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The Top Destination Proposals January 22, 2008

Posted by Jill Renee in : Destination Proposals, Engagement Rings, Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

While finding the perfect ring to propose with can be an exhaustive search, what really seems to confuse many is the actual proposal itself. When and where to pop the question can be stressful at best, and since it’s a story that you’ll both be telling for the rest of your lives together, getting it right is incredibly important.

With that in mind, more and more couples are turning to the destination proposal as a way to give the beginning of their lives together a unique twist that makes it their own. While the destination proposal will certainly take quite a bit of planning, with a little help from friends and family, and a nice sized bank account, the following destinations are a great way to ask that special someone to spend the rest of their life with you.

Venice, Italy

A city built on the water, there are few cities in the world more romantic than Venice. While proposal locations within Venice are numerous, I suggest skipping out on St. Mark’s Square and taking a gondola ride for the proposal. The combination of singing, privacy, scenery, and the tradition of kissing while passing under bridges, is the perfect combination for a proposal that will stick in her mind forever.

Paris, France

The city of lights is sure to light up her face when you show her the diamond engagement ring you’ve selected for her while standing atop the Eiffel Tower. With a view of the city that can’t be rivaled, you’re sure to take her breath away when you get down on one knee hundreds of feet in the air with all of Paris as your backdrop. Rumor has it that this was the method Tom Cruise used when he proposed to the lovely Katie Holmes.

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Proposing at the Holidays September 24, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Holiday Proposals, Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

If you are planning to propose this holiday season here is a great idea. It takes a little planning but you will be a superstar fiancé by Christmas Day!

Advent Calendars are a wonderful holiday tradition.

Although the traditional calendar is a wooden box etc Use your imagination and create your own. Wrap twenty four small packages and number them with the corresponding date of the month..have your girlfriend open package number one on December 1 and so on…on December 24 or 25 put your engagement ring in the package. If you are afraid she will peek wrap an empty box and arrive with the “real” package in your pocket. Tell her you forgot to include the gift and pop the question!!

Here are some ideas for the twenty five packages:

Selling jewelry over the internet has been a wonderful adventure this past year. Although our company was launched in December 2005 things did not really get rolling until this past year. As a matter of record I felt a little like the Maytag repair man for the first year! Although I have been in and around the jewelry industry for most of my life; selling through this new medium has been wonderful. One of the best parts is not having to get dressed up in heels to go to work. I can sit at my computer and converse for hours with my customers and potential customers. Now that is the BEST part. I have gotten to speak with and sell to people all over the world and it amazes me at how similar most of us area we all want to be treated with respect and honesty and we all are so happy when we are in love. Especially when we are preparing to get engaged!! It’s one of the most wonderful times whether you are young or old it does not make a difference! That’s why we make sure each ring is made with tender loving care. One of our mottos is that we need to be sending out good karma with every ring so that the good karma comes back to us! This has its ups and downs because we will not ship a ring unless it’s perfect. We are a company that is heavily female and we all love jewelry so if we wouldn’t want it we won’t sell it to our customers. Our production team has accused us of being perfectionists and that’s how we like it. Even I have been disappointed when I have ordered potential product for the website. It looks beautiful in the pictures but when it arrives its very lightweight and flimsy or the necklace or earrings don’t look or sit right when being worn (we try everything on!). This type of product never will show up on the Danforth website. As this year comes to a close I wanted to thank each one of our wonderful customers (yes we do have the best customers) for a successful year. I wish you all the happiest and healthiest of New Years!

Best Wishes,
Jill Renee

Asking Him the Big Question August 9, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

This is a question that I recently got in an email that I thought I should share with everybody out there along with my response:

Dear Jill,
I would like to propose to my boyfriend. We’ve discussed everything from prenuptial agreements to both of our children. We live in separate places even though we’ve been together for 3 years. We share the same ideas, we talk a lot about everything thing, even marriage. My boyfriend is fearful, he’s concerned about having enough time and money. We both have our own finances, our kids get along very well. The kids even want to know when we are getting married.
What would be a good way to propose to him without feeling like I have made him feel uncomfortable? Your feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you,
T

Dear T,
Your dilemma is very common. You have found the person who you want to spend the rest of your life with. Everything seems perfect, yet your man is hesitant to make that final commitment. There are probably lots of reasons why not BUT you know there are lots more reasons to!
Make a list of the positive aspects of marrying. Then play the devils advocate and think of all of the reasons not too. Think like he thinks…put yourself in his shoes when you do this.
After you take the time to think through this for yourself, it’s time to talk with your man.
You need to be face to face because his body language will tell you a lot about how he is feeling. You need to speak from your head as well as your heart. After explaining that marriage is the next logical step in your relationship and that it is something from which you will both benefit. Listen to his response.
If he says no, I am not ready you will need to decide if you are willing to stay in this relationship with no hope of commitment. A good solution would be to say…ok I will expect that we will be engaged by …or we need to go our separate ways. This gives him time and doesn’t trap you in a dead end relationship.
I suggest this approach over just popping the question because you have both been in marriages before and have children. This method shows thought and will give you the best shot at helping your hesitant man get over his concerns about timing and money.
Hope this helps. Remember it’s just my 2 cents and I know you will make the right decision.

