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It is no surprise that Christmas and New Year remain such popular times to propose. Families are together, diaries slow down and there is already a sense of occasion in the air.
At Hancocks Jewellers, we have been helping people choose engagement rings in Manchester since 1860 and have sold more than 50,000 engagement rings along the way. We have heard almost every question that comes before a proposal, from finding the right ring size without giving the game away to whether Christmas Day is simply too obvious.
The good news is that there are very few rules. The best proposal is the one that feels right for the two of you.
If you already know Christmas is the moment, start with the ring.
October and November give you more time to compare diamond shapes, coloured gemstones, settings and metals without feeling rushed. However, a December decision does not mean you have left it too late.
Our engagement rings are handcrafted in advance and available to purchase from our King Street store. If you find the right one, you can take it away that day.
That is particularly reassuring when Christmas is already close.
We do not think so.
A date is only predictable if it has no meaning to you. If Christmas is already filled with traditions, favourite places and people you love, it can be an ideal time to add one more memory.
The important question is not whether somebody else is proposing that week. It is whether your partner would love the moment you are planning.
Christmas Eve often works well for couples who would prefer some time alone before sharing the news.
Christmas Day suits those who would enjoy having family nearby and making the engagement part of the celebrations.
You do not have to propose at home either. A favourite walk, restaurant, hotel or place that already means something to you will usually feel more personal than trying to create a grand setting for the sake of it.
No.
If you can discreetly borrow a ring your partner already wears on the correct finger, bring it with you and we can use it as a guide.
If that is not possible, do not let sizing stop you choosing the ring you love. Many engagement rings can be adjusted afterwards, depending on the design.
You can also read our guide on how to find her ring size without giving the surprise away.
Yes.
Unlike rings that are only made once an order is placed, many of our engagement rings have already been individually handcrafted and are ready to purchase.
That means you can compare several designs in person, look closely at the diamonds or gemstones and leave with the ring that day.
If you want something more specific, we can also discuss other options with you. For those who want to create something entirely individual, our design your own ring service offers another route.
We would advise against it.
Even on Christmas Day, give the proposal a moment of its own. Ask the question first, then let the ring take centre stage.
An engagement ring deserves rather more attention than being opened between perfume and a Christmas jumper.
Once the practical questions are answered, the enjoyable part begins.
These five engagement rings are among the styles and gemstones we continue to see people drawn to. Each offers something completely different, and all are worth seeing in person.
Three brilliant cut diamonds sit across an 18ct yellow gold band, creating a balanced design with plenty of presence.
It is particularly suited to someone who already wears yellow gold and prefers a traditional diamond engagement ring with a little more scale than a solitaire.
Take a closer look at the Brilliant Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring in Gold
If your partner has mentioned sapphires, listen.
A rich blue sapphire sits between two diamonds in platinum, giving the colour centre stage while the diamonds bring brightness to either side.
It is a beautiful alternative to an all diamond ring and one we absolutely love.
The emerald is the immediate focus here, surrounded by diamonds that frame the green and give the ring greater presence on the hand.
For someone who loves coloured gemstones or jewellery with a stronger personality, this is one that deserves to be seen in person.
A solitaire puts all the attention on one diamond, which is why cut and proportion matter so much.
The princess cut gives this platinum ring clean lines and a completely different character from a round brilliant stone.
It is a strong choice for someone who prefers elegant, uncomplicated jewellery.
Explore the Platinum Princess Cut Diamond Single Stone Ring.
Ruby and yellow gold make a striking combination.
The red centre stone is flanked by diamonds, while the 18ct yellow gold brings warmth to the entire ring.
If your partner has never imagined an all diamond engagement ring, this could be the one that changes their mind.
A Christmas proposal does not need to be complicated. It needs the right setting, a little thought and a ring you cannot wait to give them.
If you are planning to propose this Christmas, visit Hancocks Jewellers at 29 King Street in Manchester city centre and see our engagement rings in person.
Many are already handcrafted, ready to purchase and ready to take away today.
So even if Christmas is closer than you planned, the right ring may already be here.
