We’re dumbfounded at the prospect of staying in a terrace apartment in Paris or a beachside bungalow in Tulum, Mexico, for under $100 a night. With Airbnb, budget-conscious newlyweds now have more options for affordable honeymoon accommodations.

In homage to honeymoons that won’t break the bank, Shane Co. explored the average cost of a week-long honeymoon booked on Airbnb in over 80 cities across every continent, based on The Knot’s and Travel & Leisure’s lists of top honeymoon destinations in 2023. In each destination, we tallied up the average costs of airfare, Airbnb stays, Airbnb experiences, food, drink, and more to find the most affordable cities and countries for your dream honeymoon on a budget!

Key Findings

• Based on our study data, the average Airbnb honeymoon cost is $5,255.
• With an average cost of $6,884, Australia is the most expensive continent for an Airbnb honeymoon — 31% more expensive than the average cost.
• Turks & Caicos, Greece, and St. Barts are the most expensive countries for honeymooners staying in an Airbnb — each averages more than $7,000.
• Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos is the most expensive Airbnb honeymoon destination, averaging $9,382 — over 75% more expensive than the average cost.

Bon Voyage: The Average Cost of an Airbnb Honeymoon by Continent

Although airfare can get pricey for those beautiful honeymoon destinations in Asia, Africa, and South America, once you get there, you will be pleased to find that you can save roughly a thousand dollars on average compared to honeymoon destinations in Europe and North America. For example, eating dinner out for six nights in Cartagena, Colombia, will cost a newlywed couple $122.34 on average, while doing the same in Ibiza, Spain, will set you back $509.34.

On the other hand, a honeymoon down under might force you to go a little over budget. An Aussie vacation is costly all around, making it the most expensive continent for a romantic getaway. On Hamilton Island, for instance, the average Airbnb nightly price is $522, while a couple of round-trip tickets for Byron Bay are $3,441. If you have your heart set on the outback, you might want to start planning ahead.

Mapping Out the Cost of an Airbnb Honeymoon by Country

On the interactive map below, hover over each country to see its average Airbnb honeymoon cost and its percentage above or below the average honeymoon cost. Zoom in to get a closer look at costs on each continent!

Turks & Caicos is the most expensive country to honeymoon in by far. The cost of an Airbnb honeymoon in Grace Bay is roughly $9,382, making it over $4,000 more than the average cost. For many travelers, Grace Bay is a bucket list destination for its crystal clear waters and expansive beaches with soft white sand that stretch for miles; however, you might just have to stretch your money if you plan on visiting.

If you were thinking of saving money by honeymooning domestically, think again if your plans include visiting Aspen, Colorado, or Nantucket, Massachusetts. While you might be able to save a few bucks by turning it into a road trip, you will surely make it up once you get there. The cost of an Airbnb honeymoon in either location will cost you just over $8,000, putting it nearly $3,000 over the average. 

With average honeymoon costs over $7,000, Maui (#8), Key West (#9), Big Sur in California (#12), and the Hamptons in New York (#14) are the other U.S. destinations that landed on the list of the top 20 most expensive places for an Airbnb honeymoon.

The Most & Least Expensive Destinations for an Airbnb Honeymoon

If you are looking for cost-efficient honeymoon destinations far from the beaten path, Southeast Asia is home to a hidden treasure trove of things to do and sights to see. Luang Prabang in Laos is the cheapest honeymoon destination on our list ($2,517) and remains relatively untouched by tourism.

Despite being off the radar for many, Luang Prabang has much to offer. The city is home to many beautiful temples, French-villas-turned-boutique-hotels, and gold-leaf Buddhas. Luang Prabang also has many nature trails that go deep into the hills and the mesmerizing Kuang Si waterfall.

Mykonos ($9,208) and Santorini ($8,969) in Greece are the second and third most expensive honeymoon destinations on our list, respectively. The pair of islands in the Aegean Sea are known for their rich histories, remarkable views, and first-class restaurants and wineries.

While Mykonos and Santorini are perfect for honeymooning, they are also busy tourist spots, meaning there aren’t a lot of cost-effective accommodations available if you’re keeping a close eye on your spending.

If you and your fiancé have your hearts set on a European honeymoon but aren’t trying to spend an arm and a leg to make it happen, consider visiting cities like Prague and Budapest, where the average Airbnb honeymoon cost hovers around $3,200. Both locations offer budget-friendly options for lovebirds looking to experience the best of what European cities have to offer.

Prague in the Czech Republic is home to over a thousand years of history and is widely known for its Old Town Square, Gothic churches, and vibrant Baroque architecture. Similarly, Hungary’s capital city is known for its lively culture, underground caves, and local eats. Did we mention Budapest is also the mineral spa capital of the world?

Full Data

Interested in diving deeper into the numbers of the most and least expensive destinations for an Airbnb honeymoon? We’ve compiled our full data study for all 85 honeymoon destinations analyzed into the interactive data table below. Search for the destination you’re most intrigued by or click on the heading of each column to sort by that category!

Closing Thoughts

We were amazed to find that Airbnb has opened up new possibilities for newlyweds looking for an affordable honeymoon. Through our analysis of cities across every continent, based on the top honeymoon destinations for 2022, we discovered a range of options for a cost-effective romantic getaway. We hope our findings help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams and the journey of a lifetime!

If you’re not engaged yet but dreaming of that special moment, let Shane Co. help make your vision a reality. Our collection of engagement rings and wedding bands is full of stunning pieces that will take you from dating to forever. With so much to plan for your future, why not make the transition to engagement just as memorable as your dream honeymoon? Start your journey toward happily ever after with Shane Co.

Methodology

In our quest to uncover the most and least expensive locations for an Airbnb honeymoon across the globe, we analyzed 85 destinations based on the lists of best honeymoon destinations from The Knot and Travel & Leisure for 2022-2023.

To determine the cost of an Airbnb honeymoon, we considered nine cost factors, including airfare, Airbnb accommodations, Airbnb experiences, food, alcohol, and taxi fare for an average honeymoon length of seven days and six nights, as advised by Brides.com. The total cost for each destination was calculated by adding up all nine cost factors. 

In the context of this study, an “Airbnb honeymoon” refers to the cost of accommodations and experiences using Airbnb listings only and does not include the cost of other hotels or resorts not listed on Airbnb’s site. Airbnb experiences vary by destination and can range from snorkeling and horseback riding to cooking classes and wine tours.

Cost factors include:

Average Airbnb Nightly Price (Entire Home)

• Source: Airbnb

Average Airbnb Experience Price (For 2)

• Source: Airbnb Experiences

Average Flight Cost (Round-Trip For 2)

• Source: Champion Traveler & Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)

Cost of a Three-Course Dinner at a Restaurant (For 2)

• Source: Numbeo

Cost of Breakfast/Lunch Meals (For 2)

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Beer at a Bar (For 2)

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Cocktails at a Bar (For 2)

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Wine at a Market

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Taxi Rides

• Source: Expatistan

The post The Average Cost of an Airbnb Honeymoon on Every Continent appeared first on The Loupe.

It’s 1997, and you just turned 25. You see a cutie across the bar. You exchange a couple of bashful yet confident glances with each other until you finally gain enough courage to grab a stool near them and introduce yourself. After countless hours that feel like mere minutes of chatting, you ask the sassy bartender for a napkin and pen. You write your number with a saucy wink face and “Call me!” next to it. 

Dating in the ’90s was cute, and in dive bars, we can pretend it’s the ’90s once again. From the delicious food to the giant mugs of beer, dive bars are a special place that explode with character and personality you can’t find anywhere else. That’s why we want to share where the best ones are with you. To capture that old-school romance, read on to check out the best U.S. cities for dive bars! 

Methodology

Let’s dive in! To find out the best cities to dive-bar hop, we began with a list of 75 of the largest cities in the U.S. We collected data on nine factors sourced from Yelp and compiled them in several categories, including entertainment, parking, and average star ratings. Our team assigned each factor a weight. From there, we converted the data into a score between 0 and 5; the closer to 5, the better. The calculated scores were multiplied by their factors’ weight and added together for a possible total score of 50. Read on to see what we found!

Factors:

• Number of Dive Bars
  • Weight: 2.5
• Average Star Rating of Dive Bars
  • Weight: 2.0
• Number of Dive Bars w/ Live Music
  • Weight: 0.5
• Number of Dive Bars w/ Karaoke
  • Weight: 0.5
• Number of Dive Bars w/ Outdoor Seating
  • Weight: .75
• Number of Dive Bars w/ Street Parking
  • Weight: .75
• Number of Dive Bars w/ Garage Parking
  • Weight: .75
• Number of Dive Bars w/ Private Lot Parking
  • Weight: .75
• Number of Dive Bars w/ a Pool Table
  • Weight: 1.5

The Top 20 Best U.S. Cities for Dive Bars

Affordable drinks, greasy comfort food, and intimate ambiance — what’s not to love about the all-American dive bar? Whether you’re hunting for a comfy-cozy local hidden gem or a classy night out on the town, these top 20 cities have you covered.

And the award for the diviest city in the U.S. goes to … San Francisco, with a leading score of 44.8 out of 50. Known for its landmarks, rich history, and diverse culture, San Fran can officially add vibrant nightlife to the list. So, next time you find yourself in Golden Gate City, drop by one of their neighborhood bars for a cold one. But California isn’t the only state where you can find a chill atmosphere and good drinks — the East Coast dominated the charts. Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, came in second with a high score of 43.1 out of 50, closely followed by the sun-kissed city of Tampa (41.7). 

One of the best parts of traveling is the joy of finding a place to indulge in a chilled drink poured to the brim. It’s undoubtedly the best way to take in a city, and luckily you won’t have to travel too far if you’re in Connecticut. After you finish up in Hartford, it’s only a 43-minute journey to the fourth-ranked city, New Haven (41.2). 

The Best U.S. Cities by Category

If there’s one thing we know about the American people, it’s that they know how to have a blast. No matter what city you land in, you’ll never be too far away from a vibrant nightlife scene. You could party it up in almost every big city in the country, but only a few cities stand out among the rest with nighttime festivities you won’t find anywhere else.

Dive bar lovers, unite! There’s no doubt, especially with San Francisco’s star-studded reviews, that you should make the marquee city the base for your exploring. But if you want to put on your dancing shoes, pack your bags and head to North Port, Florida. No single recipe creates a great dive bar, but jamming to live music with the love of your life while sipping on $3 PBRs certainly hits the spot.

Dive bars and pool tables go together like … you know the rest. If you and bae want to take your iPhone 8-Ball game to the next level, Albany, New York, is another good starter city for those down-home spots. The capital city has a laundry list of options, and each one is decked out with pool tables. 

Looking for a drunk karaoke session? Sixty miles east of Los Angeles, Riverside — the largest city in Orange County — is one of the best cities for karaoke enthusiasts to visit. Whether you are a karaoke expert or a novice singer, nothing beats belting out your favorite songs while enjoying mouth-watering food and boozy fun in the laid-back environment of a neighborhood bar. And they’ve got plenty of liquid courage to help get you under the spotlight. 

But of course, you can’t unwind — or rather, unwined — without the perfect setting. Many cities have both inside and outside seating to pick from, but being outdoors allows you to enjoy a fresh breeze easily. If you’re craving a nice drink on a warm day, Hartford has a tremendous outdoor dive bar selection to cater to your every need.

Closing Thoughts

Romance is everything — especially pub love. At Shane Co., we hope to inspire you to visit some of these amazing cities with your partner and experience their unique charm. And if you’re thinking about popping the question, Shane Co. has one-of-a-kind diamond rings that are just as charming. Engagement news makes beer taste even better — trust us. 

The post The Best U.S. Cities for Dive Bars appeared first on The Loupe.

Humans first started domesticating dogs over 30,000 years ago, and dogs’ unconditional love for us hasn’t stopped since. It’s no secret that dogs take up a huge place in their owners’ hearts, which is why some couples choose to go all-in by buying or adopting their first pup together! With dogs playing a front-seat role in their owners’ love stories — some even walking down the aisle at their owners’ weddings — Shane Co. wanted to deliver the inside scoop from these self-proclaimed dog-obsessed owners.

We surveyed over 1,000 dog moms and dads across the country to find out which respondents have a social media account for their dog and how many of them like to order a puppuccino in the drive-through! Whether you’re obsessed with dogs or side with #teamcat, we wanted to find out all of the behind-the-scenes madness when you let your dog live in your house rent-free! 

Methodology

We analyzed dog obsession by surveying 1,414 people for two days in May 2022. We asked questions like “If you have more than one pet, do you have a favorite?” and “Have you ever thrown away one of your dog’s toys because it annoyed you?” Find out how many owners let their dogs take up the majority of space on the bed and which generation is most likely to wear matching outfits with their pet!

Life with a Furry Friend at Home

Marriage experts agree that saying, “I love you” in a relationship shows commitment and care, but it begs the question — do dogs understand our love? 98.0% of respondents said that they feel their dog(s) appreciate their love! While technically researchers can’t prove that your dog loves you back, it doesn’t stop man’s best friend from giving affection to their dog-obsessed owners. 

White lies are sometimes necessary to tell your pets, as nearly one in five dog-obsessed parents (18.0%) admitted to telling their dogs that they were going somewhere fun, only to deceive them by taking them to the vet. How else would we get those hilarious videos of German shepherds suddenly realizing they’re at the vet? Speaking of videos on social media, one in eight dog owners (12.0%) say they have made an account specifically for their dog!

While your dog may not appreciate the surprise, plan something special for your human partner instead to create more intimacy and joy-filled fun in your relationship!

More and more people are letting their dog third wheel for date night, as one in two people (53.0%) are more likely to travel to a dog-friendly location. Nowadays there are plenty of dog-friendly date ideas that let man’s best friend in on the romance! 

Spoiling Our Favorite Pups

If your dog obsession runs deep, chances are you love spoiling your pup with treats, table scraps, or even a luxury dog spa day! 10.1% of respondents admit to ordering a whipped cream-filled puppuccino for their very good boys and girls. 

