HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?
Here are some options to help you navigate based on common needs & enquiries.
Believe it or not Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the two biggest events on the calendar for proposals. Having helped over 5800 couples on their journey to finding their perfect engagement ring, it never ceases to amaze me how popular this time of year is.
I can’t really blame guys for choosing this time to propose. Everyone is normally taking time off with their partners to celebrate the holiday season, families are coming together, and lets be honest a fair amount of holiday cheer is involved. Whatever your reason for choosing this time of year to get engaged i have;
While you might think that a public proposal in front of all of her family might be the romantic gesture she has been waiting for, the truth is most ladies would prefer a more personal intimate setting with just the two of you.
While i am sure the answer would still be “YES”, proposing with a ring will DEFINITELY create a bigger WOW factor
I might be a romantic and a traditionalist, but i still think it is a nice gesture that most fiancée’s (and their dad’s) appreciate.
You might think you are a “wing it” kind of guy, but this is one of those special moments where you want to make sure everything is said just right. So spend a few minutes rehearsing what you are going to say before you get down on one knee. A lot of guys can get caught up in the moment, and if you haven’t practiced, all your best ideas may go out of the window.
Despite the best intentions and planning, sometimes things just don’t work out as well as you planned. So having a backup plan come sometimes calm the nerves. If you are planning an outdoor proposal, maybe have an indoor spot picked out, just in case Mother Nature tries to put a spanner in the works.
If this is the first time you have taken your partner out on a date in a long time, chances are she is going to suspect that something is up. So if a surprise proposal is high on your hit list, then makes sure you plan the lead in with a few extra outings.
On many occasions a bride to be, has commented to me that their partner was acting really weird before the proposal. Just remember millions of guys have gone through what you are about to go through you, and millions will go through it after you. It really isn’t as scary as your mind might make it out to be.
Often the process of choosing an engagement ring can be all consuming, and it seems to take everything they have just to make this important decision. One of the great things i get to do is to coach guys through the process not just about buying an engagement ring, but all the things they need to do before and after the pick up the ring.
Just remember, it doesn’t need to be difficult. Choosing an engagement ring can not only be easy, but also a fun and enjoyable experience as well. So if you have been thinking of taking the plunge this Christmas time – Don’t put it of any longer. 🙂
If you would like help, in choosing the perfect engagement ring, there is a lot of great information in my recently published book, “Rock Her World” or you can listen to a sample chapter here
Did you get a new years proposal? If the answer is no, and you have been together for what seems like “enough time”. Maybe it might be time to take an active role and plan for your upcoming engagement.
Plan to be engaged
Like anything in life, if you want something special you need to plan for it. Whether it is a new car, holiday or your dream engagement ring, the key is to lay some groundwork. Depending on your age and how long you have been together, you may do some, or all of these tips on how to get engaged.
I wish i could say that guys can take a hint. But the truth is, most of us will procrastinate when something seems a little difficult. For some guys not knowing what sort of engagement ring you want, can be a significant factor in putting off the engagement. Having some tips on how to get engaged and choose the perfect engagement ring can make the difference between having an amazing engagement ring that blows your away and something that you will love just because your partner chose it for you.
If you think your partner is putting off a proposal because he doesn’t know what you want in an engagement ring, then we can help. We have some great tips to help guide him through that initial “looking phase” to really find out what your style is and what will look amazing on your finger.
If that fails there is always our FREE arm twisting service to help get him across the line. You can try tweeting it here 🙂
[Tweet “I need @XennoxDiamonds FREE arm twisting service to help my partner get the perfect engagement ring”]
Are you in need of a holiday? Or are you planning a wedding and looking for an amazing destination to kick back and recover from all your wedding planning? For some couples, all the effort that goes into planning a holiday can really take its toll. To help we are having our annual holiday promotion. We are picking up the tab for the resort accommodation at the Paradise Taveuni Resort in Fiji. This honeymoon location is a great way to recharge the batteries and reconnect with your new loved one.
