Margaret River Proposal

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Wow – here is what Matt had to say about us – Thanks for the kind words and a huge congratulations to you both!

“Hi Alex,

I just wanted to thank you for all your help with the engagement ring. Everything went perfectly over in Margaret River and we had an amazing time.

Sian is extremely happy with the ring and I am stoked. Your design turned out brilliantly and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

I hope you’re well and we will probably be seeing you soon when it’s time for designing the wedding bands.

Thanks so much again!

Matt Smith”

Diamond Engagement Ring

Diamond Engagement Ring

A South African Proposal

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Thanks for your kind words Tiago and massive Congratulations to you both!

Read about his very adventurous and intricately planned proposal in the Kruger National Park, South Africa… incredible!

A South African Proposal

A South African Proposal

“I had made my mind up: I was going to propose this year, I just needed the right situation for it.

A friend’s wedding in Johannesburg provided the opportunity, an amazing safari lodge provided the setting, a full moon provided the mood and lighting, and MAX Diamonds provided the stunning engagement ring.

Stunning Engagement Ring

Stunning Engagement Ring

When we decided that we were going over to South Africa for the wedding, I immediately started looking into the engagement ring. I had 3 months to learn all I could about diamonds, and find the perfect ring. After some weeks of scouring the internet for information and visiting local jewellers, my best friend brought to my attention that Alex at MAX Diamonds was someone worth talking to, and he was on the money.

Alex spent considerable time and effort into ensuring I got exactly what I was looking for. She answered all my questions, and what’s more, I could tell she was genuinely passionate and interested in the process. It was really nice to have someone like her through it all.

I must say, I didn’t get all the fuss over diamonds, but when I first saw the finished product – it all made sense. Wow! It just makes me think why diamonds can’t also be a guy’s best friend too?

There was some considerable stress involved in carrying something so valuable with me in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, but I managed to keep it safe and secret all the way from Perth through Johannesburg and into Kruger National Park.

We had booked 4 days at Ulusaba – Sir Richard Branson’s Private Game Lodge. It was unbelievable. Everything about it was just amazing, from the staff, to the setting, to the animals. Truly one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

We saw some amazing scenes during the game drives, were spoilt with delicious food, and even had a chance to visit a nearby village and give something back.

It was the perfect holiday. But I wasn’t done! On the last night of our stay, the staff organised a private 5 course dinner for us at the wine cellar. As we entered the hut, we descended down the stairs lined with candles, we were greeted with rose petals in the shape of hearts, at the entrance of the veranda. Behind us the cellars walls housing the wine, ahead of us a meticulously set dinner table and beyond that, the South African wilderness.

As the food came out, and we went through the day we just had, it was just sinking in how perfect it all was:

- We had been up since dawn, watching the baboons roll out of the trees as they started their day too.
- Then, not even 2 minutes into our game drive, we had our second meeting with the 3 lionesses and their 7 unforgettable cubs.

Pride ‘n’ Purpose

Pride ‘n’ Purpose

- Back to the lodge after a great morning game drive, we headed to the village to spend some time there with the Pride ‘n’ Purpose (the charity that supports them) and had the pleasure of meeting the kids at their pre-primary school (donated by Christian Slater as a birthday present to Richard Branson).
- Back to the lodge we had time to sneak in a massage before the evening game drive, where we saw the elusive leopard for the 2nd time!

And only then did it dawn on me, that I was possibly one of the luckiest men alive, to have the opportunity to do all this in 1 day and then have the chance to fulfil one of the most important days that a girl has.

Dinner & Engagement Proposal

Dinner & Engagement Proposal

After 3 months of planning, I couldn’t wait any longer, so half way through dinner I got out of my seat and down on one knee. The rest, as they say, is history…

Alex at MAX Diamonds and the staff at Ulusaba were instrumental in helping me make it the perfect day for my (now) fiancé.

Thank you!”

A Very Geeky Proposal

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There was an interesting article in Sydney Morning Herald this week about a fairly unconventional marriage proposal. Not a diamond ring in sight, but still one of the cutest proposals I have read about in some time.

Sydney physicist Brendan McMonigal took his girlfriend of seven years, Christie Nelan to the spot where they just met at Sydney University. The trip was under the ruse that he needed her help on a physics paper he had been having trouble with. Brendan then proceeded to bend down on one knee and hand the paper to Christine.

