Hot Air Balloon Engagement Proposal: Jamie and Tom’s Unforgettable Trip To India

Jamie in front of the Taj Mahal with her round diamond solitaire engagement ring

By Chris Benham, co-founder and director of Inspired Jewellery Ltd., and Angelka Vegar, marketing coordinator of Inspired Jewellery Ltd.

After a couple of years talking about it, Jamie and Tom finally decided that 2017 was the year they would move their lives to London. Tom also decided that it was the year he was going to ask Jamie to marry him. 

Before flying to London, the couple set their sights on India with a month long trip exploring the “famously chaotic” country. “Truth be told”, says Jamie, “India wasn't next on my must-see list. In fact, it wasn’t on there at all. But it was first on Tom's bucket list so we booked tickets." 

Tom readies to propose to Jamie at sunrise on a hot air balloon

The date was set, the bags were packed and Jamie was unsure what to expect but if one thing was for certain it was that an adventure awaited. Little did she know, Tom had been working with the team at The Village Goldsmith to design and craft the perfect engagement ring to come along for the ride. 

In fact, Jamie had no idea that Tom was planning to propose until the very moment he dropped down on one knee.

“He did an incredible job at keeping it hidden from me. He had already asked my Dad for his blessing before we left New Zealand and the ring box was couriered to him when he knew I would be at work.

“The ring itself was sent to Auckland Airport in a peppermints container so when he wandered off and came back with a book and mints for the plane, I didn’t think anything of it.

“He also managed to stay cool, calm and collected for a whole two weeks every time I kept going near and getting things out of his suitcase (and probably being a few millimeters away from finding the box.)”

Tom had his work cut out for him to try and make sure everything went to plan. He, and Jamie, quickly learned that, “you may have planned the trip but India is the one in control”.

“I had always joked to Tom that he was never allowed to propose unless my nails had been manicured so while we were in Pushkar, Tom and I both went to have a pedicure and he incredibly subtly enticed me into getting my hands done too. They did a terrible job though so I went back to the room incredibly grumpy that my “nails had been ruined” (drama queen). That wasn’t exactly part of Tom’s plan but, as he said, at least he tried and it wasn’t his fault.”

Tom proposed to Jamie two weeks into the trip in Jaipur, the Capital of Rajasthan, also known as 'The Pink City'.

“When we were researching India before our trip, we had read that doing a hot air balloon ride in Jaipur was meant to be spectacular so we arranged to have a private balloon ride over the Jaipur countryside to watch the sunrise”. 

Tom and Jamie were picked up by a driver at 5am for the hour-long ride to the hot air balloon launch site but, after all the preparation and inflation of the balloon, the ride was called off at the last minute because the wind conditions had changed.
 

The hot air balloon launch site in Jaipur

“Poor Tom had already had a sleepless night (all the anxiety and excitement of the proposal) and now he had to wait another long 24 hours before we could give it another attempt." 

Luckily, the next morning was the most perfect morning; the couple successfully took off and watched the sun rise over the mountains from their hot air balloon. 

“Floating in a balloon surrounded by pink skies and mountain tops was already the most surreal experience and then Tom asked the pilot to take some photos of us. He quickly leant down to ‘have a drink of water’ while I was staring out at the view, and then when I turned around, at 3150 ft in the air, Tom got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. 

Tom on one knee with the diamond solitaire ring asking Jamie to marry him high above the city of Jaipur

"Apparently, I said “of course I will” before I even looked at the ring - and while I absolutely adore the ring, Tom joked that my answer meant even more because it wasn’t dependent on whether I liked what was in the box.

“What I hadn’t realized until afterwards was Tom had put together a playlist of all our favorite songs which was playing for the duration of our balloon ride. 

“The proposal was a truly magical moment - one that still feels very surreal and out of a fairytale."

“Tom took particular amusement in the fact that I stubbed my toe the other day because I was too busy staring at the ring instead of looking where I was going.”

The happy couple celebrating 4,000 feet in the air

Both Tom and Jamie agree without a doubt that India was the most incredible country that they have been lucky enough to explore. With a marriage proposal thrown in the mix, it’s a trip, and a place, they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. 

