The Perfect Proposal

Very few events require as much thought, preparation, and determination as marriage. The proposal sets the stage for the happiness and promise to come. With nearly 80% of engagements occurring during the holiday season, let’s get prepared for the perfect proposal.

First, know the answer. You would be surprised to know the amount of men who don’t even bother discussing marriage with their girlfriends. Popping the question shouldn’t be your first discussion of marriage.

The Ring. Consider doing some window-shopping prior to the ring purchase. If you want the ring to be a true surprise, consult her friends and family, or her family jeweler, to get a feel for her likes and dislikes. After all, she’ll be wearing this for the rest of her life…or at least until you trade-up.

Ask Permission, Not Forgiveness. There is an old Roman custom know as “joining of the hands”, where the groom would give the bride’s father a coin that symbolized the purchase of the bride. The bride would then pass from her father’s hand to the grooms. Although this rarely exists today, it’s common respect to ask the bride’s father for approval before whisking his daughter away.

Be Creative. Take this opportunity to shine. Your proposal should be a reflection of you and your bride-to-be. Following are a few proposal suggestions:

Location, Location, Location. Propose via video or in person from an extreme location – atop a mountain, while skydiving, or on the shores of a romantic and faraway beach.

Public Displays of Affection. Think about the JumboTron at a professional sporting event, a plane trailing your proposal, an intercom on a commercial airplane, a billboard on her route home from work…the more witnesses the merrier.

Traditional. In an intimate setting, preferably one with family and friends waiting nearby, drop to one knee and let your heart do the talking.

Spread the News. Tell everyone you know about your engagement. Have a plan to communicate quickly and consider sending an engagement announcement.

Celebrate. Toast your engagement with a night on the town, a glass of bubbly or a celebration with friends and family.

This holiday season capture the romance and plan for the most perfect proposal.

The Healing Power of Jewelry

Many gemstones are thought to offer mystic healing to its wearer. During the holiday season, where family and financial stress, high expectations, and sleep deprivation flourish, every little bit helps. So whether shopping for a gift of fine jewelry, or considering a gift for yourself along the way, consider the properties of these fine gemstones. They may not bake your cookies and wrap your gifts for you, but they will make you feel better while doing so.

Amber – Thought to aid memory loss, purify the body, alleviate headaches, and bone and heart problems, Amber is known for its stress relieving and calming properties.

Amethyst – Aids in the reduction of insomnia, arthritis, pain relief, and circulatory issues. Amethyst is considered the gemstone of meditation, peace, balance, courage, and inner strength.

Aquamarine – Aids the liver, throat, stomach, jaw, teeth, eyes, and ears. Aquamarine is also known for releasing fear, calming nerves, and bringing mental clarity.

Citrine – Considered the gemstone to provide greater or increased hearing, Citrine also promotes success, abundance, and clear thinking.

Garnet – Aids blood, heart, and lungs and is known to promote romantic love, passion, sensuality, and intimacy.

Lapis – Thought to aid in the alleviation of insomnia and depression, Lapis is also known for creating openness, truthfulness, and creativity.

Onyx – Associated with the root chakra, Onyx brings spiritual inspiration, and control over emotions.

Pearl – Known for its calming properties, the Pearl is said to aid purity, charity, integrity, truth, and loyalty in its wearer.

Peridot – Healing stress in relationships, lessening anger and jealousy, and slowing aging, the Peridot promotes abundance and prosperity.

Ruby – Aiding the emotions is the Ruby’s calling card. Also known to increase integrity, devotion, and happiness.

Sapphire – The gemstone of creative expression and inner peace and meditation, the Sapphire also aids in personal expression and the alleviation of pain.

Topaz – One of the most powerful gemstones, Topaz facilitates the balance of emotions and provides protection from greed.

Turquoise – A gemstone steeped in lore and tradition, Turquoise is a healing and balancing stone.