Keanes A6 book inside pages A6 proposal... · 2014-04-25 · Keanes’ Little Book of Romantic Proposals promises to get you through asking one of the most important questions of

The Little Book of

ROMANTICPROPOSALS

93-95 Oliver Plunkett St., Cork Tel: 021 427125610 O’Connell St., Limerick Tel: 061 481080

2 High St., Killarney, Co. Kerry Tel: 064 6631515

www.keanes.ie

Jewellers since 1948

Jewellers since 1948Limerick | Cork | Killarney

You’ve done the hardest part and you’ve found your Soulmate!

You know you have found the one person who makes you feel complete. You know you will love them forever,

and you’ve decided you want to spend the rest of your lives together. So what’s the next step ?

Keanes’ Little Book of Romantic Proposals promises to

get you through asking one of the most importantquestions of your life.

We have compiled some of the best and most charming

marriage proposals to help you create a moment thatyou both will never forget.

Use these ideas as your own or for inspiration to create your own unforgettable moment.

So what are you waiting for? Go pop the question!


History of the Engagement Ring

In most Western cultures, an engagement ring is traditionally presented by the man to his beloved as a gesture of his commitment to marry her.

Like many other great ideas it all started with the Romans, where it was common for women to wear betrothal rings. Over the centuries however many other types of betrothal gifts were given; in the 19th century many brides-to-be received a sewing thimble! Surprisingly diamond engagement rings as we know them didn’t become popular until the 1930s.

In Ireland, the UK and the USA the engagement ring is traditionally worn by the woman, on the ring finger of her left hand but this not the case in all countries. German women wear the ring on their left hand while engaged but then switch it to the right hand once married. In Brazil, both the man and the woman wear a plain band on their right hand while engaged then move it to the left once they complete their nuptials.

Of course it goes without saying that how you decide to wear yours is completely up to you!

Jewellers since 1948page 4

The Important Question

The first question an engaged woman is asked is:“Can I see the ring?”

The second question is always:“So how did he propose?”

A well planned proposal will not only help you with your pre-question jitters, but most importantly will create a moment that you both can always cherish.

We’ve put together a few inspiring ideas to help you along the way. We even have a few stories on how the celebrities have done it.

Good luck and remember that even some of the best made plans can sometimes not work out so don’t get hung up on getting it absolutely perfect. Relax and enjoy the moment!


ROMANTICPROPOSAL

IDEAS


Create Your Fairytale

This is for you creative types out there! Create a story of your time together using pictures and mementos from things you have done together. Have some fun and write it as a Fairytale, her being the princess and you being the prince (or frog). As it comes to the end have the prince propose to his princess and as she turns to the final page produce a box with a diamond ring.

The appeal of this is that you can keep the story book as a keepsake for years to come, as you live happily ever after!

A Trail of Rose Petals

If looking to propose in the intimate setting of your own home then this is your answer! To get the maximum element of surprise, plan this for when she arrives home from work or after a day of shopping with her friends.

As she arrives in the door, she will find a trail of rose petals through the house with love notes from you left along the way. At the end of the trail have her find you kneeling in the middle of a candlelit room, waiting to ask her to marry you.


Time Capsule

Tell your girlfriend you want to make a time capsule together so that you can dig it up years into the future when you have grown old together. Get her to suggest a few items and over a few days gather up mementos of your time together.

As you group the items together, tell her that it wouldn’t be complete without a picture of the moment you two got engaged. Then pull out a camera so that you are ready to take that shot right after you present her with the ring.

A Helping Paw

Does your girlfriend have a pet cat or dog who she adores almost as much as you? Have them to lend a “paw” for your proposal. Get your furry friend a fancy new collar and attach the ring to it. When your girlfriend stops to admire it, get down on one knee and ask her to marry you.


Charm Bracelet

Buy your girlfriend a charm bracelet as a present shortly before you want to propose to her. At various times over the next few weeks buy her charms for her bracelet, little hearts and other little things that mean something to you both. The final gift should be a charm saying “will you marry me?”