Read Jamie’s latest post on her blog, The Blondini Chronicles - India as Female, Foreign and Fair-headed - plus travel tips and amazing photos from each Indian destination

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Tie The Knot With Colored Gem Engagement Rings

Small Twig ring with a 19.99 carat aquamarine available in 18k yellow, white, or rose gold and platinum by K. Brunini Jewels

Thanks to the De Beers “A Diamond is Forever” campaign, white diamonds matched with white metals have been the standard for engagement rings for more than 60 years in the United States. However, it wasn’t always that way, particularly among the rich, royal and famous when tying the knot.

Likoma ring in 18k white gold with a 4.18-carat pear-shaped pink tourmaline enhanced with grey, white and golden natural pearls and diamonds by Mellerio dits Meller

In 1796, a 26-year-old up-and-coming soldier named Napoleon Bonaparte presented his wife to be, Joséphine, with a sapphire and diamond engagement ring. The stones, each weighing 1 carat and mounted in gold, rest side by side facing opposite directions. Osenat auction house in Paris sold the ring in March 2013 for more than $1 million.

Majestic emerald-cut intense honey citrine and diamond ring by Alexandra Mor

When John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953, he did it with a gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring with a 2.88-carat diamond and 2.84-carat emerald enhanced with baguette diamonds, which were later replaced with round and marquis cut diamonds. 

6.39-carat pear-shaped yellow sapphire ring by Robert Procop

Perhaps the most famous colored gem engagement ring is the 18k white gold ring centered with a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by diamonds that Prince William presented to Kate Middleton in 2010 when he proposed marriage. The ring is a family heirloom, belonging to his late mother Princess Diana who received it as her engagement ring.

Eloise ring featuring three-stone paraiba by Erica Courtney

There are a number of modern day celebrity couples choosing colored gems for engagement rings. Among them:

* Singer and actress Jessica Simpson, who received a gold engagement ring from guitarist Eric Johnson in 2010 centered with an oversized ruby flanked by two diamonds on either side. The ring was designed by Neil Lane, who is known for his work with celebrities.

Platinum Stack Rings composed of the five individual rings shown, designed by Barbara Heinrich to collect, mix and match with your favorite colored gem and wear as an engagement ring, a wedding band, as a group right-hand ring, or individually

* Academy Award winner Halle Berry received a hand-forged gold ring flashing a 4-carat emerald in a one-of-a-kind setting. Designed by French jeweler, Robert Mazio, the square cut emerald is flanked by two smaller diamonds on each side of the ring. The ring reportedly has symbols and codes that only the wearer could see and tells the story of the love between Berry and her one-time husband Olivier Martinez. Unfortunately, the story didn’t end well for the couple. 

18k white gold ring with an aquamarine center stone surrounded by diamonds by Pasquale Bruni

* Australian cricket player Shane Warne proposed to actress Elizabeth Hurley with a 9-carat square-cut sapphire flanked by two trillion-cut white diamonds.

The Valentina 18k yellow gold ring by Anabel Higgins with an 18.74-carat rubellite surrounded by diamonds

There have been attempts by gem dealers, designers and jewelry retailers to bring the appeal of colored gems to bridal jewelry in the U.S., but consumers never took to it. When Kate Middleton, (now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) was married with the Ceylon sapphire, Sri Lankan gem dealers were anticipating a rush to buy similar gems for proposals, but even royal star power couldn’t sway the masses. 

18k rose gold Tourmaline Ring by Lucifer vir Honestus

However, in the luxury segment of the jewelry market, jewelers are willing to cater to those who want something different and unique. For example, earlier this year jewelry artist, Katey Brunini, unveiled a complete line of bridal jewels (engagement rings and wedding bands) featuring a variety of colored gems, including ruby, sapphire, emeralds and Beryl in hues that run from pastel to bold. The pieces include classic looks and organic, rough-textured shapes, described as “twigs” and “vertebrae.” 

Rose gold ring with a 6.23-carat emerald and diamonds by Vhernier

Venerable Parisian high jeweler, Mellerio dits Meller, recently released a collection of high jewelry cocktails ring, the “Private Collection,” that also could be used as engagement rings. They are designed by Laure-Isabelle Mellerio, the wife of M. Laurent Mellerio, the 14th Mellerio to head the family owned jeweler since 1613. 

Platinum ring with 2.11-carat blue oval sapphire solitaire set in a diamond filigree mounting by Alishan

Using colored gems is a way to create a ring that more fully describes the story of your marriage. 