As 22% of millennials and Gen Zers are choosing to expand their families with dogs instead of babies, those hard-earned dollars have to go somewhere! 6.2% of those obsessed with dogs admit to spending their money on cute clothes for their fur babies! When we took an even closer look, we found that 11.0% of Gen Zers are more likely than older generations to wear matching outfits/accessories with their dog. 

Low funds in the bank don’t stop 37.0% of respondents from spending frivolously on their pets even when they’re supposed to be saving. What’s a little bit of debt compared to putting a smile on your pup’s face?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I obsessed with my dog?” after opening dog gifts from a treat and toy subscription service, chances are you don’t even have to ask! Dogs are like family, which gives 4.0% of respondents a good reason to purchase monthly gifts for their pets. 
Four in 10 people (40.0%) say they are more likely to do something special for their dog than their partner. Even if your dog’s love language is receiving gifts, just be sure to check how your partner feels most loved too.

That’s Classified Information

We may not find it acceptable to pick a favorite child, but 40.0% of dog owners with more than one dog have no shame in choosing which one they prefer! Have trouble bonding with one of your dogs over the other? Play games and take naps together to make your bond stronger — which may apply to your human relationships too! 

There are some aspects of owning a dog that you just want to keep close to the chest. 21.0% of women who are dog lovers experience jealousy when their dogs show someone else more attention, compared to only 12.0% of men. 

One study found that humans and dogs bond the same way moms and their babies do — by releasing a feedback loop of oxytocin, which may be one reason why women happen to be more overprotective over their fur babies than their male counterparts.

Even if you are obsessed with dogs, they can still be a lot of work. From bathing, brushing, and picking up poop to daily walks, dogs require tons of time and attention. It’s no surprise that one in six people (16.0%) wish their partner would help them out with their pet(s) more. 

Whether you have a high-energy dog like a border collie or a lazy bulldog that doesn’t require as much work, relationship experts reveal that expressing your needs to your partner can either make or break your relationship! 

One benefit of having a dog obsession is that your pet becomes the perfect escape plan when you want to avoid social functions. Nearly one in two people (45.0%) agree, as they have used their dog as an excuse to not go to an event a couple of times. Ditching friends and family for some alone time isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as time apart from them helps you to connect with yourself and become more empowered to do things on your own. 

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it! Doggie data straight from the mouth of dog-obsessed owners. 

Buying or adopting a dog is a major milestone in anyone’s relationship. Ready for the next step? Pick out the perfect engagement ring and prepare to pop the question with our helpful proposal tips!

The post Confessions of Americans Obsessed with Dogs appeared first on The Loupe.

We hope you’re seated for this one because what you’re about to read just might be our most dramatic blog post yet. If you’re anything like the team at Shane Co., you know that Monday nights are reserved for Bachelor-themed viewing parties, complete with your best friends and maybe a bottle of rosé or two. 

With a historic season of The Bachelorette featuring not one but two women setting out to find their soulmate, we wanted to do a deep dive into the popularity of past Bachelor and Bachelorette leads throughout the history of the show. We all have our favorite seasons where we have felt just as invested in the journey as the lead themselves, but which seasons are the most popular in every U.S. state? Do hometown heroes dominate the popularity contest, or is the audience more interested in the overall love stories?

Methodology

We analyzed the 18 Bachelorette and 26 Bachelor leads from the series’ history. Using all-time Google Trends search volume (from 2004 to present), we were able to compare the online search interest for each lead across U.S. states. Note that Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia were not included in the data due to insufficient search volume at the time of research (April 2022). 

The Most Popular Bachelor in Every U.S. State

Our first set of roses goes out to 19 of the 26 Bachelors that earned the title of the most popular Bachelor lead in at least one U.S. state. While there are some men that appear in several states across the map, it’s clear that the nation is undivided on who deserves the ultimate title of the most popular Bachelor of all time.

Matt James of season 25 represents several of the U.S. states, particularly in the Northeast (Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, to name a few). He is also the leading man in his home state of North Carolina, where he was born, raised, attended college, and still spends much of his time, despite moving to New York around 2017.

James isn’t the only one who represents his hometown proudly. Ben Higgins, born in Warsaw, Indiana; Chris Soules, from Arlington, Iowa; Clayton Echard, native to Eureka, Missouri; and Ben Flajnik, of Sonoma, California, are four more Bachelors who won their home state. 

Even some names such as Bob Guiney and Byron Velvivk, whose seasons aired in 2003 and 2004, respectively, appear on the map. It just goes to show that the legacy of these Bachelors extends long beyond their seasons’ air dates.

The Most Popular Bachelorette in Every U.S. State

Thanks to the success of the first seasons of The Bachelor, a spin-off reversing gender roles and putting the women in charge of their own romance stories was first aired in 2003, featuring Trista Rehn. Trista also happens to be the most popular Bachelorette in Colorado. While Trista is not originally from the Centennial State, she now lives there full-time with her chosen winner and husband Ryan Sutter.

Bachelor Nation is probably not surprised to see that Alabama Hannah won her home state of — you guessed it — Alabama. Similarly, Katie Thurston leads in her birthplace of Washington, Ali Fedotowsky in Massachusetts, Andi Dorfman in Georgia, and Becca Kufrin in Minnesota. 

Rachel Lindsay and Jillian Harris are two of the more popular Bachelorettes, claiming a total of 21 combined U.S. states. Rachel Lindsay made history as the show’s first African-American lead and is still married to her chosen winner, Bryan Abasolo, today. Harris, on the other hand, wasn’t as lucky. Her relationship lasted just around a year before it came to light that her partner, Ed Swiderski, was cheating on her.

The Most Popular Bachelor & Bachelorettes Overall

Next, we wanted to look at the most popular Bachelors and Bachelorettes overall. Our final rose goes out to Rachel Lindsay, who secured the title of the most popular in a whopping 14 states. Lindsay was recently involved in a controversy with Chris Harrison and others, which caused her to informally part ways with the franchise — possibly explaining her high search interest. 

On top of the list of Bachelors is none other than Matt James, whose season ironically fueled said controversy. Not exempt from the spotlight is perhaps one of the most notorious bachelors, Juan Pablo Galavis, who takes the second-place title of the most popular leading man overall.

In recent years, there’s representation from either a Bachelor or Bachelorette on the overall list from each year dating back to 2014. Clayton’s most recent season may not have wowed the audience enough to make the list, but we have high hopes for the Bachelorette duo of Gabby and Rachel! 

Closing Thoughts

The Bachelor franchise might look a lot different in 2022 than it did when it first aired two decades ago, but that’s not stopping us from tuning in each Monday night. The hopeless romantic inside us can’t help but root for the contestants to find happily-ever-afters of their own. 

Whenever the time comes for you to give or accept the final rose, Shane Co. is here to help you find the perfect engagement ring. We know you’re there for all the right reasons, and we can’t wait to be a part of your once-in-a-lifetime journey!

The post The Most Popular Bachelor in Every U.S. State appeared first on The Loupe.

There’s something for everyone in the romantic comedy genre. For the fans of fairytales and happy endings, the swoon-worthy love stories are sure to appease the heart. For those who like to laugh off the stress of life, the punchlines and humorous scenarios will certainly fill that void. Screenwriters, directors, and producers are experts at bringing the best of the two worlds together.

But we can’t forget about the actors and actresses that bring this genre to life. While many Hollywood celebrities inhabit this genre, there are a select few men and women that dominate the rom-com industry. We’re talking about the people who consistently star in your favorite flicks, time and time again. But which of these actors and actresses are America’s favorites? We called on our research team to find out. Read on to see what we uncovered.

Methodology

In order to determine the most popular romantic comedy actors and actresses in the U.S., we evaluated Google Trends search data over the past five years (from March of 2017 to March of 2022). First, we compiled a list of 60 actors from sites like IMDB and MovieWeb. From there, we compared search volume for each actor across all 50 states in order to determine the most popular rom-com actor and actress in every U.S. state.  

The Most Popular Rom-Com Actors Overall

Overall, Tom Hanks and Jennifer Aniston have earned the ultimate title of the most popular rom-com actor and actress in the U.S. While Tom Hanks is known for playing a slew of different roles, it’s his work in films like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail” that make him rise to the top of this category. 

Similarly, Jennifer Aniston has played several iconic roles. “He’s Just Not That Into You” and “Just Go With It” are just two in a long list of rom-coms made successful in part by Aniston. While Aniston made her career in this genre, she’s also done work on the other side of the screen in the producer role. 

Close behind that iconic Hanks-Aniston duo are the likes of Heath Ledger, Billy Crystal, Drew Barrymore, and Sandra Bullock. It’s hard to think of a movie in this genre that doesn’t feature one of these stars, so we can’t blame America for falling for them! 

The Most Popular Rom-Com Actors in Every U.S. State

Based on the top overall actors, you’re likely not surprised to see Tom Hanks’ face dominate the U.S. map as the most popular rom-com actor in 11 different states. But not all states agree that he is the indisputable number one. In fact, there are many states that support their hometown heroes. 

Alright, alright, alright! Unsurprisingly, Matthew McConaughey and his iconic accent reign supreme in his home state of Texas. Similarly, Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey both came on top in only their home states of Arkansas and Maine, respectively. 

Other than these hometown favorites, there are only a few other geographic trends. Many of the northeastern states (like Delaware, Rhode Island, and Connecticut) love Billy Crystal, and many of the midwestern states (like Nebraska, Wyoming, and North Dakota) favor Heath Ledger. 

The Most Popular Rom-Com Actresses in Every U.S. State

There are similar themes when shifting our heart-eyed gaze to the top rom-com actresses. For instance, Emma Stone — who hails from Arizona — was the most popular in her home state. In that same vein, Jennifer Garner was raised in West Virginia, which also happens to be the only state she won.

But Garner isn’t the only Jennifer to make the map. Between Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Aniston, and Jennifer Lopez, 14 of the 50 U.S. states’ favorite rom-com actresses are named Jennifer. That trend is also present with Julias — Julia Roberts and Julia Stiles represent six other states. 

This map includes 20 unique women claiming the title of “queen of rom-coms” in at least one state. From 33-year-old Emma Stone to 72-year-old Meryl Streep, our data proves that age certainly does not play a role in an actress’ ability to make her mark on the romance genre.

Closing Thoughts

Whether your go-to is “No Strings Attached” or “Crazy Stupid Love,” we can all agree that our favorite flicks wouldn’t be what they are without each iconic cast. The actors and actresses featured in our study have made their own impressions on the entertainment industry and our hearts.

If you’re experiencing your own real-life rom-com, Shane Co. has an unbeatable collection of jewelry to show your affection. We know there’s no object that can fully express your feelings, but a sparkling engagement ring is certainly a statement in the right direction!

The post The Most Popular Rom-Com Actors in the U.S. appeared first on The Loupe.

First dates can be awkward, there’s no arguing that! But they can also be the start of something new and exciting. How far into a date do you know there will be a second? Do you prefer a dinner date or just grabbing drinks? Do you order more conservatively or get exactly what you want on the menu? These are just some of the questions we asked in our survey to discover what American first date habits and preferences were. Read on to learn more!

Methodology

We surveyed 1,617 Americans over a week in March 2022 to get their thoughts on everything related to first dates. We asked about the best locations and times, how they feel leading up to them, how they typically act on them, and what makes a bad first date. 

Setting the Perfect First Date Scene

The first step of a first date is getting asked out, right? Well, there are a few ways to go about this, such as asking through a text message, in person, and even over the phone. You may not be surprised to learn that these preferences differ with every generation. For example, the Gen Z and millennial generations, who grew up with SMS communication being the norm, are more okay setting up a first date via text messaging (38% and 41%) than the older Gen X and baby boomer generations (21% and 8%). While communication preferences shift over time, your best bet for asking someone out is still to do it in person, as 60% of our respondents agree it’s how they would prefer to set up a first date.

When it comes to choosing a first date location, 30% of Americans prefer to go to a restaurant for dinner and 24% prefer a coffee shop. There is also a preference on the day of the week to go on a first date. Almost 75% of Americans would prefer a first date to be on a weekend rather than a weekday. This is probably to take into account the extra time in preparing for a first date, as 86% of Americans said they spend more time getting ready for a first date than they normally would. They say first impressions are everything!

What is your perfect first date scene?

First Date Preferences

After choosing the location and getting ready, it’s now time to go on the date! Who pays for what, what do you order, and do you end the date with a kiss? 

According to our results, when it comes to food, 80% of respondents try to eat light and stay away from messy foods. No one wants to end the night with sauce stains on their clothes! A dinner date allows for great conversation in which 20% of Americans said they have pre-set questions and topics they bring up. A great idea in order to avoid any awkward silences! So you’ve ordered and talked while you ate, and now it comes time for the check. Who pays? Well, 34% of Americans believe that whoever initiated the first date should be the one to pay for it. Do you agree?

Lastly, before you part ways, do you end the date with a kiss? Well, the majority of both men and women said it depends! 

When the First Date Goes Wrong

While we all want first dates to go well, not all of them do. According to our research, 11% of Americans have walked out on a first date before, and 7% have stood someone up on the first date. If you feel the date isn’t going well, it’s best to be honest. 39% of Americans would rather be told and cut the date short. 

The three biggest reasons Americans would not want a second date are if their date was rude to the waitstaff (89%), if their date was on their phone constantly (87%), and if they talked about past relationships entirely too much (78%). The major takeaways here if you’re looking for a second date? Be kind, and be present!

Closing Thoughts

You may have had a lot of first dates, but it only takes one! If you’ve found that special someone after a great first date and see a future with them, we’ve got you covered! We have a huge selection of engagement rings and other jewelry to gift that special someone in your life.

The post Americans’ First Date Habits & Preferences appeared first on The Loupe.

The best part about Pride Month is celebrating love — the parades and rainbow outfits are just a bonus. 