Best Wishes,
Jill Renee

Great Ideas for Celebrating Valentine’s Day, Whether or Not You’re in Love February 2, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Romantic Tips , 3comments

You Don’t Need a Valentine to Enjoy the Most Romantic Day of the Year

When you think of Valentine’s Day, typically your thoughts venture toward valentine gifts and all things heart-shaped  candies, chocolate, balloons, greeting cards, jewelry, etc. – and couples deeply in love gazing into each other’s eyes.

Because Valentine’s Day is for lovers, right?

Actually – no. Ladies, there is joy to be had on this infamous day of pink and red, no matter your ‘couples’status.  Here are some fun ideas for the annual day of love that cover the spectrum of companionship: single, dating, committed relationship, or recent break-up.

If You’re Single . . .

Don’t allow yourself to be one of the cynical singles who scowl at any hint of Valentine’s Day decorations or gifts. Instead: embrace the day!

That’ right. We’re in the new millennium, a time when being single is fabulous. Sex & the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made being single more appealing than ever before. You don’t have to wait for a significant other to get you a gift – buy it yourself! Few things make a girls’ heart flutter more than Valentine’s Day jewelry. From a modest bracelet to a diamond ring one of the joys of being single is you can give yourself the gift you’d be giving your significant other. (more…)

Romantic Christmas Gift Ideas She’ll Love November 9, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Romantic Tips , add a comment

The spirit of the holiday season is a time when we attempt to extend a little more kindness to our fellow man (or woman), create memories with our families and express our love and gratitude through gifts. But finding that one Christmas gift idea for your girlfriend, fiancée or wife can be a daunting task when faced with the incredible number of options out there.

If you’re just stumped and can’t quite decide on what to give her, but you are looking for romantic Christmas gift ideas that will sweep her off of her feet, keep in mind that the best Christmas gift ideas require some time and effort on your part.

Here are some ideas that go beyond the impersonal gift certificate or typical scarf to get you thinking about some alternatives that may put a sparkle in her eye this Christmas.

A Christmas Engagement

There are few romantic Christmas gift ideas that can top getting engaged over the holidays. You are giving her the gift of your love and commitment, and her finger is decorated with a beautiful testament to your feelings for her. (more…)

Memorable Proposals August 8, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

A proposal should be the most romantic moment of a woman’s life. A man can use the proposal to prove his love and commitment to a long term relationship. Modern men have thought of some creative, and heart melting ways to propose. One man rode up to his bride, in a suit of armor and riding a white horse. Another man dressed as prince charming and proposed at Cinderella’s castle in Disney land. One remarkably clever man took his bride to be Geocacheing, scavenger hunting using a GPS unit. Guess what she found in the sand?

No matter what method you choose to propose, make sure that the memory will last forever. However, do not forget that the ring will last forever too. Designing an engagement ring ‘just for her’ is a precious reminder of your love that she will wear forever. Buying a ring at a local mall is not romantic. Choosing a heart shaped diamond and a band style from an online jeweler is romantic. She will never know that it only took a few minutes to choose the ring. Online stores sell higher quality diamond engagement rings for the same price as the bargain rings sold at a local jewelry store.

If you do not use the extra money to buy a better ring, consider buying a matching pendant or earrings. There is nothing more stylish than wearing matching jewelry. All through history, men used jewelry to express their love. It is a ‘love language’ that women can understand. The quality of jewelry a woman wears earns her the respect and admiration of her family and friends. Purchasing a diamond ring from a brick and mortar store costs as much as 40%  more than buying on the Internet. If you are looking for a diamond engagement ring or diamond earrings, be sure to check out internet stores like DanforthDiamond.com before making your purchase .

Intimacy of Diamond Engagement Rings June 23, 2006

Posted by in : Diamond Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Romantic Tips , add a comment

Selecting a diamond ring for her is a daunting task. Most men wander down to the local jewelry store hoping to find something in their price range. This is a shortsighted mistake, which results in years of regret. A better way to search for the perfect diamond engagement ring is by shopping online.

Online stores carry diamond engagement and wedding rings from some of the world’s top jewelry artists at 30 – 40% less than the generic designs carried by local brick and mortar jewelry stores. The designs at online stores express the different personalities and artistic designs of the artists.

The look of wonder and excitement that brightens a woman’s face as an artistically designed ring slips on her finger remains in the memory for decades to come. A diamond engagement ring is a pledge of love. An artistically designed ring, one that set’s the ring apart from all the Bride’s friends and family member’s, is a gift that will remind her how much she is loved for years to come.

If you are looking to buy a diamond engagement ring or other diamond earrings, be sure to check out DanforthDiamond.com before making your jewelry purchase ¬ you will save money on a quality ring. You will also find some romantic ways of delivering the ring.

The way a diamond ring is presented is as vital to the magic of the moment as the ring itself. The new designs, where the band is not closed, lend themselves perfectly to weaving the stem of an orchid or calla lily through. These flowers are the ‘in’ flowers used by Wedding designers and planners.