Anniversary Proposal

Find out what your girlfriend’s favourite colour is. Then send her a single rose in that colour every day for however many years you have been together. On the last day include a card with a rose that says “x beautiful roses for x beautiful years.” That evening arrange to take her out to dinner and give her a single red rose with a card (or just say): “x of your favourite colour roses for the past x years, and 1 red rose for the rest of our lives, will you marry me?”


Surprise Birthday Party

Arrange a surprise birthday party for your intended bride-to-be, inviting family and friends but of course not telling them what the real surprise will be! Take her out for the day and get help setting up the party from a select few co-conspirators while you are out.

When you both arrive home she will get the big surprise of all your guests popping out to wish her a Happy Birthday! Then with all your family and friends around you, call for everyone’s attention. Take her hand, profess your love for her and ask her to marry you. Quickly turning the birthday party into an unofficial engagement party!

X-Treme Proposal

This is not for the faint hearted! For the adrenaline junkies out there what better way to start the biggest adventure of your life than by proposing during a bungee jump? Ask her right before you jump, getting the instructor to capture it all on video.

Afterwards you can share with family and friends the moment you decided to take “the plunge” together. Just make sure you don’t have the ring in your pocket during the jump!


Getting Back the Element of Surprise

If someone ruins the surprise for you, then take some action and reclaim the element of surprise. Buy a cheap, fake diamond ring and break off two of the arms that are holding the diamond in place.

Place the broken ring in a beautiful box and get ready for the proposal. Pick up your girlfriend and drive her to your chosen location. Tell her how much you love her and as you are saying this open the box in front of her. You will both look down and see the ring; broken in the box. Act upset and say something like “how could this happen?”

Now it’s time to bring back the element of surprise; bring her for a walk in the park to a bench where rose petals, wine, candles, flowers and stuffed animals are waiting.

Get down on one knee and ask her to marry you with the real ring that was in your other pocket all along.


Some Seasonal Ideas

• Buy a box of Valentines Cards and in each, write a favourite memory from the time you have spent together. Then in the week leading up to Valentine’s put them in random places where she will find them: a handbag, glove compartment and anywhere else you can think of. Finally on Valentine’s Day give her a giant card with the words “Will You Marry Me”.

• While at the beach, rope her into building a sand castle with you (making sure the tide won’t come in and ruin it half way). When finished and while she’s not looking, place the ring on the highest turret – as she turns around pop the question.

• For a Halloween proposal, carve “Marry Me” in two pumpkins and leave them outside your house. As she arrives home give her a treat – a diamond ring! (You dressed in a Halloween costume is optional).

• Customise your Christmas Cracker by inserting a ring rather than the customary joke and toy. Make sure she wins the tug though!


Some Tech-Savy Ideas

• Create a web page with your proposal on it then leave her a clue with a link to the page. On the page itself include the reasons why you love her, pictures of you both together and with the question “Will You Marry Me”.

• Upload a video of your proposal on YouTube. Give it a fun name like “Luckiest Guy in the World” or “New Romantic Trailer”. Then call her over and say that she “has to see this great new video!”

• Save a picture of you holding a sign that says “Will You Marry Me?” on the desktop of her computer. But make sure you are around for when she sees it!

• If you are social networking mad (anyone for Facebook or Twitter?) you can ask your girlfriend by changing your profile picture. Send her a message and ask her to check your newly improved homepage. There in instead of your normal picture have the words “Marry Me?”.


PROPOSALIDEASFOR

LADIES


Anything boys can do girls can do...

You’ve found your Prince Charming and you know what you want - so why not ask for it? Here are some thoughts on how to propose to the man of your dreams.

Set the stage. Pick his favourite place to pop the question - whether you consider it romantic or not. This might be a secluded camping site, a fancy restaurant or a golf course at sunset. Let your boyfriend’s taste be your guide.

Keep your plans flexible. You may have an evening of French cuisine and fine wine planned but he may be in the mood for something more informal. So unless your plans involve other people or events, just go with the flow.


Go dramatic if your boyfriend likes the theatrical; he will appreciate the efforts you have made to make it special. If your partner tends to like things more subdued then keep the occasion subtle.