With the average Australian wedding now costing over $40,000, a relaxing overseas tropical honeymoon is something high on the wish list for brides today. Even better if it is a FREE holiday. If you have been trying to decide where to go for your honeymoon, this might make the decision making process a little easier.
Lucky couples who purchase their wedding or engagement ring from Xennox Diamonds between July and August 2014, will see themselves soaking up the sun with a free holiday in Fiji. Saving the stress and expense of planning that dream honeymoon and leaving nothing to do but relax and bask in the beauty of that sparkling new ring.
While the concept for this promotion was designed around honeymoon’s, there is no reason why it can’t be used to plan a surprise proposal, Hint, Hint !!!! Gentlemen, please take note, this location would be ideal for popping the question. The money you save on the free holiday, could even go towards the ring you will be proposing with. Now there really has never been a better time to take the plunge. It will truly be a proposal she will never forget.
Taveuni Island Resort & Spa is the jewel of the Pacific. It is set in ten acres of immaculate manicured tropical gardens, and accommodates only 12 privileged couples. There are only twelve accommodations with each house positioned for maximum privacy and to take advantage of the spectacular views over the azure ocean and surrounding islands.
On trip advisor, Paradise Taveuni has received a 4 1/2 star rating from more than 200 reviews, and a 94% thumbs up rating. You can see more of the reviews here
There are three levels of accommodation on offer,
a. For purchases between AUD$4,000-$7,000 will recieve a AUD$2,000
holiday package at Paradise Taveuni, Fiji. Inclusive of 5 nights
accommodation, breakfast daily, return airport transfers and activities.
b. For purchases between AUD$7,001-$14,000 will receive a AUD$2,600
holiday package at Paradise Taveuni, Fiji. Inclusive of 5 nights
accommodation, breakfast daily, a one course lunch, two course dinner, return
airport transfers, a Paradise Massage and activities.
c. For purchases AUD$14,001 or greater will receive a
AUD$3,600 holiday package at Paradise Taveuni, Fiji. Inclusive of 7 nights
accommodation, all meals, return airport transfers, Wi-Fi access, a Paradise
Massage and activities.
All holiday packages must be booked before 30th June, 2015 and used before 30th November, 2015. You can see more of the T@C here
Please feel free to post any questions you have.
I think guys who are buying an engagement ring on their own deserve respect. It can be a really daunting experience and there is a lot of pressure to get it right. Over the last 20 years I have helped a lot of gentlemen choose a beautiful diamond engagement ring for their fiancées. Make sure when you are buying an engagement ring, you make it one she will love forever. 
If you think i have missed anything, would love you to post it in the comments section below.
Resizing rings is something of a daily occurrence for manufacturing jewellers. However it never ceases to amaze me how many times I hear from clients who have been to other jewellers that a ring can not be resized to suit their fingers. While it may be difficult at times to resize a ring, it is rarely impossible. The following is a list of some of the rings that we often resize.
If you ever have any questions about resizing your diamond engagement ring, please don’t hesitate to email me, or post a comment below. If your ring doesn’t sit well, don’t put up with it, come and see us.The Xennox Diamonds team are always here at your disposal to answer any of your jewellery questions. With our onsite master jewellers there is almost no ring that we can’t resize.
Engagement ring claws are an essential part to holding your diamond in place. Whether you have four or six claws, it is still possible for the claw to become separated from your diamond. Through normal everyday wear, your engagement ring claws are prone to being bumped and knocked. This can cause the claws to come away from the centre stone. Like anything in life, things that you use and wear require maintenance, and if properly looked after will give you many years of enjoyment.
If you feel any of the above symptoms it is extremely important to take your ring straight into a manufacturing jewellery to have your claws checked.
This is what it looks like when your claws come away from your diamond.
It is always important to have your jewellery checked at least once a year to make sure your diamond is secure. For a qualified jeweller, tightening a stone is easy. Replacing the stone once it has been lost however can be a much more difficult process.
