In an age where relationships are more open, intentional, and collaborative than ever before, the idea of the surprise proposal is shifting. While it still holds a place in modern romance, today’s couples are reimagining the tradition, often blending the thrill of surprise with the intimacy of shared decision-making.
Rather than taking away the magic, this approach adds a new layer of connection. Couples still keep elements of the proposal under wraps, like the final ring details or the big moment itself, but the process of creating a custom ring becomes part of their story. It’s no longer just about asking the question. It’s about crafting a symbol of their relationship, together, from the very beginning. We sat down with Makayla Donovan who is the founder of Australian lab grown diamond, moissanites and cultured gems specialists, TMC Fine Jewellers to find out more.
Has the surprise proposal become outdated in today’s relationship culture?
Not necessarily outdated, but certainly redefined. To put it into perspective, at TMC, 90-95% of customers design their rings together, coming in for an intimate, personalised experience, either online or in one of our Brisbane or Sydney Showrooms. Many of these couples still incorporate aspects of a surprise proposal, often with the design phase being collaborative but the crafting process and proposal itself remaining a secret. By co-designing their ring, couples are able to ensure their rings are perfect, without the guesswork, and are able to keep the proposal moment a secret and surprise.
2. Why do you think so many couples are choosing to co-design their engagement rings?
We live in a digital age, so clients are coming to us with a strong understanding of what they’re after. Despite this, we find that they are wanting that extra guidance from their partner, as this is one of the biggest purchases and decisions they’ll ever make, they don’t want to ‘get it wrong’. Co-designing an engagement ring allows couples to create something that is deeply personal, intentional, and meaningful – together. The piece serves as a symbol of their unique love. Beyond the aesthetics, it’s the experience, dreaming, planning, and crafting something timeless side by side that resonates so strongly with today’s couples.
3. What personal touches or design elements are most commonly requested by couples during the co-design process?
We often see requests for hidden details, a small Hidden Birthstone discreetly set beneath your centre stone, honouring anniversaries, family, or other meaningful moments. Our Complimentary Engraving is also perfect for those looking to add more meaning and sentiment to their dream ring. Our Signature Process as a whole allows couples to truly create a ring that is unique to them, each piece we craft is one of a kind.
4. What should couples prepare or consider before starting the process of designing a ring together?
There is no need to prepare. Throughout a complimentary consultation at TMC we will guide you through every detail, from your setting, to your preferred metal, and selecting your dream lab-grown diamond or moissanite gemstone. We’ll always support couples in finding a balance between their perfect ring and ideal budget. Couples are able to try on as many pieces as they like until they feel confident they have found their ‘one’. Our appointments are always no obligation, they are simply an opportunity to learn about our process and what you can expect if you wish to begin your journey with us, all guided by our expert consultants.
5. How are lab-grown diamonds and moissanites influencing the way people approach engagement ring design?
We believe that forever shouldn’t be out of reach, that every couple deserves their dream ring, that is both attainable and uncompromising. With the current cost of living, the need for attainable engagement options is more prevalent than ever. We have found couples would prefer to spend their money on their wedding or put toward building their lives. With this in mind, lab-grown gemstones allow couples to indulge in their dream ring designs and a larger carat size, without exceeding a reasonable budget, as they are significantly more affordable compared to their mined counterparts. Lab-grown gemstones have empowered couples to be more creative and intentional with their choices, placing greater emphasis on custom design and achieving their dream ring without compromising value or ethicality.
6. Does co-designing a ring add deeper meaning or emotional value to the proposal and relationship?
When creating a piece, together, through our Signature Process, the couple is able to guide the design every step of the way, and craft a ring that perfectly captures their unique love. Together they can perfect every detail, from the gemstone size, to the band width, and bespoke customisations, like Hidden Birthstones and Engravings. It’s an intimate and sentimental experience, filled with meaning and intention, one they’ll remember and cherish for a lifetime.
7. How does the value for money compare when couples choose lab-grown or custom-designed rings over traditional retail options?
True beauty is built on integrity. We believe luxury should be attainable to all. By championing lab-grown diamonds (which are REAL diamonds – chemically, physically and optically) as well as moissanite, we honour the balance of luxury, attainability and ethical innovation. Moissanite is a more affordable option when compared to lab diamonds, ranging between $1,200.00 AUD and $5,000.00 AUD. Lab diamonds are more expensive than moissanite, ranging between $2,100.00 and $15,000.00+. However, they are significantly more affordable compared to their mined counterparts. A lab-grown diamond is the perfect choice for somebody who desires a real diamond with ethical origins.
Both our Signature and Custom Process incur no additional cost, offering a truly personalised and tailored journey for the couple in comparison to a traditional retail experience. From the first conversation to the final touches, every meticulous piece is crafted with intention, reflecting their vision, values, and forever. It’s a personalised journey that delivers exceptional value, not just in price, but in care and meaning. Crafted for their forever.
