Earlier this year, 77 Diamonds wrote about the engagement of West End girl and East End boy Millie Mackintosh and Professor Green. Last week, one of London’s trendiest couples were married in Babington House, Somerset.

Photo: XposurePhotos.com

Wearing a dress by Alice Temperley paired with some white Christian Loubertin shoes, the blushing bride was walked down the aisle by her father Nigel who seemed very happy to see his daughter getting married.

Photo: INF Photo

We do hope the wedding ring was as equally as impressive as her engagement ring that she showed the world earlier this year. The 3ct Radiant cut diamond is set in a beautiful diamond set band.

At 77 Diamonds, we understand the importance of having a beautiful engagement ring. We also understand the importance of a beautiful wedding band. It is because of this that we’ve designed matching bands to all our engagement rings so that you have a stunning set of rings to last an eternity.

Here is our guide to what engagement rings should go with what wedding bands/eternity rings…

Classic and Contemporary Collection:

Most of our classic and contemporary engagement rings have flat edges – this is done to ensure a streamline looking ring that fits comfortable against a wedding band. Rings such as the 1477 Classic, the Delicacy and the Contour go perfectly with our 1477 Court wedding band.

Our Allure ring in our Classic collection suits best with a more rounded wedding band, so for this we would suggest the D-Shape wedding band to match.

Vintage Collection:

Our Vintage collection is inspired by decades past, so it is important that your wedding band is inspired by your engagement ring. Because of this we have designed matching or complimenting diamond set rings to go with those beautiful engagement rings.

Our Tsarina engagement ring comes with any shape centre stone and has complimenting side stones for extra sparkle. Our Promessa eternity ring is the perfect match for that extra sparkle on the wedding band!

Our Contour Vintage engagement ring is set with diamond in an Edwardian Cut Down setting. Pair this with the Kindrea eternity ring to continue the vintage theme:

Our Grevinna engagement ring has small petal designs on the outer sides of the bands. In order to continue this style we have a matching wedding band that compliments the design.

The Dauphin wedding ring has a curvature to sit around the intricate design our the Dauphin engagement ring

Our most popular vintage engagement ring is the 1477 Vintage setting. Interestingly enough this is perfectly paired with our most popular eternity ring, the Vogue Maxi. Both are set with claw set diamond for the extra bit of bling on your finger.

For more information regarding any of the rings shown please contact us at sales@77diamonds.com

It’s Bonfire night so in honour of the night of colourful sparkly things in the sky we thought we’d talk about our favourite colourful sparkly things things at 77 Diamonds… Fancy coloured diamonds!

Remember to wrap up warm if going to any firework displays this evening!

What makes diamonds such amazing colours?!

The answer to that is simple… During a diamonds formation underground, depending on what elements were present, a diamond would form in a particular colour with influence from the element. For example, a diamond that is formed where nitrogen is found would become YELLOW. If boron is present the diamond would become BLUE and if radium was present; GREEN.

What is intensity?!

Fancy colour diamonds are graded with “Intensity” this refers to how deep the colour is within the stone. Each colour ranges as follows:

Fancy Light

Fancy Light

Fancy

Intense

Vivid

Deep

The deeper the colour, the more rare… And the more expensive!

Red and Purple diamonds are the most rare of the fancy colours and when found can be sold at auction for millions of pounds. Fancy Coloured Diamonds don’t need to be restricted to a particular budget, they can be sourced at any size and we can accommodate most price ranges depending on shape, carat and intensity.

For more information about coloured diamonds, contact our sales team at : sales@77diamonds.com

In a week where Mother Nature caused disruption and destruction to many parts of Britain, we left our 77 Diamonds world in London to venture to the Midlands to attend the Jewellery and Giftware Ball that incorporated The British Jewellers’ Association Membership Awards were we were nominated for Retailer of the Year.

Both myself and 77 Diamonds managing director Tobias Kormind travelled up to meet our friends in the jewellery industry and make some new ones while there.

Hundreds were nominated for each category at the awards so we were so very grateful to be runner up in our nominated category alongside such strong competition. The greatest honour was to have been nominated by our friends in the jewellery trade.

After the awards, a dinner and auction followed with donations if limited edition jewellery and precious metal gifts on offer.

The event was a great way to affirm our friendships within the British Jewellers’ Association and we were so very proud to have been nominated for Retailer of the Year.

I’d like to thank everyone involved in making the evening so special, and we will definitely see you next year!

Tis the season to be jolly, so in ode to the great Christmas carol classic “12 Days of Christmas” – today, we kick off our sing along with the 1st day…

On the 1st Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me… A ONE Carat Engagement Ring!

Found on our Christmas tree, this Rose Gold Delicacy setting captures the true essence of Christmas, it is bright, traditional and full of wonder.

The current trend of Rose Gold will enhance the colour of any diamond, ensuring that your ring will be one to catch people’s eye.

The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a gesture of “Will you marry me” was first performed by Archduke Maximilian of Austria in Vienna in 1477 (ever wondered where we got our name 77 Diamonds?!) upon his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy. As times went by this tradition spread throughout the court and social classes to give us the beautiful and sparkly tradition that makes so many people happy!

Whatever the metal, gold or platinum, and whatever shape diamond we can help find your loved one the perfect engagement ring this Christmas.

For more information regarding our engagement rings and diamonds contact us: sales@77diamonds.com

Day 2 of our Christmas countdown singalong continues with:

On the 2nd Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me: 2 Diamond Earrings

Nothing says Christmas glamour more than our Mystique earrings, they are one of our office favourites at 77 Diamonds.

Set with an incredible 258 diamonds and with a total weight of 2.13ct, these delicious earrings are bound to get you noticed at the Christmas party this year… But only if you’ve been on Santa’s Nice List!