Bring or plan an engagement gift. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t get him a ring, alternatively cufflinks with “Marry Me” engraved on them works brilliantly.

Give him some time to be surprised and tongue-tied.

Remember, even though he loves you for the unconventional woman you are, he probably won’t see this one coming.

Most of the ideas listed previously can be easily adapted for you ladies but here’s a few more to consider.


Woo with MemoriesGuys love to be wooed as much as girls do. Propose in a place that means a lot to him. Maybe a park where he grew up, or the place where you went for your first date, all are special to him and can be made memorable by proposing to him there.

A Sporting ChanceProposing at a sporting event is a creative way to propose if your man is a sports fanatic. For this idea you could either arrange to have your proposal broadcast over the public address system or better still, displayed on a large screen.

If you are really adventurous, you could also contact the team’s management beforehand and try to make arrangements to make your proposal on the pitch at halftime. They might be willing to help you stage a scenario where you are either chosen to win a prize or participate in a contest. Then while you are on the field, they would hand over the microphone to allow you to make your proposal.


Chalk it DownWrite “Will You Marry Me (name)?” in chalk on the street outside your house or apartment in big letters and ask him to look out the window. Make sure you are standing close by and when he turns around, get down on one knee and ask him to marry you.

The Early Bird Catches the GroomArrange to wake up about an hour before your boyfriend usually does (without waking him up of course). Go down to his car and tape a huge poster to his windscreen saying “Will You Marry Me?” You can decorate it with pictures, words and photos of special moments you have spent together.

You should wait just inside the door so he can’t see you while he goes to the car - when he turns around you should jump out and give him a long, passionate kiss.


Inspiration from Hollywood

Carrie Bradshaw & Mr Big – Sex & the City

Ryan Reynolds & Sandra Bullock – The Proposal


Famous Engagement Rings

Kate Middleton’s engagement ring

from Prince William

Elizabeth Taylor’s 33.19ct Krupp diamond

from Richard Burton



Engagement Rings & matching Wedding Bands

Round Brilliant Solitairewith 6 claw setting

Princess Cut Diamondwith Round Brilliant side stones


Emerald Cut Diamond Three Stone

Marquise Solitaire with Diamond Shoulders

ROMANTIC SPOTS FOR

GETTING ENGAGED


Paris

What better place to surprise your girlfriend with a proposal than in the city of love – Paris. If you want to create a moment that you will never forget what better spot than the Eiffel Tower. To avoid an audience go early in the morning but the tower is at its most romantic at night as it twinkles against the Parisian sky.

New York

Is there anything more romantic or magical than New York at Christmas? Visit the Rockefeller Center and see its giant Christmas tree, then glide around the ice rink afterwards hand in hand. Take your girlfriend to a show on Broadway followed by a ride on a horse drawn carriage through Central Park. All that is left for you to do is utter those four little words “Will You Marry Me?”.


Rome

A list of the most romantic places to propose wouldn’t be complete without Rome! Surrounded by beautiful architecture and historic landmarks, finding a beautiful spot to pop the question isn’t hard. The top choice must be the Trevi Fountain; seen as the most romantic and beautiful place in Rome. Drop to one knee at night, with the light from the fountain illuminating her delighted face. Afterwards toss a coin into the fountain together and make a wish to your future happiness together.

Bavaria, Germany

The fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle that belonged to 19th century Bavarian King Ludwig II and set high in the stunning Bavarian mountains should put a huge smile on the face of your loved one.

By taking a horse-drawn carriage up the hill to the castle you’ll start to feel like royalty from centuries past. Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the world’s most magical castles and was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. The perfect place to propose to your very own princess!


Cliffs of Moher, ClareOf course there are also lots of romantic places to propose closer to home! Why not take a trip to the world famous Cliffs of Moher in West Clare. Be prepared by packing a picnic blanket and a warm coat. Then as you look out onto the Atlantic Ocean and across Galway Bay, get down on bended knee and ask the all important question.

