Ring

Ring

Engagement ring sales are flying through the roof in Britain, as men plan to pop the question to their loved ones over Christmas and the New Year.

Statistics show an unusual rise in engagement ring sales over the past six weeks, suggesting that men across the country are hoping to make the festive season extra special for their lucky ladies.

A survey by Star Jewellers revealed that women want marriage proposals to take place in romantic locations, and that engagement rings are an important aspect of the proceedings.

Victoria Beckham’s and Katie Price’s engagement rings topped a list of favourites, and it was discovered that the style of the ring is seen as more important than its size and value.

Adrian Demondez, Head of Retail at Star Jewellers said: “We are also witnessing a noticeable increase in the number of men buying engagement rings to wear themselves. 

“As it's become more socially acceptable for men to wear jewellery, they want to share in the excitement of the engagement by making an outward and demonstrable commitment to their partner”. 

This boom in sales comes at the wake of financial recession, which historically encourages more people to tie the knot.

It has been suggested that as more couples can’t afford to go out during evenings and weekends, they instead stay at home together, which strengthens their relationship.

It is also thought that couples seek increased social security during times of financial uncertainty, and figures show an increase in marriages during times of recession.

Over 470,000 marriages were recorded in 1940 during the Great Depression, compared to fewer than 240,000 in 2006.

Christmas creates many opportunities for romantic marriage proposals, such using the ring’s box as an ornament on the Christmas tree, or putting it inside a bigger box in the form of a gift.

One gentleman had a special proposal message iced onto a chocolate champagne bottle, and placed the ring inside the bottle for Christmas Day.

Likewise, New Year’s Eve is the ideal time for couples to get engaged, as men can incorporate the proposal into their New Year’s Resolutions.

Alternatively, placing the engagement ring into a champagne glass adds extra sparkle to the midnight toast, and women are divided between wanting to be alone with their partner or being surrounded by friends and family during a wedding proposal.

Actor Michael Douglas proposed to Catherine Zeta-Jones during the Millennium New Year’s celebrations, where he presented her with an antique, diamond ring.

A recent trend in men using family heirlooms for engagement rings could suggest that more proposals are planned this year than engagement ring sale figures can account for.

Christmas is also a popular period for celebrity engagements. Supermodel Heidi Klum was flown by helicopter the day before Christmas Eve to a secret, winter wonderland location, where partner Seal proposed to her in a specially-built private igloo.

By Kay Taylor