Robbins Brothers conducted a survey in an effort to gain insight into how the pandemic impacted couples across the country. We surveyed couples who are seriously dating, engaged, or married to gain insight into their relationship, wedding plans, ring preferences, anniversary celebrations and how the pandemic affected those plans. Although the pandemic took a toll on everyone mentally, physically, and emotionally, the survey overwhelmingly found that couples feel the pandemic actually brought them closer together.

AND THE SURVEY SAYS:

Relationship Status: Seriously Dating

How did quarantine affect your relationship?

• We are stronger than ever. 75%
• It didn’t! We stayed the same.  4%
• Things are rocky 9%

Do you feel that communication with your partner strengthened due to quarantine/the pandemic?

• Yes  84%
• No  4%
• Maybe 3%

What’s one thing you learned about your partner this year during quarantine that you didn’t already know? Answers include:

• Very selfless
• Incredible dad
• How patient he is. He has always been patient with me, but being quarantined just really shows this. Our finances have been up and down with the shutdowns in Washington State. He’s a car salesman and I’m a bartender and the struggle has been real. I am so thankful for his optimism and patience with my financial stress.
• We have more in common than I previously thought.
• How good he is at making omelettes.
• She puts others first before herself. I knew it before but I was a witness to what she’s capable of doing for others. Every day that passes I fall In love with her more and more. I honestly can’t see the rest of my life without her, I love her she’s my everything.
• He’s the man I want to share my life with and more quarantines too.

What new traditions have you brought to your relationship because of COVID/quarantine? Answers include:

• To always have a cuddle session every night. You don’t know how precious life really is. Before we go to bed we lay there and talk about our future, wrapped in each others arms. It’s brought us both a sense of security and has made us closer.
• Backyard dates, couple cooking night
• Hanging out at home, watching movies cooking at home
• Wheel of Fortune every weekday is a must hoping one day we will win
• Zoom parties
• Hiking/taking walks together to talk about our days
• Date night (order pick up), too scared to be out and about
• Binge watching Netflix, Hulu, etc

Have you and your partner considered getting engaged?

• Yes 89%
• No  11%

Did you decide to postpone your engagement because of the pandemic?

• Yes 50%
• No  50%

If you were to get engaged soon, have your ring preferences changed lately?

• No 73%
• Yes  23%

If you’re considering something other than a traditional mined diamond, how likely are you to consider each of the following for your gemstone? (With 1 being ‘most likely’ and 4 being ‘least likely’)

• Lab-grown diamond: (1) 39% (2) 20% (3) 16% (4) 25%
• Colored gemstone: (1) 38% (2) 15% (3) 10% (4) 38%
• Pearl: (1) 27% (2) 7% (3) 15% (4) 51%
• Moissanite: (1) 31% (2) 21% (3) 14% (4) 33%

Relationship Status: Engaged

Did you propose or get proposed to sooner than anticipated?

• Yes! I was completely surprised. 63%
• No, we had been planning it. 38%

Did you or have you ever considered something besides a traditional mined diamond for your ring?

• Yes 68%
• No 32%

If you’re considering something other than a traditional mined diamond, how likely are you to consider each of the following for your gemstone? (With 1 being ‘most likely’ and 4 being ‘least likely’)

• Lab-grown diamond: (1) 35% (2) 17% (3) 22% (4) 26%
• Colored gemstone: (1) 30% (2) 26% (3) 9% (4) 35%
• Pearl: (1) 17% (2) 30% (3) 13% (4) 39%
• Moissanite: (1) 4% (2) 35% (3) 35% (4) 26%

Did the pandemic impact how much you spent on a ring?

• Yes 56%
• No 44%

How did you celebrate your engagement during the pandemic?

• We did not celebrate 56%
• Went out to dinner 16%
• Gathered safely with friends and family 16%
• Virtually 12%

Bride or Groom to-be: how did you feel about the attention taken away from your very important milestone?

• It did not bother me, I was relieved to not have the pressure on me! 36%
• Upset but accepted it 32%
• Indifferent 24%
• I was VERY upset 8%

What new traditions have you brought to your relationship because of COVID/quarantine?