The paper, titled. Two Body Interactions: A Longitudinal Study details (in physics geek speak) the process of the couples relationship with a graph of “happiness over time.” The conclusion delightfully ends with a multiple choice question “will you marry me?”

The happiness over time

The happiness over time

It took Christine a few reads to understand what was going on, but when she figured out she excitedly said yes.

Although the proposal took place in March 2012 it has only recently gone viral, after publication on the social sharing website Reddit.

So tell us ladies, how did your man propose to you? Was it as creative (and geeky) as the article? Let us know in the comments.

A HUGE congratulations to Jared & Georgia!

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A HUGE congratulations to Jared & Georgia!

Jared proposed to Georgia in their apartment, then, after a big YES! took her out to the restaurant they went to on their first ever date. Very romantic!

Alex has known Jared since he was born and was extremely honoured and very excited to be able to help him with his engagement ring – a beautiful cushion cut diamond in a halo setting.

Wishing you the very best for your engagement and future together. :)

Cushion Cut Diamond in a Halo Setting

Cushion Cut Diamond in a Halo Setting

Great Wedding Proposals in Sydney

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Sydney has some fabulous outdoor locations for the romantics at heart – like an unforgettable night out by candlelight in the Rocks or a day at the Northern beaches for a sunbake or dinner at one of its many seaside restaurants.

You could book a sailing trip at dusk on the stunning Sydney Harbour – with the stars out, on the water, sipping a glass of bubbly and the city lit up it is a pretty special place to be.

Another great option is the Royal Botanic Gardens next to the Sydney Opera House. It is definitely one of the city’s most romantic places to visit. Bring your own picnic basket full of nice beautiful gourmet treats and wine to have on the grass or stroll along the paths next to the many trees, plants and flowers in the gardens. The Botanical gardens offer some spectacular views of the harbour and are large enough that you can always find a quiet spot for a picnic.

It is easy to see why it is a favourite location for many marriage proposals. Sydney seems to offer so many options and such a stunning backdrop for any proposal – from casual and intimate to an all out extravaganza!

Here are three very creative Sydney proposals:

Opera House and Harbour Bridge

Taronga Zoo

Bondi

If you need some help or would like some inspiration, we are always happy to help , MAX Diamonds can help with more than the engagement ring, we love hearing your ideas or helping you come up with ideas if you need us to – we have even helped to set up a proposal complete with petals and a treasure hunt!

Robyn Lewis: 10 Years in MAX Diamonds

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A huge thank you and congratulations to Robyn Lewis who has just reached her 10 years of working for MAX Diamonds!! Wow. That really is incredible – what an adventure we have had so far.

A well deserved holiday in Italy is in store this year for Robyn. We look forward to many more years working together :)

Robyn Lewis

Robyn Lewis

Be My Valentine

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Have a look at this Valentines Day Proposal right around the corner from us!!

We have a few lucky ladies that we know of who are going to be asked the big question on February 14th…. and they have no idea at all… Fingers crossed all the proposals go exactly as planned.

For those who aren’t quite ready to pop the question, I have some worldly wisdom to share -
Do something nice for your lady on February 14th. It doesn’t have to be huge or over the top (in fact I completely disagree with the advice given here by Victorias Secret Models)

Victoria's Secret models - The Sydney Morning Herald

Victoria's Secret models - The Sydney Morning Herald

In my opinion, its all about the thought you put into it. A handwritten letter, candle lit massage, a surprise picnic or a home cooked dinner with a nice bottle of bubbly goes a very long way.

Happy Valentines Day from the team at MAX Diamonds :)

Honeymoon Tips by Alex & Warren

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Alex & Warren’s Honeymoon to South America
Duration: 3.5 weeks
Destination: Peru/Bolivia/Argentina

Alex traveled to South America for her honeymoon and absolutely loved it – here are her tips – please feel free to let us know if you have been anywhere amazing for your honeymoon. Important tips before you go:

  • Have an open mind – it’s very different to Australia. Wonderfully different!
  • Pack as little as you can – you can buy almost everything you need over there.
  • Buy a lonely planet guide book for South America and a Spanish phrasebook – both SO helpful.
  • You cannot see it all in one trip, even if you were there for 10 months! So don’t try to squeeze too much in, just promise yourself you will go back.
  • Be careful – don’t be an obvious tourist, don’t flash cash, wallets or diamond rings around. We only carried a maximum of $200on us at any time and I never let go of my handbag – my husband was a perfect gentleman and looked after me very well on the streets.
  • Learn as much Spanish as you can – you will need it and the people really appreciate the effort – if nothing else you will make someone smile at you with your attempts.

