Jewelry Box – Important Part of the Present?
By Devorah Isenberg, Wednesday, January 25, 2012 3:17 AM
In a scene straight out of every romantic comedy and drama, a man kneels on the ground in front of a woman. He reaches behind his back and pulls out a small velvet box. With a crowd of onlookers holding their breaths in expectation, he cracks open the hinge of the jewelry box to reveal a sparkling diamond engagement ring. “Will you marry me?” he says, but the question is practically unnecessary, the opening of that iconic velvet box and the dramatic reveal of the ring having already popped the question for him.
If you are planning a proposal, you might have already spent some time wondering how you are going to give that all-important present. Should you present the ring in the box while kneeling, traditional style, or should you present the ring in some unique and creative way? The rise of YouTube proposal videos that go viral overnight, bringing Internet fame to the newly-engaged couple, has led more and more guys to think that if their proposal idea doesn’t make the local news, or the Yahoo! homepage, then they’re doing something wrong. If they aren’t skydiving in with the ring, or presenting it in a scuba suit while diving through a coral reef, maybe they aren’t putting on the kind of impressive show that will get them the girl.
But let’s get back to jewelry boxes. They tend to be simple—black velvet, a deep red lacquer, or maybe blue satin. They are smooth, small, and open easily to reveal their precious contents. They are classic and not very flashy, but their purpose is unmistakable. Louder than anything, they send the message that someone cares very much for someone else.
The proposal itself is a little like a jewelry box. It needs to be simple, beautiful, and above all, functional. Just like the jewelry box doesn’t call much attention to itself, but instead directs the eye and the hand towards the sparkling treasure within, the theatrics around the big question should focus on serving their purpose, and highlighting the essence of what is going on—a man asking a woman to spend the rest of her life at his side. A display of pyrotechnics, a flash-mob, and a dozen circus performers are only going to serve as distractions from that central purpose.
A recent poll by wedding website The Knot concluded that over 25% of married women wish their proposal had been different. One of the main reasons given for that dissatisfaction? “Too over-the-top.” Others said they wished the proposal had been more private and personal. Not one said she wished her proposal had gone viral.
So guys, put down the fireworks and cancel the billboard rental. Take a look at that jewelry box in your hand—with its simple elegance calling attention to the gorgeous ring inside. Your proposal should be just like that—romantic, elegant, understated, and focused on the big question inside.
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