• Watching a TV series together 50%
• Weekly at-home date night 21%
• Setting up a ‘daily check-in’ to discuss feelings open and honestly 21%
• Working out together 4%
• We cook together 4%

Relationship Status: Married

Do you feel that your communication with your partner strengthened due to quarantine/the pandemic?

• Yes 69%
• No 15%
• Maybe 15%

What’s one thing you learned about your partner this year during quarantine that you didn’t already know? Answers include:

• Very patient person
• Introvert
• He gets cranky without sunshine and fresh air!
• No matter how much I love him, I learned that we need to make time for ourselves. He at times can get emotional and I don’t have the best reactions, so taking time to cool off is a must.
• He likes to test my temper.
• We both learned to appreciate what we have. Even though it wasn’t the best 2020 we still have so much to be thankful for.

What new traditions have you brought to your relationship because of COVID/quarantine? Answers include:

• Movie night
• We start a puzzle every week.
• When he comes home he has the kids.
• We do chores together and cook together more often.
• Just spending more quality time together in general.

Did you celebrate a wedding, anniversary or engagement virtually during quarantine?

• Yes 44%
• No 56%

How did you celebrate your anniversary during the pandemic? Answers include:

• We did Zoom so the kids could be there too.
• We didn’t want to take any risks, we will celebrate next year.
• Romantic getaway, our anniversary is in January.
• We ordered takeout and ate on our balcony and watched a movie.

Did you have to change your anniversary celebration plans?

• Yes 60%
• No 40%

How did those anniversary celebration plans change? Answers include:

• We were unable to travel to Hawaii.
• No flights
• No babysitter
• Couldn’t go on our usual road trip

How are you going to, or would you, make up for the year lost celebrating (an anniversary, wedding, etc.) because of the pandemic?

• Take a trip 43%
• Buy a nice gift for my partner 39%
• Go out to a nice dinner 17%
• Other 6%

The post Survey Reveals Pandemic Strengthened Couples appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Austin Aaron, the Netflix 13 Reasons Why actor, and Kristen McNamara started dating four years ago at Cal Berkeley when she was a cheerleader and he was a football player. Fast forward to last weekend at a Napa Valley castle and winery, Austin surprised the love of his life (during a pandemic) with a mind-blowing marriage proposal she’ll never forget. As shared in People magazine, Austin did his “best Bachelor” impression by dropping to one knee and asking Kristen to spend forever with him. Well of course she said YES!

Knowing Kristen’s love for round diamonds, Austin popped the question with an Eternalle lab-grown diamond engagement ring. “Huge thank you to Robbins Brothers in Woodland Hills for helping me find the perfect ring as I thought a carat was just a highly underrated vegetable before this process.” We love that these two are so in love! “Kristen is my soulmate, most amazing cat mom and forever my best friend.” #AllTheFeels

Are you planning to get engaged soon? If so, check out Brides’ Diamond Ring Shopping 101: How and Where To Buy Engagement Rings and 16 Outdoor Proposal Ideas for inspiration.

The post Austin Aaron Proposes With Bachelor Speech appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

For us, engagement season isn’t any one specific season. It’s a yearlong celebration of proposal stories from Real Couples like you. From the ‘Will you marry me’ on the beach in California, a destination proposal at Disney World in Florida, to getting on one knee in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we love helping our customers plan their perfect proposal with personal engagement rings.

Texas customer James Werner is a Port Captain. His main responsibility is to ensure all ships are fully prepared to embark from the dock, i.e., crew, equipment & proper training. He’s also good at keeping a secret. He purchased a stunning three-stone diamond engagement ring 2 ½ months before finding the right moment to propose to his gal Lauren. Well, the precise day and time finally came and he proposed. Lauren, of course, said YES!

Get your feels fix with some more inspiring proposal stories captured on camera from Robbins Brothers customers!

Got Engaged? Share your story with us to be featured alongside these real life proposal stories that inspire us every day.