Blue Topaz and diamond “Sea Leaf” ring by Miseno

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“Dearest” enamel stack ring by Alison Lou

Kanye Gives Kim Kardashian 15-Carat Diamond Engagement Ring

The news is out. Kanye West popped the question to Kim Kardashian. The more important part of the story is the 15-carat engagement ring he gave her. 

The diamond on the ring is more than a carat smaller than the center stone of the $2 million, 20-carat engagement ring given to Kardashian in 2011 by her former husband Kris Humphries. 

But what it lacks in size it may have been made up by the quality of the stone. The diamond is being described in reports as “flawless.” If the diamond is indeed “flawless” or “internally flawless” it could potentially be more valuable than the ring Humphries gave her. That ring was graded as I color and VS1 clarity, which is generally an above average grade. It sold at auction a week ago for $749,000, less than half of the original purchase price. 

Reports also describe the new ring as being much more expensive than the Humphries ring. 

“For a frame of reference, a 10 carat, D, Internally Flawless diamond cost about five times more than a 10 carat I, VS1,” said Joe Murawski of Joden World Resources, an antique and estate jeweler. 

David Cooper of Jeff Cooper Designs, a bridal jewelry manufacturer, said that while the improved grade of the diamond (if the reports are true) will add value, there are other more personal considerations that should go into a successful engagement ring purchase. 

“To me, what’s most importance when viewing any stone is what the stone says to you,” Cooper said. “A diamond like a person is unique and it should have a presence, personality and beauty all its own—regardless of color and clarity.” 

This ring, as the previous one, is designed by Lorraine Schwartz, jewelry designer to the Hollywood stars and a personal friend of Kardashian. The one photograph of the ring being circulated from the Instagram account of hairstylist Clyde Haygood, is difficult to see the diamond clearly. Cooper and I think it might be an emerald cut but a better view is needed. No matter the cut, Cooper approves of the design. 

“I honestly can't see the ring well but I can say the ring is clean and is designed in a very traditional style,” Cooper said. “I love how the metal is minimized and allows the diamonds to take the spotlight. Regardless of their clothing and other fashion choices, this is a 100 percent winner no matter the day, year or decade. Classic never goes out of style”

Meanwhile, Murawski says buying a serious diamond engagement ring is a question of “what you like and what makes sense.”

“The D, Internally flawless diamond is certainly more valuable, but the I, VS1 is more sensible, because there is a far greater market for that stone…. (However) There are those customers who would say, ‘Why would I have something that’s less than the best when I can afford the best?’ Then it is less about making a judgment of sensibility, and is more about making a judgment of preference--what the buyer likes. Both judgments are valid.”

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Jean Dousset Finds Niche with Custom Diamond Engagement Rings

Jean Dousset in his showroom next to a portrait of great-great grandfather, Louis-François Cartier.

In the luxury jewelry world, pedigree means something and there are few who can claim to be a descendent of Louis-François Cartier, the founder of one of the world’s most renowned jewelry and watch brands. Jean Dousset, owner of Jean Dousset Diamonds can make this claim.

However, the French born jeweler didn’t rest on his Cartier name recognition. He worked his way through stints at some of the best known French high jewelry houses in the world, beginning at the epicenter of French style, Place Vendôme, with Chumet. This was followed with stops at Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels before first going on his own with an online jewelry business in 2005. 

The Eva cushion engagement ring.

In 2010, he opened a showroom on the edge of Beverly Hills, Calif., on Santa Monica Boulevard. About half of his work comes through the store and the rest is done online through his website. In 2012, he produced approximately 70 rings, mostly engagement, which is his specialty, although he does other custom pieces as well. What may a bit surprising is that his inspiration for creating a custom high jewelry business was Blue Nile. He said the success of the online diamond and diamond jewelry company left a void in the business of provide service oriented high jewelry.

“Blue Nile was whole selling diamonds and they were really offering mountings as a must but not really as a message of design,” he said sitting behind an antique desk inside his showroom. “So I thought that might be an interesting void to fill … offering design, branding, craftsmanship, service.”

Whether he is working with clients in person or online the process is the same. He personally selects three diamonds through his dealers and then explains to the client the strong points of each stone. The clients select which diamond they prefer then he creates the mounting using his drawings and builds them from scratch. Again, the client will have their choice of mountings to select. If it’s online he’ll shoot high-definition videos of the diamonds and mountings for the client to view. 