Pride wasn’t initially all glitter and rainbows. Before it became a festivity, it was a protest. June 28, 1969, marks the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. At the time, homosexuality in public was illegal. Due to this, there weren’t many places where people could be openly gay. Police arrived at the Stonewall Inn, a bar catered to the gay community, to perform a routine raid and arrest anyone breaking the rules. However, they were met with resistance, which became a catalyst in the LGBTQIA+ movement.

Today, cities all over the nation will be celebrating equality, acceptance, and inclusion. Pride is about being proud of who you are, no matter who you love. That’s why Shane Co. is your ally in the jewelry business.

Key Findings

• Los Angeles, Dallas, and San Antonio are the top three cities with the most LGBTQ-friendly hotel rooms for two available in June. 
• Miami, Philadelphia, and New York are the top three cities with the most LGBTQIA+ events in June. 

Having options is arguably one of the most important parts of planning a trip. According to our research, these are the most vibrant cities in the U.S. to embrace the rainbow. If you are looking to travel out of state, you’re in luck. Two of the three cities with the most LGBTQ-friendly hotels are in the same state.

Methodology

Affordability

• Cost of a Beer, 0.50
  • www.expatisan.com
• Cost of a Cocktail, 0.50
  • www.expatisan.com
• Cost of a Taxi, 0.50
  • www.expatisan.com

Community and Support

• LGBTQ Population Estimate, 0.75
  • https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu
• HRC’s Municipal Equality Index, 0.75
  • https://www.hrc.org

Pride Readiness

• Amount of LGBTQ Events in June, 2.00
  • www.eventbrite.com
• Amount of LGBTQ Hotels for 2 in June, 1.50 
  • Misterbandb.com
• Amount of Gay Bars & Clubs, 1.00
  • www.yelp.com

Safety

• Strength of Transgender Health & Safety Laws, 1.00
  • www.yelp.com

Weather

• Precipitation in June
  • usclimatedata.com

To help you kick off Pride Month, we’ve compiled the best cities to visit to celebrate by pulling the top 100 cities by metropolitan statistical area in the U.S. However, only 60 were included in our ranking due to a lack of data on the ranking factors for these cities. For this study, we considered several factors: affordability, community and support, safety, and weather.

The 20 Best U.S. Cities for Celebrating Pride

How to celebrate Pride 101: Travel to these top 20 cities. 

California has the most Pride-centric cities to enjoy out of all the states. This Pride season, paint the Golden Gate Bridge with rainbows. San Francisco, California, the eclectic city, ranked number one, with a 45.1 out of 50. San Fran hosts one of the largest Pride gatherings in the world, with over 300 exhibitors.

Los Angeles, the second-ranked city, was home to the first parade in 1970. With a long history of acceptance, it comes as no surprise this city scored 44.3. Sacramento (38) and San Jose (33) are other California cities to rank. 

If you live in the Midwest, Chicago and Milwaukee are great options for celebrating Pride. The two hot spots are only two hours away from each other. The Windy City’s confetti-filled air ranked third in the top cities, with a high score of 42.1. At the same time, Milwaukee placed 12th, with 35.2 out of 50. 

Boston, the first place to legalize gay marriage, is right behind Chicago, with a score of 41.8. The Golden State appears on our list most often, but it’s not the only repeating state. New York has two cities ranked in the top 10, including the fifth-best city Buffalo (39.1) and NYC (38.4).

The Top 5 Cities

If you need an excuse to celebrate love, celebrate in the (unofficial) Pride capital, California. And according to our results, your plans look very bright. So, dust off your rainbow attire and get packing! The Golden State cities are a land of many options. Combined, San Fran and LA have 605 LGBTQ-friendly hotels for two to browse and 1,440 events to discover. The Municipal Equality Index examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of the LGBTQ+ community that lives and works in the area — both cities rated 100. 

Or dance down the streets of Chicago, where the infamous Stonewall Riots inspired the first-ever Pride parade. With a booming population of over 2 million, 4.3% a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Chicago Pride is one of the most iconic, with 320 inclusive events. If you’re leaning toward celebrating in the Windy City, don’t forget to bring a jacket. Chilly weather is only one of your concerns. Out of the top five cities, it has the highest precipitation in June, with 4.72 inches of rain.

Boston, located in the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, ranked fourth. The historical city has promising weather and 660 events to enjoy. Whether you’re walking the vibrant streets decorated with rainbow flags or a diverse line-up of entertainment, Boston is a place to be in June.

As the birthplace of the Stonewall Riots, New York State is a pivotal player in the fight for gay rights. Although Buffalo has the lowest Municipal Equality Index, the whole month of June is a party for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community to come out and celebrate. Explore the smaller, lively city after booking a room for two at one of the 181 queer-friendly hotels.

Cities with the Most Pride Events

If there’s one Pride event you need to attend at least once, it’s one in Miami. All the magic happens in Magic City, with over 3,820 events. The South Florida city is known for its “anything goes” atmosphere and gay-friendly community. Whereas Philly, the second city with the most events, is known for cheesesteak and beer — the perfect celebration meal. 

It’s not surprising to see New York rated third. Also known as one of the earliest LGBTQ+ hubs in the U.S., the city that never sleeps truly never sleeps in June, with 2,580 events. Baltimore, with one of the oldest Pride celebrations around, also packs a sultry punch. Celebrate Pride at one of the vibrant city’s 1,440 events.

It’s called Hotlanta for a reason. Unlike other Pride events around the U.S., Atlanta Pride is meant to honor National Coming Out Day on October 11. This means the city’s Pride doesn’t take place in June. Instead, it takes place in October. But don’t fear — the Southern city is still bustling with 1,280 LGBTQ-friendly events in June.  

Other cities jam-packed with festivities include Hartford (920), Sacramento (700), Providence (700), and San Jose (660). 

Closing Thoughts

In 2005, same-sex marriage was only legal in one state. 18 years later, marriage equality is everywhere. Same-sex couples fought a long, hard battle for the right to marry and be loud and proud. So, how to celebrate Pride 2022? I do believe we gave you some great proposal destinations. And don’t worry, we’ve got you covered for rings too.

If you’re looking to buy your honey the ultimate gift to celebrate Pride, shop our collection of engagement rings! With a selection of over 1,000 exclusive designs and customizable options that fit any event, there’s nowhere better to get the most important gift you’ll ever give.

The post The Best U.S. Cities to Celebrate Pride appeared first on The Loupe.

Whether it’s your first, 10th, or 100th time out together, a picnic is never a bad idea for a fun date! All you need is a few of your favorite snacks, a blanket, and some sunscreen, and you’ve got everything you need. 

While you can picnic literally anywhere, from a public park to your own backyard, some cities are simply better designed for picnics than others. That’s why we at Shane Co. called on our research team to map out picnic hotspots around the U.S. We analyzed a variety of factors relating to the outdoors, food options, costs, and more in order to determine the best cities for a picnic. 

Methodology

To conduct our analysis, we started with a list of 100 of the largest cities in the U.S. We collected data on 14 different factors in three categories: weather, food and beverage, and parks. Each factor was assigned a weight, based on its importance to a picnic. From there, we converted the data into a score of 0 to 5, with 5 being the most favorable conditions. Those scores were multiplied by their factors’ weight and added together for a possible total score of 100. You can find a complete list of ranking factors, weights, and sources at the bottom of this page. 

Key Findings

• Three California cities — Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Jose — rank as the top three cities in the U.S. for picnics, thanks to their warm environment and abundance of picnic must-haves. 
• Atlanta, Georgia, ranks No. 1 for both the number and quality of parks and No. 10 overall for the best places in the U.S. to picnic. 
• The West dominates the top overall rankings with Salt Lake City, Utah; Portland, Oregon; Boise City, Idaho; and Ogden, Utah, rounding out the top seven.

The 20 Best U.S. Cities for a Picnic

Californians, pack your baskets because the Golden State is home to the best picnics in the nation! Sacramento tops the list at No. 1, closely followed by its neighboring cities of San Francisco and San Jose. 

But California isn’t the only state to boast an ideal picnic environment. In fact, there are 12 different states represented in the top 20 best cities. From Portland, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts, there are great picnic options for residents from coast to coast.

There’s also a healthy variation in city size on the list. For example, No. 7 Ogden, Utah, is roughly one-tenth the size of No. 2 San Francisco, California. A smaller city might mean more privacy for an intimate picnic. On the other hand, a larger city typically comes with more options for food or where you can spread out your blanket. With the right amount of sunshine and a group of great people, we say you really can’t go wrong!

The Best Cities for a Picnic, by Category

Next, we wanted to know if isolating the specific categories included in our analysis made a difference in ranking factors. While many of the cities pictured above are familiar names from the repeated section, there are a few call-outs worth highlighting. 

San Jose, which ranked No. 3 in our overall ranking, comes in at the top spot when isolating weather factors. While Silicon Valley might have the sweat dripping at your picnic, you can surely count on sunshine to brighten the sky. The city also has a high number of days with good air quality and a low overall allergen score.

Moving to food, many of these cities were ones we weren’t surprised to see at the top of the list. San Diego, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia are all often referred to as food capitals in their own rights. Planning a picnic is certainly easier when you don’t have to rely on a trusty PB&J to fill your stomach. 

But of course, you can’t have the perfect picnic without the perfect setting — and for that, Atlanta is just the place! Atlanta has a whopping 11.2 parks per 10,000 people, second only to Hartford, Connecticut. 72% of them are pedestrian-friendly, and they’ve got the social media engagement to back up the high rating, too.

Breaking Down the Top Cities

Finally, let’s dive deeper into the top cities and why they came out on top. Starting with Sacramento, the capital city has one of the lowest precipitation rates in the perfect picnic months. Residents here deal with just over half an inch of rain between April and August, compared to the rest of the nation, which faces 3.1 inches on average during these months. 

Additionally, Sacramento is home to 33 different charcuterie options, a relatively low allergen score, and high engagement with #SacramentoPicnic on Instagram.

The second-place position belongs to San Francisco for slightly different reasons. The city features a high volume of both delis and bakeries, which means that whether you’re looking to have a full lunch or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, there are plenty of options for locals. 

On top of that, a whopping 100% of parks are considered walkable, meaning they’ve got easy access to and from by foot. That’s a pretty impressive feat, considering that just 69.6% of all U.S. parks can say the same. 

Closing Thoughts

If your city didn’t make the list of the top places to have a picnic, fear not! A place can go a long way to cultivate the perfect picnic environment, but at the end of the day, it’s the memories you make that will last a lifetime. 

And if you’re planning a picnic proposal, your friends at Shane Co. are just the jewelers you need to help find the diamond of your dreams. Head over to our engagement rings page to shop our stunning selection. It would certainly be a picnic you’ll never forget! 

Complete Dataset and Ranking Factors

Weather Ranking Factors 

Average Percentage of Sunshine from April through August

• Weight: 2.25
• Source: city-data.com 

Average Precipitation in Inches from April through August

• Weight: 2.00 
• Source: usclimatedata.com 

Average Temperature Deviation from 75°F from April through August

• Weight: 2.25 
• Source: usclimatedata.com 

Average Humidity Percentage from April through August

• Weight: 1.50
• Source: city-data.com 

Allergen Index

• Weight: 1.00
• Source: AAFA.org

Number of Good Air Quality Days 

• Weight: 2.00
• Source: EPA.gov

Food and Beverage Ranking Factors 

Number of Restaurants with Charcuterie Options

• Weight: 0.75
• Source: Yelp

Number of Local Delis 

• Weight: 0.75
• Source: Yellow Pages 

Number of Local Bakeries

• Weight: 0.75
• Source: Yellow Pages 

Cost of Block of Cheese 

• Weight: 1.00 
• Source: Numbeo 

Cost of Bottle of Wine

• Weight: 1.00 
• Source: Numbeo 

Parks Ranking Factors 

Number of Parks per 10,000 People 

• Weight: 2.00 
• Source: Trust for Public Land

Walkable Park Access 

• Weight: 2.00 
• Source: Trust for Public Land

Number of Instagram Hashtags for #[City]Picnic (i.e. #DenverPicnic) 

• Weight: 0.75
• Source: Instagram

The post The Best U.S. Cities for a Picnic appeared first on The Loupe.

Update

Shane Co. found a romantic reality show fanatic that took on the binge-watch job role! Congratulations to Emily Laird for winning $1,000 to binge-watch reality love TV shows, including “The Bachelorette” and “Married at First Sight.” Emily’s emotional answers about these shows helping her to unwind after a long day with kids while her husband was in Iraq really left us no choice but to select her as the winner of the contest. Check out her bio and winning submission below!

The Winning Binge-watcher — Emily Laird

Emily Laird is a lawyer who has dabbled in fiction writing and background investigations. She has traveled the world with her husband and three kids, and has loved the chance to call Jordan, Hungary, and Malaysia home. Outside of work, Emily can be found torturing her family with her favorite ballad-heavy show tunes playlist.

The Winner’s Submission

Tell us why we should pick you to binge-watch reality love TV shows.

​​Romantic reality shows were my savior when my husband was posted in Iraq for a year. I’d tuck my three kids into bed, exhausted by a long day of working and caring for them, grab a bevvie, then switch on romantic reality TV shows. Watching these love stories provided such an escape at the end of a long day. The dramatic family objections! The too-sweet moments when strangers fall in love! The shocking moments when it all goes wrong! The dumb (or sweet) things people say! I love it all. My husband is back safe and sound, and my load juggling kids and work is not quite as heavy, but I still love to escape for a little bit at the end of each night by watching strangers fall in (and out of) love. Please pick me! 

If you could be a contestant on a love reality TV show, which one would you pick and why?

The Bachelorette — the power to choose my best match would be in my hands!

Summary

Let’s face it, we all enjoy a few reality TV shows here and there, but the ones that surround the subject of love are really attention-grabbing. By now, at least someone you know has suggested you watch a reality love TV show that soon makes its rounds in pop culture news. From the good “chats” and finding your type on paper on Love Island, to who’s marrying and who’s moving on in “The Ultimatum”, the drama is just too good to turn a blind eye. What better way to spend a Friday night than at home in your PJs with a glass of wine and a bowl of popcorn, binge-watching a reality TV show? And guess what? You can get paid for it! 

