It’s the last few months of 2018 and we’re getting ahead of the Holidays this year (for once!). No matter if you’re a newly married Mrs. or you’re seriously hoping for your love to get down on bended knee… we’ve got the tips for you this season. From the most romantic places to propose, to how to keep that bling nice and sparkly during the holiday pizzaz, and to the ultimate gift for your bride or groom-to-be (hint: wedding bands)…we have the best tips from our favorite engagement ring expert Platinum Guild International.
The most important thing to consider is what type of person you AND your loved one are. Do you have a fear of large gatherings? Does he or she love their family and wouldn’t imagine a life moment without them? Take into consideration all of the personality points first and foremost.
For the family-lovers… what about a family get-together? We have a few big Holidays coming up in which it is customary for family to gather. Popping the question in front of your person’s nearest and dearest could be a way to remember forever and include the family. This could also be relevant for friends as well! Planning a big New Years Eve bash? Why not ring in 2019 with a FIANCE?
For the private… is there anything more intimate and romantic than a proposal on the morning of a Holiday in your pajama’s, just the two of you? Ahh, so sweet! This situation is wonderful for a nervous guy or gal as well… no audience to hear your heartfelt, private speech. We also adore the idea of a walk on a crisp, winter morning admiring holiday decor and sipping hot chocolate (okay, do we sound too much like a Hallmark movie?!).
A Holiday shopping experience… propose with not one, but two or three rings! Talk to your local jeweler or engagement ring retailer about setting up a personal shopping experience and have 3 platinum engagement rings pre-selected for her to try on! If she prefers a colored metal, then at the very least make sure the ring has a Platinum Crown.
Before you choose a romantic destination for your proposal, make sure you have a ring that will last a lifetime. There is more than just the look and style of an engagement ring, but what it is made out of matters equally. Platinum is rare and eternal, and its qualities will allow it to withstand long after you say yes!
Remember that just-engaged glow (aka, laser beam of brilliant light) your engagement ring had when you first said YES? The key to maintaining that shine is to take care of your ring on the daily with just a few tips!
Daily care… did you know that normal substances like dish soap, lotions, hand soap, and even just water can cloud your ring? If you are at home or in a secure environment, keyword being IF, it is a great idea to remove your ring when doing the dishes or engaging in other types of activities in which your ring could get dirty or clouded. Pro tip: NEVER remove your ring near a drain. Find yourself a pretty ring dish to place near your sink so you have a designated spot to place it, and that way you won’t forget where it is! Removing your ring during washing will prevent soap from building up in your ring which may irritate some people’s hands.
At-home cleaning kits… there are so many types of cleaning kits out there, ranging from DIY concoctions to steam cleaners for the home. We learned of a fantastic DIY recipe from Platinum Guild International which is a drop of dish liquid (just a drop is good for your ring!) and good old fashioned seltzer. The bubbles loosen the dirt on your ring, but are gentle and the dish liquid removes any grease and gives it a shine. If that’s not your style, then consider a hands-free sonic cleaner that comes with a container where you simply place your ring in it and let the machine do the rest, and you just have to dry it with a lint free-cloth.
Nothing beats a cleaning from the jeweler, though… trust us. When you take your engagement ring to a jeweler to be cleaned, he or she will also inspect the ring to ensure the setting is straight and keeping your precious diamonds nice and tight to the band. Your jeweler has professional grade equipment and can do a cleaning in no time at all.
All rings should be cleaned from time to time…even platinum jewelry which is known to be hypoallergenic – which means the metal itself won’t cause irritation. If you have a platinum ring and it is irritating you, odds are it is the dirt or residue that has built up on your ring and your ring is telling you that you’re due for a wash!
Choosing wedding bands to be exchanged during the wedding ceremony is a fun activity for most couples to engage in (no pun intended). What we love about today’s engagement ring and wedding band style is that you no longer feel the need to be so matchy-matchy as days in the past! Some wedding ring sets look absolutely stunning as a matching set and some look phenomenal with something different, just depends on your style and what you want on your hand at all times! Start the wedding band process by first selecting the metal, and we recommend platinum. Platinum is pure, rare and eternal. It is a naturally white metal that will complement your engagement ring and other jewelry perfectly, and will hold your stones securely if you choose a diamond set band.
For your last holiday season as a non-married couple, it is a sweet idea to exchange platinum wedding bands as your holiday gifts. How you approach the gifting is up to you! You can either make a day-date of it and go shopping together and then share a glass of bubbly over dinner, you can drop hints now so your favorite band is waiting for you to unwrap, or you can surprise gift one another a band you chose with the other in mind. The options for gifting are endless these days and so are the wedding band styles.
For her, consider how your wedding band will pair with your engagement ring. If the engagement ring has lots of pave diamonds around the band, perhaps a simple band would be a great addition. If the engagement ring is a solitaire diamond, we love the idea of having a micro-pave diamond wedding band… or even incorporating birthstones for a pop of color! Platinum’s naturally white color and strength pairs perfectly with your engagement ring.
For him, we’ve seen it all lately. Some traditional, simple bands and some with a little masculine bling – both that we love! There is no right or wrong in general, but just keep in mind the style of your fiance. Consider platinum to be his other perfect match.
Even if your wedding isn’t soon after the holidays, be sure to plan for your wedding bands early! Spend the time determining your style, and ensure that you have budget set aside for your bands, after all… your wedding jewelry and memories are the only things that last past the actual wedding date!
Discover your dream wedding band now!
Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Rings: Platinum Guild International