Jewellery & Watch News
This year, redefine tradition with a leap-year proposal to your loved one that is sure to leave him lost for words, except for the one most important word of all…
It only happens once every four years. When gender roles are reversed and we challenge societal norms. A woman proposes, a man says “yes”, and they live happily ever after. Of course, a female can propose to her partner any day of the year. We live in the year 2024, where anything goes. But a leap-year proposal is on its way very soon. So, why not seize the opportunity to mark the most memorable chapter of your lives together with an alternative and unconventional leap year proposal?
Here at W Hamond, we’ve curated the perfect list of alternative ways to celebrate a leap year proposal. Do it with a pocket watch, a personalised hamper, or a pair of luxury cufflinks. Whatever token of love you choose for the man in your life, the 29th of February 2024 is sure to be a day to remember forever when you shop with us at W Hamond.
The History of the Leap Year Proposal
It might surprise you to learn that the leap year tradition began back in Ireland during the 5th Century. A deal was struck between St Patrick and St Brigid, allowing women to propose to men. The agreement came about because St Brigid of Kildare complained that women were having to wait too long for their suitor to ask for their hand in marriage. This mark of forward-thinking feminism began a tradition that has stood throughout time.
Irish monks then took this tradition to Scotland in 1288, where Queen Margaret passed the idea as law and made any man who declined the proposal pay a fine in silk. Women proposing to their loved ones also had to wear a fine red petticoat. By the time the leap year proposal tradition had spread across Western Europe, the fine had changed to money or gloves and women could now get down on one knee wearing a pair of breeches.
Today, female proposals, whether on February 29th or not, are much more relaxed. But that doesn’t mean the way you propose should be any less special. Here’s a list of ideas you can purchase at W Hamond to ensure you celebrate the perfect leap year proposal in the best possible way.
Men’s Cufflinks
A token of love that says “marry me” all over it. Cufflinks are the modern-day alternative to engagement rings and wedding rings. Luxury cufflinks are perfect for popping the question and can make for a practical and luxurious keepsake to be enjoyed in years to come.
If you’re planning to get down on one knee and ask the man of your dreams to marry you this leap year, a pair of cufflinks is perfect for the task. They’re hassle-free and require less planning (no ring-sizing needed!), yet they look no less sophisticated than a ring. With a pair of luxury cufflinks, your fiancé-to-be can enjoy the versatility they bring to any smart outfit and can be treasured as a lasting memory of that one special moment.
Men’s Rings
Despite the many unconventional ways you can really make a leap-year proposal count, there’s nothing to say you can’t do it with a traditional keepsake from our collection of wedding rings for men. If the man in your life knows his own style, our wedding rings are a great choice. The collection covers everything from classic to contemporary.
Our exclusive range is where you can find the perfect symbol of love and commitment, many of which are crafted in our very own workshops. Our talented team of goldsmiths here at C W Sellors have found inspiration from our local heritage to craft each of these unique wedding ring designs. Choose from precious metals like platinum, rose gold, yellow gold or palladium and find a design that perfectly suits your loved one’s style.
Men’s Luxury Hampers
Break the norm and choose a romantic engagement hamper this February with your very own personalised leap-year proposal basket of goodies. It doesn’t mean you can’t go all out with a men’s ring too, but these men’s gift hampers are perfect for setting the scene or celebrating long into the night after you’ve popped the question.
Our bespoke gift hamper designs have been lovingly arranged by hand by our expert C W Sellors team and are available to purchase through W Hamond today. With a huge selection of themes to choose from, or the option to create your own wicker basket of personalised treats, you can be sure you’ve put enough sentiment and thought into this proposal gesture. From artisan whiskies and gins to handcrafted chocolates, scented candles and exquisite leather goods, you can’t go wrong with a leap year proposal in a basket this February.
Pocket Watches
As well as our extensive online collection of luxury timepieces here at W Hamond, we also have a superb selection of pocket watches to choose from. From elegant and modern to classic and timeless, our pocket watches here at C W Sellors are the perfect way to mark a memorable moment in time. From refined Swiss-made pocket watches made by Tissot to more affordable Rotary pocket watches, you can be sure to find the right timepiece with our compelling range of luxury pocket watches.
If you’re thinking of ditching the leap-year proposal of gifting a ring to your man, a pocket watch is a classic and elegant alternative. Watches and pocket watches are ideal for capturing a special moment in time. Why not set the time and date to the moment you plan to go down on one knee? Or have a special message engraved on the back of a pocket watch, so that your loved one can enjoy the sentiment behind your proposal for years to come?
If you’d like more inspiration on finding the perfect leap year proposal gift or would like to enquire about a particular item from our online collections, get in touch with a member of our W Hamond sales team today on 01947 603 330 or email us at info@whamond.com