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a lover of reality TV love shows who has an attention to detail and enthusiasm for meeting deadlines. The winner will choose three shows from the following list to watch one entire season of and answer questions that we provide.  

• The Bachelorette
• Love Island
• The Ultimatum
• Love on the Spectrum
• Married at First Sight

Requirements: 

• Watch one season for each of the three love reality TV shows selected from the list above
• Answer the questions provided regarding the shows
• Applicants must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply

Disregarding any of these requirements is grounds for immediate disqualification.

The post Get Paid to Binge-watch Reality Love TV Shows appeared first on The Loupe.

What Is Love Bombing?

Are you dating someone new who offers too many grand gestures too early in a relationship? Are you being showered with an excessive amount of flattery, gifts, or even proclamations of love one month into dating? Believe it or not, you may be being “love bombed.” 

These overzealous displays of affection may seem endearing at first, but can quickly morph into a sinister attachment, where a new romantic partner may leverage these symbols of love in order to manipulate or isolate you further down the line. According to relationship therapists at Insider, love bombing occurs when a person you are dating “moves at lightning speed, taking things way too seriously way too early in the relationship.” Therapists say love bombers tend to be narcissistic, with a history of emotional abuse and “anxious attachment styles.”

Love bombing is a viral topic that’s flooding relationship news in 2022; therefore, we surveyed a diverse set of people across the U.S. to determine the percentage of the population that has experienced love bombing and gauge Americans’ thoughts on this dating phenomenon.

Methodology

In March 2022, Shane Co. surveyed 1,014 people, ages 18-55, across the U.S. to uncover how many Americans have been love bombed and which habits of new romantic partners are the biggest red flags (or indicators of love bombing). The survey included a representative sample across gender, age groups, relationship status, and dating app usage in order to analyze insights by these different demographics in the study.

The Rise of Love Bombing in America

We provided all survey respondents with the love bombing definition above, and a whopping 70% of respondents say they have fallen victim to love bombing at least once in their lifetime. When we looked at responses from specific segments of people, we found that 78% of dating app users have been love bombed as well as 75% of millennials (higher than any other generation). There also appears to be a gender divide on the love bombing front — 76% of women say they have been love bombed, compared to only 63% of men who say the same.

Key Love Bombing Statistics

Love bombers notoriously pressure their partners into a commitment too early into a relationship. For example, they may say, “I love you” within the first few weeks of seeing someone and expect reciprocation. They may pressure people into sleeping together, being exclusive, or moving in together sooner than normal. We had survey respondents weigh in on these eager acts, among others.

70% of respondents have had a new romantic partner say, “I love you” within the first month of seeing each other; but, the majority of respondents (58%) think it’s appropriate to profess your love only after four to six months of seeing someone or longer. Many of our respondents agree that they need adequate time to get to know someone before saying those three sacred words. 

When it comes to dating app users, 60% have felt pressured to say, “I love you” too early into a relationship, while 31% would break up with someone who said, “I love you” within the first month of seeing each other. The pressure to move quickly also applies to the bedroom. Over half of female respondents (52%) have felt pressured to have sex with a romantic partner who has love bombed them (compared to 30% of male respondents who have felt the same). 

So what about DTR (defining the relationship)? A shocking 28% of respondents had a romantic partner ask to be exclusive after only one week of knowing each other! Our respondents agree that one week is jumping the gun. The majority of respondents (71%) think it’s appropriate to be exclusive after one month of dating each other or longer. 

Now, what about moving in together? 40% of respondents have been asked to move in with someone after only a few months of seeing each other or earlier. Call us crazy, but this seems rather quick! With love bombers moving at lightning speed, it’s no wonder that 65% of dating app users have felt suffocated by someone who wanted to spend too much time together too early, and that a quarter of women that have been love bombed needed to seek therapy afterward. 

What’s worse than a love bomber? Apparently, someone who is emotionally unavailable or non-committal. Even though 70% of respondents have been love bombed, the majority of respondents (66%) still say dating a love bomber is better than dating someone who is emotionally unavailable or won’t commit. Hey, we get it. Non-committal partners spin webs no spider ever would.  

Common Habits of a Love Bomber

According to respondents, the biggest red flags of a new romantic partner are when they want to take things to the next level at warp speed (69%); when they ask you to choose them over friends or family (61%); and when they text or call you several times throughout the day (57%).

What are the biggest indicators of dating a love bomber? Respondents say when they encourage you to spend time away from your friends or family (68%); when they call your mom, “Mom” (weird) (62%); and when they constantly contact you throughout the day by texting, calling, or DMing you on social media (56%). No one wants to feel like they’re being overly checked up on!

Where Do Love Bombers Prey?

According to dating app users, you’ll find the majority of love bombers lurking on Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. Many love bombers on these apps and others may try to manipulate you early on with statements like, “We are soulmates,” “I like to check on you because I get worried,” or, “I just want to be with you all the time.” If you hear any of the above and it doesn’t feel genuine in your gut … run. 

Are American Daters Getting Swindled?

Con artists like Simon Leviev on Netflix’s “The Tinder Swindler” have us wondering: how often are love bombers swindling new romantic partners out of their money? When asking respondents, “Have you ever lent money to a new romantic partner?” (i.e. someone they have been dating for a few months or less), a shocking 28% of dating app users said yes! What’s more, a strong 37% of Gen Zers admit to lending money to a new romantic partner — the lengths we’ll go for love!

Where Are Americans Most Curious About Love Bombing?

To finalize our study, we dived into Google search volume of the term “love bombing” to see how far this dating phenomenon has spread over the past year. It turns out that U.S. search volume for the term “love bombing” grew by over 500% between January 2021 and January 2022, per Google Trends search data. Take a peek at the map below to see which U.S. regions are Googling love bombing the most!

Whether things moved quickly or you fell in love with your sweetie slow and steady, Shane Co. has the perfect engagement rings to suit any relationship. Shop our Perfectly Preset Engagement Rings or design your own!

The post The Love Bombing Survey appeared first on The Loupe.

If you’re anything like us, you were probably convinced that you were going to marry your celebrity crush back in the day. You might have even planned out your wedding down to the matching wedding rings. Whether it was Matthew McConaughey or Kate Upton, a celebrity falling in love with an “average” person is what romance movie dreams are made of — so why couldn’t it happen to us? 

In reality, it’s pretty rare that these mesmeric moguls entertain love interests beyond their circle of fame. Still, it never hurts to dream! That got the team at Shane Co. thinking, which celebrities are most commonly crushed on by Americans? Do residents in different states have different celebrity crushes? We set out to uncover all that and more. Read on to see what we found!

Methodology

In order to uncover the most popular dream celebrity crushes in every state, we analyzed search volume for over 130 male and female celebrities. We used lists like People’s sexiest men alive, Trend Spotter’s hottest female celebrities, and others in order to compile our base of celebrities. From there, we turned to Google Trends data from March 2021 through March 2022 in order to determine which male and female celebrities each state is searching for the most.

The Top Dream Celebrity Partners Overall

Drum roll, please… The top celebrity crushes over the past year are Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jennifer Aniston! The Rock may be the focal point of many memes and jokes, but turns out Americans can’t resist his perfectly carved physique. Representing the women is the star-studded actress Jennifer Aniston, who seems to only get more beautiful with time. And good news for all who have her at the top of their list: she’s single! 

The men that round out the list come from a variety of demographics and industries. Drake is the youngest of the men at 35, while 68-year-old Pierce Brosnan also makes an appearance.

The same is true for the opposing sex. There’s a solid mix of singers like Beyoncé and Shakira and actresses like Emilia Clarke and Mila Kunis that have caught the attention of the nation. 

The Top Dream Celebrity Husband in Every State

Though Dwayne Johnson can claim the title of “dream celebrity husband” for 11 U.S. states, the nation is divided on which male celebrity deserves the title of all-time dreamiest. In fact, 30 different men are represented on the map as the most swoon-worthy man by at least one state. 

There are a few local heroes worth noting. For example, Channing Tatum reigns supreme in his home state of Alabama; Ashton Kutcher, Cedar Rapids native, won Iowa; and Matthew McConaughey represents Texas, the state he hails from.

Many neighboring states have similar opinions, such as both North and South Dakota having the hots for Jensen Ackles, or the two Southern states of Louisiana and Georgia both loving Will Smith. Outside of a few geographical trends, there’s plenty of diversity in the most loved male celebrity. 

The Top Dream Celebrity Wife in Every State

There are similar trends when we look at the female celebrities stealing hearts. Twenty-nine different females made the map, with 21 of those being uniquely beloved by just one state.

While Jennifer Aniston is a clear fan favorite across the nation, other household names like Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lopez, and Madonna also made the map. These women are responsible for shaping their respective industries, so we can’t blame America for catching feelings. 

These women also prove that love knows no age. From 26-year-old Kendall Jenner coming on top in Arizona to 68-year-old Oprah Winfrey winning in Hawaii, there’s a large range of women represented as dream celebrity wives! 

Closing Thoughts

We likely didn’t change your mind on your dream celebrity crush, but we hope this analysis provided you with interesting insights to discuss with your family and friends. And we won’t judge you if you still secretly believe you and that special someone will end up together one day. 

Whether it’s for someone who’s world-renowned or star-studded in your eyes, Shane Co. offers a beautiful selection of engagement rings to choose from when you’re ready. Our world-class designs and high-quality diamonds are sure to live up to celebrity standards!

The post The Most Popular Celebrity Crushes in the U.S. appeared first on The Loupe.

There are lots of ways to judge a potential partner. For many Americans, age plays a very small role in that decision-making process. But others have a preferred dating age range that they take quite seriously. For this campaign, we conducted a survey to learn more about the dating age range preferences of the average American.

Methodology

Our survey ran for 10 days in February 2022 and received over 3,500 responses overall. We asked questions about the largest age gaps people have had in relationships, if a person’s income or occupation affects how young or old people will date, and if people would rather date someone older or younger than themselves.

Dating Age Range Insights

The people of Delaware and Minnesota strongly prefer to date someone their own age, but there are actually more states that prefer a partner that’s a little bit older (1-5 years). The second least popular age preference is partners that are 1-5 years younger, with only New Mexico’s population exceeding a 20% preference for partners in that age range, while Mississippi and Oklahoma are the only two states that have a population of more than 15% that prefers a much older partner (6-10 years).  

Dating Age Ranges Overall

The trend of dating older being preferred to dating younger continues when we switch from asking our respondents for their preferred dating age range to asking our respondents how young or old they’d be willing to date. Over 50% say they would date someone 1-5 years older while not even 45% say they’d date someone 1-5 years younger, and 30% say they’d date someone that’s up to 6-10 years older while just 20% say they’d date someone that’s 6-10 years younger.

Generational & Gender Age Preferences

The different genders and generations each have their own specific thoughts regarding dating age ranges. For example, while men were split about 50/50, 70% of women agreed that dating someone too young (when compared to their preferred dating range) is probably going to mean dating someone that’s immature. Meanwhile, about three in four men prefer to date someone younger than themselves.

Divorce is an interesting point of contention between generations. For example, the overwhelming majority of Baby Boomers (89%) don’t mind if a partner has been divorced before, but over one in four Millennials (28%) say it would make them reconsider pursuing a relationship with an individual if said individual had been divorced before.

Would you Rather Meet Someone Online or in Person?

Even in the age of the internet, the majority of people prefer to meet others in person rather than online regardless of gender or generation. For example, about 80% of both men and women prefer to meet someone in person, while just 20% prefer meeting online, and the furthest any of the generations get from those same percentages are Millennials (28% prefer to meet others online and 72% prefer in person) and Baby Boomers (85% prefer to meet in person and 15% prefer to meet online). 

However, you can’t always get what you want. Even though the majority of our respondents prefer to meet others in person, 22% of baby boomers, 32% of Gen Xers, 43% of millennials, and 38% of Gen Zers say they typically meet people online.

Closing Thoughts

As it turns out, maybe people out there do have a preferred dating age range, but at the end of the day, love is love. If and when you decide to make your 20-year-old partner or 55-year-old partner your one and only for the rest of your lives, do it with a beautiful engagement ring from Shane Co. With over 1,000 exclusive designs and customizable options that can fit any budget, there’s nowhere better to get the most important gift you’ll ever give.

The post The Average Dating Age Range in Each U.S. State appeared first on The Loupe.

Apparently romance is not dead, and according to romance novels they’re alive and well! Whether it’s the smoldering descriptions, the cheesiness, or steamy fantasy that pulls you in, romance novels bring great comfort by captivating our hearts. It’s hard to resist the passionate reading experience these books transport you to, but which true-love story is the best of the best?

Methodology

Are you ready to swoon? For our study, we analyzed Google Trends search volumes for “The Best Romance Novels” for every U.S. state in January 2022. 

The Most Popular Romance Novels in the U.S.

Which romance novels are sweeping Americans off their feet? Most states have different preferences for what gets their hearts racing. However, 14 states agree that “Normal People” by Sally Rooney is the definition of romance, earning the number 1 spot, while Shakespeare’s classic, “Romeo and Juliet,” was second. Three states chose “A Walk to Remember,” while “Gone with the Wind,” “Tipping the Velvet,” and “Something Borrowed” didn’t fall far behind and charmed two states each.

The Most Popular Romance Novel Overall

Sally Rooney’s “Normal People” transports you into a world of exploring intense love across social classes. It takes place during the economic downturn from 2011 through 2015, and the story follows a complex relationship between two deeply damaged teenagers who attend the same school in Ireland. Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina are hooked on this one-of-a-kind coming-of-age novel. 

Everyone loves a classic love story, especially Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare tells the age-old tale of vendetta between two powerful and rich families. The conflict explodes into bloodshed as lovesick Romeo falls in love with Juliet, who is due to marry her father’s first choice. The star-crossed lovers are destined to be together forever, one way or another. 

