Even before the year 2020, people have debated whether a woman should be the one to propose. Traditionally, men have been the ones to propose. Some prefer this tradition. Others want to try something new. The day is yours and it’s up to you! The year 2020 brought many highlights. Among them: Pantone’s classic blue, the start of a new decade, and Leap Year. You might not know it but Leap Year holds a not so known tradition where we get to propose!

History of Leap Year Proposals

There are a few different stories as to where this tradition originated from one of the first stems from fifth-century Ireland when St. Brigid brought to St. Patrick’s attention women’s complaints of how long it took men to propose or whose suitors were just plain a-lolly-gagging AKA too shy or slow to pop the question. St. Patrick originally allowed women to propose once every seven years. St. Brigid pushed back, and he folded and in turn, St. Patrick decreed that women could take matters into their own hands and propose themselves every 4 years on February 29th. 

The “Clothes Fine”

Worried he’ll say no? Don’t fret, the folktale additionally mentions how any man refusing the law of proposal on the 29th has to pay a “clothes fine”. If he declines he has to pay a “clothes fine” ranging anywhere from a kiss to a pair of gloves to a silk dress to £100. So theoretically you could pop the question to as many men as possible on this day and have a new wardrobe by sundown! Jokes aside, Remember that in the end this is a folktale and it’s meant to add something unique. 

Firstly, it should go without saying that if you want to propose, you should, do it at anytime you like. Just like men do. The main point here is if you’re a lady and you want to propose do it anytime you choose. But you can propose on a leap year and make it unique.

If you’re looking to make a special engagement proposal, this is your year ladies. Draw inspiration from the romantic movie “Leap Year” from 2010 and embark on a new decade together. In Ireland, it is said to be good luck for women to propose on the 29th of February. This is the same in other cultures, like Scotland and Finland.

We’d LOVE to hear about your with stories about your proposals. Tag #camellia_moment on Instagram to be featured.

For our collection of men’s wedding rings click here >

Few things connect the world of jewelry and chocolate — but a ruby ring and ruby chocolate are one surprising pair! There aren’t many new discoveries in sweets, but from time to time, something unique pops up. There’s a new chocolate flavor in town – meet sweet & sour Ruby! When life gives you pink cocoa beans, you make history!

It’s mind-blowing that after 80 years in the chocolate department the new decade will bring with it completely new sweet (and sour) experiences. “More than 10 years ago, one of our cocoa experts discovered that components of certain cocoa beans could produce chocolate with an exceptional flavor and color. Like grapes for fine wines, cocoa beans are influenced by the terroir in which they grow.” In the last decade, modern Willy Wonka factory, Barry Callebaut, a Belgian-Swiss cocoa company has developed a new chocolate variety. They introduced it to the world at the end of 2017 at a private event in Asia. Slow and steady, the Ruby chocolate is starting to gain popularity as it travels around the globe.

Ruby Chocolate Around the World

The Ruby is made from unfermented cocoa beans from Brazil Lavados. But the recipe and production methods are, of course, kept secret. Its taste is a mix of white chocolate, raspberries, and milk. This means that pure ruby cocoa bars are sweet with a dash of sour. Experts are doubting the existence of a new cocoa bean, they think it’s all in the old bean, but with new techniques. Leaving the bean unfermented gives the final product, marketed “Millennial Chocolate”, a pink shade and a sour taste. It seems to be more of an “old dogs, new tricks” kind of a situation, but it’s still an exciting one.

Want a Taste of Ruby?

Few people got the chance to taste this exquisite dessert until now. The flavor was launched on the Asian market in 2018 with the help of KitKat for around $5 per bar. In 2019 the food trend spread through Europe in the UK and Germany in addition to Canada. If you’re looking to try out this special fresh taste look out for brands like KitKat, Leonidas, Fazer, Prestat and Baci Perugina around the globe. Amazon delivers in a lot of places, so you should also check out the online giant. 

May the fourth chocolate flavor be with you…after milk, dark and white

For Valentine’s Day, why not pair ruby chocolate with a stunning ruby ring? A ruby ring represents passion and love — the perfect complement to this pink sweet treat. Browse our ruby-inspired jewelry collection to find the perfect ruby ring for your loved one.