The Riviera cushion engagement ring.

“The biggest thing now is people are highly educated about diamonds. They understand diamonds by browsing the Internet. There’s a lot of resources and that is great. They do their due diligence. They know what the 4Cs are,” he said. “They come with a certain amount of knowledge. The four Cs are trade guidelines to define the price of diamond ... but they do not say anything about the beauty of a diamond. The beauty of a diamond comes from its cut. The way the rough is taken down to a polished stone. So if you put four stones with the exact same cut, say four cushion cuts same price, same 4Cs there will be one stone that will be much more desirable. That’s the stone I’m looking for.”

He continued, “I work backward through their budget because it’s essential. Prices vary so much we need to know what people feel comfortable spending for their ring. So they share that with me and I try to optimize that budget to deliver them the best 4Cs but most importantly the most beautiful cuts. And that’s just a matter of taste and experience. That’s the way for me to distinguish myself from everybody else. I work very hard at that. And I also want to make that the cornerstone my reputation.”

In addition to his specialization in engagement rings, custom design and personal service; he also works primarily with cushion-cut diamonds of approximately 2-carats. He does so because round diamonds have largely been commoditized by Blue Nile and other similar mass marketers and thus makes it easy for people to buy their own stones once they are educated. 

The Victoria cushion engagement ring.

“I’m big on cushions, again, because of the Internet. It’s very hard to compete on round diamonds,” he said. “Because of the cut distinction and finesse of selecting a (cushion-cut diamond), there’s really an argument for me to make for people to work with me and trust me in making that search for them. It would be incredibly difficult for anybody to find a great cushion by themselves without knowledge, without experience just by looking at the 4Cs. If they are not exposed to what a great cut is, then they just don’t know what to look for so my hope is once I present them with my taste, my selection of stones, then they can benchmark anything they see to that.”

He said his focus is on engagement rings because that is the foundation of the jewelry business.

“You have to start with what truly creates the original idea of jewelry, which is a man and woman is buying something that’s significant and the engagement ring is just that,” he said. “It is still the core message of even the bigger brands … but the truth is that today the bridal business, those big famous brands, do not cater to that market. It’s too time consuming for them. There’s not enough profit in it. But they must still advertise and create bridal collection, because that’s where it all begins.”

He hopes to grow into other areas but he doesn’t seem to be in a hurry. He is more interested in differentiating himself in the marketplace, creating a place that few occupy. His traditional French high jewelry training makes this type of business a natural fit for him. He says in his own small way he wants to give his customers the same quality and service of the French luxury jewelry houses but do it in a more casual way and do it with an emphasis on value.

“On the rooftop of Place Vendôme, each of the jewelers have 25 or 30 hands working (ona piece of jewelry). They all have very distinct and specific responsibilities. There’s woman who is outstanding at polishing pieces with cotton strings…. All of this is to deliver the kind of product that they do. So I’m humbly in my own means, trying to incorporate as many of those steps into how I work. It’s a decision I made that I want to stick with to really establish those cornerstone values. Well-crafted and well-made jewelry doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s how much you really care about delivering a really outstanding product. Handcrafted jewelry is about people who are skilled, experienced, with a desire to execute really well. That is something I feel very strongly about.”

Jean Dousset Diamonds, 10100 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067

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Robert Procop Designs Engagement Ring for Angelina Jolie

A closeup of what is reported to be Angelina Jolie's engagement ring during an April 11 trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art with Brad Pitt and their son Pax. Photo credit: Access Hollywood and Credit: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Exclusive jeweler Robert Procop says he designed an engagement ring for Angelina Jolie, according to a report in The Hollywood Reporter.

The former CEO of Asprey & Garrard told the publication that Brad Pitt was involved in the design of the ring. She was seen wearing it on April 11 at a private viewing of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Chinese Galleries, the publication reports.

The Style of Jolie ring worn by Brad Pitt

The couple has been collaborating with Procop for about a couple of years. Jolie and Procop released the “Style of Jolie” jewelry collection in April, 2011. More recently, Pitt wore a “Style of Jolie” ring during the 84th Academy Awards in February.

The engagement ring news comes at the same time  that the couple are reported to be starring in a Ridley Scott film together.

