Proposal Stories That Will Inspire You
Take notes as two men share their proposal journey — from choosing a precious natural diamond ring to planning a dreamy proposal and popping the big question.
Your love story deserves nothing but the best. After all, it’s a chapter of your life that’s closest to your heart. One that’s entwined in the promise of forever after. So, what could be a better symbol of love than a sparkling natural diamond? More than just a mere piece of jewellery, the diamond engagement ring you choose represents precious memories—of cherished moments, milestones and future reflections.
So, how do you go about picking the engagement ring of her dreams? While it’s easy to reference Pinterest boards, consult with her friends and family or simply ask her about the style of ring she prefers; there is no denying the underlying romance in the thought and effort that goes into choosing a ring that encapsulates your love story and her personality.
Two individuals share their experience of searching for the perfect natural diamond ring for their significant other, and the suspense and joy of planning a dreamy proposal—all while ensuring that it represents their love best.
A Holiday to Japan, a Surprise Proposal and Infinite Love
Stand-up comedian and creative lead at Netflix India, Deep Chhabria, knows a thing or two about romance. He meticulously planned out his proposal to girlfriend Ankita Sharma, a marketing professional whilst on a holiday to Japan—right down to every last detail. As two people who were always creatively inclined and enjoyed going on dates that involved sushi making, art classes and solving puzzles, Chhabria knew he had to pull out all the stops to make this a proposal to remember.
“Ankita was the one who proposed to me when we first began dating, so I always knew I would be the one to propose marriage to her,” he reveals. The opportunity presented itself when they planned a holiday to Japan for her birthday. “One of Ankita’s best friends lives there and I enlisted her help for the finer details—all while ensuring she wouldn’t have a clue”. Admittedly, he managed to get a sneak look at one of her Pinterest boards where she had saved references of engagement rings. “While that gave me an idea of the kind of style and design she wanted, I also mentally made notes throughout several of our conversations, picking up clues on what she liked and didn’t,” he explains.
The Proposal
The moment presented itself on the last leg of their trip in Kyoto. “As we stood against a shrine I went down on one knee and popped the question.” Chhabria even made sure her nails were perfect for the photo-op so she could show off her shiny, new ring. When it came to finalizing the design, Chhabria chose a 3.25 carat oval-shaped natural diamond ring with a thin gold band and a claw setting. It’s something he believes represents their love best. “The oval shape was just a classic design that I knew Ankita would love,” he says. “I didn’t have to think twice about choosing a natural diamond. I come from a family that understands jewellery well and I knew Ankita’s ring just had to be one-of-a-kind. So, what better than a natural diamond?. Call it gut instinct, but I was sure this style and design is what she would have chosen herself.”
The moment presented itself as we stood against a shrine and a serene lake and I went down on one knee and popped the question.
In the end, Deep chose a classic oval cut diamond engagement ring, something he believes represents the pair’s love perfectly.
His Takeaway
Chhabria notes that while it might seem like a daunting task for most men to pick out a ring, “All you need to do is take a step back, listen and pay attention to her words.” His advice? “Know what your partner will want rather than assume what they want. Spend time understanding their likes and dislikes and you’ll find little clues in your conversations that will help guide you.”
Serendipitous Love and an Intimate Proposal
Harsh Shah and his wife Roxanne Chinoy might be as different as chalk and cheese— him, an introvert and a man of few words, while she has an outgoing personality with a zest for life. The duo, who share a love for travel, culture and all things vintage knew that they would choose a natural diamond ring when it came to scripting their forever after. “It was just one of things that came innately to us,” Shah explains, referring to the choice of engagement ring that effortlessly blended elements of contemporary and traditional—a 1.72 carat princess cut natural diamond surrounded by 38 smaller diamonds set in a white gold band with a vintage-inspired flair to it. “The ring had to have that unique and rare quality and a natural diamond just fit the bill. We wanted something that could be everlasting and later passed down as a treasured heirloom.”
The Proposal
The couple first crossed paths at work. “We happened to reconnect on LinkedIn much later and after chatting over several months, went on our first date, which ended with us sharing a kiss in the backyard of her home.” Ten years later, he proposed to her in the very same spot under the gentle shade of 100-year-old trees. “The proposal was quite intimate. I had a cousin help me along the way, to make sure things went smoothly and that everything was in place for the big moment,” he shares.
A few years into dating, Shah had begun contemplating on the kind of ring and designs she would like. “Whenever I would send Roxanne a picture, she would come back saying she preferred something more vintage and heirloom-like, as opposed to the modern and sleek designs that I would find,” he explains. After looking up designs online, they visited their family jeweller who crafted the perfect ring for them. “He suggested a few changes and additions to our original idea. For instance, instead of a round cut, he encouraged us to opt for a princess cut natural diamond to elevate the ring,” Shah explains.
He adds that the ring perfectly symbolises their love—two individuals with very different personalities and two sides of the same coin coming together. “It’s just the right blend of modern-meets-traditional.”
Like us – our ring is the blend of modern-meets-traditional.
The couple’s white gold and princess cut natural diamond ring is both a celebration of their proposal, and a modern heirloom.
His Takeaway
According to Shah, it’s important to bear in mind that the ring you pick should be one that she would absolutely love to flaunt. “What she is rejecting is probably more important than what she is approving. That way, you know what she won’t like for sure.”
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the perfect natural diamond ring to sparkle on her finger:
Firstly, get over the inhibition of choosing a ring
While it might seem like a daunting task, understand that it’s a thoughtful gesture that she will appreciate. Look out for hints that she might be dropping in conversations or any references she might have shared, to help you select that special engagement ring.
Don’t be shy to get help
Whether it’s her closest friends or a family member, you’re sure to find valuable insights once you choose to enlist their help. Asking the right questions (and people) will help you choose a ring closer to her preferences.
Narrow down your options
Start with selecting designs that you think she might like the most; then narrow it down from there. Look at shapes and sizes of natural diamonds that she refers to or even pieces of jewellery she owns to understand her choices better.
Remember, it’s more than just a piece of jewellery
That diamond is more than just a sparkling reminder of your love for each other. It’s an emotional ode that transcends generations and can even be passed down as an heirloom.