[all photos: Barry Callebaut]

It’s that time of the year again when the Pantone Institute’s color of the year is on everybody’s lips, wish-lists and, why not, wedding decor. If you’re new to this trend, know that each year, we get a new color trend to fuss over, and 2020 is all about ‘Classic Blue’.

In music, a classic is defined as a piece that can’t be changed, permanent and exact. Something that stands through time. This year is about regaining stability and going back to classics. The Classic Blue shade is a symbol of calm, confidence and connection, exactly what future brides need for their engagement party or wedding gala. A color to embrace so as to cross the threshold into the new decade with style. 

“We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on. Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. A countless blue evocative of vast and infinite evening sky, Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.” – Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. 

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, you can use this shade for both fashion and beauty, but also decorations. Discover more about this timeless color in our easy guide below.

How to use it in your engagement/wedding

We invite you to bring a lot of honest colors to your engagement and wedding events. This is a time to invest in people and connection, to make everlasting memories and celebrate love. Love for each other and for everything that surrounds you. 

Classic blue in fashion is a symbol of elegance and simplicity. You can add it to your look as something to keep the fun tradition, like an accessory or even a precious piece of jewelry. You can add it to your party with the future groom’s suit, or even with a gown for bridesmaids, or for one of the mothers – the groom’s or the bride’s. A fun touch could be that the bridesmaids all wear blue earrings or nails, while all the groomsmen wear blue socks or pocket squares.

[image source: French Touch Photography]

Another way to add the Classic Blue shade to your party is through your wedding invitations or wedding day decor. The napkins could be blue, the menu could also be blue or little accents here and there – chair bows, balloons are some examples.

[image source: Belly1Husband]

Know that another big color trend this year is brown, and blue and brown make quite the pair. If brown flowers aren’t on the list, talk with a specialist and they will guide you. Other color harmonies to check out are a mix of warm Pantone shades like Baby Blue, Monument, Stucco, Peach Quartz and Cornhusk. This is perfect if you’re into soft shades, but if you’re into glitz and glamour, discover Silver-plated, Glitteratti, Aluminium Foil, Two Penny and Pixie.

[image source: Minted]

Last, but definitely not least, blue in jewelry. We want to invite you to check out our blue pieces and to discover how adding blue in your look can be with blue diamonds – nature or man-made, but also with gemstones like Sapphire, Kyanite, Lapis Lazuli and Zircon for dark blue, Topaz and Aquamarine for lighter shades.

What do you think about Pantone’s classic blue for 2020? And how would you choose to add blue to your special day?

Sunflower jewelry is one of the most beloved floral-inspired styles in modern jewelry design — and it’s easy to see why. The sunflower itself is one of the most beautiful plants on Earth, with rich history and deep meaning. It’s a symbol of adoration, longevity, and loyalty, much like the Sun. To honor this unique flower and its inspirational power for sunflower jewelry design, we have gatheredthe Sunflowers Collection.

7 Amazing Facts About Sunflowers

Here are some fascinating sunflower facts:

1. First, There’s a lot to know about the sunflowers – Vincent van Gogh’s fascination with sunflowers is one of the most interesting works of art that we have to date. The artist painted a series during the summer of 1888, when he couldn’t leave the comfort of his house, due to bad weather. The sunflower caught his eye indoors and gave him inspiration. But it’s also a symbol of friendship, as this is what he was painting when he invited fellow painter Gauguin to join his studio.

2. Additionally, A great cultural reference surrounding the sunflower comes from the Greeks. There’s this myth about Apollo and Clytie, the nymph. Apollo, the son of Zeus, was the God of Sun. The two shared a deep affection until Apollo fell for Leucothoe. Clytie became jealous and got Leucothoe killed. Apollo took revenge, turned the nymph into a flower, but even as a flower she followed him around, like sunflowers turn towards the Sun. And this is how it became a symbol of faithfulness

3. Furthermore, There are many meanings surrounding the sunflower around the globe. For example, Chinese people think of it as a symbol of good luck and energy, while Native Americans consider it the mark of harvest, due to its seeds, pigment and beauty.