At Xennox Diamonds we offer complimentary tightening on all our diamond rings. If you ever feel like your claws are catching, we can often tighten them while you wait. We can also extend this service to rings that are not purchased from us. If you are worried about your setting and just want to have it checked, simply bring it in to us for a complimentary clean and check.
Please feel free to post any comments or questions you have about your claw settings below, and i will be happy to answer them for you there.
Gym’s are great for personal fitness but a gym will kill your rings. Some of the most destroyed pieces of jewellery i have ever seen come from avid gym trainers who wear their jewellery at the gym. If you want to protect your ring and increase its life expectancy, then here are some things to avoid the gym killing your rings.
1. Metal on metal
Gold and platinum are still soft metals compared to that of the steel bars and dumbells at a gym. The crisscross serrated pattern will cut into your ring like butter, or leaved a hammered like appearance on the metal. While this can be polished out, every time you have to polish a ring, it takes of a fine layer of gold – prematurely wearing the ring down.
2. Distorting the rings shape
When you lift weights or anything of substance it puts an uneven pressure on two sides of the ring, causing it to be pushed out of shape and have an oval appearance when placed flat on a table. The more times a ring is moved out of its centre position the more brittle it becomes. This will cause the ring to crack at its weakest point, which is usually the solder join at the bottom of the ring. While this can be repaired, if it is done to often it will wear down your ring.
3. Causing diamonds to come loose
A second factor of the ring being pushed out of shape is that it causes the top setting of your ring to open and close. This flexing motion will gradually make the stones of your engagement ring loose, which will require more trips to the jeweller for regular maintenance to have the stones tightened.
4. Dermatitis
While working up a sweat at the gym is a great goal if you are looking to tone up, sometimes it can cause dermatitis if the moisture becomes trapped under your rings. This is generally made worse in the lower carat golds such as 9ct, as there are more minor alloys that can react with your skin.
5. Rhodium plating
If you ring is made of white gold, then it most likely has a surface rhodium plating applied to it. While this process is normally redone every 2-3 years with normal wear and tear. Wearing your rings at the gym will speed up the deterioration of the rhodium.
1. Put your ring in your locker
Putting your rings in a lockable locker is perhaps the most secure option for your rings as it will avoid any metal contact. Depending on the gym that you go to, this may not be possible. For some ladies it is also a trust issue. After all your engagement and wedding ring are very sentimental, and you wouldn’t want it to be misplaced. If you are at all worried about this there is one final option.
2. Wear your ring on a chain
Choosing a metal carat that is the same as your ring is the best option. So if your ring is 18ct white gold, choose an 18ct white gold chain. Likewise if you have a platinum engagement ring or wedding ring choose a platinum chain. 9ct chains are to be avoided if you can help it. Because the 9ct is so much more brittle it is a lot more prone to snapping, which could result in the loss of your rings. The best style of chain for hanging a ring on is a Foxtail chain. It has three links reinforcing each other, so will be able to carry even the heaviest ring.
3.Try choosing a Platinum600 wedding band.
It is regular platinum wedding ring combined with Tungsten. Which means that not only can it be resized, it is twice as hard as 9ct, and even 20% harder than normal platinum.
If you do go to the gym regularly and have another solution i would love to hear it. Please email me your best gym ring saving tips.
While engagement ring insurance might not be the first thing you think after you finally find “The One”. It could be one of the second most important decision you make. No one knows what’s around the corner. For example;
If these seem like specific examples, it is because they have actually happened. If you want to make sure your example doesn’t get added to the list, now might be a good time to review your ring insurance.
While a lot of Insurance companies might cover jewellery in their policies as an add on, it is not their specialty. Ring insurance is a very precise field and requires a completely tailored insurer who specialises in quality jewellery. If you do decide to use your current home and contents insurer, make sure that you read the fine print.
Conditions to be aware of;
While nothing can ever replace the sentimental attachment you had with your jewellery, it is important to protect yourself from financial loss. The sentiment behind your rings is priceless, but the rings themselves can be replaced, if you have the right ring insurance. You also need to make sure your valuation certificate has these 5 important elements.
