenaline junkies, get strapped to a harness and glide over the beautiful forest at Epheila Resort. Tour guides will tell you everything you need to know about various birds, plants and insects that you may see around you. If you need to cool down after the adrenaline rush, your tour guide can direct you to Port Launay Marine National Park, where you can enjoy its lovely blue waters.