A stunning Solitaire with exquisite side detailing

How and where did you first meet? And how long have you been together?

"We first contacted each other via an online dating site and shortly after that we met in person next to the statue of Emperor Constantine outside York Minster - at midday on Sunday 14th November 2020. We then dated tentatively for a while, getting to know each other better within the limitations of dating and meeting during Covid restrictions. This led to us getting together in April 2021 and I moved in a couple of months later!"

Tell us about your proposal, how did you propose?

"Each year since we met in person in November 2020, we have restaged that first meeting, on the Sunday nearest to the 14th. Having resolved to propose this year, I decided that the anniversary of our meeting could be a suitable occasion. As we had done in previous years, I waited by Emperor Constantine's statue at midday and my now fiancee walked towards me waving - this year I held her hands, told her how much I adore and appreciate her, then went down on one knee to propose and offer her the ring, much to her surprise!"

What was your inspiration behind your engagement ring?

"I wanted a solitaire but with some added sparkle when viewing the ring from the sides, the ring I chose has very small diamonds that provide that. My fiancee has very small fingers - even smaller than I guessed - so the style of the mount had to be in proportion to her hands. This design looked lovely as a solitaire when seen head on but has that extra interest when viewed from the side."

How did you find the process of ordering online?

"There was a lot of choice for both the ring and diamonds. When I found this design it had everything I wanted and the rest of the process was really straightforward. I asked to collect the ring in person from the Holts office in Hatton Garden, rather than have it sent. I was keen to keep the proposal a secret until the day and collecting it was part of that, it's delivery might have given the game away!"

What was your favourite part of the process?

"The handover was nicely done and it was a good feeling to walk away from Holts with the ring in my pocket, anticipating the proposal!"

What would be your one piece of advice for couples looking for an engagement ring?

"Choose the ring that suits your style and fingers, make it as personal as possible! I was set on surprising my fiancee with the proposal and the ring - which is risky in several ways - but was prepared to change the ring if she didn't like it... I also got her ring size quite wrong!"