The gentleman's guide to proposing and selecting the perfect ring

Deciding to ask someone to spend the rest of their life with you is a moment of profound weight – perhaps the greatest decision you will ever make. It demands thought, care and confidence. This is not merely an invitation to continue dating – it's a declaration of your enduring love. Your conduct now, as always, can define how this next chapter begins and continues. Ready to take the plunge? Here's what to know...

This is not a half-measure. Once you commit to proposing, there's no turning back – you must stand behind your decision. Pause, reflect, and ask yourself: Has your relationship endured the tests of time and tension? Do you firmly believe in the path ahead? If your conviction is uncertain, wait. A proposal made in hesitation is a proposal that might just come to haunt you. If you're 100 per cent positive of your decision, proceed to the next steps.

Surprise is romantic – up to a point. At this point, there should be no risk of rejection. You should know that she definitely wants to get married – and she definitely wants to get married to you. Be attuned to conversations, shared dreams and unspoken cues. You needn’t announce your intentions in complete detail ahead of time, but know there is alignment.

The gesture of requesting someone’s blessing (parents, guardians, or even siblings or friends) remains a mark of respect. In 2025, this need not be a formal ritual, but a sincere conversation. It demonstrates humility and regard for her world beyond just you.

Once you've made the decision to propse, you'll no doubt be a bundle of excitement and nerves. But you can't let those feelings get the better of you. If you must, tell your best mate (and swear him to secrecy) but otherwise keep your proposal under wraps: no oversharing with friends after one too many drinks, no inadvertent slips. The element of surprise carries power only when preserved.

A proposal should have structure, so it's crucial to think about timing, logistics and flow before you get down on one knee. Your engagement story will be recounted for decades to come – to friends, strangers you meet at dinner parties and every family member, no matter how peripheral – so you'll want to put some time into planning it in order to ensure it goes off without a hitch.

That said, avoid rigidity. Leave margins for spontaneity and emotion. Prepare a plan, yes – but don’t let your own script suffocate the moment and be ready to go with the flow.

The truly memorable proposals aren’t about spectacle, but significance. The most important thing is to choose a place that your other half will find meaningful. This looks different for everyone – for some it might be watching Bastille Day fireworks from a private balcony of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, while for others it could be wild camping with a view of the mountains.

Ah, the engagement ring – likely the most important piece of jewellery you'll ever purchase, not just for its carats, but for the meaning it carries.

Given this is a piece that will (hopefully) accompany her into old age, it's important to garner plenty of information on the sort of ring she'd like. To do this, seek advice from her friends, think about the styles of jewellery she already wears and have a keen ear for any hints she may drop. Once you have an idea, build up a private moodboard and form a view on what you feel comfortable spending (but note that this may change as you embark on the process).

In 2025, men are increasingly moving away from off-the-shelf choices in favour of pieces that reflect individuality, taste and story. This is where Blackacre distinguishes itself.

Led by founder and creative director Samuel Stirrat, the Blackacre team goes in search of the world's most remarkable gemstones and works directly with individuals and communities that find the rare gems in order to offer an unrivalled level of provenance.

Renowned for its bespoke creations, Blackacre treats each ring not as a commodity, but as a commission – a work of art shaped by your relationship’s nuances. The process is personal, deliberate and exacting: selecting rare stones, refining design lines and ensuring the final piece embodies her character rather than a catalogue’s assumption. It is a dialogue as much as a design journey.

Of course, some still prefer the surprise of unveiling a finished ring, while others lean towards co-designing the piece together after the proposal. Blackacre caters seamlessly to both, offering discretion, guidance and craftsmanship that elevate the experience far beyond the transactional.

The lesson is clear: with Blackacre, you aren't just buying jewellery, you're investing in legacy. Discover Blackacre's portfolio.

Blackacre founder Samuel Stirrat on a gem sourcing expedition.

Once she says yes (assuming she does!), let the celebration flow organically. Perhaps the two of you share a quiet dinner, or invite a few close friends and family members to an intimate drinks party. Avoid turning the moment into a spectacle unless she explicitly wants that. And take a beat before you post the news on social media. Ride the high together for at least a day or two before you let the world in on your engagement.

Learn more about choosing the perfect ring...