Set in the 1950s, Nicholas Sparks’ “A Walk to Remember” is about the only son of a wealthy family finding true love with an unlikely character. He and the minister’s daughter develop an inspirational relationship and fall in love through hard times and bittersweet passions. Alabama, Nebraska, and Missouri love a book based on a true story. The romance was inspired by the author’s sister, who was diagnosed with cancer. 

“Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell is a southern gem. Set in the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era, the novel is about a strong-willed daughter of a plantation owner and her romantic pursuit of Ashley Wilkes. The complicated love story engages readers in an emotional journey — a journey Arkansas and Maine are willing to take. 

There’s just something about a good coming-of-age story America can’t get enough of! “Tipping the Velvet” by Sarah Waters is the top novel in Georgia and Texas. The story follows a young woman who falls in love with a male impersonator in 1890s England. The colorfully passionate, addicting story is about the growing pains of womanhood. 

In Emily Giffin’s “Something Borrowed,” a young attorney, who has always been known as the good girl, lives and works in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. On her 30th birthday, her best friend throws her a party, where she has one too many drinks and somehow ends up in bed with her best friend’s fiancé. Does the synopsis have you on the edge of your seat? Nevada and Wisconsin surely are.

Closing Thoughts

Love is in the air — or in a book. Before you get cozy by the fireplace to read these enchanting books, let us warn you, you won’t want to put any of them down. But don’t just get wrapped up in enthralling dialogue — you can make your fiction a reality.

Experience a storybook proposal with the engagement ring of your dreams. At Shane Co., we have a wide variety to choose from to match your romance novel standards effortlessly.

The post The Most Popular Romance Novel in Every U.S. State appeared first on The Loupe.

What is aquamarine?

The name aquamarine comes from the Latin word “aqua marina,” which means “sea water.” This makes it the perfect Pisces birthstone, reminding its wearers of the water-loving fish in which this zodiac is embodied. As a semiprecious member of the beryl family, aquamarine is closely related to emerald and morganite and shares many similarities to golden beryl. Its distinct color and clarity match its name — with shades ranging from seafoam green to teal and light blue, it resembles the ocean in its appearance. Aquamarine is especially prized for its clarity, having little to no inclusions in most stones.

The clear nature of aquamarine makes it a great stone for faceting. With a rating of 7.8 on the Mohs hardness scale, it’s tough enough to be durable but still soft enough to accommodate a wide variety of gemstone cutting styles and shapes. It’s not unusual to find aquamarine in a variety of hues, making every aquamarine ring, necklace, or other piece unique to the wearer. Most aquamarine is mined in Brazil or Colombia, but it can also be found in Kenya, Zambia, Pakistan, Madagascar, and Russia. It’s even found in the snowy peaks of Mount Antero and White Mountain in the Colorado Rocky Mountain range. In fact, aquamarine was named the official state gemstone of Colorado in 1971! For that reason and many others, it holds a special place in our hearts.

Did you know?

The world’s largest cut aquamarine currently sits in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. It was cut from a huge aquamarine stone found in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil. Weighing a grand total of 10,363 carats, the stone features wide cuts in the back to create the illusion that the crystal is glowing from within. It was named the Dom Pedro after Brazilian emperors Pedro I and Pedro II.

History and mythology

Aquamarine has been a popular stone in jewelry making for about as long as humans have known about it. Decorative jewelry and protective aquamarine amulets have been found dated as far back as 500 B.C.

The Romans used aquamarine frequently in their jewelry, even giving it as a wedding gift to their brides. They believed it promoted feelings of happiness, youthfulness, wisdom, and stability, promising newlyweds a long-lasting and happy marriage. During the Middle Ages, its relationship-related properties were cited as having the ability to reawaken the love of married couples. It was also believed, like its Neptune-ruled Pisces counterparts, to have mystical properties that helped in developing fortune-telling skills. It was often cut into crystal balls and adopted by psychics and seers.

Notably, it is used to help its wearers get in touch with suppressed emotions, heal emotional trauma, and clear the mind. For this reason, it’s celebrated as a powerful meditation tool, with believers saying that it leads the meditator to his or her “core spirituality.” Just like the body of water it’s named for, this incredible stone calms the heart and encourages clarity.

Aquamarine was also used to protect sailors during their journeys across the ocean. The story goes that Neptune, god of the sea, took hold of the stone when it fell out of a siren’s jewel box and washed up on shore. Seamen would wear the stone throughout their trips to ensure safe passage through the choppy waters.

Did you know?

After Princess Diana and Prince Charles divorced in 1996, the beloved princess wore an Art Deco-style emerald cut aquamarine and diamond ring on her engagement hand. She had a matching bracelet to go with it and, for many, the ring exemplified Diana’s impeccable taste and independent spirit. The sparkling blue ring matched Diana’s trademark eyes and symbolized her courage as she embarked on a new life journey. The large aquamarine stone is estimated to be worth around £75,000 in today’s market, but its historic appeal and sentimental value is priceless.

The ring was last seen worn by Meghan Markle as she and Prince Harry drove off to the evening reception following their royal wedding. It’s certainly a testament to aquamarine’s durable qualities that the stone remains as polished and flawless as when it was worn by the late princess.

Why aquamarine makes the perfect gift

Besides being a great March birthday gift idea, aquamarine is also the official stone of the 19th wedding anniversary. Whether you’re searching for a traditional anniversary gift like a stunning aquamarine necklace or want to surprise your Pisces girl with a unique birthday gift for her, Shane Co.’s collection of aquamarine jewelry comes in a wide variety of budget-friendly styles.

Unlike many other stones, it comes in a range of sizes, so you can pick from delicate pendants to eye-catching fashion rings and more. It’s also very easy to care for because of its durability. Just gently scrub with a soft brush and soapy water until it’s free of any dirt or grime picked up along the way. Its lower price point makes it a great alternative to traditional diamonds, in both fashion jewelry and even as the center stone of an engagement ring. With its love-enhancing qualities, it’s not unusual to see aquamarine engagement rings, especially with the stone’s trendy color recently coming to light.

Did you know?

An old wives’ tale says that aquamarine receives many of its mystical qualities from the moon and tides — so if your aquamarine ring is showing signs of fading and discoloration, legend has it that placing it under the full moon for a night will renew its energy reserve and restore the stone to its former beauty. While we can’t promise that this is true, aquamarine is durable enough that you probably won’t have to worry about its beauty diminishing much throughout its lifetime.

What makes Shane Co. aquamarine jewelry special?

Shane Co.’s dedication to high-quality jewelry means that all of our aquamarine birthstone gifts are handcrafted by experienced Shane Co. designers. Every stone is hand-picked based on sparkle and beauty. We source only natural stones, not lab-created, so you’ll find a wide variety of colors and hues in our aquamarine collection. With customization options like engraving, you can create a unique birthday or anniversary gift highlighting the inherent beauty of this incredible gemstone.

Whether you choose to shop online or visit your nearest Shane Co. store, our non-commissioned, no-pressure team will be happy to help you pick out the perfect gift. All online orders come with free 2-day shipping, anywhere in the U.S., as well as our 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Of course, we offer a Free Lifetime Warranty on almost all Shane Co. purchases, because we believe in creating jewelry that truly lasts forever. Still looking for gift ideas? Check out these unique aquamarine options.

Necklaces

Choose from vintage-style oval shapes and traditional round or pear-shaped pendants with our extensive collection of aquamarine necklaces. With diamond accents and updated classics like this Aquamarine & Diamond Pendant, we know you’ll find a gorgeous piece to grace any neckline.

Earrings

Aquamarine’s expansive size range makes it easy for the expert designers at Shane Co. to craft distinctive earrings made just for her. Check out these Aquamarine Stud Earrings for a hint of sparkle, or stand out from the crowd with our Infinity Aquamarine Earrings. No matter what you choose, she’ll love her heartfelt birthstone gift.

Rings

In classic 14k white gold and sterling silver, as well as standout yellow gold and Shane Co.’s signature shade of rose gold, find a sparkling ring for any occasion with the help of this versatile gemstone. Make it the star of the show with simple and stunning looks, such as this Aquamarine and Diamond Ring, or enhance its striking qualities with hand-picked gemstone accents.

Bracelets

Give her a meaningful gift with Shane Co.’s selection of bracelets. With plenty of options to choose, from you’re sure to find the perfect gift! Need an idea? This Vintage Aquamarine and Diamond Bracelet is a wearable, sparkling delight.

The post Aquamarine | March Birthstone appeared first on The Loupe.

The first home is one of the biggest chapters in the lives of many, but what new homeowners go through is anything but straightforward. To learn more about all of the different aspects that make up the first home experience of the average American, we surveyed over 1,000 homeowners in early December 2021 and asked about the type of house they first purchased, how they initially learned about the home buying process, how their relationship was affected by moving in with a partner (if applicable), and more.

The Typical First Home

The detached, single-family house is the most popular starter home and was the initial purchase of 42.2% of our respondents. Townhouses and condos each got some representation too, however, with close to 30% of respondents originally buying one or the other.

Even though older generations tend to carry the reputation of being more hands-on in their work and side projects, our results actually showed the opposite to be true. More Gen Z and millennial buyers claimed that they bought their first house with the intention of making major renovations, while more of our Gen X and baby boomer respondents claimed that they bought something to keep as-is. 

If you’re still in that 18-24 age range, don’t put too much pressure on yourself: Over half of our respondents didn’t purchase their first home until they were at least 25. And there’s no need to rush into such a big decision, as 11.7% of our respondents’ first homes were smaller than they were hoping for, 11.6% were more poorly located than expected, and 19.7% didn’t come with all of the features the buyer desired. 

Funding the First Home

If rules are meant to be broken, budgets are meant to be ignored…right? If you’re a member of Gen Z, you might agree with us on this one. 27.9% of our Gen Z respondents spent more than planned on their first home purchase, while only 16.7% of the second most over-budget generation, millennials, did the same. And these weren’t necessarily small steps out of line, either. Of the respondents that spent more than they originally intended to, 22.2% spent over $10,000 more than they originally intended to. 

So where is all of this money coming from? Well, a majority claim that they paid out of pocket, but there were also plenty of loans doled out, whether by a parent or by a bank. Acquiring funding isn’t the only hurdle in home buying, however, as 40.5% said they struggled with finding the house they wanted to buy in the first place, and almost 15% experienced delays in at least one part of the process. 

Even in today’s internet-dominated world, more of our respondents claim that they got the majority of their initial home buying information from their friends and family rather than from the web. But while the internet hasn’t surpassed the power of personal relationships, it has definitely surpassed the banks and mortgage brokers of old, as almost twice as many respondents said they used the web instead of a bank, and over twice as many respondents used the web instead of a mortgage broker.

Living With Your Partner

Maybe it’s just the honeymoon phase, but it’s smooth sailing for a lot of our respondents that have experience living with a partner. While 72.5% agree that it’s good for both parties to have somewhere they can retreat to, 65% have a place, or places, like this in their house. 82.3% always sleep in the same bed, and 89.1% generally agree on home maintenance needs. Overall, 85.5% of our respondents are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with living with their partners.

Nothing in life is perfect, though, and our respondents are most annoyed by things like their partner’s messiness, and spending habits and neediness are other issues for many. Compromises were also somewhat rare when couples were still in the house hunting phase, with only about 15-25% of respondents from any generation claiming they made at least one compromise with their partner regarding the house they bought together.

Closing Thoughts

While there are certainly some that buy their first house solo, a large majority of first-time homeowners are newlyweds that are looking to lock down the place where they’ll start their life together. And if there’s something that’s almost as important to a newlywed as the house, it’s the ring. Shane Co. has high-quality engagement rings that fit any budget, and even the option to design your own ring so you can get exactly what you want, whatever that may be.

The post The First Home Survey appeared first on The Loupe.

It was love at first sight — or was it? In the dating world, it’s common to be attracted to a certain “type” of person. Maybe you’re interested in someone whose height is model-esque or someone who has deep coffee-stain brown eyes. Or perhaps you’re into personality and are attracted to extroverts over introverts, or vice versa. No matter what your preferences are, falling in love can mean something different for everyone. But how many people actually end up dating their preferred “type”?  

Methodology

In this study, we surveyed over 1,000 Americans with questions to find out more about their ideal relationship and perfect partner. From physical attraction to personality preferences to traits you wish your current partner had, we collected and analyzed the data to determine the most popular traits people look for in their relationships. Does your partner fit the perfect partner description? Read on for more! 

Physical Characteristics

If we were to build the perfect partner, what would they look like? Tall? Short? One in two Americans (54.02%) say body type is the most important physical attribute when picking their “perfect” partner. When it comes to their partner’s physical attributes, Generation Z ranked height as more important than any other generation. 28.80% of Americans have no preference for any features, whereas 13.60% have heart eyes for someone who is tall. Hair and eye color were the least important features Americans looked for in their perfect partner, but Generation X, Generation Z, and Baby Boomers especially favored brown eyes.

Men versus Women Preferences

If you’re between 5′3″ and 5′7″, one in two men described you as a “perfect” partner, whereas 39% of women prefer someone 6’ feet or taller. Although most Americans say they have no preference for hair color, men and women of all generations seem to prefer brown (33.2%). Black hair was preferred by 5.1% more than blonde, meanwhile, and red hair had the lowest percentage with 4.7%. 

Personality Traits in the “Perfect” Partner

Close your eyes and imagine: What is your dream partner like? Are they confident comedians who tell knee-slapping jokes at dinner parties, or the shy, creative types? Most Americans find themselves swooning over a funny (89.8%), compassionate (88.7%), loyal (87%), and smart (84.7%) partner. Both men (42%) and women (45%) rank “funny” as the most important characteristic in their “perfect” partner. Artistic (34.8%), athletic (37.1%), and successful (43.4%) aren’t the first characteristics that come to Americans’ minds. One in two Americans prefer their partner to be extroverted.