Take a little time to think about how important the ring will be in the future, and then go to www.danforthdiamond.com and read the romantic tips, and advice for avoiding proposal blunders. You’ll never regret it.

Romantic Proposal Ideas from Danforth Diamond April 26, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

Great Customer Service from Danforth Diamond
Below is an actual correspondence with one of our visitors.

Hi,

I am bringing my girlfriend to New York for St Patricks weekend next
month and I am hoping to propose.

I am just wondering do you have any suggestions on the top romantic
places to propose at? Or anything that could give me ideas?

She is expecting something but I truly want to surprise her. Your help
would be most grateful.
Regards
Name Removed

experts@danforthdiamond.com wrote:
Hi,

Your question has me thinking of all sorts of possibilities! I am
unsure of how familiar with the city that you and your girlfriend are or
what your budget is but I will give you a few suggestions.

For a romantic dinner The Rainbow Room at the top of Rockefeller Center
has awesome veiws and dancing. It is expensive. You should call and ask about price; if there is a band the
night you want to go, and request a window table.

Another choice is Tavern On the Green…this place is really something all
glass and mirrors with veiws of central park. I do not have the phone
number but you can get it from inforrmation or your hotel. Be sure to call
for a table by the window. This is also expensive.
If you go the romantic dinner route plan ahead with the waiter and use one
of our ideas from the website on how to present the ring.

Other ideas..if its still cold ice skating at Rockefeller center..you can
have hot chocolate in the restaurant and watch the skaters if you do not
actually want to skate.

A carriage ride through Central Park…make sure to talk with your hotel
and try and pick out a driver ahead of time to let him know your plans.
This could be really romantic.

Let me know if any of these ideas appeal to you. I can help you flush the
plan out more if I know what direction you want to go. Be sure to remember
the St. Patty’s parade will be on March 17th on 5th avenue. All the best
of luck and please let me know how things work out, Jill Renee at Danforth
Diamond.com

PS..do you need help with a engagement ring?? We have a great selection of high
quality rings at great prices.

Hi Jill,
Thank you very much for all your useful ideas! They were all great and
nothing I could have thought of myself.

I have gone with your first idea The Rainbow Room and will be booking
same for the 17th March. I will let you know what her answer is!

Again thanks a million for all the tips.
Regards
Name Removed

How to Get Your Man to Propose February 8, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

Is your man afraid of popping the question? Or is he oblivious to the idea of getting married? How do you get him to propose?

It seems that sometimes men “just don’t get it”. The relationship is fantastic. You are getting along, having fun and enjoying each other’s company, why rock the boat? Deeper commitment, lasting love and the thought of a lifetime together is something most men just don’t think about and when they do, it scares them to death!

In the book “Why Men Marry Some Women and Not Others,” by John Molloy, the author states that the only way to get a man to propose is to bring the subject up with him. Timing is crucial in that the optimal time for talking about marriage is 12 to 24 months into a relationship. You must not beat around the bush or drop subtle hints because that usually doesn’t work. A straight forward approach is what is recommended.

Don’t be put off if your man doesn’t respond positively to your suggestion at first. He may need time to think about the prospect for awhile, after all, this is probably the FIRST time he has actually thought about it!

Here are some tips:

1. Make him aware of your interest in a lifetime commitment. Drop subtle hints from time to time, such as, ‘We’d make a great team’ or ‘I can’t imagine my future without you,’ rather than incessantly bombarding him with demands about marriage.

2. Point out your shared interests, values and common goals. Open his eyes so he’ll realize that you’re the one for him.

3. Remember that actions speak louder than words. Show him what a great lifetime partner you could be through thoughtful actions, sincerity, kindness and other appealing traits.

4. Remind him of several happily married couples who are mutual friends of yours, pointing out how much you have in common with them and how successful their marriages are.

If after a certain amount of time it becomes apparent that he is NEVER going to commit, it is probably time to move on. Although, this is not the outcome most women want, some men need to experience life without that special someone in order to realize marriage is the answer.

More advice can be found proposal advice and romantic tips.

Proposing on Valentine’s Day? January 24, 2006

Posted by in : Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , add a comment

Proposing on Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to propose to your loved one, and everyone knows that the perfect proposal is accompanied by the perfect diamond engagement ring.

One of the best-known high-end diamond jewlers is Danforth Diamond, and you can be sure that you will find something to suit your taste and budget from their range. Their engagement ring selection is ordered by price, metal, stone setting and brand for easy browsing they are offerind Valentine’s Day Jewelry Specials including diamond, to make it an extra special life-long gift for Valentines day.

Of course, finding the right engagement ring is something you will want to put significant time and effort into. Danforth Diamond will help with your decision by providing expert advice on what to look for when selecting a diamond ring. From choosing the shape of the diamond to getting the correct ring size, taking the time to do your research beforehand will give you extra peace of mind as you work up the courage to ask the big question.

Danforth Diamond is also giving advice on ways to propose whether is it Valentine’s Day or Thursday. Whatever the occassion or non-occasion, Danforth can help.