The post Real Proposal Stories: A Port Captain’s Patient Engagement appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Now more than ever, Robbins Brothers is committed to celebrating real love in all its forms. We look forward to being a part of your evolving love stories – including engagements, weddings, anniversaries and each romantic milestone in between. Because after all, the happiness and excitement of our guests give us all the feels.

These real love proposal stories are just a few of our favorites from a beautifully diverse range of couples who undoubtedly illustrate that in the end, Love is Love is Love is Love, and that’s all that matters.

Nayra + Josh – A Beautiful (and Blingy) Baby Shower Surprise
“It feels like my own fairytale story in a really uncertain world. Because of Covid-19, we had to cancel our baby shower but decided to keep our maternity shoot which was scheduled the day of the shower. My beautiful maternity shoot turned into a VERY unexpected engagement shoot. I was taking pictures and all of a sudden Josh grabs both of my hands and I can tell he’s getting a little misty eyed. Me being the sarcastic person that I am, asked him if he was going to cry and sort of laughed. He told me that he got me a baby shower gift and then he got down on one knee, and asked me to spend the rest of our lives together (well I certainly wasn’t laughing anymore!). I feel so special and lucky to have him, a little baby girl on the way, and the ring of my dreams. It truly feels magical.”

Shop vintage-inspired engagement ring settings similar to Nayra’s stunning Verragio ring.

Dot + Nate – Quarantine, Rosé and a Ring
“I celebrated my 30th birthday quarantine style. We got all dressed up and ordered takeout from my favorite restaurant. We drank rosé and listened to 90s R&B. After dinner I opened my gift. When I opened the box, rose gold balloons flew out and there was a stunning cake that read: ‘Will You Marry Me’ along with my gorgeous dream ring from the Robbins Brothers Glendale store. My fiance turned what was supposed to be my worst birthday into the best one I’ve ever had. In fact, I’ve dreamt of this proposal day a million times, but none were as amazing as my reality. This is certainly a day I’ll never forget!!”

Shop similar fancy-shape engagement rings from our exclusive Poem Collection.

Kaitlyn + Shelby – One Couple, Two Proposals

“I took Shelby skydiving and as we were getting closer to landing, the ‘Will You Marry Me’ sign became visible. Fast forward to a few weeks later, Shelby proposed to me privately at home and it couldn’t have been more perfect.”

Shop similar halo engagement rings on our website.

Sheridan + Richard – The Sweetest Love I’ve Ever Known
“On our first date, I snuck off to the restroom to text some friends, ‘I’m going to marry this guy.’ Well today he has made an honest woman out of me! I cannot wait to do life together with Richard Brett.”

Shop marquise engagement rings.

Katya + Yahir – It all started in High School
“The day our family portraits turned into my surprise engagement!! From high school sweethearts to future Mr. and Mrs., this is a dream come true! Special thanks to Robbins Brothers for helping my fiance with my engagement ring. It’s breathtaking.”

Love Katya’s ring? See similar styles and find yours.

The post Real Love Proposal Stories In Color appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Social media phenom, Mike Worthington from Texas, is a proud father who created an Instagram account a few years ago for him and his daughter Asia. The daddy-daughter duo not only take the most heartwarming photos together, but he’s also become an expert at styling Asia’s hair. In one really sweet video clip, Mike gives Asia a pedicure and kisses her foot when she says it hurts. He’s even taught her how to line the seat with toilet paper when using a public bathroom (ahh giving us all the feels, right?).

Soon after launching his Instagram page-Ice Mike Love Asia-which the online community embraced immediately, Mike was pleasantly surprised with a direct message (DM) from a young woman named Kapree. The two met in person the following week and the rest is history. Mike shared, “I couldn’t get my mind off her. She brought out a side of me that I didn’t know existed. That’s when I knew I was falling in love.”

When Mike was ready to take their relationship to the next level, he visited the Robbins Brothers Dallas store and worked with Brittany to find the perfect engagement ring for Kapree. He knew she loves diamond halo rings and decided on a gorgeous style from the exclusive Robbins Brothers Utwo collection. If you like Kapree’s ring, you may also like these similar halo ring designs.

