Proposals, Weddings, Jewelry, and all Things Romance!

IGI vs GIA for natural and lab-grown diamonds: what each lab's report tells you, GIA's 2025 switch to Premium and Standard for lab-grown stones, how to read the key lines, and how to verify a report before you buy.

Nine of the best places to propose in Edmonton, from the Funicular lookout and the newly reopened Hawrelak Park to the Muttart pyramids, the IceWay and the dark skies of Elk Island, with hours, seasons and practical tips.

How to choose a pear shaped engagement ring: the ideal length-to-width ratio, spotting the bow-tie, judging symmetry, protecting the point, and the settings and bands that suit the teardrop shape.

Sapphire, ruby, spinel, emerald, morganite and opal compared by hardness, toughness and care, so you can choose a coloured engagement ring stone that still looks good years from now.

A week-by-week proposal timeline, starting with the ring: custom rings take 4 to 6 weeks, so start about three months out.

A line-by-line budget for proposing in Toronto: the ring, photographer, setup, dinner and extras, with three sample budgets.

Where to propose at Blue Mountain and in Collingwood: Scenic Caves, the village, Georgian Bay sunsets and winter weekends.

Where to propose in Vaughan and Kleinburg: the McMichael gallery grounds, Kleinburg village, the Kortright Centre and Boyd Conservation Park.

Where to propose in Brampton and Caledon: Gage Park, Chinguacousy Park, Heart Lake, the Cheltenham Badlands, Belfountain and the Forks of the Credit.

Where to propose in Oakville and Burlington: Gairloch Gardens, Bronte Harbour, Spencer Smith Park, the Royal Botanical Gardens and more.

Indoor proposal spots in Toronto for rain, snow or cold: conservatories, galleries, castles and private dining rooms.

The best places to propose in Mississauga, from Kariya Park and Port Credit to Rattray Marsh, with tips on timing, photos and privacy.