For those people planning on getting engaged over the next twelve months, 2012 is likely to be a very popular year for popping the question. Certain key events in 2012 are likely to make this a milestone year, with many people deciding on this memorable year of events to either get engaged, or for those already engaged, to tie the knot. We are fortunate to have a whole calendar of events with the most notable being the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, in June, and then the beginning of the 2012 London Olympic Games from July through to August, followed by the 2012 London Paralympic Games later in August.  Royal events will also see the "Palace for Everyone" event later this year, with the transformation of Kensington Palace, and the re-presentation of the Crown Jewels, in London. 

Picking up from where we left off last year, we will be showcasing some of the most stunning engagement rings for 2012, with an ever growing collection of classics and contemporary designs harnessing the very best of British jewellery making techniques. All of the rings we produce are created to the highest standards in UK workshops based in the famous Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham. All items tend to be hallmarked at either the Birmingham or Sheffield Assay Offices. One of our popular requests that will certainly be in greater demand this year, will be for engravings applied to engagement rings, to personalise things further, with either the date, or a personal message, which can be laser engraved onto the inside of most engagement rings. Engravings that mention some of the above events, will key such memories to the year. In fact we have already received requests for symbols to be engraved within rings, such as Olympic rings engraved within wedding bands. 

Most engagement ring designs, including Vintage style designs are sure to continue to grow in popularity, along with modern classics such as Tiffany style designs, with simple Platinum settings. We are already seeing a greater demand for diamonds that exhibit not only better cut grades (we guarantee a minimum of a very good cut grade where applicable) along with better colour and clarity grades. Certain sizes will also remain very strong sellers, and demand will almost certainly mean that retailers will need to be resourceful in sourcing certain goods. Such sizes as 0.80cts are always a very tricky size, especially where certain colours and clarities demand a premium on list prices. Many prospective clients now, have a good understanding on what sets one diamond aside from another, besides the fundamental colour, clarity grades etc. Certification is now being more commonly appreciated, and for this reason, for our main website orders, we tend to work mainly with GIA, IGI, or HRD certification. 

Planning an engagement ring does require a great deal of thought and planning, and one fundamental factor is always timescale. Not only the time to research and to decide upon the ring design itself, most rings, due to the complexity of diamond options available, with metal choices and finger size, require a good few weeks to manufacture. It is for this reason engagement rings are best organised before big plans are made, so if you are looking to propose in June around the Diamond Jubilee, or in the midst of the 2012 Olympics. Plan ahead. Arrange a deposit and ensure the ring is made. After all, why rush such a prized and expensive item, that is to be worn, well, forever?

If you have any specific design in mind and wish to seek a little advice or to chat about things, then please call or email us at any time.  You don't have to be looking for an Olympic sized diamond for us to offer our fully committed service. We provide this for any order, and will always strive to do the very best we can for each and every person who contacts us.