For complete piece of mind, we strongly recommend our clients consider Q Report which is backed by Chubb Insurance of Australia .We understand everyone’s circumstance are different and you may want to go online and read their policy , but from our experience nothing else comes close. We as jewellers hate seeing clients go through the trauma of a claim, where they have had either inadequate insurance, or their insurance company is trying to back out of a claim. In my experience Q report offers clients a clear difference when choosing to protect their jewellery.
If you would like help with your ring insurance, visit us in store to obtain a quote. The helpful staff at Xennox Diamonds, will clean, inspect and check your jewellery, while we prepare your quote. If you would like complete piece of mind, to know that your rings are completely covered no matter what happens to them, then there really is only one clear option. If you have any questions about your ring insurance or a claim that you are currently undertaking, please email us at info@xennoxdiamonds.com.au, or post a comment below, we are here to help.
Karl
To re-propose or not, is an issue that confronts a lot of men after a proposal mishap. Re-proposing, is there even such a word? Is proposing something that can only happen once? I know there are many times in our lives where we wish we had a re-do button. So if you make a mistake with your first proposal, why not re-propose and create a new memory?
Didn’t have the right ring the first time or you know that she is particular and were unsure as to which ring she would like? Weather destroyed your plans? Lost the element of surprise? Didn’t say all the things you wanted to? If you’ve answered yes to any one of these questions, perhaps you should consider re-proposing?
According to a study by Theknot, 32% of women say the biggest proposal mistake you can make is not having a ring. If you proposed without a ring or it turned out to be the wrong ring, re-proposing could be an excellent idea to recreate the perfect moment. This time, you will have the right ring and the element of surprise still won’t be lost.
If you are worried about choosing the wrong ring, it might be a good idea to walk her past the odd jewellery store or two. Be mindful about timing though. Don’t do it the week before you propose as it will still be quite fresh in her mind. Ideally, try and allow a six month time frame between walking past jewellery stores and popping the question. If you are still unsure and decide to include her in the process, there is no reason why the proposal can’t still be a surprise. In doing so, make sure you reassure her that it will take place at some point it the near future. Once you have chosen the design, it could be a good idea to set a false date in the future. For example, if it is January, tell her you are planning something amazing at Christmas time, but then plan to whisk her away in June to a surprise location.
If you decide to propose without the ring, then choose a different location to re-propose. That way she won’t suspect a thing. If you do propose with a ring that she doesn’t like, try not to take it personally. Better that she says something now, then live the rest of her life with a ring that she doesn’t like. Or worse still, find out 20 years later that she didn’t like it. A beautiful engagement ring is something you should be proud of. It is always a good idea to ask about the exchange policy with the jewellery store you are purchasing the ring from should it not be quite right. That way you can re-propose with the right ring, without losing out.
If you lost the element of surprise the first time, undoubtedly you will have learnt a thing or two for the second time around. It might be because you decided to take your partner out on a date for the first time in six months. So, if you are planning a surprise proposal, it’s not a bad idea to take her out on a few “dummy dates” to throw her off your proposal “scent”. Try and act natural. Getting down on one knee and picking up a napkin off the floor for example, is only going to start putting ideas in her mind that a proposal is imminent.
Think about how you are going to transport the ring. A big ring box in tight jeans is a dead giveaway. A small proposal pouch is a great way to conceal the ring until the right moment arises. A proposal pouch is also a great idea if you are going through customs for example, as it can be easily hidden in your wallet.
Weather destroyed your plans? If you were planning to go hot air ballooning and that morning a hurricane decided to come and spoil all your hard work, then it would be a good idea to re-propose somewhere else where you will be less dependent upon the weather.Try taking a drive up to the top of the mountain to make the most of that picturesque, romantic view, ideally a place that has an indoor setting that can’t be spoiled by bad weather.
