From friends to lovers… 

Like they say, sometimes the deepest love grows from the seeds of friendship. In the case of our newest couple, Nish and Hong-ky, this couldn’t be more true. After five years of friendship, they sealed their love with not just one but two proposals! We had the honour of creating both of their engagement rings – each different yet complementary, showcasing their individual personalities, and also their beautiful connection together.

Read Nish and Hong-ky's love story and find out what advice they would give to other couples looking for engagement rings. 

When and how did you meet?

Both: We met in 2014 whilst we were both starting medical school. We were friends at first for a long time as we were both seeing other people. In 2019, we were both single and started to see each other in a different light and eventually started our beautiful relationship.

When did you know you had found 'the one'?

Nish: After our second date, I accidentally said "I love you" as we were saying goodbye! I later took it back but really, I think it was true even then. No-one else can make me laugh 'til I cry and supports me so well. 

What is something that has surprised you about the other?

Both: When we started off as friends, our personalities were slightly different and a lot of people, including ourselves, did not know how well we would complement each other. However, once we started dating, things happened so naturally and fast and we constantly surprise each other with how well we match.

How did the proposal go down?

Hong-ky: We both got a chance to propose! Nish initially proposed to me in the Abbotsford Convent, surprising me one day when I got home from work. She had arranged a beautiful flower display and a portrait collage of different photos from our relationship and proposed to me.

I followed this up later with a proposal whilst we had an impromptu getaway in the Yarra Valley. I got down on one knee in the beautiful Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden and expressed my love to her underneath a beautiful tree.

What were the most important factors when choosing your jeweller?

Nish: I wanted to ensure firstly that all of the materials were sourced ethically and sustainably and that we went with someone local. Most importantly, I wanted a jeweller that could make unique unforgettable pieces that I would never grow bored of. 

Were there any specific design elements or details you wanted to include in your ring?

We went to design our engagement rings together so they could have a matching element. We loved the idea of coloured sapphires in addition to diamonds.

How do you feel your pieces reflect you individually and as a couple? 

Hong Ky: I think that the ring shows both simplicity and elegance.

Nish: I'm literally obsessed with my ring. I wanted something unique and playful that would represent our relationship and love. I adore the slightly off-centre diamond and beautiful coloured sapphires. 

As a couple, our rings show that we certainly have our own elements and personalities, but also a beautiful connection and synchronisation. 

Is there any advice you would give to other couples choosing their engagement rings?

Forget about 'engagement ring trends'. Design an engagement ring that reflects you – make sure that it's a piece that you will always look at and admire. 

What plans have you made for your big day?

We have started looking at wedding venues. Stay tuned!

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience with Black Finch? 

Nish: I'm so grateful to everyone on the Black Finch team! They were so supportive of our design and helped us pick some beautiful sapphires for the ring. Special thanks to Ebony for always being so supportive and hyping us up every time we saw her.

Above: To the left is Hong-ky's engagement ring. An 18ct yellow gold matte finish 5mm wide band, featuring a 1.83mm orange round sapphire and a 2.46mm round white diamond. On the right is Nisha's, an 18ct yellow gold diamond and sapphire engagement ring featuring a 0.70ct H SI1 oval cut white diamond, a 3.79x2.87mm padparadscha orange pear cut sapphire, a 2.6mm light green round sapphire and a 1.94mm pink round sapphire. 

Inspired to create your own custom piece? Book a complimentary custom design consultation here.