4. Moreover, The color symbolizes vitality, intelligence and happiness. Like the Sun, various religions think of it in connection with knowledge and the desire for light and truth. The Incas wore sunflowers as crowns, while modern artists like Ai WeiWei created exhibitions with sunflowers to show the relationship between the individual and the people.

Even More Sunflower Wonders

5. Also, If you are following the flowers & stones list, you can give sunflowers as a 3rd year wedding anniversary gift as a sign of adoration and strength.

6. In addition, Sunflower’s scientific name is “Helianthus” coming from the Greek words “helios” (sun) and “anthus” (flower).

7. Finally, Sunflower’s seeds are black (used for oil – for cooking or as an ingredient in the cosmetics industry) and striped (usually sold as a snack). As snacks, they’re very nutritious as a snack, as they contain a lot of calcium and good fats.

1. Sunflower rose-gold pendant
2. Sunflower diamond petals ring
3. Sunflower Solitaire Two-Tone Engagement Ring
4. Sunflowers Stud Earrings

Enjoy!

For every purchase of $1,000 and above, we’re giving you a pair of delicate and luxurious 14K white gold flower diamond stud earrings – they’ll make a great story for your grandkids;

And for every purchase of $3,000 and above, we’re giving you a stunning 14K white gold key pendant – beautiful and symbolic, she will never take it off.

Get ready for a Happy and emotional V-Day!

*offer is valid until Feb 14, 2020.

* You can choose the metal color of your earrings/pendant – 14K white or Yellow or Rose gold for your choice.

Winter is the most popular season to get engaged. Summer is the most likely one to actually get hitched. The average length of an engagement is somewhere between 12-18 months. These are a few tidbits you have to know before getting engaged. If you’re looking for more, check out the engagement guide below: the biggest trends for 2020.

The year 2020 has a lovely touch to it. In Chinese culture, it’s the year of the rat. This is a symbol of wealth to which married couples prayed when they wanted to grow their families. But there’s more to 2020 than zodiacs.

Mark 2020 with your personality
The biggest 2020 trend is the couple’s personality. The new generation doesn’t want to abide all the rules. They want to have fun and create memories, not go overboard with trends like the right colors and themes when it comes to weddings. As for the engagement affair, they’re most likely to do it privately or elope sort-to-speak.

There’s nothing wrong with making it easy for yourself and picking from every category what suits you best. 2020 is the year Pantone Institute will likely dedicate to shades of blues and greens or something between, like the ocean if you want a theme for your engagement or wedding party.

Sustainable trends
Modern couples are thinking more and more about our planet. They are more inclined to work with companies that use local goods, from food and drinks to flowers and decor. Millennials might even like to wear second-hand outfits. They want recycled paper for wedding invitations and donating their gifts to a charity. One thing that’s not changing when it comes to the “I DO DAY” is the cake. The trends for this part of the party are getting bigger by the year. Cake artists are turning this dessert into dramatic art from edible flowers to mountains of cupcakes. There’s a slice for every taste out there.

A natural bride-to-be
When it comes to the bride or the engagement party dress, 2020 brings a mix of classic elegance and glamour. You can pick a retro look, a simple white dress with no embellishments, but with pockets, or you can even go for a suit jacket. The veil is gaining a lot of popularity, as for the hair, specialists recommend leaving it as natural as possible. Add flowers, pearl headbands, ribbons, or hippie braids to enhance your beautiful traits.
To complement the look, the engagement ring trends tend to be as special. Couples want more history, than modern. More yellows, cushion cuts and hand-mined diamonds, than movie-star choices.

2020 is all about jewelry impact with Georgian-inspired models, instead of minimalist ones. Of course, if you don’t want a big stone, you can opt for a band with more petite stones. If you can, reinvent old pieces or invest in vintage rings to be as sustainable as you can. Don’t be afraid to use colors to make your ring stand out, go for purples, pinks, greens, blues, and even blacks. 

Have a wonderful 2020!

