● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD - GIFTED | How long has it been since you've had a relaxing pamper night? Especially with the current lockdown and everything going on in the world, it's extremely important to take a step back and enjoy some time to yourself, and there's nothing better than a self care pamper evening. Obviously one of the most relaxing and unwinding things to do is have a nice hot bath/shower, but there are a few other steps you can take for the ultimate pamper. So treat yourself today by checking my list of self-care tips to get inspired.

1. First things first, skincare. Is there anything better than taking your makeup off after a long day, and just feeling extremely refreshed and revitalized. I like to use a hot cloth cleanser to take off any makeup, as its extremely gentle on the eyes for those who wear mascara, eyeliner or eyeshadow. I would then opt for a facial exfoliator, or a face wash with my cleansing brush, for a deeper clean, even followed up by a face mask for that super skin detox. This leaves my skin feeling super soft and smooth. Finishing up with any products that I would use in my skincare routine, depending on my current skin needs. During the winter time, I'm ALL about hydration and getting that skin glow. Moisturising creams, serums, oils are winter essentials, and don't forget that lip balm!

2. Next up, haircare. Washing, drying and styling your hair can seem like such a chore, but applying a luxurious hair mask beforehand makes it so much more worthwhile. Hair masks that make my hair silky, smooth and shiny are my absolute must haves, as well as leaving my hair smelling delicious. I make sure to brush my hair thoroughly before applying my hair mask, and make sure each strand is covered from root to tip, and leave it to get to work for as long as possible, sometimes even overnight! I've also recently added the OGX Kukui Oil duo and The Hair Boss Overnight Serum to my haircare routine, and my hair has never looked better. So soft, nourished and super shiny.

3. After having a nice warm, relaxing bath/shower, it's a must have to put on some super cosy and comfy loungewear/pyjamas. Oversized is a must have as there is nothing worse than tight, uncomfortable clothing. I recently posted some super comfy loungewear finds from FemmeLuxe - think oversized joggers and cute matching co-ords!

4. Creating a cosy environment is an essential part of making your evening super relaxing and calm. Make sure to be lighting some candles, grabbing all the fluffy blankets and cushions, you could even hang up some cute fairy lights. Having a cosy environment around you can help to de-stress and give you a break from your daily routine.

5. Something that I've been including recently in my pamper routine is making a warm, relaxing drink. I've really been enjoying the Organic India Teas* and found these to really help destress and unwind during the colder evenings. My favourite is definitely the Tulsi Pomegranate Green Tea*. Infused with Pomegranate and Hibiscus flowers and the tangy flavour of Raspberries is a delightful combination and the perfect drink to have in the evenings. Tulsi is a great addition as it rich in antioxidants and can help to boost your immune system. The Organic India Teas are extremely relaxing, warming and delicious, and a must try for those who love green tea or even if you want a break from the usual coffee, tea or hot chocolate!

6. One part of your self care evening should be treating yourself to your favourite foods and drinks. There's nothing more comforting than ordering/making your favourite dishes, followed with a glass of your favourite drink to lift your spirits. There's so many great choices, whether you're a lover of pasta, pizza, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, the options are never ending, and there is always food to fit your mood.

7. Finally, get comfy and sit back and watch your favourite films/series. Whether you pick something from Netflix, Disney+, YouTube or just something on the TV, it's the perfect way to spend the rest of your evening. I'm currently watching Orange Is The New Black, and I'm hooked!

What are your self care pamper essentials?

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AD| Do you have to apply for a marriage visa? This provides a foreign national the right to reside in the UK with their wedded partner. Still, the sad truth is the fact that visa refusals have risen by about eighteen per cent in the United Kingdom. Hence, it's critical that you complete your spouse visa application correctly.

If you're not 100 percent confident in regards to the best way to get about this, you undoubtedly have to utilise the professional services of seasoned experts who will make certain your visa application has the greatest opportunity of being successful.