For more information about these beautiful drop earrings, contact our sales team: sales@77diamonds.com

Day 3 of the  77 Diamonds Christmas sing along continues with:

On the 3rd Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me… 3 COLOURS!

These three colours are rose, white and yellow – GOLDS! Our Trinity Necklace is a beautiful interlocking piece of jewellery that is composed of 3 rings; one in each 18k yellow, white and rose gold with a total carat weight of 0.66ct which is approximately 168 diamonds!

If you require any more information on the Trinity Necklace or wish to purchase the perfect compliment to a Christmas celebration then please do contact our sales team on: sales@77diamonds.com

At 77 Diamonds, our diamond festivities roll over to day four:

On the 4th Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me… 4 Necklaces!

Our Tea necklace set with a 1.0ct centre diamond comes in two variations with either 2 or 4 additional diamonds of 0.10ct each to compliment the delicate setting and give that added bit of sparkle to any occasion.

The Circe Pavé necklace set with a 0.50ct Round Diamond is a stunning necklace encased by 45 round diamonds with a total carat weight of 0.44ct to enhance the glamour in your evening. This necklace gives any occasion the wow factor!

For a necklace with extra sparkle, try our Borghese pendant that comes with up to 4 additional diamonds to give maximum brilliance and shine making you the talk of the town this Christmas.

Our fourth and final diamond necklace is our Duchess necklace that has two surrounding halos to give a diamond that will make you be the envy of all your friends this festive season!

For more information regarding our Diamond necklace and how to find the perfect diamond to take centre stage in the necklace of your choice so contact us at: sales@77diamonds.com

Throughout the year at 77 Diamonds, we have customers call up, pop by or order online an item that is always well received… An engagement ring!

However, after we commissioned a survey from YouGov we discovered that when might be ideal for the giver of the engagement ring may not be ideal for the recipient!

From a poll of over 1100 women, 57% said they wouldn’t like to be proposed to on Valentine’s Day, with 58% saying they would prefer it “on a random day completely taken by surprise“.

Reasons against a Valentine’s proposal ranged from “it’s a commercial day” to “if two people are in love then it should be Valentine’s Day every day not just on a date that society tells you.” The full results of this survey can be found by contacting us at info@77diamonds.com

Whatever your opinions on Valentine’s Day, we always suggest a gift of something – engagement or not is better than no gift at all so why not check out our Express Delivery service to get you something in time for Valentine’s by clicking HERE!

The themes for this year’s International Women’s Day are “Inspiring Change” and “Equality for women is progress for all”. Inspired by this, we have selected a few women that through their professional, political or humanitarian work have continued to move us at 77 Diamonds. Suiting the nature of their work and personality, we have paired each woman with some of our jewellery.

As wife to a former US President, her name is instantly recognisable. However, what Mrs Clinton has achieved independently is an inspiration to women all over the world who want to get into politics. From being the first female Senator for New York, she ran her own Presidential campaign before serving as Secretary of State for Barack Obama. Her high profile political positions have led the way for the younger female generation to enter politics.

Hillary Clinton wears our Calla earrings:

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Our youngest chosen woman, Malala is originally from Pakistan where she was vocal about life under Taliban rule which prevented girls from attending school. A strong believe in education for all, she defied this rule and was consequently shot by a Taliban gunman while on her way to school. Now living in the UK, Malala is an activist for education and for women and was nominated for 2013 Nobel Peace Prize because of her work.

Malala wears our Safety Pin

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The Chief Operating Officer of Facebook since 2008 she is one of the most influential women in business and a prominent feature in Fortune’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business”.  In 2013, Sandberg release her first book, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” about business leadership and development, issues with the lack of women in government and business leadership positions and feminism.

Sheryl wears our Lumina Studs

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The British designer with a famous father has more than proved her worth in the fashion industry. Following a stint at Parisian fashion house Chloé in 1997, McCartney told the world who she was and made her famous in her own right. A vegetarian like her mother, she doesn’t use leather or fur in her designs and supports animal charity PETA.

Stella wears our Circle Pavé pendant

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Born in Mexico of Kenyan parents, the roles within her acting career show strongly her humanitarian beliefs. From starring in a UNICEF drama in Kenya about HIV/AIDS prevention to the documentary she wrote and directed about the treatment of Kenya’s albino population, Lupita’s acting prowess is both powerful and moving and explains why she was the worthy winner for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at this years Oscars.

Lupita wears our Sonnet earrings

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In plush, quiet rooms in selected locations across the world, you can just about make out the hushed whispers of diamond enthusiasts as they quote millions for some of the rarest gems ever found, often anonymously over the phone. Auctions of rare, natural diamonds are meticulously planned events involving unbridled passion, obscenely huge sums of money and racing pulses carefully veiled in a shroud of studied patience and elite company. At stake here are spectacular stones unearthed once in a few billion years, valued for their weight, shape, colour and history and sought after by collectors who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the exclusive pieces.

Each year witnesses record-breaking sales as the demand for rarity rises and a penchant for investment diamonds increases. There are stones, such as the ‘Princie Diamond’ and ‘The Blue’ that have gone down in history for fetching millions. Some have never appeared at auctions, such as the ‘most famous diamond in the world’ – the 45.52-carat ‘Hope Diamond’ – a deep blue gem dating back to the 17^th century that is worth $350 million and was bequeathed to the Smithsonian Institute by Harry Winston in 1958. A handful of less fortunate ones find no takers, such as the Lesedi la Rona. But, this brief spell of lull can’t withstand the force that the diamond market is reckoned with.

Christie’s and Sotheby’s, who dominate the auction market worldwide, recorded an estimated $1.2 billion in gem and jewellery sales between them for the year 2015-2016. Other auction houses that sold significant gems include Bonham’s of London and Tiancheng International in Hong Kong, adding $70-$80 million to the total. While the total is slightly down from the last year, a fact that Francois Curiel, chairman of Christie’s, Asia-Pacific, admits, it seems like the market showed great interest in rare, top-quality stones with very high prices.

