The holiday season is a magical time to celebrate love, whether by gifting a timeless piece of jewellery or planning a heartfelt proposal. To help you navigate a holiday proposal, Jessica and Brent Harden of La Maison d’Or in Ottawa share their expert insights to help you make this season truly unforgettable.
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Choosing the Perfect Holiday Jewellery
Shopping for your first piece of fine jewellery can feel overwhelming, but Jessica recommends starting simple with the basics. Observing your loved one’s current style is key. You’ve probably already noticed if they prefer gold or silver, or if they gravitate toward diamonds, gemstones, or minimalist designs.
If you still find yourself in doubt, classic options are always a safe bet. Timeless pieces like diamond stud earrings, necklaces, and matching bracelet sets are versatile and well-loved, and can be worn in a variety of different scenarios from casual outings to formal events.
Why the Holidays Are Perfect for Proposals
The festive season is a popular time for engagements, as it brings family together and creates an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. According to Brent & Jessica, choosing a custom engagement ring for the proposal adds a personal touch, ensuring your loved one feels truly cherished.
When planning the perfect proposal, timing is everything. Avoid scheduling the proposal during busy or conflicting holiday events. Instead, choose a private and meaningful moment that you and your partner will treasure forever. Consider future anniversaries and pick a date and setting that you’ll want to remember and celebrate for years to come. Thoughtfulness is key, so take the time to create a picturesque and romantic atmosphere—whether it’s a snowy forest, a cozy cabin, or under sparkling holiday lights. The old adage of location, location, location, “rings” true here!
How Long Does It Take to Create a Custom Engagement Ring?
Custom engagement rings take time, so starting early is always advised. Fully custom rings often require six to eight weeks, especially during the busy holiday season. Semi-custom options, which involve slight modifications to existing designs, can typically be completed in early December. For last-minute shoppers, there are settings that can be set with a diamond or gemstone of your choice. To avoid unnecessary stress, it’s best to start the process in October or November.
Trends in Engagement Rings & Fine Jewellery
This season, many couples are opting for elongated radiant cuts, pear-shaped diamonds, and wider bands with intricate designs. For jewellery beyond engagement rings, diamond hoops, bracelets, and matching sets remain ever popular, with unique designs like leaf or butterfly motifs drawing special attention. Collections such as Simon G offer elegant and distinctive pieces that make perfect holiday gifts.
Ensuring the Perfect Fit
When gifting jewellery, it’s important to get the details right, especially for rings. If you’re unsure of their size, using an existing ring to measure can help, but make sure you take a look at it discretely, you don’t want to give away your plans if you are hoping for it to be a true surprise. Just in case, we offer complimentary adjustments to ensure the perfect fit. For other holiday gifts like necklaces and bracelets, minor tweaks like adjusting chain lengths can also be easily accommodated.
Creating the Perfect Proposal Moment
Making your holiday proposal unforgettable starts with preparation. Brent emphasizes the importance of creating a setting where your loved one will feel comfortable and confident. Jessica urges those planning to consider their loved one’s personality. Do they love dressing up for special occasions? Are they more reserved or subdued? Plan the proposal in a location that suits their style and feels romantic.
Celebrating together is another crucial element. Your partner will likely want to share the happy news with family and friends, so have a plan in place for how you’ll celebrate afterward. Adding thoughtful touches like champagne or a beautiful photo opportunity can make the moment even
more memorable. Most importantly, take a breath, slow down, and enjoy the moment. Express what’s in your heart and savour the joy of this special occasion.
The January Engagement Ring & Wedding Band Show
For those planning ahead for the next few years, our Engagement Ring & Wedding Band Show, January 15–26th 2025, is the perfect opportunity to explore your options.
This event features an expanded selection of engagement rings and wedding bands, exclusive promotions, and complimentary gifts with purchase. Relax, celebrate, and enjoy the process of finding the perfect ring!
The holidays are a unique opportunity to express love and commitment through thoughtful jewellery gifts and memorable proposals. Whether you’re selecting a holiday gift or planning to pop the question, we are here to help you create a moment that will be treasured forever.