Change of pace: Boyfriend proposes with gravel

A rather unusual approach to proposal has gone ‘viral’ online, after a man proposed to his long-term partner with 100 pounds of sapphire gravel.

The bride-to-be shared the proposal on social media platform Reddit, sharing a photo of multi-coloured sapphires collected from the gravel. According to the couple, the gravel was sourced from a mine in Montana, and after processing, around 100 rough sapphires were recovered.

With help from friends and family, the couple selected the most interesting rough sapphires for heat treatment to enhance colour and clarity, ending with around 40 quality gemstones. The largest gemstone recovered was around 4-carats and will be used as a centrestone in an engagement ring.

The post received widespread attention, with social media users praising the boyfriend’s creative, cost-effective proposal. Several users noted the potential to create multiple pieces of jewellery, including matching items such as earrings.