Desired Characteristics versus Current Partner’s Characteristics

Now open your eyes! One in two married Americans say their current partner has two or more of their ideal physical characteristics. One in 10 of the respondents’ current partners (10%) have at least seven desired characteristics, while one in 10 (10.9%) say their partner doesn’t have any at all.

Overall, most Americans’ current partners match their dream partners by being funny (70.5%), smart (71.8%), and compassionate (63.4%). Almost half are falling in love with someone’s radiant confidence (50.3%). The lowest scoring personality traits correspond with the characteristics of current partners, with artistic and successful scoring 29.3% and 43.6%.

Americans’ Type

Most of America wants their partner to be funny (90%), smart (85%), and loyal (65%). 50% prefer their partner to be extroverted over introverted. But is there a deal-breaker for the perfect partner? 43% of separated respondents and 21% of Baby Boomers say differing religious views are an overall deal-breaker when picking their partner. While Generation Z isn’t as religiously driven, 43% say their deal-breaker would be different political views. 

Closing Thoughts

Everyone daydreams of falling in love and their dream qualities of a perfect partner: tall, funny, smart, compassionate, etc. But whether you’re with your dream partner who checks all the boxes or are still waiting, “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” So when you fall in love with your perfect partner and want to begin planning the perfect wedding, we’ve got you covered at Shane Co.!

The post How Often Do Americans Fall in Love With Their Type? appeared first on The Loupe.

When you marry someone, you don’t just get the love of your life, but their family, too. While in-laws sometimes get a bad rap, there are other times where they end up being the extended family you never knew you needed. We wanted to see how people in different states feel about their family-in-law, so we put together a survey that garnered both simple ratings and also answers to supplemental questions about mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, and everyone-else-in-law.

Methodology

Our survey ran for a three-week period at the end of November. We recorded responses from 1,900 people in 41 states and an additional 1,000 people for the general portion of the survey. Participants were asked to rate their in-laws on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being awful and 5 being great) to see which states, per opinion, have the best and worst in-laws overall. The supplemental portion of the survey then gave us some detailed insights into things like how well people get along with their in-laws, how similar they are to them, how likely they are to spend time with them without their spouse, and what traits make a good or bad in-law. Note that the states of Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming didn’t have enough participants to draw conclusive data from, and thus were left out of this article. 

States With the Best In-law

And the state that loves its in-laws the most is… Rhode Island! Rhode Island is actually the only state that hit an average of 4 or higher on our 1-to-5 rating scale, as every other state falls somewhere between 3.19 and 3.94. That 3.19 belongs to Arkansas, or as we can now call it, the state that hates its in-laws the most, and the 3.94 belongs to, get this, Massachusetts. This means that the number one and number two states for in-laws are actually bordering each other. But it actually goes even further: The second-worst rating after Arkansas is a 3.38 belonging to Connecticut. This means that the geographic triangle created by Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut is actually just the most conflicted area in the country when it comes to opinions of in-laws. 

Now let’s take a look at how our survey respondents, on average, answered some in-law-specific questions. In the battle between mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law, people are just over 1% more likely to have an “awful” relationship with their father-in-law and just under 4% more likely to have a “great” relationship with their mother-in-law.

When we look at generations, there’s an apparent trend toward getting along better with in-laws the younger you are. However, when looking at the likelihood of spending time with in-laws without their spouse present, basically every generation is about even except for baby boomers, who are much less likely to spend time with any children-in-law.

A Look at In-law Relationships

If you’re like us and thought that in-laws stay with their kids more often than said kids would like, think again. Our survey data shows that the preferred visiting time versus the actual visiting time of in-laws never differs by more than 7%.

If you don’t have the best relationship with your in-laws, there is still hope! While about 10% of our respondents have seen their relationship with the in-laws get worse, a whopping 44.6% report that they’ve seen improvements in the relationship as time has gone on. The majority of our other statistics also lean positive. For example, only about 15% of respondents think their in-laws act differently toward them if their spouse isn’t around, about 78% don’t feel additional stress with their in-laws during the holidays or special occasions, and over 75% say they are comfortable being themselves around their in-laws.

There is a whole one out of five people that said they’d never see their in-laws again if given the choice, however, so there is at least a little truth to the old stereotype about the rocky relationship some have with their spouse’s parents.   

What Makes a Good (or Bad) In-law

If you yourself are an in-law, here’s the section you can actually draw some useful information from! If you want your son- or daughter-in-law to love you more, avoid giving unsolicited advice, keep your distance from their personal life whenever you aren’t invited, dial down the drama, and don’t talk about them behind their back. As for things you should do? Welcome them warmly into the family, treat them like your own child (maybe those two go hand in hand?), provide all the help you can when it’s asked for, and respect their space. 

Closing Thoughts

Families are always welcoming new members through marriage, which means new in-law relationships are being created and developed every day. If you’re thinking about tying the knot and getting some in-laws soon, don’t settle for less when finding the perfect ring to symbolize your love. Visit the Shane Co. website to browse our gorgeous selection of wedding rings and other fine jewelry today. 

The post The States With the Best (& Worst) In-laws appeared first on The Loupe.

The U.S. States with the Best and Worst Kissers – A Survey

Those of us who have experienced a bad kiss know just how cringeworthy the experience can be. Whether it’s a peck on the cheek or a long-lasting lip lock, there are countless ways for the act to go wrong, or very right.

As lifelong students in the school of love, we at Shane Co. became interested in kissing experiences across the U.S. Are there states where poor kissing is standard or states where all the expert kissers reside? To find out, we went straight to the source — American mouths.

Methodology

No, we didn’t start kissing Americans willy-nilly. We conducted a lighthearted survey of more than 2,300 U.S. residents, ensuring at least 50 in every state. We asked them to confess their own kissing prowess on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst at kissing and 5 being Aphrodite’s equal. We also asked them to disclose how many different people they have smooched and answer a variety of questions targeted at uncovering kissing preferences in the U.S.

Read on to see what we found!

The States with the Best and Worst Kissers

As a whole, Americans were very modest when it came to ranking themselves as kissers. The national average kissing score was just 3.54 out of 5 — a rating that would cause most to steer clear of an establishment they found on Yelp, let alone lock lips with someone for a steamy make-out session!

But how did individual states rank themselves? Florida’s beach babes and hunks flocked to the top of the list as the country’s best kissers, according to themselves. Floridians rated themselves 3.82, which is 7.86% above the national average!

Other kissers who reckon they’re better than most include those living in New York, Nevada, and Texas, coming in at 7.51%, 6.42%, and 5.19% higher than the national average, respectively.

On the flip side, Alabamans are the least confident in their ability to smooch, ranking themselves a whopping 9.08% below the national average. Midwesterners in Illinois and Michigan come in at fourth and ninth on the list of the 10 states that are the worst at kissing, respectively. Of course, these self-reported kissing disasters could actually be the best kissers in the country and also the most modest.

To look at American kissing talent from another angle, we decided to find out how many partners people kiss on average in every U.S. state.

The States with the Most and Least Kissing Partners

Interestingly, we didn’t see complete overlap between high numbers of kissing partners and high opinions of one’s own kissing talent. In fact, only two of the states that are the best at kissing appeared on the list of the 10 states with the most kissing partners on average. So who admitted to testing out the most merchandise?

Washingtonians exercise their freedom to kiss more than any other state, as residents of D.C. have kissed 28.1 partners on average. That’s 51.15% higher than the national average of 18.6 kissing partners! Mississippians, New Mexicans, and Arkansans also kissed 49.56%, 44.94%, and 43.79% more partners than average.

It’s clear that residents in some states are planting kisses on far more partners than others. But why? What makes the average American pucker up?

Kiss and Tell

The most important asset to a successful kiss is the confidence of the kissing partner. Or so say 1 in 4 Americans we surveyed (26.41%). Exploratory kissers get rewarded too, with 24.27% saying neck kissing is their biggest turn-on. We suppose confidence is a prerequisite for planting hickies, though. Other notable turn-ons include incorporating hands (14.56%), fresh breath (9.90%), biting/nibbling on lips (9.42%), and words of affirmation (9.03%). Surprisingly, in the wake of the Me Too movement, asking for permission was the biggest kissing turn-on for just 3.69% of respondents.

Curious to know if kissing has changed over the years and among the sexes, we gathered insights by gender and generation. We discovered that the spark has all but fizzled for 21.01% of boomers, who never kiss their partner. On the other hand, 44% of Gen X respondents have experienced the romantic cliche of kissing in the rain.

In terms of gender, we asked about the elephant in the kissing booth — mustaches. According to our results, 16.84% of women would not kiss a mustachioed partner while 15.37% of men would.

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

If you’d kiss a mustache, why not the next hairiest thing — a cute, slobbering pupper? That’s the same question 23.68% of respondents asked, and answered, by kissing their dogs on the mouth! In fact, 13.95% of respondents actually owned up to kissing their floof more than their actual romantic partners.

But wait, there’s more. Dogs aren’t the only non-human thing people are kissing. 30.78% of respondents are very uncomfortable with kissing in public, leading 34.47% to kiss someone or something for practice. A larger percentage (38.25%) kiss platonic partners while 7.81% of Gen Zers have gotten to first base with their mirror for practice.

Final Thoughts

After conducting this survey, we learned that kissing isn’t as simple as locking lips with the nearest human. For example, Americans in some states have more kissing partners than those in other states, and ascribe themselves kissing competency ratings that don’t correlate with the number of partners they’ve smooched. Additionally, dogs are quite possibly the most kissed Americans, and we can’t totally count out platonic friends and inanimate objects from being on the receiving end of puckered lips.

It may sound sappy, but this survey proves that every relationship, every romance, and even every kiss is completely unique. At Shane Co., we believe you should celebrate that with a one-of-a-kind diamond that can only capture the fire of your specific love. We’ll help you find the perfect one in our unmatched selection of engagement rings, jewelry, and loose stones.

The post The U.S. States with the Best and Worst Kissers appeared first on The Loupe.

No matter what they’re up to –– pandemic weddings, music video collabs, even stepping down from royal life –– celebrities are just more magnetic when they’re coupled up.

Whether they’re posing on a red carpet or secretly vacationing in Saint Tropez, one thing’s for sure: we care whom they’re doing it with. And we all have a favorite pairing!

At Shane Co., we’re no different. We keep a close eye on all things pop culture, particularly celebrity couples. You never know when someone might be on the best-dressed list with a new rock on their finger! Our enthusiasm for celebrity duos led us to investigate: which celebrity couples are the masses Googling most in 2021? We turned to Google Trends to find out.

In Google Trends, we analyzed the search volume of 40 iconic celebrity couples over the past 12 months to find the most popular celebrity couple in each state and nationwide. Find out if the couple you’re swooning over made the list!

The Most Popular Celebrity Couple in Every U.S. State

Justin and Hailey Bieber

Justin and Hailey Bieber were most popular in Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.

The couple has known each other since they were young teenagers, and while their relationship oscillated between friendly and romantic through their youth, in 2018 they married in a secret courthouse ceremony.

While there’s no glaring geographic connection between the states that chose Justin and Hailey Bieber (the Biebers themselves actually seem to spend most of their time in a Canadian mansion), Justin does have 2022 world tour stops set in Glendale, Chicago, Indianapolis, Des Moines, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. Perhaps someone should tell him to book a tour stop in Arkansas, and bring Hailey!

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin’s relationship may have been most popular in three states (Colorado, Ohio, and Tennessee) for a number of reasons. They are both active on social media and a Twitter thread went viral in December 2020 speculating the misrepresentation of Hilaria’s heritage, which she later apologized for on Instagram.

They also welcomed a newborn son and a daughter within six months of each other.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were most popular in Alabama, Massachusetts, and Missouri.

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” began its final season in September 2021 after a year of controversy surrounding the workplace environment, which may have led to the search popularity of the couple.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were most popular in Washington D.C., Florida, and Nevada.

The pair famously got engaged in 2002 and split due to media pressure, but 19 years later they’re back together and reportedly shopping for engagement rings. They’ve been Insta official since July 2021. We can see why the rekindled lovers appeal to anyone who’s ever championed a second chance at romance.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker

Connecticut, Kentucky, and Rhode Island’s most popular celebrity couple is Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker.

This particular instance of friends-to-lovers appeals to Blink-182 fans (Travis is the drummer) and reality TV junkies alike (hello, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”). This might be a couple for fans interested in how celebrities parent. Both Kourtney and Travis have three kids of their own.

The Most Popular Celebrity Couples Overall

The top-searched celebrity couple is Justin and Hailey Bieber, reigning supreme across seven states. Runner-up couples who were most Googled in three states were Alec and Hilaria Baldwin; Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi; Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck; and Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker.

Wrapping Up

Which couple is next to tie the knot? We’ll be watching those ring fingers. Shop our collection of red carpet-worthy engagement rings to see styles that might get their time in the limelight next!

The post The Most Popular Celebrity Couple in Every U.S. State appeared first on The Loupe.

At Shane Co., we have a soft spot for love and the music that goes along with it. So, we began to wonder: What are the most popular love songs for when you’re falling for someone? We turned to Spotify and Google Trends to find out.

Methodology

We found the most popular love songs by using Spotify’s Playlist Miner. The Playlist Miner aggregates the top tracks from the most popular public playlists on Spotify that match certain search criteria. Our search term for this campaign was “love songs.” We entered the term “love songs” and Spotify found the tracks that have appeared most frequently on love song playlists. We then replicated this process for the search term “classic love songs” to find the oldies/classic love songs that appeared most frequently on love song playlists.

After finding the top 50 modern love songs and the top 50 classic love songs using the methods above, we found the Spotify popularity score and the number of Spotify streams for each song. Spotify’s popularity score is based on the total number of plays a track has and how recent those plays are. Artist popularity and album popularity are also factored into the score.

From there, we analyzed Google Trends search data of Spotify’s top 50 modern and classic love songs over the past 12 months to uncover the most popular modern and classic love songs in each state. Lastly, we scraped the lyrics of the top 100 love songs to find the most commonly used words in these popular tunes.