Here’s a lowdown on the mind-bogglingly expensive diamonds (polished and rough) that went under the hammer in 2015-2016.

The Perfect Diamond. Photo: Instagram  @champagnegem

1.     A 100.20-carat ‘Perfect Diamond’ led the sales at Sotheby’s in New York in April, 2015. The classic Type II a, emerald-cut, internally flawless, D colour stone sold for $22.1 million (approx. £16.6 m) – the highest price ever achieved for a colourless diamond auctioned in New York. Mined in southern Africa within the last 10 years, its transparency was likened “to an icy pool of water”.

Fancy Vivid Pink. Photo: Instagram @frankbeverett

2.     In May 2015, Sotheby’s in Geneva sold an 8.72-carat GIA-graded Fancy Vivid Pink diamond for $15.9 million (approx. £11.9 m). The cushion-cut VS2 diamond was reportedly linked to Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napolean Bonaparte. It had been stored in a bank vault since the end of World War II.

The Sweet Josephine. Photo: Instagram @diamondhousejewellery

3.     A Hong-Kong bidder named Joseph Lau bought a Fancy Vivid Pink diamond weighing 16.08 carats for a whopping $28.5 million (approx. £18.8 m) at Christie’s in Geneva in November, 2015. He named it ‘The Sweet Josephine’ for his daughter, named Josephine. The large cushion-shaped stone was owned by an American family for the past 15 years and is one of only three certified gems of its type offered for sale in 250 years.

The Blue Moon of Josephine. Photo: Instagram @anthonysfinejewellery

4.     A rare and flawless 12.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond was sold at Sotheby’s in Geneva on November 19, 2015, for $48.4 m (£36.3 m). The cushion-shaped diamond, mounted on a ring, was bought by the same Hong Kong bidder who bought ‘The Sweet Josephine’ a day earlier. He named it ‘The Blue Moon of Josephine’. The diamond set a world record for any jewel at more than $4 m a carat, and was found in South Africa’s Cullinan mine in January 2014.

De Beers Millennium 4. Photo: Instagram @bostonbijoux

5.     The April of 2016 saw the De Beers Millennium Jewel 4 sold for $32 million (£22.5 m) to an Asian private buyer at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, setting off a chain of high-priced auctions of rare gems. The 10.10-carat oval-shaped Vivid Blue diamond which is internally flawless was part of the Millennium Jewels collection that was unveiled by De Beers in 2000 to commemorate the millennium. It was the target of an attempted multi-million pound robbery in November 2000, which was foiled by the police. The Millennium Blue diamonds originated in South Africa’s Cullinan mine.

The Oppenheimer Blue. Photo: Instagram @mussonjewellers

6.     The largest Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ever offered at auction sold for a record $57.5 million (£43 m) on May 18, 2016. The ‘Oppenheimer Blue’, a 14.62-carat rectangular-shaped gem, was auctioned at Christie’s in Geneva and bagged the highest price ever paid for any gemstone at auction. The magnificent stone with VVS1 clarity is set in a platinum ring, flanked on either side by a trapeze-shaped diamond. It was previously owned by Sir Philip Oppenheimer, a member of the family that once controlled the De Beers Mining Company.

The Unique Pink. Photo: Instagram @queenyprestigegems

7.     The month of May 2016 proved productive for diamond auctions, with the ‘Unique Pink’ becoming the most expensive Fancy Vivid Pink diamond ever to sell at auction. Sotheby’s in Geneva sold the pear-shaped 15.38-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond for $31.6 million (£23.7 m) to an Asian private buyer who bid over telephone and remains anonymous. Set in a simple ring, it is the largest diamond of that grade ever to go under the hammer. The diamond was mined in the old Kimberley deposits in South Africa.

The Aurora Green. Photo: Instagram @mussonjewellers

8.     A 5.03-carat green diamond, named the ‘Aurora Green’, set two world auction records for a green diamond on May 31, 2016 when it sold for $16.8 million (£12.6 m) at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale. The rectangular-cut Fancy Vivid Green diamond with VS2 clarity is mounted on a gold ring and surrounded by circular-cut pink diamonds. It was purchased by Hong-Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, one of the largest jewellery retailers in the world.

The Constellation. Photo: Instagram @lucaradiamond

9.     The year 2016 so far clearly belongs to ‘The Constellation’ that sold for $63 million (£47 m) on May 8, 2016, a new record for a rough gem. Canadian mining firm Lucara Diamond Corporation sold the 812.77-carat rough to Dubai-based Nemesis International DMCC, but has retained a 10 per cent interest in the gem, allowing it to profit from further transactions after it is polished and cut. The diamond was pulled out of a mine in Botswana in November 2015.

The 404-carat rough gem. Photo: Instagram @degrisogono

10.    On May 8, 2016 Swiss jeweller De Grisogono SA bought the rights to market a 404-carat rough diamond – another of Lucara Diamond Corporation’s major finds – from Nemesis International DMCC, which had purchased it for $22.5 million (£16.9 m) earlier in 2016. One of the world’s 30 largest, top-quality rough diamonds ever found, the stone was discovered at Lulo mine in Angola and would take about six months to cut.

This winter get set to shine with 77 Diamond’s latest collection of designer diamond jewellery, inspired by the mysteries of the universe. The newly-launched Galaxy Collection has been designed to turn heads and consists of the Cosmos and Nova sub-collections as well as the statement rings Seta, Orbit, Crux and Celestia.

Here to shed some light on the collection is the head of Bespoke and Design at 77 Diamond’s, Sophie Lomax.

Nova necklace in 18k White Gold by 77 Diamonds

Nova

The meaning implies the brightening of a star and this 3-piece subcollection is inspired by the tail of a shooting star, where pave diamonds twinkle in a linear design. The Nova necklace is delicate and wearable and can be layered with other necklaces such as a simple solitaire.

