We love it when we meet customers who are planning to propose to their loved one. Whether they've ordered a little token from us to mark the occasion, or they have asked us to make an official engagement ring, fills us full of happiness knowing that in some part, we've been involved in a really special event. Moreover, listening to people's engagement stories adds another dimension to our work; they're all so different! We spoke to Antonia, one of the wonderful members of our shop team, who told us about how her boyfriend proposed to her. The image on the left is of Antonia at the exact moment the proposal happened. The one on the right is her reconstruction of the moment a year later. How sweet!
So, Antonia; how did he pop the question?
Our engagement story is pretty Bridget Jones-esque, full of bumbling blunders. Lewis (my now husband, then boyfriend) arrived at my house with a massive bouquet of flowers, dressed to the nines, smelling fresh - and I immediately panicked. It was 11th February; not a notable date in the calendar or even an anniversary of anything in particular. I had a hunch something was up.
He eventually confessed that he'd booked the day off work for me so we could have a romantic day mooching around the vintage and antique shops of Lewes. Once in Lewes we made our way to the castle, sat on a bench and took in the view. It was the perfect spot for a proposal. Unbeknown to me, he was majorly stalling. All the people that were milling about had made him extremely nervous and quiet - and I'd got myself distracted by a little cat
I was unsure as to why we were continuing to sit on a bench when we said we'd be shopping. Immediately I leapt to my feet and we spent all afternoon looking in vintage shops, rifling through postcards, old memorabilia and jewellery whilst Lewis remained shifty, blaming his mood on a cold. He spent the afternoon trying to get me back to the romantic setting of the castle and finally, with the sun going down, we made our way back to see if we could get inside the castle grounds. But the gardens were closed for the winter and there was no way to gain access to the castle. I spent ages watching Lewis clamber through people's back gardens, peeking through the hedge and wall to try and get in. Panicking, he pointed to fields below suggesting a walk in the countryside, where I saw a man in the dark walking his dog. Sensing something was up, I flatly refused because it was freezing and asked him what on Earth was going on.
That was the moment that Lewis decided to choose, between a few garages, in the car park, with the man and his dog awkwardly shuffling past us. He pulled out a letter he'd written to me, confirming I truly was the one for him. By the time I'd got to the end of the letter, he was down on one knee with a ring in one hand, asking me if I'd be his forever.
What's your engagement ring like?
I have two! The one Lewis proposed with “ worth about £40 but full of sentimental value - and the one I designed. I'm particularly fussy when it comes to jewellery. If you're a jewellery geek like me it's a brilliant cut diamond, fairly warm in shade set in a yellow gold crown, alongside ten champagne diamonds on a pavé setting, with a 2mm yellow gold band. If you're not a jewellery geek it's sparkly and looks like an antique, despite it only being made in the last three years!
Have you got any tips for anyone who might be planning on proposing to their special someone?
It's unlikely to go to plan! So have a few back up options up your sleeve. Keep it special, romantic and light-hearted.
Which from the PTD collection would you recommend as an engagement present for their beloved?
We've all been swooning over the new Personalised 9ct gold Diamond Engagement rings! They can be handmade in 9ct rose, yellow or white gold and can be personalised with names or a date. The Personalised 9ct Gold Diamond Engagement Ring And the Personalised 9ct Gold Diamond Engagement ring in situ!
The new Personalised Infinity Ring, inscribed with the date of your proposal would be an extremely romantic gesture also.
The Silver Personalised Infinity Ring can also be made in 9ct gold, enquire for prices Although the Personalised Secret Script Ring is really cute too: people request the sweetest personalisations on that piece.
Personalised Secret Script Ring personalised with 'Marry Me' The 9ct diamond rings can be personalised and worn together to form a mixed gold band or worn singularly. The perfect handmade, contemporary ring. These Personalised 9ct Gold Diamond rings can be clustered together or worn individually Or let the ring do some of the talking.... A Personalised Diamond 'Marry Me' ring We would love to see your proposal photos featuring one of our rings, so get your cameras on standby! Upload yours to #poshlove #poshtottydesigns. And if you're tying the knot, don't forget to head over to our Wedding Shop. xx