Mizen Head, West CorkVisit Ireland’s most south westerly point and pick your perfect proposal spot whether it be the old lighthouse, the weather station or simply sitting overlooking the dramatic cliff scenery. Pack a small bottle of bubbly so that you can both toast the special moment in this gorgeous location.


Torc Waterfall, KillarneyTorc Waterfall set in the Killarney National Park, oozes romance with its picturesque location at the foot of Torc Mountain. Pick a spot on one of the large rocks over-looking the waterfall and make sure to hold on tight as you surprise her with a gorgeous ring!

Thomond Park, LimerickLadies, if your man is a die-hard Munster Rugby fan then what better place to propose than in the home of Munster Rugby! Bring him to a match and have pre-arranged for the proposal to pop up on the big screen at half time! Then present him with a pair of cufflinks with the engraving “Marry Me?”.


CELEBRITY PROPOSALS


Brian O’ Driscoll & Amy HubermanShortly after captaining Ireland to the grand slam in 2009, Brian popped the question to Amy the night after her 30th birthday party. True romantic Brian showed his softer side by spelling out ‘Will You Marry Me?’ in flowers in the back garden of their Dublin home.

Ray D’arcy & Jenny KellyRay shocked Jenny by popping the question as he stood fresh out of the shower in his boxer shorts.... Fortunately he decided to go down the romantic route a few weeks later when on Christmas day he decorated their bed with petals and placed the ring in the centre. Then Ray (along with their daughter Kate) both got down on one knee and asked for Jenny’s hand in marriage.

Alan Hughes & Karl BroderickWhen TV3 favourite Alan Hughes won the reality TV show Celebrity Salon he excitedly phoned Karl to let him know and told him ‘I’ll be able to get home for an hour’. Karl however had his own celebrations in mind and within the space of Alan arriving back had their home covered in candles and flowers. Then when Alan got home, Karl went down on one knee and proposed!


Prince William & Kate MiddletonProposing to your other half is nerve-wracking at the best of times, so just imagine if you’re also asking her to become the future Queen of England! Prince William popped the question to long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton during a romantic break at an African lodge. But he only got down on one knee after hiding the ring in his rucksack for three weeks beforehand!

The ring itself has a dazzling 18-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds. Just as impressive however is that the ring had been his late mother’s, so holds important sentimental value and makes it all the more romantic!

Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-JonesThe eve of the millennium was the date, and the Aspen home of Hollywood producer and actor Michael Douglas was the setting for a New Year’s proposal. Following an evening of celebration to see in the new year/century/millennium, Douglas presented actress Catherine Zeta-Jones with an antique, 10-carat marquise-cut diamond ring.

Giuliana DePandi & Bill Rancic The US Apprentice winner Bill Rancic’s proposal to E! News anchor Giuliana DePandi took the couple to new heights. A limo met Giuliana at the Chicago airport and whisked her off to a nearby helipad where Rancic was waiting, holding her favourite pizza and a bottle of champagne. He waited until they were flying over downtown Chicago, with all the holiday lights on display, to propose. Giuliana’s sparkler is a 4-carat cushion cut diamond ring and goes with any red carpet ensemble!


Robbie Williams & Ayda FieldWhen pop star Robbie Williams proposed to Ayda Field, he took four queen cards from a deck and handed them to Ayda. When she turned them over, each had a word written on it, which spelled out ‘Will You Marry Me’. Afterwards, Robbie explained that when he split a pack of cards, he would always come up with a Queen of Hearts so it filled his heart and made him know that he was with the right person.

Ben Stiller & Christine TaylorSometimes, the big moment doesn’t always go to plan! Usually known for starring in hilarious comedies, Ben Stiller didn’t mean to be quite so funny when he proposed to girlfriend Christine. He decorated her house with rose petals and candles, got down on bended knee and then … realised he’d left the ring in his rucksack! Luckily she still said yes!

Pink & Carey HartThe pop singer took matters into her own hands when she proposed to her motocross racer boyfriend Carey Hart. As he made laps around the track during a race, the songstress held up a sign that said: ‘Will You Marry Me?’ When he failed to pull over, she flipped the sign over to say: ‘I’m Serious.’ He then immediately quit the race and ran over to accept her proposal.


