Proposing at Christmas: Why This Is the Year to Ask
If you've been thinking about proposing at Christmas, chances are you already know. Maybe it came to you somewhere ordinary. You caught her laughing at something on her phone, or heard the way she says your name when she's half asleep. Maybe you noticed that every plan you make now has her in it. However it happened, you've been carrying the same thought around ever since: she's the one.
Why Christmas Is the Perfect Time to Propose
She'll be surrounded by the people she loves
Think about what comes straight after she says yes. She'll want to call her mum, hug her sister and show her best friend the ring. When you propose at Christmas, most of those people are already in the next room. You won't have to wait to share the news or try to get everyone together for an engagement announcement, because the celebration is already set up.
A Christmas engagement becomes your story
From now on, every Christmas morning will carry a little extra meaning. She'll look down at her engagement ring while the kids (or the dog) tear into the presents and remember the year you asked. You won't just get an anniversary out of it. Christmas itself becomes your day.
The surprise takes care of itself
December is the one time of year when small wrapped boxes don't raise any eyebrows. With gifts everywhere, a surprise Christmas proposal is easier to pull off than at any other time of year, and you can keep the secret right up until the moment you're ready.
You'll have time to enjoy it
Most proposals are followed by Monday morning and a full inbox. Christmas is different. With time off work and nowhere you need to be, you get days to celebrate, phone everyone, and let it sink in together.
It's the best time to buy an engagement ring
There's a practical side too. Christmas is when some of the best jewellery deals of the year come around, and with our catalogue deals, your budget can stretch further than you'd expect. That matters, because this is a ring she'll wear every day for the rest of her life. Getting the one you want at a better price makes the decision a lot easier.
Worried About Proposing at Christmas?
If you're still on the fence, you're probably thinking one of these.
"Won't it take over Christmas?"
It'll make it. Nobody has ever looked back on a Christmas proposal and wished it had been a quieter year. If she isn't one for an audience, ask her on Christmas Eve or first thing in the morning, and let her decide when to tell everyone.
"Isn't a Christmas proposal a bit predictable?"
Only if she's expecting it, and with presents everywhere, she won't be.
"What if I get the engagement ring wrong?"
That's where we come in. Keep reading for the best engagement rings for a Christmas proposal, plus how to work out her ring size without giving anything away.
"Can I afford the ring I have in mind?"
Probably more easily than you'd think. Between Australia's biggest range of engagement rings, Christmas deals and lab grown diamond engagement rings that give you a bigger look for your budget, the ring you're picturing is likely closer than you realise. You can also use buy now, pay later options like Zip and Afterpay to spread the cost, so she gets the ring this Christmas and you pay it off in instalments.
Luminesce Lab Grown Sterling Silver 1/2 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
$449.50
$899.00
Luminesce Lab Grown Sterling Silver 1/2 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring… read more
Luminesce Lab Grown 3 Carats Diamond Oval Solitaire Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
$4,199.30
$5,999.00
Luminesce Lab Grown 3 Carats Diamond Oval Solitaire Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold… read more
Luminesce Lab Grown 3 Carats Diamond Oval Solitaire Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
$4,199.30
$5,999.00
Luminesce Lab Grown 3 Carats Diamond Oval Solitaire Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold… read more
Christmas Proposal Ideas She'll Never Forget
You don't need fireworks or a flash mob. The best Christmas proposal ideas are the ones that feel like the two of you.
Christmas Eve, just the two of you. The presents are wrapped, the tree lights are on and the house is finally quiet. Pour two glasses of something and ask her before the madness starts.
First thing Christmas morning. Before anyone else is up, give her one gift. Make it the only one that matters.
The last gift under the tree. Hold one small box back until everything else has been opened. When she thinks it's all over, hand it to her.
A sunset beach proposal. A Christmas proposal in Australia means warm sand and long summer evenings. Take a walk after lunch, wait for the sky to turn pink, and get down on one knee.
With her family in on it. If she's close to her family, let them help. Her dad gets a heads up, her mum hides the ring, and everyone's ready with their phones for the moment she turns around.
A Boxing Day escape. If Christmas Day is full on, book a night away for Boxing Day. It's quiet, it's just you two, and you'll have all the time you want.
The Best Engagement Rings for a Christmas Proposal
She'll wear her engagement ring to work, out to dinner, on holidays and through every ordinary Tuesday for decades. So it needs to feel like her, suit the way she lives and look just as good in twenty years as it does on Christmas morning. These are the rings we'd point you to.