Maccu Piccu

The Maccu Piccu trek was the highlight of the honeymoon for us – incredible scenery, worth considering if you are looking proposal ideas. And when you are so tired at the end of each day your tent is already set up for you with hot food waiting – AMAZING! We did the 6 day hike with Chimu Adventures.

Bring very warm clothes and lots of layers. The porters carry about 5kg of your stuff so you don’t need to carry a huge backpack with you – we just brought a little day pack with water, food, toilet paper (bring that, don’t forget!!) hand sanitiser and food/spare clothes. It was more than enough. The trek is quite hard, it’s no easy stroll. Acclimatize beforehand for a few days in Cuzco if you can.

At the end we splashed out and stayed at the sanctuary lodge – very expensive (we never ever spend that much) but we thought it was worth it as it was our honeymoon and we were very fortunate that a lot of our wedding guests contributed to this. We had a free upgrade to the presidential suite! Including 2 x 1 hour massages bubbly on arrival in our room and all meals and drinks.

Cusco

We both really liked Cuzco – it’s a gorgeous Spanish/Inca city with cobblestone streets and very pretty, especially at night. We stayed for 3 nights total here – can’t remember the hostel – was part of the tour (included).

Bars/food: Los Perros Teqsicocha 436
Pizza: “Pomodoro” Loreto 125 Plaza De Armas

Lima

Lima is a bit dodgy – be careful. It’s not the prettiest place either but it seems you need to go through there to get to everywhere else. We liked the food there and there were a few funky little bars around.
We stayed here – Hostel El Patio. Highly recommend it :) . I think it was about $50/night? It is simple, clean, friendly owners and very safe, in a good location. With a great Spanish restaurant just opposite – YUM!

Puerto Iguazu

We went to the Argentine side – didn’t feel the need to see the Brazil side. Some say you should see both but we were thrilled just seeing the Argentina side. It was definitely worth seeing. Incredible – do the boat ride under the falls. Amazing experience!

We stayed here – right in the jungle – pricey but we LOVED IT. Food/room was amazing – we drank a bottle of bubbly in the balcony hammock during a thunderstorm. Ask for a corner room with a balcony.

Lake Titicaca

We stayed with a local family on an island (a 2-day very rough tour). It is a cool experience, and you get to visit families that live on reed islands. Lake Yitcaca is stunning. Get in a boat definitely – and it’s huge – the highest natural lake in the world. Puno is a cool tiny little town, with cool bars / restaurants but you only need to stay 1 night there. You can see the place in 30 mins.

Bus from Cusco – Puno. If you get the choice between the bus that takes you on a tour and the bus that goes direct – GO DIRECT. We really regretted that one!

La Paz

We didn’t love La Paz, but we are glad we went. It’s very like the Third World. Crazy, busy, dusty, poverty stricken but again: cool bars & restaurants. Didn’t get to do the ‘most dangerous bike ride in the world’ apparently lots of people die there all the time… I’ve had friends who rave about it and others who say they almost died themself. Your call! haha

We stayed here which was great – $80/night.

Buenos Aires

We booked from 1 night and ended up staying for 6 – LOVED BA. LOVED this hotel – again a free upgrade to an AMAZING room – about $80/night?

Other tips:

  • See a football match – scary/amazing experience
  • Go horse riding – we went with a 6 foot 5 cowboy from South Africa (who fell in love with Warren! haha) – it was a very different experience but we did get to gallop on a beach! This is the one we went on – he is brutally honest but I learnt a lot.
  • Eat steak – we loved this restaurant – amazing steak & red wine.:

Don Julio
Palermo Soho
Guatemala 4691

  • Go out Pn Palermo, (SO COOL!) San Telmo (day time is better) and Boca is worth a look for the bright painted houses/tango street dancing. We both loved BA. A lot. I miss it!

We plan to go back one day and do the following -

  • Salt planes of Bolivia
  • Amazon jungle
  • Brazil (Beaches + Rio)
  • Horse riding through vineyards in Mendoza.