Nova ring in 18k White Gold by 77 Diamonds

The Nova earring jackets, a trend from 2016 that has been forecast to carry on into 2017, allows you to mix and match the jackets with your own studs or wear the studs on their own. The ring is minimalist and makes a statement while remaining very wearable and affordable.

Nova earrings in 18k White Gold by 77 Diamonds

Cosmos

Inspired by collections of galaxies, each bezel-set diamond represents a bright shining star in a constellation. Lines of sparkling pave diamonds connect the stars to form the constellation.

Cosmos necklace in 18k Yellow Gold by 77 Diamonds

The Cosmos earrings climb the ear which is another trend of 2016 that will remain popular in 2017. They create the appearance of multiple piercings which is yet another popular trend of recent times. The earrings have been designed to be comfortable and can dress up any outfit, taking it from day to night.

Cosmos ear climbers in 18k Yellow Gold by 77 Diamonds

The Cosmos ring can be worn alone or would look beautiful stacked against slim pave eternity rings in different colour metals. The Cosmos necklace is very wearable and would look stunning layered with the Cascata solitaire pendant.

Cosmos ring in 18k Yellow Gold by 77 Diamonds

Statement rings: Seta, Orbit, Crux, Celestia

Seta in 18k Rose Gold by 77 Diamonds

Having taken inspiration from the rings of Saturn and the movement of the planets in our solar system, the rings are linear yet soft, feminine and delicate. They are easy to wear everyday but also dress up well. Statement pieces on their own, they can also be stacked for more impact.

Orbit ring in 18k White Gold by 77 Diamonds

Crux ring in 18k Yellow Gold by 77 Diamonds

This season I’ll be wearing:

Nova earrings: I love the interchangeable jackets which I plan to wear with my Lucia studs.

Cosmos necklace: I would layer this with my Cascata pendant and Maxi Tea necklace.

Cosmos ring: This ring would look great in 18k white gold with a Vogue Medi in 18k rose gold on either side.

Celestia ring: I love how delicate it is but also how much movement and life it has – I will definitely be able to take this from wearing at work to out for cocktails.

Celestia ring in 18k Rose Gold by 77 Diamonds

The Galaxy Collection is priced from approx. £750-1,900 and can be viewed here

We are giving three un-married couples the chance to win a £10,000 diamond.

The selected couples will take part in an experiment, that will all be captured on video, to see how well they know their partner’s taste in jewellery (in particular, engagement rings). The couples will be split up, with one selecting the engagement ring they would choose for themselves, whilst their partner selects the engagement ring they believe their other half would want.

The couple who gets the closest match on their ring selection will win the diamond, whichwill then be set in a jewellery type of their choice.

To enter the competition, you will need to provide the following information:

• Name and ages of couple
• An image of you both together. This may be used on our social media channels, so please be aware of this when selecting a photo.
• A short bio about your relationship. For example, how you met, how long you have been together etc.

All entries should be in email form and sent to the following address: alex.jones@77diamonds.com

So, do you think you and your partner have what it takes to win a £10,000 diamond?

Additional information:

• Closing date for entries is Monday 14 th November. Any entries received after this date will not be eligible for selection.
• Entrants will be required to travel to the 77 Diamonds’ Mayfair showroom on Tuesday 22 nd November.
• Travel costs to the showroom will be covered
• Entrants must be comfortable with the process of being filmed and the output being distributed to third parties
• The prize for the winning couple will be a diamond worth up the high street value of £10,000
• Final selection of the couples will be at the discretion of 77 Diamonds’ creative director, David Allen.

If you have any further questions please call 01778 382713 and ask for Eilis Carr or Julia Ogden.

No ‘Game of Thrones’, winter isn’t coming – it’s here, with a chilly chilly bang bang and so are the winter weddings.  But what to wear to Mr & Mrs Von Hastings’ wedding in the freezing cold marquee in the middle of the Shires?

You don’t want to be drastically cold in a barely-there slip dress, nor do you want to be loaded up like a grizzly bear going into hibernation.  You need to strike the right balance between layering up your look and cutting a sharp silhouette.

“A great blazer is key in colder months,” advises Marie Claire’s fashion editor, Lucia Debieux. “It’s the one thing that will really pull your whole look together if you get it right. From velvet to fall florals we’ve found the best blazers to shrug on over your wedding outfit to keep you warm but looking cool.”

Try this sleek green velvet number from Frame denim over a pastel silk midi dress; perfect for adding some tapered wintery pizzazz to your look:

Image: Instagram @Frame

But who says you have to wear a dress? A smart, tailored suit can also be a great, trend-driven route to go down. The Parisian brands like Maje and Sandro are teeming with options this season; dare to go bold with a colour blocked co-ord suit or reinvent the basics with a pair of dark, oversized tailored trousers and a white broderie shirt – simple yet impeccably stylish. 

Image: Instagram @sandroparis

 When it comes to shoes, this is where you can really go to town with striking prints and patterns, particularly if you’re keeping it simple up top. Forget tiresome leopard print, this winter, it’s all about zebra. There is a plethora of brands creating beautiful shoes from this unique and interesting design; of course you may want to take the opportunity to don your finest – and highest – heels at a wedding, but think of your poor little tortured feet at 2am after three hours of solid dancing in stilettos…would you want to put your feet through the torture? 

It’s the perfect excuse to whip out your fanciest flats; these Gucci princetown loafers have been on a fashionista tirade this year – seen on the likes of Sienna Miller and Alex Chung – this new zebra print style is the ultimate companion of eccentricity to your winter wedding look. 

Image: Instagram @brandedbagsjktt

 Of course, what you wear very much depends on the venue.  Are you trekking into the depths of the Scottish Highlands with sub zero temperatures and treacherous terrain? Or perhaps you’re venturing to a grand Elizabethan manor nestled in the picturesque Hampshire hills?