Classic Solitaire Engagement Ring
If she loves a classic
Luminesce Lab Grown 1.20 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
One beautiful diamond in warm yellow gold. It suits everything she wears and will never date, which is exactly why the solitaire has been the go-to engagement ring for generations.
Oval Engagement Ring
If she's always a step ahead on style
Luminesce Lab Grown 1 Carat Diamond Oval Solitaire Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
The oval engagement ring is one of the most loved styles right now, and it's a classic shape at heart. It makes her finger look longer and the diamond look bigger. Prefer white gold? It also comes in 9ct white gold.
Pear Engagement Ring
If she likes things a little different
Luminesce Lab Grown 1 Carat Pear Diamond Solitaire Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
Soft and romantic, with a teardrop shape that stands out without trying too hard. It's perfect for the girl who never wears what everyone else does.
Trilogy Engagement Ring
If you want the ring to say something
Luminesce Lab Grown 1.2 Carat Diamond Trilogy Ring in 9ct White Gold
Three diamonds for your past, your present and your future together. A proposal is all about the future, but it's nice to honour how you got here too.
2 Carat Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring
If you want her to see it from across the room
Luminesce Lab Grown 2 Carats Diamond Solitaire Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
Two carats of sparkle she'll catch from every angle. Lab grown diamonds make a size like this far more achievable, so you don't have to choose between the ring you want and the honeymoon you've planned.
Certified Diamond Engagement Ring
If you want peace of mind
Certified Luminesce Lab Grown 1 Carat Solitaire Ring in 18ct White Gold
A certified 1 carat diamond set in 18ct white gold. It's a milestone ring for a milestone moment, with the paperwork to back it up.
Bridal Set
If you'd like the wedding band sorted too
1 Carat Diamond 2-Ring Bridal Set in 9ct Yellow Gold
An engagement ring and matching wedding band designed to sit together perfectly. A bridal set means one less decision to make before the wedding, and you know they'll always look right side by side.
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How to Choose an Engagement Ring (Without Her Knowing)
Finding her ring size
Borrow a ring she wears on her ring finger and bring it into your nearest store, or trace the inside of it onto paper and check it against our ring size guide. Her best friend or sister is usually happy to help with some quiet detective work. If the size isn't quite right, our team can talk you through resizing options after she's said yes.
Choosing the right style
Have a look at what she already wears. If she mostly wears gold, go for a yellow gold engagement ring. If she loves silver, choose white gold. If she wears dainty pieces every day, a classic solitaire engagement ring is hard to beat. If she loves to make a statement, go bigger.
When to buy the ring for a Christmas proposal
Give yourself a few weeks before the big day in case you need resizing or engraving, and check our Christmas delivery dates. Or visit your nearest Shiels. Our team helps people plan proposals all year round, and we're very good at keeping secrets.
Picture Next Christmas
Same tree, same family and the same chaos in the kitchen. Only this time she's wearing your ring, and somebody at the table asks her to tell the story again.
All it takes is deciding that this is the year.
Whenever you're ready, we're here to help you find the perfect engagement ring for your Christmas proposal. Browse our favourites online or visit your nearest Shiels, and we'll help you get it right.
SHOP ENGAGEMENT RINGS FIND YOUR NEAREST SHIELS
FAQs
Is Christmas a good time to propose?
Yes. December is widely reported as one of the most popular months to get engaged. Family is close by, there's time off to celebrate, and every Christmas after becomes part of your story.
How do I find out her ring size without asking?
Borrow a ring she wears on her ring finger and bring it in store, trace the inside onto paper, or ask a close friend or family member to help. Our team can work out the size from there. Still not sure? Our ring size guide walks you through it step by step, so you can get it right without her ever finding out.
What's the most popular engagement ring style?
Solitaire engagement rings are the timeless favourite, while oval engagement rings are one of the most popular styles right now. Both are easy to wear every day and pair well with a wedding band.
How much should I spend on an engagement ring?
There's no rule. Forget the old "three months' salary" idea and spend what feels comfortable for you. With Australia's biggest range, you'll find beautiful engagement rings for every budget. You can also spread the cost with buy now, pay later options like Zip and Afterpay.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same chemical makeup, hardness and sparkle as natural diamonds. They're grown in a lab rather than mined, which often means a bigger diamond for your budget.
When should I buy the ring for a Christmas proposal?
Shop during a promotional period like our 12 Days of Christmas to make your budget go further, and allow a few weeks before your proposal date for resizing or delivery.
How do I keep a Christmas proposal a surprise?
Use the season to your advantage. Wrap the ring box inside a bigger box, hide it among her other presents, or keep it with someone in on the plan until the moment arrives.