Enzo Targets Underserved $10 Billion Wedding Market

Chinese jewelry retailer Enzo launched the  “All About Love” jewelry collection that targets China's vast wedding market. The collection, unveiled at Enzo's 20,000 square foot flagship store in Macau, features colored gemstones and diamond products that enable consumers to create personalized jewelry sets for engagements, weddings and anniversaries. 
(Caption: Asian celebrities Aarif Lee and Janice Man model 'AllAboutLove' collection at its unveiling)

The collection is Enzo's first comprehensive line targeted specifically at the wedding market. The retailer says it estimates total sales in China to be about $10 billion, based on an average retail price of $1,000 and 10 million weddings each year. This is just for wedding rings. The potential markets for engagement and anniversary rings are comparably large.

“Most Chinese consumers up to now have had limited choices in wedding, engagement and anniversary items at local jewelers,” said Yu Chuan Yih, chairman and CEO of Enzo's parent company, LJ International. “We think the consumer is ready for this fresh western retailing concept, and Enzo is in an ideal position to profit from it with a full range of offerings not only in wedding rings, but in engagement and anniversary jewelry as well. For these reasons we expect All About Love to be a big winner for both Enzo and the consumer.”

All About Love provides a selection of colored gemstones and a collection of diamond products that, together, make up a comprehensive wedding collection. Customers can mix and match a full range of engagement, wedding and anniversary jewelry pieces to create their personalized wedding jewelry sets of engagement rings and wedding bands made of colored gemstones and diamonds.

LJ International Inc. is engaged in the designing, branding, marketing and distribution of a full range of jewelry. It has built its global business on a vertical integration strategy. As a wholesaler, it distributes to fine jewelers, department stores, national jewelry chains and electronic and specialty retailers throughout North America and Western Europe. Its product lines incorporate all major categories, including earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets.

Neil Lane Engagement Ring Adds Sparkle to ‘The Bachelorette’ Finale

The ABC reality show, The Bachelorette, received some added sparkle when Roberto Martinez proposed to bachelorette, Ali Fedotowsky, with a hand-crafted Neil Lane diamond and platinum ring.

The ring (pictured above) is centered with an asscher-cut diamond and accented with 184 round brilliant cut diamonds in a fine handmade setting. Total diamond weight is 3.03 carats. The custom designed ring is signed Neil Lane.
In the romance reality series, a lucky woman gets the opportunity to find the man of her dreams—and her groom-to-be. Fedotowsky embarked on a romantic journey as she met 25 eligible men, getting to know each one as she narrowed the field. They traveled to exotic locations, introduced them to her family and met some of the bachelors’ families. At the end of her romantic voyage, she found “Mr. Right,” and a proposal with a Neil Lane diamond ring.

Los Angles-based Neil Lane is the favorite jeweler for Hollywood brides-to-be. The list of Hollywood celebrities who have received Lane’s engagement ring include Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Sandra Bullock, Brooke Shields and Jennifer Hudson.

Neil Lane Creates Bridal Collection for Kay Jewelers

Jewelry designer Neil Lane and Kay Jewelers will launch the Neil Lane Bridal, a line of 36 vintage-inspired engagement and wedding rings. Each ring is designed by Neil Lane and hand crafted, assembled, and finished by skilled artisans, with diamonds that were hand selected by Kay.

The rings are grouped in the following themes: Energy, Timeless, Essence, and Harmony. Prices range from $2,599 - $7,799. The collection is available at select U.S. Kay Jewelers stores and online at kay.com.

Neil Lane’s work is seen on film, television and music icons at red carpet events and celebrity weddings on some of the world’s most influential women.

Kay Jewelers, the number one jewelry store in America, is located in malls and off-mall shopping centers across the country. Kay Jewelers’ parent company, Akron, Ohio-based Sterling Jewelers Inc., operates 1,431 stores in all 50 states and employs more than 21,000 team members. Sterling Jewelers Inc. is the U.S. division of Signet Jewelers Ltd., making it part of the largest specialty jewelry retailer in the world.

Mark Schneider’s New Bridal Designs

 Charmed

Award-winning jewelry designer Mark Schneider introduced several new bridal designs during the Couture jewelry show in Las Vegas. The collection of the diamond engagement rings is available in 14k and 18k white gold and in platinum.

 Delicate

Schneider’s bridal designs have won numerous awards over the years. The company's headquarters is in Long Beach, Calif. 

 Honey

Below are some more images of the new collection:

 Innocence                             Kindle

Orchid