Holiday proposals are popular, unsurprisingly. You’ve usually got a backdrop of gorgeous scenery, a relaxed atmosphere, maybe some exotic cocktails – so getting down on one knee on holiday is a truly romantic way to propose. Plus, it then offers a great excuse for a return visit. We suggest that you book a trip to somewhere on both of your bucket lists. Perhaps a secluded beach holiday, so you can propose at sunset against the lapping waves – or, if you’re more outdoorsy, a hiking holiday so that you can propose on a mountain top. Alicia J favourite locations include Capri, the Greek islands, and Krakow in winter – a beautiful fairytale-like city in the snow. Wherever you choose, make sure you’re clued up on your partner’s favourite location (not just yours) so you can make the proposal as perfect as possible.

Alicia J top tip: Try to outsource as much as you can to your hotel before you get there. Hotel concierges can help figure out all the details including location, activities and even capturing the moment by hiring professional photographers.  That way, when you arrive, there are elements already planned and arranged, leaving you more time to relax with your partner.

If your first date was memorably romantic and exciting, why not recreate the setting to pop the big question? We say harness that lovely nostalgia by rekindling beautiful memories of when you first got to know each other. That way, you’ll create a significant new memory around the setting, too. This proposal idea will be truly unique to you both. It’s a good romantic starting point as you’ll be able to reminisce over your happy relationship and how much you have grown together as a couple.

Ever wondered how some couples take amazing proposal photos just at the right time? A fake photo proposal can get you just that. Head to a scenic spot or simply somewhere special to you and your partner. Ask someone to take a photo of you both, but instead of posing for the camera, pull out a ring and get down on one knee; your partner’s reaction will then be captured forever. Sneaky, but in a romantic way!

Proposing with all your friends and family around you can be a great way to include everyone you love in your engagement celebration. It’s also a perfect preview of the excitement you’ll experience on your wedding day. We love the idea that you can surprise your loved one more than once in just a matter of seconds. For example, you could propose in a private, intimate atmosphere, then, after they’ve said ‘yes!’, have family and friends ready with Champagne and flowers nearby to continue the celebrations. If you both have a close relationship with family and friends, this can take your proposal to the next level.

If you and your partner have had years of amazing memories and life events together, a personalised scrapbook is the perfect way to encapsulate all those special moments, which got you to where you are now. Fill the book with photos, tickets from events, and any keepsakes from dates and daytrips. The last page can read ‘Will you marry me?’ A lovely bonus idea is to have a blank page or two to the story book, ready to add photos after the proposal.

If you want to be creative, and your partner relishes a challenge, a scavenger hunt might just be for you. Use your relationship in-jokes to build a treasure hunt by scattering clues that lead to a new location until it finally leads your partner to the ring. To make things extra special, ask for the help of family friends in delivering clues.

Alicia J Top Tip: For a scavenger hunt proposal, make sure you plan first. The aim is to lead your partner on a guided tour of your relationship towards a very special goal. Try to ensure the clues are clever, but simple enough so it doesn’t leave your partner scratching their head in frustration, as this can dampen the experience.

In the simplest of terms, we make beautiful bespoke luxury jewellery. But what we do goes far beyond that.

Our diamond and gemstone jewellery service is as much about making you – the buyer, the client, the wearer, the person, the gift-giver – feel wonderful. By helping you design the jewellery and choose personalised elements in your piece, and by involving you in the process, you will feel you have been part of something. You become knowledgeable about your jewellery making you appreciate it even more.

We source outstanding ethical diamonds and gemstones at the best prices – and show you how we do this, talking through the properties of each stone so that you can learn about your own piece. 

At Alicia J, our business has been built with you in mind every step of the way. You may have noticed we don’t have any high street showrooms, stores or extra operational costs. We operate online so we don’t add extra costs to our fine jewellery supply chains. Our fair prices result in the valuation generally being higher than the cost charged to the client. This is just one of the ways we work to put you at the centre of what we do. 

We start each journey in the same way – with the design process. There is a perfect piece of jewellery for every person and every occasion, and with you, we’ll create it during the design process. Our personal concierge service is all about making jewellery for you, with you. It’s a personal, unique experience for everyone.

Diamond and gemstone jewellery can need a little help to maintain its brilliance for eternity. At Alicia J, we want all of our customers to be able to enjoy their fine jewellery throughout their entire life, and then be able to pass it on the future generations.

Although diamonds are the hardest natural substances on earth, they are not totally indestructible. Diamonds have an affinity for grease and oils which means over time, they can become dirty. When a diamond is dirty, it appears dull. This not only takes away your diamonds sparkle, but it can cause inclusions (small imperfections) to become more obvious to the human eye.

With the correct care and knowledge, your jewellery can last a lifetime and beyond. Here are our top tips for keeping your precious jewellery in top condition.

When someone thinks of gemstones, Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds will often spring to mind first. These 3 precious gemstones are referred to as the ‘big 3’ and remain the most sought-after gemstones in the world due to their hardness, rarity and beauty.

Ruby, Emerald, Sapphires and Diamond are the only gemstones categorised as ‘precious gemstones’. All others were referred to as ‘semi-precious’. This is in reference to their value, rarity, durability and beauty. A really fine Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald can actually be priced higher per-carat than a diamond, which automatically categorises these 3 as the ultimate-coloured gemstones.

We’re taking a look into the history of the big 3 and what it is that makes them so special.

The first known emeralds emerged from the mines of ancient Egypt. Estimates of the earliest emerald mining came from about 3500 to 330 BC. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for emeralds and used it in her royal adornments. Ancient civilizations attributed all kinds of magical qualities to emeralds. Their beliefs took hold and spread through the centuries, enhancing emerald’s allure. Some people believed its green colour represented fertility and rebirth. Others believed you could see the future by holding an emerald under your tongue. Others thought wearing one would strengthen your memory, make you more eloquent, help you avoid evil spells, and reveal the truth of your lover’s statements. Emeralds were also used as antidotes for poisons and to prevent epilepsy in children.

The most famous historical sources are the Kashmir region, which straddles Pakistan and India, as well as Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Today, the major sapphire sources are Madagascar, eastern Africa, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Madagascar is the most significant source of good- to fine-quality blue sapphire. Thai sapphires are usually dark blue in colour, Cambodia supplies many fine-quality blue sapphires and Australia’s sapphires tend to be a dark to very dark bluish-green.

In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm.  In other times and places, people also believed sapphires had the power to guard chastity, make peace between enemies, influence spirits, and reveal the secrets of oracles.

Rubies have been treasured by both ancient and modern cultures as a precious gemstone known for its beautiful red hue and passionate sparkle. The most significant factor affecting a Ruby’s colour is its colour. The finest ruby has a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red colour. In most markets, pure red colours are the most expensive and rubies with overtones of orange and purple are less valued.

In Burma (a ruby source since at least 600 AD—now called Myanmar), warriors possessed rubies to make them invincible in battle. According to 13th-century medical literature from India, rubies were also believed to cure digestive disorders and bring health, wealth, wisdom, and love. People also believed that if you wore a ruby in a ring on the left hand or in a brooch on the left side, it would give you a magical ability to live in peace among your enemies. Overtime, many large rubies were mined and acquired by royal families around the world. These would include the, Black Prince Ruby and the Burmese Ruby Tiara for Queen Elizabeth.