Countryside weddings can be incredibly romantic, particularly during the colder months.  Popular venues include Blenheim Palace (yep, you can actually get married in an actual palace), The Woburn Estate and Leeds Castle. 

Image: Instagram @leedscastle

 Countryside: Of course, grandeur is the primary port of call for a wedding in the English countryside, so this is the opportunity to uncover your majestic sartorial self; dig out your finest jewels and your sleekest silks. Floor-length anything is a must-have, whether it’s an elegant flowing pair of satin trousers or a whopping fairytale gown, this is your time to shine so take advantage and don’t be shy.

City: City weddings are a different affair entirely. They have the advantage of easy transportation, firstly. Plus, you can stumble back into the comfort of your own bed once it’s all over instead of the musty BnB room you’ve rented – if you live in the city of course.  Even if you don’t, you’re far more likely to find accommodation from a city dwelling pal than a retreating country hermit, so the privilege of a homely bed (probably) still applies.

London: Popular London wedding venues can range from sky-high rooftops to Park Lane hotels; it’s a mixed bag.  You wouldn’t necessarily want to wear a ball gown to Sushi Samba; nor would you be inclined to don your zebra Guccis to Grosvenor House. That being said, city weddings give you the chance to be a little more edgy with your outfit choices; think fuchsia trouser-suits and quirky florals – yes, even in winter.

The opportunities for winter weddings are endless; whether you are planning one or simply attending as a guest, remember to dress for the occasion. And, for the love of god don’t go for the whole winter wonderland thing – you are better than a cliché.

Hang the ring on a branch and let the Christmas tree be the backdrop of your magical moment. Image: Instagram: @proposetoremember

It’s that time of the year again when the air is filled with festive cheer, friends and family are gathered close, and homes are filled with sumptuous food and celebratory music. The holiday season seems to instill in every heart hope, warmth and love – making it one of the most romantic times of the year to get engaged in.

If you are planning to pop the question, the timing is just right!  And, if you are looking for some last minute proposal ideas, here are a few which are easy to prepare and execute! We’ve put together a few unique ideas that take advantage of the season of revelries and will help you show to your intended how special she/he is.

There’s nothing quite like a romantic winter proposal. Image: Instagram: @proposetoremember

 An ode to the tree: Have you decorated the Christmas tree yet? If not, there’s nothing quite like adorning it with ornaments with your partner in tow, and watching the surprise on their face when he/she finds a ring tied to one of the branches! You can get imaginative and add elements of romance, such as hanging little notes that mention what you love about him/her. Or, amaze your love with a ring inside the stocking! You’ll agree here, there couldn’t be a better start to any Christmas morning.

Light up their world: Dusk in holiday season is almost synonymous with twinkling lights. You can use outdoor string lights to write out, “Will you marry me?” on the front of your house, apartment or lawn. Your friends and family can be secretly stationed inside, while you come up with an excuse to linger outside. Then, have someone flip the switch to reveal the message!

Spell it out in festive style. Image: Instagram: @engagement101

Out and about: If you and your beloved are outdoor people, a picnic in the winter chill presents the best opportunity to ask the big question. Arrange a family outing under the guise of a photo shoot (or Christmas tree-picking at a Christmas farm) and decorate the area with Christmas lights and picnic baskets (containing loads of champagne and sweet treats for the celebrations later). Then, when he/she least expects it, get down on one knee. You can give your photographer a cue to ensure that the best moments get captured to make memories of a lifetime.

Let the music weave its magic: If you know of a local group of singers, contact them to help you out in the task. While you and your beloved are snuggled in, they can come caroling to your door, holding signs of “Happy Holidays!” When they’re finished singing and flip over to reveal, “Will you marry me?” you can expect collected cheers to resonate in your house.

The winter chill warms the hearts as you pop the big question. Image: Instagram: @visionseventstu

Pull off a fake out: While this idea is season-proof, it is not only sheer fun but also sure to catch your ‘suspecting’ partner totally off guard. Start out by asking for your partner’s ring size in different obvious ways (such as bringing home a ring chart etc.). When they accuse you of ruining the surprise that you are shopping for a ring, bring out the real thing and say, “Okay, try this one instead.” Imagine the look your intended will have!

Counting down to the happy hours: If New Year’s Eve is more your style, why not include the entire partying crowd? This one will require some amount of planning – you want to make sure everyone’s game (after all, they are going to be focusing the most important few minutes of the new year on you). Book a club and request the DJ to stop the music as the countdown starts. When the clock strikes 12, the jubilant crowd stops cheering and goes quiet as you go down on one knee to pop the question. Once you have your answer from a very surprised (and possibly emotional) partner, the cheering can go on unabated!

We hope these spirited ideas have got your thinking mind in top gear and that you have one of the most spectacular holiday seasons! Best of luck!

In a whirlpool of jewellery trends that come and go every season, some waltz in and win us over so thoroughly that they end up being around for a long time. If you are set to be the bride in 2017 and looking for a ring that stands out, or you’re a diamond-lover who wants to own a piece that breaks stereotypes – there’s good news. Experts have forecast this year to be a favourable time for off-beat designs, unique shapes and a splash of imperfection. So, let your inner genius out and break the rules!

Here’s a lowdown on the engagement ring trends that’ll set this year on fire.

Engagement rings featuring fancy colour diamonds or gemstones are a great choice for women looking for a ring with an edge. Pictured above are bespoke 77 Diamonds rings featuring black diamond and morganite centre stones surrounded by halos of white diamonds

‘Design’ the dream:

 Hail the halo: This year, designers are using diamonds of varying shapes and sizes to up the ornate look of a halo ring for those who want their diamonds to stand out from the crowd. As opposed to the uniform micropave halo that has been doing the rounds for many years now, an elaborate halo adds an element of interest, a vintage aura and makes a personalised statement.