The YES Gods have bestowed upon us a big task and that is a guide to help you nail that beautiful word. You might’ve fallen in love, at first sight, a few months ago or have been growing together for the past decade, yet an engagement affair isn’t easy on anybody. Check out below a few dos and don’ts when it comes to marriage proposals.

Top 10 DO’s of marriage proposals

The most important thing is compromise. Make sure you’re following your heart, but also that you will surprise your partner in a good way.

The second thing you can do is keep the tradition of talking with your partner’s parents, or close friends, to ask for permission and even a few tips.

The third thing you have to look out for is the budget. Do you think you want to invest more in the ring and the wedding than the proposal?

If the answer is no, you want to go all the way with the marriage proposal, make sure you get some professional counseling and book a photographer.

Then you have to decide if it will be big, private or cozy, surrounded by family. Will it be a glamorous party or an engagement escapade?

Careful storing the ring between buying it and popping the question. When the day comes, choose where you want to store it: in your suit pocket or even in your sock.

Do prepare yourself. Practice makes perfect and from experience, even the most prepared men out there got the jitters beforehand.

When you ask “will you marry me?” go all classic romance on one knee, take a deep breath, look in your partner’s eyes and make sure you speak up…and don’t choke.

Do prepare for a little romantic speech and get ready for telling the details of picking the ring to everybody.

And last, but definitely not least, get ready to tell the world and answer a lot of questions.

Top 10 DON’Ts of marriage proposals

The most important don’t is not to rush.

The second most important is not to pick only things you enjoy, but also that she will like, especially in the ring department.

If you’re going to share with her the engagement ring to make sure she likes and that it fits, don’t give her all the details. At least surprise her with the proposal.

Don’t panic if it’s too much for you, always ask for help.

Don’t go big if it’s not personal because you know this is what’s expected of you. Creativity will make this story worth telling over and over again.

Don’t complicate things. That’s what the wedding is all about. Take the stress out of the surprise.

Be romantic, but don’t be cheesy. Rings stuck in food or in a champagne glass are cute in movies, not so much in real life. This also applies to proposing in a crowd. Things might get lost.

Don’t expect not the future bride to not tease you, she might withhold the “YES”.

Don’t ever tell her how much you paid.

Don’t go in it without a plan B.

In the end, we’re left with rolling out the red engagement ring carpet for you. If you still need some help finding the right jewelry for your loved one, here are some ideas.

Are you planning on giving your partner an engagement ring? Are you a bride who also wants to wear her engagement ring all year around? You both don’t know how to take care of your engagement ring during the winter? Look no further than the easy guide below. The winter season is no friend to stones or even delicate hands, but it’s also not a foe. If you want to invest in a ring and you want it worn until the end of time, you can do so. Follow along some of the tips and tricks below.

If “I love my ring and I’m gonna wear it all life looong!” is your soundtrack, you might ask yourself the following questions: Can I look at it all day? Yes, you CAN! Can I sleep with it? Yes, you CAN! Can I shower with it? Yes, you CAN.

Keep your engagement ring clean
The first thing you should do during winter is clean it regularly. Because your skin dries, you apply a lot of lotions and it also sheds faster. This makes diamonds lose their sparkle. Whatever you choose, never do it above the drain, better put it on top of a towel just to make sure if you drop it it’s safe.
Sink it in warm water, add a bit of soap, let it there overnight and in the morning clean it delicately with an old toothbrush. Another way to clean it is to actually use toothpaste.

Always place it in safe environments

If you do have to take it off, make sure you carry with you a special pouch, box or dish to rest it on. If you’re traveling, you can also put it on a golden string and tie it around your neck. The best way you can take care of your ring during winter is to place it safely.

The diamond isn’t THAT resistant
If you’re prone to getting your ring stuck into sweaters, scarves or fluffy gloves, take a trip down to your jeweler to see if they can do something or at least make sure everything is still in place. This also applies if you hit it during furniture movements or even if your finger got stuck somewhere or hit a hard surface.
If you’re taking it to a specialist it’s also worth it if you could get a good professional clean. You’re supposed to do it at least once a year, but we know, we’re all very busy.