Once Mike picked the ring, he worked with the store’s Perfect Proposals concierge team to plan a memorable surprise marriage proposal. Kapree’s birthday is on Nov. 26 so he collaborated with Robbins Brothers and III Forks Restaurant to host a birthday dinner for her with family and friends. As the ring was served on a dessert platter leaving everyone in awe, Mike asked Kapree to be his wife! Needless to say SHE SAID YES!

Mike then presented his daugther Asia with a 14K white gold diamond heart necklace to symbolize their love for each other as a new family unit. It was a picture perfect night filled with tears of joy and much gratitude just in time for Thanksgiving.

We asked the newly engaged couple how they plan to spend the holidays: “Last year we started a new ritual and celebrated at the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine. We’ll celebrate there on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after. Family time is everything to us!”

If you’re planning a proposal or hoping for one, check out our handy proposal guides. For a destination proposal, see the top picks from our proposal ambassadors.

The post Real Proposal Stories: Love At First DM appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Congratulations to one of the sweetest couples we know, Los Angeles influencers Maddie Perry and Caden Fabrizio!! We first met the lovely pair earlier this year when they applied for our Proposal Ambassador position, which would take them to various cities throughout the country to identify the top places to propose. On the application Maddie said:
“It’s crazy because we reconnected and fell in love while on a trip to Thailand but we went to the same high school. I am a little older than him so when we were younger, I didn’t pay much attention; but once I saw him in Thailand I said, ‘hey, you grew up!’”

Though they didn’t land the Proposal Ambassador job, they were deemed one of ten finalists and did manage to land a permanent place in our hearts. Fun, kind and completely in love, we’ve been able to work with them on a few different projects but today’s engagement announcement tops them all.

Caden asked Maddie to be his wife at Hive and Honey Rooftop Bar in Irvine, California. It’s the perfect location with amazing 360 degree views featuring on-trend cocktails and lite bites. He shared in an Instagram post: “I’ve asked a lot of questions in my life, but this was by far the best and easiest question I will ever ask! I can’t wait to spend forever with you. YA BOI PUT A RING ON IT!” Likewise Maddie gushed: “So this happened last night…I got myself a FIANCE. I love you so much Caden – I can’t wait to be your wife!!!”

Maddie loves rose gold and oval shaped diamonds so we teamed up with our friends at Michael M to create the custom beauty she’s always dreamed of. Needless to say, SHE SAID YES!! (We have a wide selection of oval engagement rings like this Michael M. white gold engagement ring similar to Maddie’s.)

WATCH THE PAIR SHOP FOR THE RING…TOGETHER.

We’re excited – engagement season has officially begun and we’re here for all the feels!

The post Maddie Says Yes To Michael M Ring appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Every Kind Of Love. Every Kind Of Ring.
Real couples share their experience in life, love and finding the perfect ring.

Meet Kayleigh & Brittini – One swipe to the right and the rest is history. Tinder – known for hookups and hangouts – had a completely different plan for these two beautiful humans. After their immediate physical attraction, they knew they had to learn more about one another. Fast forward to their first date at Great Maple – a modern American eatery in Torrance, CA – where Kayleigh’s butterflies were a clear sign that she’d soon be deleting the app.

Ten months after their memorable first encounter, Kayleigh began engagement ring shopping. Upon her “just looking” visit, she came across the perfect rose gold ring to complement Brittini’s unique personality. With the perfect ring in hand, the proposal had to be nothing short of that and Kayleigh did not disappoint.

Portland in October is breathtaking. Knowing this, Kayleigh planned a stroll through Cathedral Park for the two to enjoy. What Brittini didn’t know was that they’d be strolling into a life together. With Quinntessential Photography hidden to not give anything away, K knelt down on one knee and without any hesitation, B ecstatically replied, “Yes!”

But wait, we’re not done. Surprise! These ladies got TWO proposals! Brittini planned a playful, yet meaningful day at Disneyland where the two dined at Club 33, wore FEYONCE sweatshirts and bedazzled Minnie Mouse ears. And Kayleigh’s ring, you ask? A delicately crafted cushion double halo by Simon G. to match her vibrant persona.