Centre takes stage: When the three-stone ring came in vogue, women couldn’t get enough of it. While this trend continues, there’s a twist that makes it better – the three stones (diamonds or gemstones) will no longer be close in size. Instead, the side stones will be subtle so as to accent the central diamond. With smaller diamonds letting the main diamond take the spotlight, the show is set to become dramatic.

Going Sideways: Some diamond shapes – such as ovals, marquise and cushions – help accentuate a stone more than others. Changing the orientation of the setting in an engagement ring is a clever way to incorporate style while going off-the-beaten-track. An East-West setting features a diamond with a much longer length-to-width ratio, positioning the diamond across the finger rather than along it.

For trilogy rings, smaller side stones add character while allowing the centre stone to shine. Above is the 77 Diamonds Barcelona Honey in 18k yellow gold which features a 1ct Round Brilliant solitaire flanked by two pear-shape yellow sapphires

‘Style’ your rock:

Bind it with the bands: For those who like to keep things simple and chic, as well as those who like collecting bands to celebrate milestones – stacked bands not only add character, they are now on their way to becoming a popular alternative to engagement rings. But, this year, make sure you don’t match your ring with the band. Not many know that vintage and antique rings are not meant to ‘match’ with a band. So, break free from convention and let your personal style run amok.

Celebrate imperfection: We especially love that 2017 seems to be a year when lovers celebrate imperfection, stray away from tradition and let their emotions speak. In keeping with these sentiments, couples are advised to throw all caution to the wind and choose hand-cut (read rose-cut), odd stones that aren’t necessarily flawless. The norm to break from the clutter of excellence also stands true for shapes – be it pear, cushion, marquise or emerald-cut. Oddballs are apparently in.

Colour me bright: The biggest diamonds auctions of 2016 saw coloured diamonds and gemstones being lapped up first. The love for colour follows suit in engagement rings too, as splashes of varied hues will be preferred by brides seeking fresh and unexpected pieces. From edgy black diamonds to blue-green opals, dark navy sapphires, vibrant emeralds and pale pink morganites – they’re yours to pick. In metals, rose gold continues to be much-loved, standing out for its unique ability to make the diamonds pop.

Spice up your engagement ring with a unique wedding band. Featured here is 77 Diamond’s vintage halo Medici ring paired with the Cyrielle Sapphire designer ring

The 1477 Vintage engagement ring can be paired with any wedding band to suit your personality. This band is the Soraya Ruby by 77 Diamonds

Clearly, the idea of selecting an engagement ring for love, commitment and passion serves best when made with a no-holds-barred approach. There couldn’t be a better time to break free from the rules – in relationships and jewellery.

Every story is a unique representation of love – the meeting, the maturity of the relationship and the journey towards marriage. Two individuals coming together to build a life as one. Despite the hurdles and hiccups along the way, this is their happily ever after. Meet some newly engaged couples, basking in a state of romantic bliss. These loved up pairs have been kind enough to share their proposal stories with 77 World.

Today, we meet Nicole Portman, an account director who hails from Los Angeles and Grégoire Diquélou, a product developer from Brittany, France, who are both living in London.

Greg and Nicole met through a mutual friend who thought they would be perfect together. After much resistance, they met by chance and have been together ever since

First meeting: It all started with bread. Greg was working as a baker in East London with one of Nicole’s best friends, Clare, a pastry chef. Clare had an inkling her friend and colleague would be the perfect match so spent more than a year trying to set them up. Nicole shares, “We both love travelling and discovering new places and absolutely love bread! After months of declining Clare’s suggestion to meet Greg, I happened to visit her at work one evening. Of course, Clare pointed out Greg in the corner and not too long after, we started talking. Over three and a half years later, here we are.”

And, to imagine this meeting almost never took place! Greg explains, “Earlier in the year before we met, I had decided to leave London and move to Canada – so I quit my job, gave notice to my landlord, and sold my bike. A few weeks later, I remember seeing Clare’s friend walk in and it was then I realised how stupid I’ve been to have resisted meeting her for so long. It goes without saying, I didn’t end up leaving London and made the best decision I could’ve made.”

The one for me: Nicole: “I knew Greg was the one the moment I realised that no matter where I was in the world, however far from friends or family, as long as I was with him, I felt home.”

Greg: “I knew Nicole was the one the moment I realised that wherever I will be, however much I will have, I will be the richest and luckiest man because I have her in my life.”

Greg proposed to Nicole (pictured above) on the balcony of an opera house once all the guests had left for the evening

Proposal: As avid travel enthusiasts, Greg decided to pop the question on a trip abroad. After deliberating and waiting for the right moment which equated to several trips and seven months later, he finally found the perfect spot in Prague, a trip he planned for Nicole’s 30th birthday. “It was a Saturday evening and we had just finished watching an opera in the city. I was lingering around trying to plan how I was going to do it and waiting for the right moment. We found a nice corner on the balcony of the opera house and the place had emptied out completely. Nicole thanked me for her birthday present, and I jokingly accused her of never closing her eyes when giving me a kiss. She tightly shut her eyes to prove a point and offered me a kiss, and when she opened them I was on one knee,” Greg recalls.

The ring: Greg proposed with a temporary ring as he knew Nicole would want to be a part of the ring design process. Since childhood, Nicole dreamed of a classic solitaire ring with a round brilliant diamond. With the bespoke team at 77 Diamonds, they designed a thin classic yellow gold band. “When we picked the ring up, we were both on cloud nine as it went above and beyond what we had imagined and both felt an overwhelming wave of happiness. Needless to say, I felt so excited to put our ring on her finger,” says Greg.