Happy Winter!

Drumroll please!

We had a great month, celebrating 5 wonderful years. So many of you have entered the giveaway raffle, and we’re grateful for this.

Unfortunately, there’s only one winner this time – and the winner is…

Congratulations

Kayla Rochelle Marie Colburn

You are the winner of this wonderful ring!!

Please contact us so we’d know where to send the ring to…

For those of you who haven’t won this time – don’t worry. We have more surprises coming up and in the meantime

enjoy a $500 OFF coupon on the Morning Dew Collection. Use code I_DEW at checkout!

White or gold, with or without stones, two-tone or tattooed on, there’s a wedding band out there for you. When we talk about the bride and groom’s jewelry, we mostly address the engagement ring. But there is more to add to your beautiful hands, so discover the top 15 things to know about wedding rings.

I DO day brings a lot of joy and sparkle to a couple. It’s also the perfect time to make savvy investments that will pass the time with you. It’s important to buy good materials, classic colors and shapes because bands can turn into family heirlooms too. But more in the list below.

1. It’s essential that when you invest in a diamond ring you also think to match it to the wedding band. You can’t go buying a white gold ring and then a yellow band or a wedding band with stones that will make the engagement ring less important.

2. But there are two-tone wedding bands on the market if that’s what you want, like these models here below.

3. And since we’re talking about online shopping, half of the modern couples do their research and buys online when it comes to bands for their wedding day.

4. Couples usually invest in an engagement ring with a stone and a simple wedding band or just a wedding band with precious stones. The ring market is your oyster.

5. If you’re not interested in gold and don’t know how to play with the other materials to meet your budget, know that you can invest in a more expensive platinum engagement ring and a palladium wedding band.

6. Wedding bands should be thicker than engagement rings but not so that one eclipses the other. Together they should look like a chunkier band.

7. Simple, classic, rings are still some of the most sold models on the market.

8. Wedding ring fingers vary from country to country, most usually wear it on the fourth finger of the left hand.

9. It is said that the wedding ring trend began in the second World War when soldiers wore them to remember the wives they left at home.

10. The wedding band is a symbol of wealth, that the man can take care of a family, but also of eternity.

11. The most popular engraved phrases on the wedding rings are each other’s names and the wedding date.

12. Wedding bands with blue stones are believed to be a symbol of a happy and long marriage. Blue sapphires and aquamarine are meant to represent faithfulness and sincerity.

13. Some of the oldest materials to be used in wedding bands date back to Ancient Egypt. Couples would take papyrus paper and braid it with twigs to make a loop of love and “happily ever after”.

14. Wedding rings carry special powers, in some prisons, inmates get to wear their bands.

15. In some religions (especially Catholic and Orthodox) the wedding bands have to be blessed first by the priest in order for the couple to wear them.

How to Choose the Perfect Ring Band for Your Wedding

Choosing the perfect ring band can feel overwhelming with so many options available. However, with a clear plan in place, the process becomes much easier. This guide walks you through the key decisions so you can find the wedding ring band that suits your style, budget, and lifestyle.

Start by Simplifying Your Choices

Before you begin shopping, decide on two things: your style and your budget. Do you want a simple wedding ring band and a separate engagement ring, or do you prefer a bold, bedazzled all-in-one band? Once you answer this, the rest of the choices will follow naturally.

Think about your metal preference. Do you prefer diamonds or colorful stones? Are you drawn to a slick white gold band, a two-tone platinum piece, or a classic yellow gold ring? Perhaps something truly unique, such as a nature-inspired or vintage-styled design?

Buy All Your Rings from the Same Jeweler

When choosing your ring band, it is best to buy all your rings from the same jeweler. This is especially important if you want something personalized or special. A single jeweler can ensure that your engagement ring and wedding band match perfectly in metal, finish, and design.

Additionally, if you have gold to exchange or older jewelry to melt down, your jeweler can factor that into the pricing. This is a smart way to be savvy with your money while getting the rings you truly love.

In short, plan ahead, know your style, and work with a trusted jeweler. Your ring band is a lifelong piece – take the time to choose it well.