For as long as human beings have been around, we've been presenting one another with gifts. This is a way for us to demonstrate that we've been thinking of a loved one but that we're also willing to incur the cost of obtaining the gift in order to secure their affections. While some of us might be repelled by a gift that reads like a raw display of purchasing power, it's difficult to find a person who doesn't appreciate the right symbolic act. The challenge lies in discovering what kind of gift is appropriate.

There's one gift that's freighted with more meaning than any other, and that's the engagement ring. A proposal of marriage should ideally be more than a functional gesture or a means of progressing toward a wedding. It should be an event to remember in its own right. Engagement rings should be tailored to the preferences and tastes of the people we intend to present them to.

We've mentioned that jewellery needn't be expensive in order to have a major impact, but it's worth also reflecting on the fact that the best luxury pieces are often obtainable only with the help of a sizeable amount of cash. What really matters here is that you're not spending for the sake of spending and that you understand the various qualities and strengths that distinguish a quality piece from an inferior one.

When you both contemplate a particular item of jewellery, you should ideally experience the same set of emotions. When you share a life journey, certain items can serve as important reference points throughout your relationship.

A rewarding relationship is often built around a sequence of gestures. These should ideally be difficult to predict as well as meaningful. The best way to keep things interesting is often to keep your better half on their toes!

AGB X