There are many conditions you need to fulfil and several documents you will need to supply also. Top quality immigration lawyers will undoubtedly have the ability to make sure you have whatever you need. But, locating a business you'll be able to trust is never a simple challenge, particularly when you're placing something so significant in their hands.

marriage photos

As touched upon, there are plenty of prerequisites for a marriage visa. In case you have been with your partner for less than four years you'll be allowed a probationary UK visa marriage for just two years. At the conclusion of the span, if you and your partner are still together, the visa marriage becomes long-term. You'll additionally have to pass the Life in the UK evaluation, which is just another reason why immigration lawyers end up being critical, as they will be able to assist you to be successful in this area.

In addition, you must have sufficient money to cover your living expenses, you should have actually met your partner and you need to intend to reside with one and another. This just touches the surface of the assorted conditions and stipulations which are in place for somebody needing a marriage visa in the UK. One little blunder could cost you a UK visa. You will need an excellent organisation to ensure this doesn't occur.

You need to find a good team of immigration lawyers to help. You need professionals who are tremendously experienced and understand the best way to navigate through the complicated rules and deal with the UK immigration authorities. Make sure you select a firm that will recognise how emotional and trying this time can be, and will take that into consideration - acting with empathy - through the service they supply.

They should keep you up to date each step of the way and one thing you can really seek out is a truthful service. Make sure the company will run a comprehensive evaluation of your conditions so as to find out whether you qualify or not. They should never mislead you or give you false expectations.

You may also want to look for a company that will work on a fixed fee basis. They should let you know the cost of their service upfront and you should be confident there will not be any hidden costs or additional fees.

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If you're an avid Primark shopper, you may have noticed their recent beauty range that hit the shelves earlier this year, featuring celebrity hair stylist Andrew Fitzsimons. This collaboration has created an affordable haircare range that delivers amazing results for your hair. The collection includes everything from the shampoos and conditioners to styling sprays and accessories, there's so much choice, you'll want absolutely everything!

Primark X Andrew Fitzsimons AF Luxe Hair Oil

I knew that I definitely wanted to try lots of products from the AF range, but the one haircare piece that really stood out to me was the Luxe Hair Oil. I absolutely love hair oils and I don't know what I would do without them, so I really wanted to give this one a go and see how well it works for my hair.

“Everyone deserves amazing hair without having to pay celebrity prices” - Andrew Fitzsimons

From the first use, I knew I was really going to love this product, and would definitely repurchase again when needed. The oil itself feels thick and luxurious, just be sure to go carefully, as a little goes a long way. I have medium length hair, and found just one pump is enough to coat my mid-lengths and ends, without leaving any greasy residue or weighing your hair down like some other oils can.

I've used this oil both on damp and dry hair. It's perfect for using once you've just washed your hair, simply massage a pump of oil through your fingertips and apply to the ends. Or similarly, using on dry hair just to add some life back into hair that may look dull and in need of some TLC. The luxe hair oil makes your hair so much more manageable, banishing frizz, eliminating any tangles, as well as adding shine, leaving your hair super soft and silky.

Retailing at just £3.50, this hair oil was a complete steal! I would highly recommend this hair oil as it has really done wonders with my hair. My hair feels so much softer, smoother and hydrated - even my ends look healthy! I will definitely be trying some more from the Andrew Fitzsimons range at Primark when I get the chance. There's a hair mask that's available that's calling my name!

Have you tried any of the AF haircare range? What are your favourite Primark beauty products?

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AD - GIFTED | Living in joggers ATM? Me too! I've ditched the jeans in favour for joggers, sweatshirts, hoodies and leggings. Of course, loungewear is more popular and more available than ever, now that we are again being advised to spend more time at home in light of coronavirus pandemic. And, with many of us working from home or furloughed, it's important we're all as comfortable as possible during such uncertain times, as well as keeping warm during the colder months of the year. For me, loungewear is the epitome of comfort; you can still feel cute, casual and comfy, whilst looking super stylish and put together. Loungewear might be basic, but it's definitely not boring! There's so many cute styles and sets available, you'll be wanting something in every colour and your wardrobe will be filling up in no time at all!

I was recently kindly gifted some pieces from FemmeLuxe, and wanted to share some lockdown loungewear pieces with you and how I have styled them. Joggers and lounge sets are this seasons essentials, whether you dress them up or down, they are super versatile and some comfy pieces you defo need. If you're looking for a pair of new joggers or a loungewear set, you'll want to keep reading this post as you may just find what you've been after!

