New Year’s Eve is peak engagement time — 25 per cent more people get engaged than at any other time. You’d be forgiven for thinking it would be Valentine’s Day. However, 40% of engagements occur between November and February, with New Year’s Eve the most popular night to pop the question.
Karl Schwantes, founder of Xennox Diamonds, said New Year’s is a time when people reflect on relationships, what they value in life, and think long-term, looking ahead.
“We’ve been involved in so many amazing love stories over the 48 years we’ve made rings,” Karl said. “We hire local, train local, and source our diamonds locally. It means we can keep this holiday engagement season flourishing.”
Like Santa’s workshop, Xennox Diamonds is hard at work, pumping out four weeks of handcrafted rings in three weeks to meet the surge in demand.
Karl said it’s a buzz to be part of these important moments. “Going through the whole evolution, from sitting down to sketch some ideas at the initial design consultation, to making the details, and finally getting to see the bride-to-be’s reaction when she opens the box and puts the ring on her finger, is something I’ll never tire of,” he said.
Xennox Diamonds recently won Queensland’s Wedding Jeweller of the Year for the sixth consecutive year at the 2024 Queensland ABIA Wedding Awards and was inducted into the ABIA Hall of Fame. The Australian Bridal Industry Academy (ABIA) Awards are determined through a stringent review process, where brides rate wedding vendors on Quality of Product, Service, Attitude of Staff, and Overall Value. Xennox Diamonds achieved the highest rating in Queensland, reflecting its dedication to delivering exceptional client experiences and unique handcrafted jewellery. Xennox Diamonds also won National Wedding Jeweller of the Year for the past two years at the ABIA Awards, and are vying for a third.
“This time of year is very busy, but we love it,” Karl said. “It’s not every day a person gets married, and we love being involved in people’s love story."
Karl said asking to marry someone isn't a wing it and see moment.
"When you’ve found THE one and ready to pop the question. You’ve researched all the different ways to propose - from the good old down on bended knee to jumping out of a plane. You’re 99% sure your beloved will say yes and want to ensure this moment will become family lore. Your friends tell you to just ‘wing it’, but you don’t want to leave things to chance," he said.
"A little preparation can go a long way. While a great engagement proposal isn’t about how extravagant it is or how many Instagram likes it might get—it’s about creating a genuine, personal, and unforgettable moment for the two of you."
He's a few things that make a proposal special and memorable:
Practice Makes Perfect, Even Proposing
Even if you’re the kind of person who can wing a toast at a wedding, proposing is a different ball game. The stakes are higher. You want to spend the rest of your life with this person. Write out what you want to say, and practice it a few times. You don’t want to get tongue-tied and blurt out, “Will you drown this diamond?”
Nervousness is normal. It’s a big moment. The words you say matter just as much as the setting. Think about why you want to spend your life with this person. Share what they mean to you, why you love them. Why are you so excited to build a future together? Make it heartfelt. That’s the magic that stays long after the moment.
Have a rough idea of what you’ll say, double-check the logistics, and keep a backup plan in mind if your first idea involves being outside. Don’t stress over making it perfect. Nothing is perfect; it just needs to be right for you and your partner. This also means don’t worry about the social media effect and other people’s expectations. Everyone will have an opinion, but you stay true to your relationship.
Who’s It About - You or Them?
You may have been dreaming about the flash mob or proposing in the middle of a packed restaurant—but is that their dream, too? The best proposals reflect what makes your relationship unique. Plan the proposal around how they’d want to be asked, not just what makes a great story for you. Do they love grand gestures, or do they cherish intimate, private moments? A proposal at the top of a mountain might be perfect for an adventurous partner, while a quiet dinner at home could be ideal for someone who values simplicity. The key is showing that you’ve thought about what they’d love most.
Let There Be Light …and Diamonds
If you plan to propose at night, here’s a pro tip: get an LED light inside the ring box. Not only does it add some dramatic flair, but it also shows off the diamond’s sparkle even in low light.
While the proposal IS the main event, the ring you present becomes a lasting symbol of the moment. Choosing a ring that reflects their taste and personality shows just how well you know them—and makes the “yes” even sweeter.
Capture the Moment
You can invest in a photographer and go big, but with the cost of living squeezing many of us, there’s nothing wrong with setting up a tripod or asking a friend to record discreetly. Chances are your friends will want to know all the details, and in the excitement of the moment, you might forget the details. Photos and videos capturing the moment are a treasure trove of memories you can share with your family and grandkids when celebrating 30 years of marriage.
Plan Around Their Routine
You’ve gone to the effort of planning and mapping out the ultimate proposal, but don’t do it when your loved one feels blah. Propose when they’re feeling their best—like after a fresh manicure or hair appointment. They’ll appreciate looking fabulous for those first photos with the ring, especially if they love sharing the news on social media. Maybe surprise them with a pre-proposal pampering session that fits your cunning plan.
Choose a time and place that works for your partner. If your partner is a morning person, a midnight proposal won’t make them swoon. See tip 2 - who is this about - you or them? This also applies to the setting. Unless you are both extroverts, the setting should be a place or time that is comfortable for both of you. You will brownie points if it’s a spot with sentimental meaning to your relationship.
Key Facts:
About us:
Xennox Diamonds is a Brisbane-based, family-owned jeweller specialising in handcrafted engagement and wedding rings. With over 45 years of experience, Xennox combines expert craftsmanship, innovative design, and personalised service to create one-of-a-kind jewellery that celebrates love stories.
Contact details:
Karl Schwantes
[email protected]
0403 623 030
