If you're ready to propose to your partner but aren't quite sure how you would like to do it, don't worry! We've listed 10 of the most romantic engagement proposal ideas (some of which you can do in lockdown) to give you some inspiration! Check out our proposal ideas below: Have a picnic Picnics are a great way of organising a romantic proposal because you can choose the food and the setting. Picking out your partners favourite food and snacks and finding the perfect location will ensure a wonderful proposal. You could even order a takeaway afternoon tea from a local restaurant if you don't want to prepare the food yourself. Just make sure to bring your best blanket and any decorations you would like. On a city break What's more romantic than a surprise getaway? Booking a trip to an exciting European city such as Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin or Venice would be an unforgettable memory. Or you could even stay in the UK in a popular staycation city such as London, York, Edinburgh or Cambridge. Make sure to research some of the most romantic spots in the city to pop the question! At the beach Whether it's a tropical white sand beach in the Maldives, or a brisk winter walk along the UK's coastline, the beach is a perfect place to propose. Sea air and sandy toes while celebrating your future together sounds pretty perfect and can make for some beautiful photos. At a rooftop bar Rooftop bars are all the rage at the moment and make for an amazing romantic proposal idea! Sipping champagne while taking in stunning views before getting on one knee to ask your love to marry you will make a night you will never forget! Just try to make sure you don't drink too much and end up with a hangover the next day... A Christmas time proposal Twinkly lights, mistletoe and time with family make Christmas a really special time of year. But if you would like to add that extra bit of magic to the festive season then choosing to propose to your partner at Christmas can be all the more romantic. You could even hide the ring on the Christmas tree ready for Christmas morning! On a treasure hunt A treasure hunt is a really fun engagement proposal idea! You can make one in the comfort of your own home, in a local park or in one of your favourite romantic spots. Set it up so that you are waiting ready to propose with the treasure, or engagement ring, at the end of the game and get ready to celebrate. With your pet For lots of us, our family isn't complete without our fur baby. So why not get them involved in your big proposal? Tie a message to your dog’s collar, or have your kitten sitting next to the ring in a circle of rose petals for super cute wedding proposal. At a concert There's nothing more exciting than seeing your favourite band live, well, unless you are proposed to at the gig that is! Choose a song, or maybe even request a special shout out from the artist and get down on one when your partner least expects it for a big surprise! Breakfast in bed Preparing a delicious breakfast is a lovely way to propose at home, or maybe even at a cosy cottage getaway. Cook up a storm in the kitchen while you ask the love of your life to marry you with a delicious breakfast at hand, an exciting way to start the day. In a forest If you and your sweetheart enjoy getting in touch with nature, then proposing in a forest can make for the most magical moment. Decorate the trees with ribbons, bunting and flowers, and lead your love to your own woodland wedding proposal. Of course, no proposal is complete without the perfect engagement ring! Why not browse our selection of beautiful engagement rings on our website, or contact us about bespoke designs if you would like to create something more personalised:

2020 has been a year full of ups and downs. Many of us have felt the strain of the various different challenges thrown at us during the last 12 months and, well, to say we're feeling a bit anxious to step into 2021 is an understatement. There have been some wonderful things to come from this year though, and lots of people that have shown bravery and tenacity in difficult times. Nurses, doctors and carers to name a few. But there's also the people who have seen their livelihood struggle like never before, and who have had no choice but to adapt and overcome. Small business owners from around the country have had one of their most challenging years ever in 2020, and continue to face uncertainty. Yet in the last year many of them have found new ways to offer their services, communicate with customers and operate in the face of a pandemic. Whether they've launched a website for the first time, begun contacting clients over Zoom calls, or started offering takeaway's instead of sit-down meals. After being forced to shut their doors for months at a time, they are still bravely carrying on. They've proven over and over that small businesses really do keep the heart of our communities alive. From supporting the local economy, keeping people in jobs and offering their vital services to people in villages, towns and cities. They've provided groceries when larger supermarkets were struggling to stock loo roll and pasta. They've offered essential services such as optician appointments, housing repairs and delivery services. And they've also managed to lift our spirits by providing beauty treatments, takeaway pints and gorgeous gifts. So, after the last year has highlighted how truly important our small businesses are in the UK, it's so important that we support them. Now more than ever. As convenient as it might be to order something from Amazon, if your local shop has it then why not buy it from them instead? You are more likely to see a friendly face, receive a more personalized service and also make that business owners day a bit brighter. If you can't afford to purchase an item, you can also support your local independent businesses by sharing their posts on social media for free, recommending them to friends, or even just popping by to show them support from the community. With your mask on of course. We hope to see you in 2021, and also aim to support as many of our neighbouring small businesses as possible. If you are looking to buy a special piece of jewellery, would like something repaired or cleaned, or even just want some advice about a bespoke item, please don't hesitate to contact us. If you are also a small business in the North East, or maybe even further, and want to say hello then please reach out to us. Communities come in all shapes and forms.