Kayleigh adores Brittini’s humor, her well organized planning and loyalty; while Brittini appreciates Kayleigh’s acceptance and her infectious spontaneity. The two will walk down the aisle on January 19, 2018 with their closest friends and family by their side. To be near them is to be in the presence of love and there is nothing sweeter or more romantic than that.

The post Met THE ONE On Tinder appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Every Kind Of Love. Every Kind Of Ring.
Real couples share their experience in life, love and finding the perfect ring.

The First Kiss

Usually the very first kiss is important and highly anticipated in any relationship. Sometimes it meets our expectations, and other times it does not.

Meet Ashlie and Marc. Ashlie doesn’t remember when or where it happened. “I know, I’m terrible!,” she confesses. “But what I do remember is that Marc asked if he could kiss me. I was so nervous, my reply was, ‘Yes, please!’ ” Marc, on the other hand, recalls that it was the couple’s third or fourth date and they were in front of Ashlie’s house. As he walked her to the door, he asked if he could kiss her. “She gazed at me and nodded,” Marc shares. “I kissed her and to sum it up, it felt just right.”

Real couples, including Ashlie and Marc, discuss the first kiss and what it symbolizes. Sparks, anxiety and everything in between, Marc believed their first kiss meant “we’re more than friends.”

The Marriage Proposal

Once Ashlie and Marc experienced their first kiss, the two knew they shared something special and wanted to be together forever. Fast forward to the marriage proposal. Marc surprised her on live television as part of Robbins Brothers’ “Love Week” with KTLA Channel 5.

Ashlie reflects on proposal day, and even pauses a few times to giggle as she shares her story:
I was extremely surprised and confused, haha. Confused because I thought I was going to be working with a friend on a T.V. commercial for hair and makeup. And then the next thing I see–Marc was there with cameras and balloons. I couldn’t have been happier. The fact that so many of my friends and family were able to watch it all unfold was the icing on the cake.

Marc reveals: “At first I didn’t know how to pull it off. I just knew that I wanted it to be something our loved ones could talk about for years to come. Ashlie is amazing and I was excited about her potentially being my wife. I wanted it to be public so everyone would know. I wasn’t nervous at all.”

The Ring

Ashlie always wanted an engagement ring with a classic vintage flair. She loves the 1920s style and while dating, she and Marc would visit several clothing and accessory antique shops to browse the selection. When it was time, Marc did not disappoint. He popped the question with a gorgeous three-stone vintage styled ring. As a result Ashlie gushed, “It’s perfect and fits our dedication towards each other–today, tomorrow and forever.“

The post The First Kiss And Perfect Proposal appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Every Kind Of Love. Every Kind Of Ring.
Real couples share their experience in life, love and finding the perfect ring.

“I envy the cup of coffee that gets to kiss your sleepy lips awake every cold and bitter morning.” – anonymous

Meet Marc and Will – A couple brought together by fate. Marc’s regular coffee destination happened to be Will’s place of work. After seeing Marc order his usual beverage numerous times, he knew he wanted to ask him out – the question was when. A few romantic dates turned into a longing for forever. Once Will was certain of his future with Marc, he wanted to be the one to take the first step.

Will was able to custom design a men’s engagement ring from Lashbrook with two rows of hand-set black diamonds, cobalt inlay and meteorite finish. Every detail was carefully conceptualized to symbolize his love for Marc -“For as many stars that are in the sky, that is how many memories I want to create with him.”

Given Will’s out of this world ring creation, he knew his proposal had to be nothing short of that. After calling his boss to make sure he’d have the day off, he organized an under the water proposal involving sea lions and a will you marry me buoy. Marc’s reaction was priceless.

Not too long after their engagement, Marc and Will were walked down the aisle by their moms. And as they both had envisioned, their reception was simple and perfect-  filled with lots of yummy food and tons of good booze.

If you’re curious to learn more about ring metal types. Or to find out which one is right for you, take our ring metal quiz.

