Today's blog celebrates the love story and engagement of our two customers, the lovely Samantha and Jake. We first met Samantha, Jake and their beloved dog Milo back in 2022, after Jake popped the question in Perranporth on a staycation in Cornwall. He proposed with a promise ring, and then the pair came to us to pick out Samantha’s forever ring together.
Being a jewellery lover, Samantha knew exactly what she wanted. We were delighted to find her dream ring, the India solitaire. Today we caught up with Samantha to delve deeper into her and Jake’s love story, their proposal and why they chose us.
Samantha, How did you and Jake meet?
I was at university in Canterbury, Jake’s local night out. On a spontaneous night out with friends a very confident boy came and tapped me on the shoulder. I was pleasantly surprised, however, only to find that Jake was acting as a wingman for a friend. After chatting for a while it was clear that we were more interested in each other. So I made my thoughts clear. We began dating from then on.
Have you been together long? Tell us your story!
We have been together since 2014. We have gone through growing up together, university, working, moving into multiple properties, buying our first home, getting our own dog.
When did you know you wanted to get married?
Having been together 8 years, the conversation came up a lot. We wanted to have our own home first so during Covid that became our main focus and in September 2020 we bought our first house. After focusing on making it a home. I had always made points or hints, saving things to mood boards over the years.
Jake had always said if we were to get engaged, he would not choose a ring.
He would want me to choose my own. He knew I was very particular about them and felt that such an important piece of jewellery to be worn forever needed to be something I really loved. So he always said he would propose with a ring that was not an engagement ring. One that I could keep and wear on another hand for the memory but then choose my own.
So how did Jake propose?
Since having our dog Milo we had made the pact to go on a staycation and take him on a holiday once a year. In 2022, we decided on Cornwall. We were out dog walking on a lovely sunny day (we were very lucky for October!) exploring Perranporth. I had suggested getting a photo, I am very much a memories person - but I wanted milo in it. Jake suggested we take a video and pose for me to later take a photo from the video.
What ring did Jake propose with?
As Jake had said, he proposed with a band suitable for any finger that would go with anything. After the excitement slightly died down, talks turned to choosing my own ring. We sat in our cabin that night looking online at things we both liked.
What made you choose Ethica Diamonds and how did you find us?
Jake thought it would be special to look somewhere in Cornwall as that was where the proposal happened. He showed me Ethica diamonds online after he had looked into them. I loved the look online, the feel of the company, the styles but the appointment slots were listed as certain days. We did not have much longer of our trip and none of the days remaining where listed. I was disheartened.
However, jake thought the company looked perfect and suggested I contact them to see if they could fit us in. It was a half an hour drive from where we were staying so not far. I sent an email as the signal where we were was terrible, clinging to the tiniest wifi. As we arrived out of area for a trip to the beach I got a phone call from Ethica by the miracle of having some signal elsewhere. I spoke to a lovely lady who was more than happy to fit us in after hearing our story to go and look at options together, as well as milo.
What made you choose the India ring and how did you find the ring purchasing process?
We arrived to the lovely offices and everywhere there was so friendly. I had rings saved for years and knew I wanted an emerald cut. The lady I had spoken to on the phone had asked key questions before we arrived so had prepared a selection of emerald cut diamonds for me to look at. I knew exactly what I wanted and had spent all night on the website for inspiration. I showed the ladies all my photos and within minutes I had designed the perfect ring, size, shape, band. It was nice to have honest people as well, who answered the questions I had based on me personally, rather than just trying to get as much from a sale.
Samantha chose the India ring, with a 1ct Moissanite centre in Platinum.
We discussed a slightly bigger diamond but we all agreed it did not suit my hand shape. We felt really comfortable during our time there. I was informed during my visit that I was the quickest person to design their ring they had had in. We were offered a faster service for a slight fee as it was my birthday coming up and the ladies were happy to help make that happen for us.
Have you started planning the wedding?
We planned our wedding within a month. We got engaged on 24th October and by the second week of November I had booked the church and reception. However, the surprises kept coming when we discovered in the middle of November we were pregnant. The wedding has since been postponed to welcome our miracle baby boy Freddie but planning will resume in time.
Congratulations, Samantha and Jake! We at Ethica Diamonds are so thrilled to be a part of your love story and wish you a lifetime of happiness together.
