A Sapphire Proposal in the Arctic

Some love stories carry their own color. At Nangi Fine Jewelry, we have the joy of creating engagement rings with vibrant gemstones that reflect the personalities and unique journeys of every couple. And some stories stay with us a little longer — like Emma and Tim's. Originally from Melbourne and now living in Copenhagen, they chose the breathtaking arctic landscape of Svalbard for a proposal as surprising as it was meaningful.

This is the story of how a sapphire Toi et Moi ring became a symbol of love, adventure, and the next big chapter.

Above: Their unique and beautiful Custom Big Peacock Toi Et Moi Ring

From a Melbourne House Party to Family Life in Copenhagen

Emma and Tim met in Melbourne back in 2018, when Tim visited his friend Darcy — whose new housemate just happened to be Emma. That meeting sparked something instant.

“I started hanging out at Darcy's more and more, but eventually, it was really to see Emma,” laughs Tim. “After our first house party, where we ended up dancing to C'est La Vie at 3am, we were inseparable.”

Five years later, the couple lives in Copenhagen, expecting their first child and embracing the Scandinavian way of life.

“What started as a little European adventure has become a lifestyle we truly love. We have great jobs, amazing friends, and soon a baby on the way. There’s no better place to begin this new chapter.”

When Only Gemstones Would Do

When Tim decided to propose, he knew it wouldn’t be with a traditional diamond. “Emma is colorful, independent, and a little unconventional. I remembered her showing me rings with colored gemstones once, and I knew that was the direction I wanted to go.”

In his search for gemstone engagement rings, Tim discovered Nangi and learned we were planning a pop-up event in Copenhagen.

“Even though the event was fully booked, I didn’t need much convincing. The collection, the story behind Nangi — it all felt so authentic and different. And when I realized the brand is based in Norway, a country I had lived in during an exchange semester, it just felt right.”

A Ring That Couldn’t Be More 'Emma'

As Tim explored Nangi's collection of one-of-a-kind engagement rings with gemstones, one design stood out: The Big Peacock Toi et Moi. A piece featuring vivid green and blue sapphires, arranged in a striking asymmetrical design.

“I don’t know anything about gemstones, but this ring just hit me. The colors, the light, the shape — it all felt so Emma. She was born in September, and sapphire is her birthstone. And when I saw that the ring was a size 54 — the exact same as one I had secretly measured at home — it just felt too perfect to be a coincidence.”

Above: Custom Big Peacock Toi Et Moi Ring

Did you know? Nangi offers both ready-to-wear one-of-a-kind rings and custom design services. Our clients often choose colored gemstones to reflect individuality and meaning. We offer virtual consultations as well as in-person appointments. Explore our full collection here.

An Unexpected Arctic Proposal

The plan was set: the proposal would take place during their upcoming trip to Svalbard — the remote Norwegian archipelago far north of the mainland. But things didn’t go quite as smoothly.

“You can’t leave town without a rifle because of polar bears,” Tim explains. “I wanted a private moment, not a group tour with guides. So I found the furthest spot we could legally walk to without protection — the edge of town, marked by the famous polar bear sign.”

Emma was exhausted after a day of dog sledding and wasn’t thrilled when Tim insisted on walking uphill for a photo.

“It was so typical of you to want a photo in minus 18 degrees,” she joked.

But she agreed, and there, at the edge of the Arctic wilderness, Tim pulled out the ring.

“The look on her face was priceless. She had no idea. And of course, she said yes immediately.”

Love at First Glance

“I was so emotional,” says Emma. “The ring is absolutely stunning — the colors, the style, everything about it feels like me. And the fact that Tim chose it himself makes it even more special. I still catch myself staring at it all the time.”

For the couple, the ring symbolizes not just their love, but that magical, snowy moment that started the next chapter.

“We’re not big on ceremonies or traditions, but every time we look at the ring, we remember that moment and all the adventures still ahead.”

Tim’s Advice for Future Proposers

“Don’t rush the plan. For me, it came together over time — from memories, colors, little things Emma loved. Just follow your instincts.”

“And when it comes to the ring? Pick something that feels right for them, not what tradition says. That’s what made it personal for us.”

How They Celebrated: Burgers, Beer & Northern Lights

No fancy five-course dinner here. The couple celebrated with burgers and beers at a local pub in Longyearbyen before taking a snowcat ride up the mountain to watch the northern lights over the fjords.

“It was simple and perfect. Just like us.”

Next Chapter: Family Life & the Great Unknown

Now, Emma and Tim are preparing for the biggest adventure yet — becoming parents.

“We might return to Australia one day, or maybe not. Right now, we love life in Copenhagen and are excited to see where it leads us. What matters most is that we’re in it together.”

From All of Us at Nangi

Stories like Emma and Tim’s are why we do what we do. Being part of such a meaningful moment and knowing that one of our pieces will follow you into your next chapter means the world to us.

Their story reminds us why we believe in unique gemstones with personality and in creating rings as unique as the love they represent.

Thank you, Emma and Tim, for trusting us to be part of your journey.

Above: Custom Tourmaline & Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring

Above: Custom Golden Haze Toi Et Moi Ring

Ready to create your own love story?

Explore our collection of colorful gemstone engagement rings, or book a personal consultation with us.

No two love stories are the same. Neither should the rings be.