Been married for a few years and want to surprise her with the unexpected? A re-proposal might be just what the doctor ordered. Offer to take her rings in for their annual clean and check. Make sure you get the engagement and wedding rings polished so that they appear shiny and new again. It can either be a re-enactment of your original proposal if it was amazing or you can create a whole new proposal concept. Perhaps this could be the perfect opportunity to do all the things you wish you could have done the first time? Whether that means going to the place you wished you could have afforded to take her or saying the words you wished you had said the first time around. I guarantee that no matter what you do, it will be something she will remember forever.
If you need help with choosing the perfect engagement ring, come and see the team at Xennox Diamonds. Our friendly staff will help guide you through the process, and if the ring isn’t quite right, we will let you change it so that you can re-propose with a ring she loves.
Have you been waiting for Mr Right to propose with your dream engagement ring? If it doesn’t look like it is going to happen any time soon, maybe you might need to start dropping some carefully positioned hints in order to get the ball rolling. After all, maybe the reason he hasn’t proposed is because he doesn’t know which engagement ring you like? When you think about it, you would actually be doing him a favour by helping him along this journey. Whether you choose to drop these hints or not, and how often you drop them might depend on how long you have been together or whether you have discussed the prospect of marriage yet. The average time before most couples consider tying the knot is usually around the 3-5 years.
Circling engagement rings in catalogues or magazines is a great way to show your partner which rings you like. Similarly, putting crosses through rings that you dislike, will definitely let him know what NOT to buy. A few well positioned notes also next to the ring such as “my dream ring” could certainly help your cause. Once you have selected the ring or rings you like, the next thing you need to do is strategically place them around the house. A great place would be a coffee table, with the TV remote placed on top of it. If he misses this subtle clue, try opening the magazine to the right page.
They often say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If watching tv is not his thing, why not try cutting out your favourite engagement ring picture and putting it on the fridge? That way he is more likely to see it.
Once you find your dream ring, try taking a photo of it and strategically placing it on technological devices. With most smart phones these days, you can save the photo to your lock screen or your phones background. Your home computer is also a great place to save your photo somewhat subtly on the desktop, and perhaps less so as the screensaver.
Liking an engagement ring specialist Facebook page is always a subtle way to let him know you are interested in moving your relationship to the next stage. If that doesn’t work, try tagging him in your favourite engagement ring photos or in the comments section of your different wedding and engagement ring related posts.
The Jewellery Store Drive-byIf you find yourself walking past a jewellery store, gradually drift over to the window. As he follows you, make a few comments about the engagement rings you do and perhaps don’t like. The subtle version can be a general casual remark about the ring styles you like. For example, “Isn’t that one beautiful? I love the white gold princess cut diamond rings”. The more overt version may start something like, ” When you propose to me, I like these designs….”
Designing or shopping for your engagement ring together might not seem as romantic, but is a sure-fire way to get the exact ring that you want. One way to make it easier is to cut down the number of jewellery stores he gets dragged through by doing some of the leg work for him. After you have narrowed it down to a few stores by yourself, get a few designs you like written on cards. Try and keep the number of rings you like to two or three, that way he will still at least have had some input into choosing your engagement ring and there will still be an element of surprise. Don’t be afraid to tell him exactly what it is you do and don’t like from a design point of view. He can always personalise it later from a diamond size perspective. Don’t worry if you know what the engagement ring looks like, he still will be able to keep the proposal a romantic surprise for you. Once you have chosen the ring with him, make sure you put it out of your mind and not nag him every week for it. You have done all the ground work for him, now it is time to let romance take its course.
If you would like something totally unique and individual, you are welcome to come into our design showroom anytime. We have Brisbane’s largest range of engagement and wedding rings, and with our onsite workshop can combine multiple ring styles you like, into the one perfect engagement ring for you. After all you are going to wear it for the next 50 – 60 years, so we won’t let you settle for anything less than perfect. The team at Xennox Diamonds are always available for advice. You can either email us, or connect with us through Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest or Instagram.