Outfit 1 - You can never go wrong with a black outfit. Black clothing is definitely my favourite to wear and this combo is the perfect 'fit for everyone. Featuring an elasticated waist with a hidden drawstring and a cuffed hem, these joggers are super comfy and flattering. I've teamed up these black oversized joggers* with a slogan sweatshirt for the perfect everyday look. I sized up in these lounge joggers, so they would be super oversized and comfy. This outfit is perfect for both inside and outside, so whether you're popping to the shops, chilling in bed watching Netflix or even doing an at home workout, this is what you need!

Grey Tie Dye Oversized Sweatshirt Loungewear Set FemmeLuxe

Outfit 2 - Is there anything cuter than a matching co-ord lounge set? If tie dye and oversized is your vibe, then you're gonna need to get your hands on this asap! This grey tie dye loungewear set* is so soft and slightly more fitted to the body, you could even wear these as a pyjama set. You could even wear this out of the house too! Simply pair with an oversized black puffer coat and some chunky trainers, and you're good to go!

Outfit 3 - For this outfit, I kept things quite neutral and styled the outfit around similar colour tones. Nudes and browns are everywhere these days, and definitely some of the top colours of the autumn/winter season. I've teamed a simple nude sleeveless bodysuit with some tan oversized joggers*, for that casual off-duty look. To add some warmth to the outfit, I've paired it with a neutral checked shacket which are super on-trend right now, and perfect for those slightly warmer, autumnal days when you don't need a super warm coat.

Stone High Waisted Seam Cuffed Joggers FemmeLuxe

Outfit 4 - Again, another simple outfit. You can't go wrong with an oversized sweat and some joggers for the perfect WFH outfit.. On this occasion, I've gone for something slightly different. These high waisted joggers* have a seam running down them, which just adds some interested to the outfit, and helps to elongate the legs. A simple slogan sweat is a must have, and this green colour is absolutely gorgeous! Team this with a pair of slippers for at home, or a gorgeous, thick teddy coat and trainers for when you're popping out.

So whether you're looking for some WFH outfit inspo, or are simply on the hunt for some casual, comfy and super affordable loungewear, I hope this post has given you that much needed inspiration. I know I definitely want to fill my wardrobe with loads more joggers and sets. You can never have too many!

Which outfit is your favourite? Have you shopped at FemmeLuxe?

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AD | We all feel the need for improvement, through personality, profession and particularly in how we live. Improving the home life is seen as a constant state of overhaul, including clearing out older designs or replacing items within the house that are more “you”. So when it comes from changes from the ground up, Amtico luxury wood effect vinyl flooring offers perfection in the long run to stabilize your growing lifestyle changes.

Popular Brand - No matter if you choose a home that is stylish or professional in appearance, Amtico presents a flooring option that is a fraction of the price of what a real hardwood floor would cost in installation. It’s not just money that it saves but also time. Installing vinyl flooring is a much shorter exercise than installing hardwood floors and can even be done by yourself if you fancy the challenge on a lazy weekend.

Among the most popular choices of vinyl is the wood variety, but that doesn’t mean that the choices are slim. Among the lowest price Amtico flooring on offer within the woods range is enough different designs and palettes to fuel your appetite for distinct vision.

Partner in Care - When it comes to the look and feel of luxury vinyl tiles, Amtico adopt a customised printed film over their flooring sections that perfectly replicate the design of wood and stone.

By employing a protective coating against scratches and scuffs, a urethane coat is applied to the film to provide its unique polished finish resulting in little maintenance being required. Whenever you choose a floor for your home, compatibility is key to matching its existing rooms. LVT provides versatility and is able to be fitted on a large variety of subfloors from timber to concrete, so those rooms posing a challenge in other flooring can be easily adopted with vinyl.

The Choice That Makes Itself - If you choose the cheapest Amtico flooring UK for your home then you are choosing the perfect partner in keeping your home looking outstanding. No matter if your selection comes from signature, Amtico Spacia or abstract designs you have the long lasting satisfaction that Amtico prides itself on with a warranty that far surpasses other options by as much as two decades. That is a commitment to quality and assurance.

