Well maybe we are tempting fate, but our pick of engagement rings would all make perfect surprises to brighten the dark days of winter. Sometimes the very best gifts in life come in small packages…
The festive season is by far the most popular time to get engaged, according to Chillisauce’s latest Marriage Proposal Survey. But love isn’t just for Christmas and, as far as Absolutely Weddings is concerned, any day is a good day to propose. It goes without saying that the ring choice should be as personal as the place and time you choose. But whether you opt for a diamond as big as the Ritz, a standout bespoke design or a romantic vintage jewel, just make sure it has the wow factor. Here are some of our favourite sparklers from fine jewellers – each and every one would make us say a wholehearted Yes! at any time of year.
Celestial splendour
This unusual Castor and Pollux ring features choice pavé diamonds finished with ruby eyes. Shown here in 18-carat rose gold, it’s also available as a white gold ring and the twin star design is inspired by the idea of togetherness. This design is part of a glittering collection by super-creative British jeweller Joubi London. POA; joubi.co.uk
Diamond dazzler
Part of the Ernest Jones Jan Maarten Asscher collection of fine diamond pieces, this lovely ring features a 1.5ct central diamond surrounded by multiple smaller diamonds and is set in 18ct white gold. £15,999; ernestjones.co.uk
Bee mine
A glamorous and unusual design, the Bee My Love solitaire is in an 18ct pink gold setting redolent of honeycomb. Created by the French high jewellery house of Chaumet, it is part of a choice collection that also includes wedding bands and eternity rings. POA; chaumet.com
Heart you
Award winning jeweller Barbara Tipple has a stellar reputation for both her exquisite gemstones and her ability to design (with her goldsmith husband) the perfect settings to complement them. This elegant side-set diamond ring with more than a hint of a heart in its shape is the perfect way to put a seal on your romance. POA; barbaratipple.co.uk
Vintage elegance
Long-established London jeweller Boodles has a choice selection of classics in its One of a Kind Vintage ring collection. We just adore this unusual blue-green marquise-cut diamond surrounded by smaller white diamonds. POA; boodles.com
White magic
A London institution, Garrard has been renowned for its jewellery expertise since 1735, even working on the Koh-i-Nor at the request of Prince Albert. This Beloved ring from its engagement collection features white-diamond details and the lavish central stone can be cut in a variety of ways. POA; garrard.com
Deco delight
We love the sleek Deco styling of this emerald-cut diamond with tiered supporting diamonds in platinum setting. It is from Lucie Campbell, a Bond Street jeweller that specialises in spectacular gemstones and unusual settings – with all designs created in house. £12,600; luciecampbell.co.uk
Chic solitaire
Keeping things simple and sleek, this timeless and chic solitaire is from the Forever collection of classic pieces with fine diamonds. The ring features a 1.5ct diamond in 18ct white gold setting. £12,000; hsamuel.co.uk
Designer lines
This impressive ring is designed by legendary US bridal gown designer Vera Wang. It features a pear-shaped diamond in curvaceous diamond-studded white-gold setting. £3,499; ernestjones.co.uk
Colour pop
If you are looking for something truly different, check out the dazzling colourways offered by Tayma Fine Jewellery, which specialises in rare and unusual gems. This ring features a striking and natural chrome-green tourmaline in white gold setting with supporting diamonds for contrast. POA; taymajewellery.com