Wedding plans: “Because Nicole and I are both from different parts of the world and have friends and family from all over, we are planning an Autumn wedding next year in one of our favorite places in the world, Crete,” Greg shares. “It’ll probably be one of the only times everyone we know and love will be in the same city, and it’ll be an honour to celebrate such a special day together.”

With the bespoke design team at 77, Greg designed a classic solitaire engagement ring for Nicole in 18k yellow gold with a round brilliant diamond

Every story is a unique representation of love – the meeting, the maturity of the relationship and the journey towards marriage. Two individuals coming together to build a life as one. Despite the hurdles and hiccups along the way, this is their happily ever after. Meet some newly engaged couples, basking in a state of romantic bliss. These loved up pairs have been kind enough to share their proposal stories with 77 World.

Today, we meet Sameer Rizvi and Iryna Dubylovska, investment managers from London.

Sameer proposed to Iryna in celebration of their three-year anniversary

First meeting: Sameer and Iryna met in August 2014 during their investment banking induction at the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The following month, Sameer asked Iryna out for a drink and the rest is history. In July 2015, they both left their investment banking jobs at RBS to set up their own investment firm, RD Capital Partners LLP. “It’s been a great success for us and has completely changed our lifestyle! We celebrated our three-year anniversary on 12 September this year and I proposed to her on the 16th in Monte-Carlo,” Sameer shares.

She’s the one: “I knew Iryna was the one when she blindly followed me and decided to quit her high-paying and secure investment banking job to set up our own investment firm. She believed in me even when I didn’t fully believe in myself. I am happy to say that it paid off! Our lifestyle has changed for the better in every way imaginable. I get to spend every day with the woman I love, and I couldn’t have asked for more,” exclaims Sameer.

The proposal: With their three-year anniversary approaching, Sameer found the perfect excuse to whisk Iryna away to the French Riviera, specifically to Monte-Carlo, Monaco. “I wanted the weekend to be as special as possible and for us to stay in the best 5-star luxury hotel in Europe, so I booked a junior suite at Hotel de Paris. As I had informed them of my plan to propose, the team was kind enough to give us an upgrade to their exclusive premium sea-view suite with two terraces. This gave us a direct view over the Mediterranean and over Port Hercules,” Sameer explains.

On the day of the proposal, Sameer ensured the day was perfect for Iryna. After a romantic breakfast on the terrace, the couple meandered around the city and indulged in a seafood lunch on the sea. Finally, after a coffee at Cafe de Paris, they headed back to their room that evening. “The Concierge team had been informed about this and as we entered the room, she saw a huge 20-rose bouquet as well as several balloons and a bottle of Champagne Ruinart Blanc de Blanc. As she turned around to ask me what this was for, I had the ring and asked her to marry me.”

Iryna’s bespoke ring by 77 Diamonds features a cushion-shape diamond held by double talon claws and flanked by tapered baguettes

The ring: Sameer had his heart set on a bespoke cushion-shape diamond ring with a minimum of 3 carats and tapered baguette side stones. He spent several weeks searching for a suitable diamond with the 77 Diamonds’ team. “I was very particular about having an excellent polish and symmetry and no fluorescence. I was also particular about the length/width ratio being a perfect square. Equally, I wanted the diamond to be near colourless and almost flawless in clarity. After this search process, the 77 Diamonds’ bespoke team did an amazing job creating a fantastic final product which came to 3.51 carats at the end. The process was thorough and I was kept involved via CAD designs and feedback/update emails.”

The reaction: “My fiancée, Iryna, loved it! I knew from before that cushion cut was her preferred choice, but she immediately fell in love with this bespoke and unique ring!”

The wedding: This is still in the making, the couple share, however they would like to keep it intimate with just over 100 guests.

To share your proposal story with 77 World, email priya.gill@77diamonds.com

Diamonds are viewed  and cherished as a symbol of commitment and love. However, most people are unaware of the positive impact they have on various communities. In remote locations where diamonds are mined, their sales have helped turn around the lives of local communities that either developed because of the mining process, or pre-existed. Lifting them up from depths of poverty, hunger, and destitution, the sales of these precious rocks have helped generate employment, education, and health facilities.

One of the most significant impacts of organisations such as the Diamond Empowerment Fund is providing scholarships to young adults in diamond communities. Their chance at gaining higher education in colleges across the globe enables them to bring growth to their own selves as well as their native countries. Image: Instagram @realisadiamond

The establishment of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003 (that prevents ‘blood diamonds’ from entering the mainstream rough diamond market) had contributed immensely in spearheading a new wave of guilt-free diamond buying to ensure the stones don’t fall in the wrong hands. With increasing awareness, most jewellery houses and diamond miners in the developed nations are now increasingly insistent on sourcing conflict-free diamonds. For instance, all the diamond mines operated by members of the Diamond Producers Association – including those in Southern Africa, Russia, Australia and Canada – work in partnership with the local communities to help generate employment, training, and development.

Working in harmony with local communities is a part of any diamond mine’s license to operate. For instance, with efforts by diamond producer Rio Tinto, 4,700 villagers in Madhya Pradesh, India, have access to clean water. Image: Instagram: @diamondsdogood

Recently, the government of Sierra Leone announced its decision to auction the 709-carat ‘Peace Diamond’ that was discovered in the village of Koryardu. The ‘Peace Diamond’, which is the 14^th largest rough diamond to be found, is a development diamond. This means that over 50 per cent of its sales value will directly benefit the community where the diamond was discovered, and the people of Sierra Leone. Pastor Emmanuel Momoh, the owner of the diamond, says: “The ‘Peace Diamond’ will greatly improve the lives of our people as it will bring clean water, electricity, schools, medical facilities, bridges, and roads to our villages and the Kono district. This diamond represents our hope for a better future as the resources of Sierra Leone fund growth, development, and jobs.”