Read on to see if your favorite love track made the list!

The 20 Most Popular Modern Love Songs

To no surprise, Ed Sheeran, the red-headed icon himself, dominated the charts with his romantic hits. With over 2.8 billion streams, “Shape of You” ranked at the top of the list. A total of four Ed Sheeran songs not only made our list but placed in the top seven modern love songs: “Shape of You” (#1), “Thinking Out Loud” (#4), “Perfect” (#6), and “Photograph” (#7). Of those four, “Perfect” had the highest Spotify popularity score of 81. 

Of course, non-Sheeran songs also scored high on our list. The Chainsmokers and Halsey secured the spot for the second-most-popular modern love song, “Closer,” at over 2 billion streams on Spotify. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi followed closely behind, earning 1.9 million Spotify streams. 

To our delight, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s show-stopping duet, “Shallow,” made the top 10. John Legend and Bruno Mars were other household names landing in the top 20.  

The 20 Most Popular Classic Love Songs

No love song analysis would be complete without including the classics. Whitney Houston is the only artist to place in the top 20 most streamed classic love songs more than once. The eternal staple party song, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” took first place in the rankings at 655 million streams. Whitney Houston’s famous power ballad, “I Will Always Love You,” also made the list, ranking eighth with nearly 400 million streams. 

The Temptations song “My Girl” captured the hearts of women across generations, with over 500 million Spotify streams to date. I mean, who doesn’t love pretending a song is written for them? This classic secured the number two spot in the ranking at nearly 505 million streams. The king of rock ‘n’ roll himself, Elvis Presley, followed closely behind with classic love song number three, “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Rounding out the top five classic love songs are Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” and “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac. 

The Top-Searched Modern-Day Love Song in Every State

Next, we decided to look at which top songs lovebirds in each state are Googling the most. Using Google Trends, we identified the top-searched modern love song in each U.S. state over the past year. 

Again, Ed Sheeran makes a strong showing. His sweet song “Thinking Out Loud” is most searched in three states, and a go-to first-dance song for freshly wed couples. Love tunes by Harry Styles, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Florence + the Machine are also sprinkled across the map. 

The Top-Searched Classic Love Song in Every State

Using Google Trends, we also identified the top-searched classic or “oldies” love songs in each U.S. state. George Michael’s “Careless Whisper,” Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl,” and Aretha Franklin’s “I Say a Little Prayer” were all the top-searched song in three states. The rock ‘n’ roll band with horns, Chicago, also made their mark on this map. Their hit song “If You Leave Me Now” is the top-searched song in Massachusetts and West Virginia, while “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” is the top-searched song in Iowa. 

The Most Common Words Found in Top-Ranked Love Songs

Lastly, we took a look into what exactly goes into a love song. More specifically, we uncovered the most commonly used words in the Top 100 Love Songs on Spotify. To no surprise, the word “love” dominated this lyric scrape. Terms of endearment also sprinkled our findings, like “baby,” “beautiful,” and “darling.” We also found high numbers of words that describe desire, like “now,” “want,” “forever,” “need,” and “always.”
That wraps up our ultimate love song analysis. We hope these findings inspire you to create your own “feel-good” love song playlists. Perhaps you have Whitney Houston on repeat and are ready to start ring shopping? Shop our collection of beautiful engagement rings, or show yourself some love with our personalized jewelry!

The post The Most Popular Love Songs in 2021, Ranked appeared first on The Loupe.

But before you actually move, there are a few questions worth thinking about.

1. Why do we want to move in together?

The first (and, arguably, most important) question you should ask yourselves is: Why are we doing this? No, seriously. It may seem obvious, but there are a million reasons why you’d want to share a home with your partner…and not all of them might be worth making the decision for. Is it primarily financially motivated? Do you hate having to travel back and forth? Can’t stand to spend another minute living without them? Whatever your reasons are, make sure you’re both on the same page before jumping into a lease together.

2. How will you divide expenses?

Talking about money can be awkward, but it’s necessary if you want to avoid some potentially huge arguments in the future. Once you’re cohabitating, do you continue to keep separate bank accounts and pay from each, or do you open up a shared one you pay your living expenses from? How do you divide up rent, groceries, utilities, and other shared expenses? It’s worth writing down how you plan to work out finances once you move in together, so that you both have a record of how you’ve agreed to contribute to the household.

3. What happens if we break up?

Another not-so-fun but vital question to ponder before moving in together is what happens if things end. Is all your furniture considered shared? Does one person get to stay in the home while the other leaves? If you own the property together, do you sell it and divide the cost? These questions can be uncomfortable, so set aside some time together as a couple. You can even pair it with something fun, like a Friday night cocktail or your favorite takeout meal, and take your time figuring out where you stand beforehand.

4. What does the future hold for us?

There’s no doubt about it — moving in together is a big deal, which is why it’s also a good time to discuss how you see the relationship growing in the future. Are you both looking forward to marriage or are you happy with the way things are? Does one of you want kids while the other doesn’t? These are all good questions to ask yourselves as you move on to the next big step in your relationship.

5. How much personal space do you need?

Are you okay with spending all your time together in a studio apartment, or do you want to make sure you have a room of your own where you can escape from each other a little bit? If one of you tends to need a lot of time alone while the other prefers to spend most of your time together, that’s probably something you should discuss before moving in. That way, at least you know that if one of you is getting a little cranky, it may be time to spend some time apart. You can also designate certain areas or come up with “signals” to give each other so that you know when it’s time for some privacy.

6. How do you navigate chores/cleaning?

Is one of you a clean freak while the other couldn’t care less? Besides discussing what your personal cleaning and hygiene patterns are, this is also a good time to figure out how you would like to divide up chores once you’re living together. Trust us — you’ll avoid a lot of arguments by deciding whose turn it is to do the dishes or take the trash out beforehand.

Can you think of any other questions to ask before moving in together? Ready to take the plunge? Let us know what you think by following us on social media @shanecompany or leaving a comment on the blog. You can also start exploring housewarming gifts for your honey, promise rings, engagement rings, and more on ShaneCo.com.

The post 6 Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Moving in Together appeared first on The Loupe.

Love is a powerful feeling — there’s a reason there have been millions of songs, novels, and poems written about it. It’s also a mysterious feeling. It can make us do things we’d never expect. We’re in the business of love at Shane Co. and were curious to know more about love and its role in relationships, particularly the what, when, where, why, and how around saying “I love you.”

We surveyed 750 people across the U.S. about their experiences with love, everything from the age at which they first fell in love to whom they prefer to say “I love you” first in a relationship. Additionally, we surveyed an equal number of respondents from each U.S. state on the average amount of time it takes for them to say “I love you.” Read on to learn more about what we uncovered!

Love at First Sight

Before diving into state-by-state love timelines, we wanted to get a general idea of Americans’ attitudes toward love. 

Most people say they’ve been in love before, with the late teens and early twenties being the time where most individuals experienced love for the first time (40%). More women report falling in love for the first time at a younger age, and a greater number of Baby Boomers and Gen Zers report falling in love at a young age than other generations. 

Generally, most people have had a couple experiences being in love, with over half of respondents having been in love with two or more past partners. 
But how long does it take to fall in love? For that, we went to the map. After all, from Verona to New York City, a great location is the key to every great love story.

When You Know, You Know: How Long It Takes People to Fall in Love

First, we looked at national responses for how long it takes individuals to fall in love. 

Overall, it looks like Americans tend to fall in love pretty quickly. Over a quarter of respondents say that it takes them about 3-5 months to fall in love, and over half of the respondents say that they fall in love in five or fewer months. These timelines vary based on the age of the respondents. Comparing generations, the highest percentage of Gen Zers report falling in love with their most recent partner in less than a month — 1 in 5 Gen Zers.

How did the results measure up geographically? We found that generally, residents of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic tend to fall in love pretty quickly. New York, Connecticut, and Delaware are all among states where at least 1 in 3 residents report falling in love in less than a month. 

However, looking at our next map, we can see a huge geographic range of states where residents fall in love the fastest. 

Based on the percentage of people who report falling in love in less than a month, Ohio is the state where romance develops most quickly. Over 60% of Ohio residents surveyed say they typically fall in love in less than a month. In case you’re wondering about the most romantic spots in Ohio, US News and World Report created an Ohio romantic getaway guide featuring different homey inns and some spots on Lake Erie. 

We were surprised to find that many southern states, whose warm summer nights and open fields seem like ideal backdrops for whirlwind romances, were not among the states where residents fall in love the fastest.

Finally, we were impressed to see a cluster of states including Arizona, Colorado, and Utah all among the states where people fall in love the fastest. Since New Mexico is the only four-corner state not included in the top 15 states for the fastest romances, residents there may want to invest in an out-of-state romantic getaway for quick romance.

Who Should Say It First and When

Regardless of how quickly individuals fall in love, we know that sharing romantic feelings is an entirely different question. For instance, while the Midwest might be a hub of quickly developed love, their famously calm, reserved demeanors may keep residents from sharing their feelings. Therefore, we decided to ask about general attitudes toward sharing feelings and relationship timelines. 

We found that attitudes toward sharing expressions of love are pretty limited. The highest percentage of respondents (37.8%) told their most recent partner they loved them a few days after realizing it, though 15.4% told them immediately after realizing it. 

Gender did affect opinion on when to say “I love you.” Most respondents express that in the past, men have said “I love you” first, and, in fact, 65% of men do say they like to say “I love you” first. However, it’s worth noting that sometimes people do say “I love you” before they are ready. 

Why People Might Say “I Love You” Before They’re Ready 

We asked people about whether they’ve expressed love before they were ready, and were struck by how common that experience was. More men feel pressure by a partner to say “I love you” before they are ready than women — 61.9% vs. 46.9%, even though 65% of men like to be the first to say “I love you” in a relationship. 

We also found that, demographically, a higher percentage of homosexual-identifying respondents feel pressured by a partner to say “I love you” before they were ready than heterosexual-identifying respondents — 69.6% (gay) & 63% (lesbian) vs. 48.8% (heterosexual). Furthermore, over half of all generations except for Baby Boomers have felt pressure from a partner to say “I love you” before they were ready. 

What does this add up to? 1 in 2 respondents have said “I love you” to a partner but not really meant it, with higher percentages of bisexual and homosexual-identifying respondents than heterosexual-identifying respondents having said ”I love you” to a partner without meaning it.  

This made us wonder: What about those individuals who haven’t been in love at all?

Based on geographic responses, we found that while there are some states where individuals fell in love very quickly, there are other states where many individuals have never been in love. 

Half of the respondents surveyed from Montana have never been in love, and in the top 15 states listed, at least one in three respondents has never been in love. 

Nationally, we found that more than half of respondents (53.6%) report mistaking love for lust, attachment, or obsession in a past relationship. And so, perhaps, even in the states where individuals fall in love the fastest, those respondents will grow to realize their feelings of love were only lust after all. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’ve been in love before or are still waiting to meet the one, one piece of advice we can offer is to make sure to tell your loved ones how you feel about them. In fact, 42.3% of survey respondents report feeling regret over not saying ”I love you” to a past partner, which can lead to a lifetime of wistful thinking over the one that got away. 

And while you don’t necessarily need to give someone a gift to express how you feel, our selection of gifts is a great way to provide a reminder of how you feel about someone every day. Whether it’s a simple necklace or an engagement ring, our gift finder can help you select the perfect item for your special someone. 

The post Love at First Sight: Surveying Americans About Falling in Love appeared first on The Loupe.

Well, at Shane Co., we can’t resist a good romantic comedy … or a bad one either, for that matter. We are always here for that sappy meet-cute, no matter how overdone, we unleash the waterworks when things predictably fall apart in act two, and we shamelessly root for the leading couple to get back together all the way up to the credits.

But then again, we are in the business of love. It’s in our nature. We couldn’t help but wonder what bad romance movies America is watching with guilty pleasure after everyone else has gone to bed. So, we decided to find out.

Methodology

We compiled a list of more than 60 poorly rated (6.1 stars and below) romance movies from IMDB. Next, we used Google Trends search data to determine which of these bad romance movies Americans searched for the most in 2020. Then we analyzed the results and discovered which bad romance movie is the most popular in every U.S. state. Read on to learn more about what we uncovered!

The Most Popular Bad Romance Movie in Every State

The results surprised us. We not only found that America is indeed searching for critically bad romance movies, we also found some interesting geographical themes.

It turns out Sweet Home Alabama is the top-searched romantic movie in Alabama, while What Happens in Vegas is the most popular in, you guessed it, Nevada. We guess home really is where the heart is.

Furthermore, Couples Retreat, a movie about four friends who visit a fictional tropical resort and fall in love, was the top-searched movie in palm-studded Hawaii.

West Virginians searched for Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! the most, but we’re not sure if they were actually up for watching it or trying to impress a date with obscure cinema trivia. The town depicted in the movie, Fraziers Bottom, was inspired by the real-life West Virginia town of the same name. The movie was also filmed there, with set locations including Fayetteville, Grandview, and the London Locks on the Kanawha River.

The Most Popular Bad Romance Movies in the U.S.

Something Borrowed was by far the most popular movie in the country, taking the top spot in nine states overall. The 2011 rom-com follows a lawyer named Rachel who almost lets her law-school crush get away and marry her best friend.

The runner-up, Couples Retreat, was the top-searched movie in four states. After that, Coyote Ugly and Drive Me Crazy are the most popular in three states each. John Tucker Must Die and Two Weeks Notice were just good (or bad) enough to make the top six, with two states backing each one.

What Do the Critics Say?

Wanting to know more, we collected additional data on movies that won at least one state, including Metacritic score, gross revenue, release date, and rating. Metacritic combines the review scores of respected critics all over the internet into one simplified and digestible review score. Then we compared America’s favorite bad romance movies based on their critical merit, gross revenue, and more. 

Two of America’s favorite bad romance movies were more than just bad. They were actually Sharknado bad. Couples Retreat and Coyote Ugly were some of the worst-rated out of America’s top-searched movies with Metascores of 23 and 27 out of 100, respectively. For reference, the 2018 release The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time scored a 22 on Metacritic.