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AD| Plastics are causing a multitude of issues in our oceans and natural environments, ultimately contributing to health problems in humans and animals. They can last around in the environment for such a long time; with specific plastic items can take up to 1,000 years to decompose - causing problems with threatening wildlife, spreading toxins, and contributes to factors such as global warming.

Becoming more eco friendly at home, living a more sustainable life and helping preserve the environment may seem like it can be a lot of work, but by changing a few parts of your daily routine can make such a big impact. Whether you start to recycle paper, glass and plastics, purchase loose fruit and vegetables on your weekly shop or even use sustainable coffee pods, all these small changes really add up in the long run.

An easy switch for many of us coffee lovers would be being more careful with the type of plastic coffee pods we purchase for our coffee machines. Just by spending a few minutes researching about the materials used in an everyday items like coffee pods, and making sure they are biodegradable and sustainable will help protect the environment.

Switching to a brand like Halo coffee pods is a small change with a big impact. They sell their products with the claim - "The world's best coffees, in a way that's best for the world". The founders of Halo are on a mission to not only make great coffee but also to rid the world of discarded plastic and aluminium coffee capsules. With its fully recyclable range of coffee capsules made from waste sugarcane, these coffee pods are super eco-friendly, will degrade in as little as four weeks and you'll still end up with a greatest tasting cup of coffee.

Single use plastic pollution is probably the most widespread problem in our current ocean and marine ecosystem. Marine species such as turtles, birds and fish are ingesting/entangled by plastic debris such as straws and food/drink containers, which causes severe injuries and can lead to a significant amount of deaths. Not only does this affect ocean health, this type of pollution can also affect food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change.

As well as single use plastics, microplastics also have such damaging effects on people, animals and the environment. Microplastics affects our food chain, including the soils where we grow food, in the water we drink and the air we breathe. Ingested microplastic particles can physically damage organs and expose hazardous chemicals, leading to health and environmental problems.

As a whole, I think it's important that we act differently, efficiently and be more knowledgeable around environmental issues in the world and how we can be more eco friendly at home. By changing small parts of our routines, research into new products or adapting the way we shop, these little steps can have a big impact on the world around us and help to change the way we deal with products/materials in the environment.

What changes have you made to be more eco-friendly and to help the environment?

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AD| When purchasing jewellery for gifting purposes, it can be extremely hard to find something suitable for the right price. Ideally you want to pay a good price for the perfect piece, and that you know is worth the price tag and is made to last. Many jewellers these days are mass producing the same pieces, making them widely available to everyone, but have you ever considered purchasing something slightly older, timeless and antique? Antique jewellery can be just as statement and stunning as newer made jewellery pieces, and can really be worth the investment. For a piece of jewellery to be considered antique it has to be 100 years’ or more old, this really gives the item some character and allows you to see the detail and quality from the time it was produced.

Whether you're one the lookout for rings, necklaces, earrings or bracelets, here are a few reasons why antique jewellery would make the perfect gift for anyone, and why you should consider it over new jewellery pieces.

Antique jewellery items have been made to a high quality and finish, as they are almost always hand-made or hand-finished with such incredible details. These pieces would have been produced by experienced craft men, allowing these jewellery pieces to be the best of the best. These jewellery pieces are specially designed often creating intricate and unique designs on a bespoke basis, rather than for the mass market.

Items can be a good investment if purchased from a reputable and well established jewellers, such as carusjewellery.com. You'll be under the impression that these fantastic jewellery pieces have been well looked after and kept in pristine condition. It's also worth mentioning that purchasing antique jewellery has a huge impact on the environment, as this way of sourcing pieces is much more sustainable and ethical. Investing in antique jewellery pieces is a great way to minimise wastefulness and be more environmentally friendly, and is one of the easiest ways of conserving precious resources. You'll also be supporting smaller, local businesses instead of mass corporations, which can be very rewarding to know.

One of the main advantages of buying antique jewellery is that you are almost certain not to find someone else wearing the exact same piece. Antique items are more unique and not mass made, making them extraordinary timeless pieces that can really make a statement in any jewellery collection. Many antique pieces were often handmade so even similar pieces are slightly different and you can almost guarantee your piece will be one of a kind.