Hailing the initiative, Tobias Kormind, co-founder of 77 Diamonds, hopes the auction inspires others to follow suit. “With the Peace Diamond, Sierra Leone is following Botswana’s example, using its precious natural resources for the good of its people. Botswana was once one of Africa’s poorest nations, but today, thanks to its diamonds, Botswana has a literacy rate of over 80% and child mortality rates have plummeted by more than 70% since the 1960s when diamonds were first discovered there. The sale of the Peace Diamond, a partnership between the Sierra Leone government and the Rapaport Group, is a business model with integrity and vision. I hope we see much more of this,” he says.

Helping the local communities preserve their environment has been the aim of most diamond producers in Southern Africa. Their endeavours include helping establish vegetable gardens, grow forests and protect animals. Image: Instagram @diamondsdogood

Some of the changes brought by the sales of diamonds in socially and economically regressive communities have been tremendous. In Australia, the landmark Argyle Participation Agreement signed in 2004 between Rio Tinto and the traditional owners of the Argyle mine – the Gija and Mirriuwung people – empowered the local natives with training, employment, and business development opportunities, apart from lending the aboriginals a voice in mining decisions affecting their interests.

Education is another area that was bolstered by the diamond industry, with schools founded and funded in scores of countries where diamond mining companies are nestled. In fact, income from diamonds has helped make it possible for every child in Botswana to receive free schooling up to the age of 13. Since 2007, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.), founded by Russell Simmons and other diamond and jewellery industry leaders, has been providing promising youth with access to higher education.

Education is a common theme spanning the diamond industry. Income from diamonds has helped make it possible for every child in Botswana to receive free schooling up to the age of 13. This image, of orphan students attending school in Molepolele, Botswana, shows efforts by Leo Schachter Diamonds in providing supplies, teachers’ salaries and transportation to students of the school since 2006. Image: Instagram @diamondsdogood

Diamonds are finite resources whose worth intensifies manifold when they help populations to sustain, and these stones will continue to change lives for generations to come.

If there’s one constant at the much-awaited diamonds’ auction in Geneva, it’s the stones that are always bigger and shinier than their predecessors. The autumn sales in Switzerland were on from November 11 till November 15, bringing cheer, and some disappointment. The eagerly anticipated Magnificent auctions, however, continue to boast of the most opulent and massive rocks going under the hammer.

The star of the auction was a flawless 163.41-carat emerald shape diamond which sold for £25.7 million. Image: Instagram @velvet_castle

This year belonged to the biggest diamond ever sold at auction – The Art of Grisogono. A flawless 163.41-carat clear diamond, it fetched £25.7 million at Christie’s on Tuesday evening, bought by an anonymous telephone bidder after two minutes of bidding. The diamond was cut from a rough 404-carat stone discovered in Angola last year – the biggest diamond ever found in that country, and the 27^th biggest rough white diamond ever discovered. It became the centrepiece of an asymmetric gem-studded necklace designed by Fawaz Gruosi, founder of De Grisogono, a Geneva-based jeweller. Made of 18 diamonds on one side and two rows of pear-shaped emeralds on the other, The Art of Grisogono took more than 1,700 hours and a team of 14 De Grisogono craftspeople to create. It is estimated to be about 40 per cent bigger than a diamond sold by Sotheby’s in 2013 for about US $31 million.

Despite its rarity and exceptional beauty, the diamond necklace sold for about £12 million less than expected. Image: Instagram @sebnembalkan

However, the sale disappointed experts who had estimated the flawless D coloured, IIA type piece at £37 million. For the uninitiated, D is the highest colour grade attributed to a diamond, indicating that the stone is completely colourless, and so, extremely rare. Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, said he was disappointed that the diamond didn’t sell for a more dazzling price. Rahul Kodakia, auctioneer and head of Christie’s, international jewels division, added, however, that it marked “a new world-record price for a D coloured diamond at auction.”

The exquisite light pink diamond, Le Grand Mazarin, which went for £11,012,750. The historic 19.07-carat diamond belonged to numerous French kings and emperors, including Napolean. Image: Instagram @idelabruyere

Another highlight of the auction was the Le Grand Mazarin, a 19.07-carat light pink diamond of VS2 clarity that went under the hammer to an unidentified telephone bidder for £11,012,750. Named after Cardinal Mazarin, an Italian cardinal, diplomat, and a great art collector, the Le Grand Mazarin was once set in the crowns of numerous French kings and emperors, including Napoleon. Cardinal Mazarin bequeathed it, along with other diamonds, to the Sun King in his will. The diamond was originally dug out of the ancient mines of Golconda in south-central India and has been described as a “timeless symbol of beauty” by Christie’s. It has appeared at auction for the first time in 130 years. Featuring these and an array of coloured diamonds, the Christie’s sales totalled £81,105,073.

The Pink Raj – the world’s largest known fancy intense pink diamond expected to fetch between $20-30m, however failed to sell. Image: Instagram @inthebox.it

At Sotheby’s on Wednesday evening, there were more bloopers in wait. Despite being dubbed as the largest known diamond graded “fancy intense pink” for its rare colour, The Raj Pink failed to sell. The cushion-shape stone that weighs 37.30 carats was found in South Africa and has been mounted on a ring. It was estimated to sell at US $20-30 million. Even though bidding opened at $10.02 million, it could manage to climb to £10,695,921 ($14 m Swiss Francs) before stalling.

“The Pink Raj” was not an easy stone to sell”, said Eric Valdieu, a Geneva-based jewellery dealer, formerly of Christie’s. It’s lack of history is stated to be one of the reasons for its failure to find many takers. Tobias Kormind said he was worried for the top end of the diamond market.

Other major lots that failed to meet the secret reserve price set by their sellers included a pair of yellow diamonds that previously belonged to the German princely family of Von Donnersmarck. It reached £5,959,156 but failed to find a new owner. Only 303 of the 349 lots found new owners, quoted Sotheby’s. In total, the sale netted £59,491,177.