CHOOSING THE

RIGHT RING



Choosing the Perfect Diamond RingObviously this is a vital part of the perfect proposal. Before making a decision, you need to become a master in covert operations to find out exactly what she wants:

• Ask friends and family if she has ever mentioned a preference for a diamond cut and ring style. Does she prefer delicate pieces or more chunky ones?• Does she prefer yellow gold or white metals like white gold or platinum?• Collect a Keanes Catalogue from your nearest store and leave it where she’ll find it. Without arousing suspicion, look through it together and take note of her comments. Once you’ve determined her style leave the rest to the expert advice of Keanes’ consultants.

Determining Her Ring SizeThis is not as difficult as it seems and you don’t have to worry if you don’t get it exactly right as Keanes will happily resize the ring if necessary.

Here are some techniques you could explore:

• Make an impression of one of her rings in a bar of soap.• Measure the diameter of the inside of the ring with a ruler.• To ensure a perfect fit take one of her rings to Keanes to have it sized.


Buying Diamonds - the Serious Bit!

Here are just a few tips on what to look out for whenbuying diamonds - it gets a bit technical but don’t worry -at Keanes we only stock the finest diamonds so you havenothing to fear.

The 4 C’s

Colour, Carat, Cut and Clarity are used worldwide todescribe the quality of diamonds. These can vary hugelyand impact on how dazzling and valuable the stones are.You want to be sure that the ring you buy will match the effort you put into your proposal, so read on!


Colour

We always think of diamonds as being “crystal clear” and the very best and rarest diamonds are colourless. The scale of colour quality goes from colourless to light yellow. The differences from one grade to another are very subtle. Diamonds with a very strong colour - such as pink, red or strong yellow are very rare and very valuable.

Carat

The size of a diamond is measured in “carat” which is a unit of weight. You’ll be glad to hear that big is not necessarily better - diamonds of high quality can be found in all size ranges. However one diamond of one carat is usually worth more than two diamonds of 0.50ct.


Cut

Put simply, the better the cut the more the diamond sparkles. Light travelling through a well cut diamond bounces back out the top of the diamond allowing it to dazzle.

Cut also refers to the shape of the diamond itself. Themost popular shape is the Round Brilliant Cut as this sparkles the most, but there are many other popular shapes.

An ideal cut diamond makes full use of the light

entering it, maximising its brilliance and ‘fire’

The seven most common diamond cuts.

ROUNDBRILLIANT MARQUISE PEAR EMERALD OVAL HEART PRINCESS

LIGHT OUT LIGHT IN


Clarity

Diamonds are formed naturally, and so most of them contain tiny natural marks within the diamond known as inclusions. The number of inclusions, how big they are and where they are located all affect a diamond’s clarity. The less inclusions a diamond has the rarer and more valuable it is.

Phew! The Technical Bit is Over!

FL-IF

Flawless tointernallyflawless

(minor surfaceblemishes)

WS1-WS

2

Very, verysmall

inclusions

VS1-VS

2

Verysmall

inclusions

SI1-SI

2

Smallinclusions

I1-P

3

Inclusionsvisable tothe naked

eye


Now the rest is up to you!

Here are a few words for inspiration

“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” - Aristotle

“I love you not only for what you are,but for what I am when I am with you.”

- Roy Croft

We’d love to hear how you get on –Join us on facebook @ keanesjewellers

And remember if you want any help along theway drop in or give us a call - we have over 60 years

and 3 generations of experience to draw on!

The Little Book of

ROMANTICPROPOSALS

93-95 Oliver Plunkett St., Cork Tel: 021 427125610 O’Connell St., Limerick Tel: 061 481080

2 High St., Killarney, Co. Kerry Tel: 064 6631515

www.keanes.ie


Jewellers since 1948Limerick | Cork | Killarney

Keanes A6 book inside pages A6 proposal... · 2014-04-25 · Keanes’ Little Book of Romantic Proposals promises to get you through asking one of the most important questions of

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