Top 10 Signs He Is About To Propose

How to crack the case on your boyfriend proposal plans!!  

You and your girlfriend have discussed the “M” word – marriage – and are ready to take the next step. So, what are you waiting for? The proposal, of course! With the most romantic day of the year – Valentine’s Day – approaching, women all over the country are anxiously awaiting the proposal of their dreams. In fact, according to proposal experts, approximately 24,000 proposals happen on Valentine’s Day each year. As you mentally plan your emotional acceptance and continue your regimen of weekly manicures, don’t forget to observe your boyfriend’s behaviour for definite clues that “the question” is coming.

Is He Sending Signals?
According to experts, women often witness unusual behaviour from their boyfriends just prior to marriage proposals. These people have researched more than 10,000 proposal stories and have spent years in the industry advising men on popping the question. Now, after reading this, I have compiled a list for you - from getting a new credit card to befriending with your dad — that may signal that your boyfriend is gearing up for the engagement:

So here are my top 10 signs he is about to propose. 
1. He’s cleaning his closet: If your boyfriend is finally tossing out that “private” box of mementos from former girlfriends, he is letting go of his past and is ready to focus on the future with you.

2. He’s sizing you up: Your favourite ring is missing and your best friend has been asking the size of your finger. Chances are your boyfriend is doing some investigating before visiting the jeweller.

3. He’s cutting costs: Dates have gone from gourmet dining to drive-through dinners — if your boyfriend is suddenly a miser; he may be saving up for the special day.

4. He goes for the gold: You spot your boyfriend flashing a shiny new gold card — many men open credit cards with higher spending limits to make the expensive ring purchase and snag some frequent flyer miles in the process.

5. He’s on the “We” channel: If his conversations no longer start with “My” but with “Our,” he is definitely ready to move out of singlesville.

6. He’s family oriented: Your boyfriend is enthusiastically organizing a get-together with both of your families. An anxious interest in “meeting the parents” is a true sign he’s ready for the next step.

7. He’s watching weddings: You attend a friend’s wedding and are shocked at your boyfriend’s commentary on the music, flowers and food. Even more surprising — he encourages you to catch the bouquet! 

8. He’s letting go of “The Bachelor” inside: He’s sold his scooter and cancelled his weekly poker games — a mature lifestyle change means marriage is sounding more meaningful to him than ever before.

9. He’s a man with a plan: Your socially laid-back guy suddenly insists on prior plans, and instead of waiting until Friday night to plan your weekend, he’s making arrangements Tuesday or earlier … he may have a certain social “engagement” that he doesn’t want you to miss. 

10. He’s your dad’s new golf partner: If a close connection has developed between your dad and your boyfriend it’s more than likely that they’ve had “the talk”. Good luck!!

Lewis Malka is a recognized expert in making diamond rings as well as being famous for being a jeweller to the stars. All his blogs are his own opinions. You can follow him daily on Facebook and Twitter. 
If you would like any bespoke jewellery made, then please visit his website.

www.joseph-sterling.com | lewis@Joseph-sterling.com

Engagement Ring Advice for Guys

Before we get started, can I be honest with you?

The best way to buy her an engagement ring she’ll love is to let her pick it out herself. She’ll wear this ring every day. It must feel good on her finger and it must suit her lifestyle. Sometimes it takes trying on many, many diamond shapes and setting styles to determine which ring is truly “best.”

But you still want to go it alone, don’t you? Maybe because you want to surprise her. Or because you don’t want her to be involved with pricing and payment issues. That’s fine! If you put some thought into it you can buy an engagement ring that she’ll love almost as much as she loves you.

Number 1: Pay Attention!
Paying attention to her jewellery likes and dislikes is the first big step towards finding her the perfect engagement ring:
What metal colour does she wear now? Most women have a definite preference.
If she loves white gold or platinum, don’t even look at a diamond or other stone mounted in a yellow gold ring setting. What style of jewellery does she wear now? Is it contemporary-looking, with bold styling? Does she prefer vintage looking rings? Or would you say that the jewellery she wears is classic, resembling those timeless pieces that never go out of style? What is the difference between white gold and platinum? 

The best indication of her tastes is the jewellery she wears all the time, not items she only wears occasionally, because it’s the full-timers that she’s most comfortable with.

Number 2: Has She Hinted at her Likes and Dislikes?
Has she ever mentioned her favourite jewellery styles or pointed out engagement rings when you’re shopping together? If not, take her shopping. It isn’t difficult to steer yourselves towards the jewellery shops. If you want to be subtle, say you’re looking for a new watch, but be sure to pause at the engagement ring counters.
Maybe she has a friend who recently became engaged. Does she like her friend’s engagement ring? Why or why not?
Does she like diamonds? Some women don’t. Sapphires and rubies are both durable gemstones that are often set into engagement rings for women who don’t like to wear diamonds.

Number 3: What Looks Best on Her Hands?
An elongated diamond, such as a marquise or oval, can make short fingers look more sleek but be careful not to overdo the look or it could have the opposite effect.
Wide bands usually make fingers appear even shorter than they are, so think proportional:
Women with long fingers can easily wear bold ring styles.
A setting that’s extremely delicate could get lost on large hands, over-emphasizing their size and making the ring look smaller.

Number 4: Choose the Right Shape & Setting
Round diamonds are the number one shape chosen by brides, but maybe not your bride. She might prefer an elongated marquise, oval or pear-shaped stone, or a square or emerald cut diamond. Fancier shapes, such as hearts, are another option.
Do you think she’d like a solitaire diamond, set alone in a band, or would she prefer a cluster of stones? Her current jewellery can give you clues about her preferences.

Number 5: Consider her Lifestyle
How will the ring fit in with her lifestyle? Does she work in a profession where fussy jewellery would look out of place? Even if she doesn’t, remember that a pointed gem with high prongs could snag clothing (and people) and is harder to keep clean. Save that type of ring for gifts that will be worn on special occasions, not every day.

Number 6: What’s her Ring Size?
Does she have rings that she wears on her engagement finger? Maybe a friend or family member could get hold of one of them long enough for you to have it sized. Of course, you’ll have to swear the messenger to secrecy.

Number 7: Consider a Loose Diamond
If you think you know which shape she loves, buy a loose diamond to show her when you ask the big question. The two of you can shop together later for the perfect engagement ring setting.

Now that you have a better feel for the style of ring she might prefer, it’s time to consider the diamonds that will go into it. Start with the Four C’s, and then take some time to browse our website for other designs and styles. 

Lewis Malka is a recognized expert in making diamond rings as well as being famous for being a jeweller to the stars. All his blogs are his own opinions. You can follow him daily on Facebook and Twitter. 
If you would like any bespoke jewellery made, then please visit his website.

www.joseph-sterling.com | lewis@Joseph-sterling.com