The post Found Love At A Coffee Shop appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

From our family to yours, we wish you a fantastic Memorial Day weekend of awe-filled remembrance. We hope you enjoy our special military appreciation offer along with two of our favorite, most memorable service-member proposal stories. 

Michael and Shannon – Engagement Dream Fulfilled for Disney Lovers
Michael, a former grill cook and cashier at Disneyland, and his girlfriend Shannon, a pastry chef had been dating for four years. When he left to join the US Army Reserve, Shannon was there to support him every step of the way. However, while he was away for training, he knew that there was one question he wanted to ask his girlfriend when he came back home. We partnered with our friends at Disney Examiner to help make his dream come true during Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary Celebration.

Tonie and Chris – She Proposes To Him!
With the help of our extended “Love Team” at KTLA-TV, Tonie, an Army Reservist, proposes marriage to her boyfriend Chris, a former Marine. The anchors weren’t so sure if she’d get a yes…but love prevails! And the surprises don’t stop there; Chris returns the favor after a secret talk with our Chief Engagement Officer Andy Heyneman.

Do you have a special military love story to share? We’d love to hear all about it and we want to see pics too!

The post Military Love And Appreciation for Memorial Day appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Every Kind Of Love. Every Kind Of Ring.
Real couples share their experience in life, love and finding the perfect ring.

Meet Danielle and Jacob – a couple who has shared countless dates at their happiest place on earth. Danielle admits, “When we go to Disneyland we try to wear matching shirts or sometimes find ourselves color coordinating unexpectedly. I like to say we’re that cute annoying Disney couple. I love Ariel and he is my real-life Prince Eric.”

There’s one particular date that changed everything; the day Jacob asked Danielle to be his wife. She describes the moment as magical and mind-blowing. A fairytale proposal indeed. “That big crowd of people stood there to watch him propose to me and they clapped and cheered for us. I was shocked for quite a while. I get to say I got engaged at the happiest place on earth to the person who makes me the happiest.”

Danielle and Jacob went ring shopping together a few times, and a good thing they did. She liked certain rings online but changed her mind once she tried them on in person. Finally Danielle fell in love with the halo style and gushes about her Suns and Roses engagement ring, “the diamond is the perfect size for my finger and it is almost colorless!”

Meeting The Parents!
Before getting engaged, Danielle told Jacob she wanted three things to happen: her nails had to be polished, he had to do it at their favorite place, and he needed to ask her parents for permission. So yes – before the two committed to loving each other for the rest of their lives, there was one important task they had to check off the list – meeting the parents! Danielle and Jacob, along with other couples, describe that unpredictable moment. Well – you just never know how things will go.

How was your experience meeting your significant other’s parents – good, bad or do you plead the fifth? Let us know.

The post Disneyland, Meeting The Parents And More appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Every Kind Of Love. Every Kind Of Ring.
Real couples share their experience in life, love and finding the perfect ring.

Meet Linda and Matthew. The two met on OkCupid and enjoyed their first date at the Hungtington Beach Pier in Southern California, though Linda was two hours late. From first sight in which Matthew describes her as being “really pretty, much prettier than the picture”–to planning an exciting, heartfelt marriage proposal on live television during Robbins Brothers’ “Love Week”–to surprising her with the Tacori engagement ring of her dreams, this couple’s love story inspires us all to live and love by our own rules.

Linda and Matthew love to travel, hike and eat ethnic food. Matthew shares, “She has made my life feel totally amazing, filled with love and hope for the future.” Watch their romantic engagement at the beautiful oceanfront resort, Surf & Sand!

Linda was so excited when Matthew shocked her with this gorgeous Tacori engagement ring she’s always dreamed of. Back in high school she spotted a Tacori ring in Cosmopolitan magazine and her mind was made up ever since. She wanted the ring to reflect her style and exude beauty from every angle. Mission accomplished. Matthew was determined to bring her dream to reality.

For more unique love stories and ways to personalize your bridal jewelry, click here.

The post Linda and Matthew – Tacori Ring and TV Proposal appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.