When choosing antique jewellery items, you can really search for the perfect piece, specially personalised for the person receiving the gift. For example, you could purchase a piece that reflects the person's birthstone, or a piece is made reflecting a certain style that they like. For me, my birthstone is diamond, so this ring would be perfect. Researching into buying the perfect antique piece of jewellery can be really exciting, and can really make the gift more sentimental, more special and more thoughtful.

Overall, researching and hunting down the perfect antique pieces of jewellery maybe tiresome work, and may take some time to find the exact piece you're looking for, but it is definitely worth it in the long run. Not only do you have a memorable piece of history, but you will also have such a unique product that will really make a statement in your jewellery collection. You'll be able to wear your timeless piece of jewellery year after year and it definitely wont go out of fashion any time soon!

Would you consider purchasing antique jewellery?

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AD - GIFTED | Whether you a fan of Cappuccinos, Lattes, or Mochas, there's just something so energizing and refreshing about having a cup of coffee in the morning, especially if you haven't had the best night's sleep. Instead of having your daily fix from Starbucks, Costa or any other coffee shop, wouldn't it be nice to have luxurious and gourmet coffee delivered to your door? Well with Blue Box Coffee, you can do just that! Blue Coffee Box was born in 2017 as a speciality subscription for devoted coffee lovers.

"Handpicked speciality arabica gourmet coffee from 22 countries, selected for your taste preference, freshly hand-roasted in the UK, and delivered in a sleek, letterbox friendly box with origin and tasting notes."

I was kindly gifted one of the luxury coffee subscription boxes* from Blue Coffee Box which features two full-size bags of coffee* in a signature presentation box, and leaflets about what coffee I had received with details of the source of the product. An interesting and thoughtful touch so you can read about the origins of the products in your box! From the moment I received my box in the post, the aroma of fresh coffee hit me straight away, and I hadn't even opened my parcel yet. If you have any coffee lover friends or family members, this would make a great gift! You can receive the coffee with whole beans, or have it prepared for a cafetiere, dripper, aero press or espresso - whichever works for you!

"Once your taste buds have experienced gourmet coffee, they won't want anything else."

I received coffees from Brazil and Ethiopia which definitely makes a change from your standard shop bought instant coffee. The Brazilian coffee is produced by the Posses community in the Minas Gerais region. Featuring sweet nutty flavour and chocolatey notes, this coffee is simply delicious! The perfect choice if you prefer a more simple coffee flavour but with a delicious aroma.

The Ethiopian coffee is produced on a private farm in the Yirgacheffe region by Israel Degfa. The coffee features unique flavours of Blueberry and Palma Violets, making it very unusual but very aromatic and flavoursome - if you want to try something new and interesting, this coffee is a must have!

What are your favourite coffee flavours?

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AD| Exploring America has been on my bucket list for the longest time, and there a number of US states that I'd love to visit. But obviously due to the current global pandemic, international travel is the last of my current plans for the foreseeable future. However, that doesn't stop me from dreaming about my future travel goals and researching into places I'd love to visit one day!

Home to so many iconic and beautiful locations, dating in Los Angeles can be super fun and enjoyable, so if you're in the area, looking over at Los Angeles Personals might be something to consider. Whether it’s Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica or Malibu, Los Angeles is packed with things to see and do, you'll be dreaming about it in no time at all! With so many places to choose from, being outside in nature is a great place to be on a date, and I've compiled a few of my favourite destinations to share with you!

If you enjoy being outdoors, keeping fit and getting some fresh air, a hike to the Hollywood Sign could be a great first date idea, especially if you've got a sunny afternoon free. The Hollywood Sign has become a world-famous cultural icon and a perfect places to visit to see some unbelievable views.

The Griffith Observatory offers some of the best views of Los Angeles, and is one of southern California's most popular attractions. Offering spectacular views from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown L.A, it's definitely on not to miss out on!

Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles, and a great place to enjoy great views, soak up the sun and maybe a cute little picnic along the seafront, and stay into the evening to watch a memorable sunset. How romantic?! A vibrant hub of street performers & shops, local activities including basketball and skating, there's plenty to see and do here!