In an age where relationships are more open, intentional, and collaborative than ever before, the idea of the surprise proposal is shifting. While it still holds a place in modern romance, today’s couples are reimagining the tradition, often blending the thrill of surprise with the intimacy of shared decision-making.
Rather than taking away the magic, this approach adds a new layer of connection. Couples still keep elements of the proposal under wraps, like the final ring details or the big moment itself, but the process of creating a custom ring becomes part of their story. It’s no longer just about asking the question. It’s about crafting a symbol of their relationship, together, from the very beginning. We sat down with Makayla Donovan who is the founder of Australian lab grown diamond, moissanites and cultured gems specialists, TMC Fine Jewellers to find out more.
Has the surprise proposal become outdated in today’s relationship culture?
Not necessarily outdated, but certainly redefined. To put it into perspective, at TMC, 90-95% of customers design their rings together, coming in for an intimate, personalised experience, either online or in one of our Brisbane or Sydney Showrooms. Many of these couples still incorporate aspects of a surprise proposal, often with the design phase being collaborative but the crafting process and proposal itself remaining a secret. By co-designing their ring, couples are able to ensure their rings are perfect, without the guesswork, and are able to keep the proposal moment a secret and surprise.
2. Why do you think so many couples are choosing to co-design their engagement rings?
We live in a digital age, so clients are coming to us with a strong understanding of what they’re after. Despite this, we find that they are wanting that extra guidance from their partner, as this is one of the biggest purchases and decisions they’ll ever make, they don’t want to ‘get it wrong’. Co-designing an engagement ring allows couples to create something that is deeply personal, intentional, and meaningful – together. The piece serves as a symbol of their unique love. Beyond the aesthetics, it’s the experience, dreaming, planning, and crafting something timeless side by side that resonates so strongly with today’s couples.
3. What personal touches or design elements are most commonly requested by couples during the co-design process?
We often see requests for hidden details, a small Hidden Birthstone discreetly set beneath your centre stone, honouring anniversaries, family, or other meaningful moments. Our Complimentary Engraving is also perfect for those looking to add more meaning and sentiment to their dream ring. Our Signature Process as a whole allows couples to truly create a ring that is unique to them, each piece we craft is one of a kind.
4. What should couples prepare or consider before starting the process of designing a ring together?
There is no need to prepare. Throughout a complimentary consultation at TMC we will guide you through every detail, from your setting, to your preferred metal, and selecting your dream lab-grown diamond or moissanite gemstone. We’ll always support couples in finding a balance between their perfect ring and ideal budget. Couples are able to try on as many pieces as they like until they feel confident they have found their ‘one’. Our appointments are always no obligation, they are simply an opportunity to learn about our process and what you can expect if you wish to begin your journey with us, all guided by our expert consultants.
5. How are lab-grown diamonds and moissanites influencing the way people approach engagement ring design?
We believe that forever shouldn’t be out of reach, that every couple deserves their dream ring, that is both attainable and uncompromising. With the current cost of living, the need for attainable engagement options is more prevalent than ever. We have found couples would prefer to spend their money on their wedding or put toward building their lives. With this in mind, lab-grown gemstones allow couples to indulge in their dream ring designs and a larger carat size, without exceeding a reasonable budget, as they are significantly more affordable compared to their mined counterparts. Lab-grown gemstones have empowered couples to be more creative and intentional with their choices, placing greater emphasis on custom design and achieving their dream ring without compromising value or ethicality.
6. Does co-designing a ring add deeper meaning or emotional value to the proposal and relationship?
When creating a piece, together, through our Signature Process, the couple is able to guide the design every step of the way, and craft a ring that perfectly captures their unique love. Together they can perfect every detail, from the gemstone size, to the band width, and bespoke customisations, like Hidden Birthstones and Engravings. It’s an intimate and sentimental experience, filled with meaning and intention, one they’ll remember and cherish for a lifetime.
7. How does the value for money compare when couples choose lab-grown or custom-designed rings over traditional retail options?
True beauty is built on integrity. We believe luxury should be attainable to all. By championing lab-grown diamonds (which are REAL diamonds – chemically, physically and optically) as well as moissanite, we honour the balance of luxury, attainability and ethical innovation. Moissanite is a more affordable option when compared to lab diamonds, ranging between $1,200.00 AUD and $5,000.00 AUD. Lab diamonds are more expensive than moissanite, ranging between $2,100.00 and $15,000.00+. However, they are significantly more affordable compared to their mined counterparts. A lab-grown diamond is the perfect choice for somebody who desires a real diamond with ethical origins.
Both our Signature and Custom Process incur no additional cost, offering a truly personalised and tailored journey for the couple in comparison to a traditional retail experience. From the first conversation to the final touches, every meticulous piece is crafted with intention, reflecting their vision, values, and forever. It’s a personalised journey that delivers exceptional value, not just in price, but in care and meaning. Crafted for their forever.
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