If you're into film and TV, a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio for a spectacular tour could be a perfect place for an afternoon date. Enjoy taking a peek behind the scenes of some of your fave movies and TV shows. Think Friends, Big Bang Theory, Harry Potter and the DC Universe, there's something for everyone!

As good a place as any to begin an adventure in Downtown Los Angeles is Grand Central Market, probably the largest and oldest public market in the city, brings together the cuisines and cultures of LA. A perfect location for the foodies as there is so much to choose from. Offering a variety of cuisines and dishes, think Italian, German, Japanese and much much more, this food hall is a great location for a casual, yet exciting atmosphere for a food date, where you'll be wanting to indulge in absolutely everything.

As well as all the places I've mentioned in this blog post, Los Angeles has such an extensive list of really fun and unique date locations, you'll be spoilt for choice and wanting to go on date night, every night!

Have you been to LA? What destinations are on your bucket list?

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AD| When it comes to gemstones, aquamarines are the undisputed champions of that pale blue hue that we know and love. Aquamarine engagement rings bring something a little different to the table compared to the usual diamond ring. Their colour is subtle enough that it’s still obvious from a distance that you’re engaged, and not wearing any old ring, but it’s also bold enough that people can’t help but be amazed by its beauty – rightly so! But which are the top aquamarine engagement ring styles? Let’s find out!

Classic - Of course, you can’t talk about engagement ring styles without discussing the all-time classic: the solitaire. A single stone can represent so much when it becomes your engagement ring – and it doesn’t have to be a diamond to do the trick! Aquamarine solitaires are a real thing of beauty. Not only are they a colour so pure and classic, but they also have a clearness to them that makes them suit everything.

For the type of frequent wearing an engagement ring expects, aquamarines are up to the task of matching every piece in your wardrobe! They’re also very versatile in other areas; whether you’re warm-toned or cool-toned, aquamarines will match you well. Their unique shade means they look good with white gold or yellow gold, so there’s definitely a solitaire out there for you!

Art Deco Dream - Art Deco is a style that never seems to fade away, perpetually coming back to be the star of the show in the best way. Think geometric shapes, bold structure, very architectural. If this matches your kind of style, then an Art Deco aquamarine engagement ring is the ring for you. Cuts like emerald cut, princess cut, cushion cut, and the stunning marquise cut are commonplace in Art Deco jewellery.

Aquamarines fit the Art Deco style like they were made for it. Their cool colouring and crystal-clear internal structures play with light refraction in a way that suits the hard edges and almost tough style of this kind of jewellery. Engagement rings in this style are best suited to those who are looking to make a powerful statement with their jewellery!

Contemporary Cool - One of the most popular engagement ring styles of the moment is the halo ring. One central stone, with a gorgeous band, or ‘halo’, of smaller gemstones encircling it – truly stunning stuff! Diamond halo rings are a sparkling mass that’s a sight for sore eyes, it’s true, but a corker central aquamarine makes a world of difference to the overall appearance of the ring.

Getting engaged is a worthy enough time to get something special, and the aquamarine halo rings on the market are blinding! There’s also the option to get the inverted version: a central diamond surrounded by a halo of aquamarines. This allows the diamond the reign supreme if you’re into that, and still gets a pop of colour that’s to die for, as well as actually accentuating the central diamond.

Trios and Twists - A trilogy ring, for anyone not in the know, is a ring with three stones on it – surprise surprise. Trilogy rings have risen in popularity as an engagement ring choice in recent years, embodying both a timeless and fashion-forward aesthetic. Typically, they are of course three diamonds all in a row, sometimes with the central stone being larger than the stones at either side.

It doesn’t have to be this way, however, as coloured gemstones are taking centre-stage more and more. Aquamarines are particularly suited to this style because of their stunning clarity. An aquamarine with accenting diamonds glitters unlike anything else! They’re also a popular choice for this style because of the cost-effectiveness of the gemstone. A trilogy ring starring an aquamarine will cost a pretty penny but it’s nothing compared to an all-diamond affair!

Getting engaged is a special thing, and it deserves a special ring. That rhyme was nice, but aquamarine engagement rings are nicer by far. If you’re thinking about getting engaged, consider something a little different from the usual and experiment with aquamarines. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but aquamarines are coming for the crown!

What is your favourite engagement ring style?

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