America’s most-searched bad romance movie, Something Borrowed, didn’t make the top six in terms of being condemned by critics, but it was still poorly reviewed with a Metascore of just 32.

What Do Americans Like in a Bad Romance Movie?

So, what are the qualities of the bad romance movies that are most likely to worm their way into our hearts despite cheesy dialogue, unforgivable plot holes, and predictable endings?

Overall, Americans like their romance movies bad, but not that bad. Of the movies that earned the most search interest in at least one state, the average IMDB rating was 5.9 out of 10 stars and the average Metascore was 40 out of 100.

Considering romance movies are usually fairly low-budget films with little in the way of special effects or CGI, the average gross revenue of just over $61 million is considerable.

The most common rating was PG-13, and the early 2000s appears to be the heyday of cheesy romance on the silver screen in America.

Conclusion

We’re the first to admit we love a delightfully bad romance movie, but there is nothing we love more than seeing real-world romantic stories play out. Once you’ve spun through all the movies identified in this article, why not act in a love story of your own?

At Shane Co., we’d love to contribute to your happily ever after with our unmatched selection of beautiful engagement rings and wedding bands.

The post The Worst Romance Movies That We All Love appeared first on The Loupe.

There’s no question that the holidays make for a great time to propose. Long vacations, gorgeous falling snow, extra time with your sweetie, and warm fireplace chats all make for a dreamy setting that’s just right for romance. In case you’re still looking for ideas, we put together a list of some of our favorite holiday proposals.

1. A surprise photoshoot

Planning to take some cute photos for the holidays? Take advantage of the photographer on-hand and snap your proposal instead. This one works best if you start the photoshoot off in a normal fashion, then get on one knee in between frames. Not only is it guaranteed to surprise your sweetheart, but you’ll have beautiful photos to capture the moment forever.

2. Write it in the snow

For something simple and sweet, spell out “Will you marry me?” in the snow while your partner is busy, then lead them outdoors for a special surprise. Of course, this only works if you’re having a white Christmas.

3. Make it personal

One of the best parts of this season is reminiscing on your favorite childhood and holiday moments together. Take advantage of these meaningful memories by proposing at their favorite teenage haunt, the location of your first date, or another significant spot.

4. Wrapped with bow

While it’s not completely unique, wrapping their engagement ring in a gift box with a big bow and sliding it under the tree is always a good option for a holiday proposal. There’s nothing like watching the joy reach your loved one’s eyes as they unwrap the present of forever love.

5. A sweet serenade

If you and your sweetheart are music lovers, planning a carol proposal might just be the way to go. You can hire carolers to knock on the door and end their song with the big question, or you can write your own song and get into the holiday spirit by singing it to them yourself.

Don’t forget the ring! You can shop over a thousand exclusive engagement ring designs at Shane Co., or take our style finder quiz with her tastes in mind if you’re not sure where to start. You can also book a virtual or in-store appointment to speak with an expert jewelry consultant for help in finding the right ring for her. Luckily, Shane Co. is still shipping everything within 3 days, so you’ll have your ring just in time for a holiday proposal.

The post 5 Romantic Holiday Proposal Ideas appeared first on The Loupe.

From Shah Jahan’s Taj Mahal to Shakespeare’s sonnets to the flash-mob proposal phenomenon that swept the world a few years ago, some of the most awe-inspiring creations of humanity have been the product of people expressing their love.

It’s amazing to look at the different ways that love can be expressed, and start thinking about how love is expressed in your own relationships. Has your partner doted on you with unforgettable gifts? Have you ever written your own love poem to express how much you care? Do you prefer an anniversary ring, or would you rather spend the day cuddling together? 

These different forms of receiving and expressing love are known as “love languages,” a term popularized by the 1992 book The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman. Chapman’s five love languages include quality time, physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, and receiving gifts. One of the best ways to ensure you and your partner both feel loved on a regular basis is to understand and work within both of your love languages. 

At Shane Co., we’ve spent hours swooning over stories of how different people express their love languages. We’ve pestered everyone we know into taking online love language quizzes to know how they best communicate love. And even though we are partial to the language of thoughtful gift giving, we wanted to know which love languages are the most popular across the country. 

We decided to conduct a study of the most popular love languages across the United States. Here’s how we crunched the numbers: First, to find the most popular love languages that people are looking into across the country, we looked at Google Trends data for search terms around the five major love languages in different states. Then, to get an even closer look, we conducted a survey of over 2,600 Americans to break down the most popular love languages by the numbers, analyzing differences across generations and between men and women. 

Read on to discover what our survey had to say about our country’s most popular love languages.

The Most Popular Love Language in Every State

First, we looked at the most popular love languages across the country according to state-by-state Google search data. The love language that garnered the most Google searches was quality time, which was the most searched love language in 15 states, from Maine to Alaska! For Americans in all parts of the country, quality time can take many forms. For example, an article from Bustle.com suggests that quality-time-responsive couples can share an evening without the distractions of technology, sync up to a single sleep schedule, or commit blocks of time to dive into shared interests. 

Following quality time, the next most popular love language was physical touch. At the bottom of the list was receiving gifts, which was the most searched love language in only three states — Texas, Florida, and New York. 

The Most Popular Love Languages in the U.S.

Since the most -searched love languages across different states mostly offer a glimpse of curiosity around love languages, we wanted to separately measure love language identity.  Therefore, we collected 2,600 people to ask them about which love languages resonate the most with them. 

According to our survey, the most popular love language identity was quality time, for over 40% of respondents. This percentage lines up with the most searched love language that people Google about themselves or their partners. 

Next up, 18.5% of respondents said that their self-identified love language was words of affirmation. Women’s Health Magazine suggested that people attuned to words of affirmation respond well to words of encouragement and expressions of why their partner appreciates them. The article suggests that partners of affirmation-attuned individuals try writing short but meaningful love notes or asking their partners which words or phrases have the most impact. 

The survey showed that the least-identified love language was acts of service, with only 11.8% of respondents identifying acts of service as their love language. 

The Most Popular Love Language by Age Group

Next, we broke down the results by age group, to see which love languages are particularly popular across certain generations. A few interesting data points emerged.

The most widely- identified love language continued to be quality time across different generations, but other love languages saw different rates of frequency in different age groups. For instance, in the 18-24-year-old group, receiving gifts was the second most frequent love language, but its frequency decreased across each subsequent age group, eventually emerging as the least frequent love language for individuals aged 65 years and over. 

Another interesting data point was the outlying low frequency of physical touch as a love language for 18-24-year-olds. In other age groups, the frequency of physical touch hovered around 14-15%, but for 18-24-year-olds, physical touch was the least frequent love language, with only 7.6% of respondents identifying physical touch as their love language.

The Most Popular Love Language by Gender

Finally, we looked at the differences in self-identified love languages among men and women. Again, for both men and women, quality time was the most popular love language. Similarly, the second most frequent love language across genders was words of affirmation, with over 20% of men and over 16% of women choosing verbalization as their favorite expression of love.

However, after this, the data began to diverge. For women, the next love language with the highest frequency was acts of service, while for men it was receiving gifts. We’re sure that this difference has led to countless real-life and rom-com relationship disasters, but we’re romantically hopeful that people in relationships will learn and continue to listen to their partners’ specific love languages. 

Altogether, we had lots of fun diving into the country’s most popular love languages. And while our favorite love language will always be giving gifts by helping our customers to craft and deliver beautiful engagement rings and jewelry, we’ll never stop swooning over the little treats and grand gestures of love that our customers create! 

The post The Most Popular Love Languages Across the United States appeared first on The Loupe.

How does the 2020 online dater decode which apps are best for a “no strings attached” scenario versus which apps are conducive for a long-term, committed relationship? Unfortunately, no one can know for sure until they experiment for themselves — but we can certainly take a guess based on available data!

Most dating app users have only been able to determine the best apps to use for finding relationships through a lengthy trial and error process, and with COVID-19 muddling the dating world, the dilemma of “finding your person” is exacerbated more than ever.

Some apps like Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid are notoriously associated with hookup culture (best for users looking for more casual relationships), while other apps like Match.com, eHarmony, or even Hinge contain match-making algorithms that specifically cater to those looking for strong emotional connections and long-term partners.

To determine which dating apps are best for long-term relationships, Shane Co. went straight to the source, surveying 1,000 online daters across the U.S. Our dating app survey addressed the following topics:

• What are the primary intentions of users on several popular dating apps?
• What percentage of daters met their partner or spouse on a dating app?
• How long does the average online dating relationship last?
• What are the collective feelings about meeting someone organically vs. on an app?

Read on to see the full results!

Survey Findings

The results of the survey revealed that our perception doesn’t always match up to reality. When asked which app they would turn to when looking for a committed relationship, the largest number of respondents (29%) said Match.com, but when asked which app they had actually met the most long-term partners on, most respondents (30%) said Tinder. 

Likewise, 48% of survey respondents said Tinder is the app they’re most likely to use when looking for a casual hookup; yet, when asked where they met their current, serious partner, the majority of respondents named Tinder yet again. 

Tinder is famously perceived as the app for ghosting, hookups, and short-lived relationships. In reality, however, it’s the app where users are most often finding love. Apparently, 85% of Tinder users say “I love you” within the first year of dating. The sheer number of users on the app (6.03 million), as well as its expert match feature based on location proximity, might be helping the majority of Tinder daters find the one after all. 

When asking about the primary intentions of users across different dating apps, Match.com topped the list as the number one app for committed relationships, according to popular opinion. 73% of respondents list that the primary intention of Match users is to find a serious relationship, compared to only 54% and 49% of respondents who believe that Bumble and Tinder users are primarily motivated by serious relationships.

Surprisingly enough, 67% of respondents found their current partner on a dating app, and 62% of respondents are either married or engaged to someone they met on a dating app. As time progresses and as more and more people join the ranks of online dating, these numbers will become far less shocking. In fact, over 50% of survey respondents say that the only way to really meet people or approach people romantically anymore is through a dating app. 

In 2020, dating through mobile apps is so ubiquitous that meeting someone organically at work, at an event, or through an acquaintance is becoming increasingly rare. Additionally, daters place enough trust in the apps’ match-making abilities that some are even willing to pay for subscriptions or premium versions of dating apps. According to our survey results, 68% of respondents are willing to pay for an app in order to find a serious, long-term relationship. 

Lastly, the majority of daters are active on more than one app at a time. 87% of respondents say that they consistently use multiple dating apps simultaneously, and 50% even admit to using different dating apps at once for different intentions — i.e. one app for a hookup or something casual versus one for a serious relationship. 

Wrapping Up

Ultimately, none of us knows which app will lead to finding a long-term partner with common goals and compatible interests. So much of dating, whether online or offline, takes time, patience, and a willingness to experiment. However, we hope our findings will be helpful as you’re traversing the world of online dating and finding the app that’s right for you. 

Found your life-mate online and ready to start ring shopping? Shop our Perfectly Preset Engagement Rings or start designing your own!

The best dating apps for relationships survey ran from September 24-26, 2020.

The post The Best Dating Apps for Relationships: A Survey appeared first on The Loupe.

It’s World Mental Health Day, which means today we’re taking a moment to focus on how we can put ourselves first. While managing your mental health is an ongoing process, it never hurts to check in and see how you’re doing – whether that means taking a day to reorganize your closet, asking your friends how they’re holding up, or making your favorite comfort food and snuggling up with a movie. In honor of World Mental Health Day, here are five ways to check in on yourself, especially when the world seems a little crazy.

1. HALT

The acronym HALT stands for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired, and it’s a great way to remind yourself that your body needs just as much love as your mind does! Have you had trouble sleeping lately? Forgotten to eat? Haven’t had any interaction with friends or physical affection in a while? All these are pain points that can leave us feeling drained, sad, or just plain off. If you find that you’re struggling with your mental health, try checking in with HALT.

2. Be your own BFF

If your best friend came to you and was feeling down, how would you react? Probably, you’d offer them some words of comfort, spend some time with them on the phone, or suggest they come over to hug it out. If that’s the way you’d treat your friend, why wouldn’t you do the same for yourself?

3. Get your body moving

Ah, exercise – we love to hate it and hate to love it. But the truth is that even just going for a walk can have positive, amazing effects on our moods. Whether you love a good sweat or are having trouble just getting out of bed, adding a little movement to your day can generate the production of feel-good endorphins, give you a sense of accomplishment, and even motivate you to complete other tasks you might be putting off.

4. Do something selfless

Still not feeling yourself? Try reaching out to members of your community and see how you can help someone else. While it might seem counter-intuitive, providing service for others is a fantastic way to lift your spirits. You’ll feel good knowing you made a positive impact on someone else’s life, and you may find that your own problems can be put into perspective when dealing with someone else’s.

5. Indulge

Digging into that brownie sundae every day may not be the best thing for your mental health, but there’s a reason indulging in a little self-care when you’re feeling down can make you feel a little brighter. Whether that means buying dinner from your favorite takeout place, treating yourself to a new piece of jewelry, or splurging on skincare for a spa night in, treat yourself to one special thing and we promise everything will look a little better in the morning.

What do you do to make yourself feel better when you’re feeling down? Let us know by tagging us on social media @shanecompany, or send us an email at social@shaneco.com.

The post 5 Ways to Check in on Yourself When Times are Tough appeared first on The Loupe.

The past few months have introduced to us a whole new way of living. From virtual happy hours to canceled wedding plans to at-home proposals and everything in between, the way we interact with our friends and family has changed dramatically. While many of these changes have been difficult to deal with, there are a few that we hope are here to stay. It’s given us the opportunity to spend time with our loved ones that we might not otherwise have spent with them, to connect (or reconnect) with friends around a common struggle, and to re-evaluate what things and people take up the most space and importance in our lives.

And while many of us have unfortunately had to reschedule plans for big parties or celebrations, such as weddings, others have done so while still realizing that the most important part of this celebration can still happen: marriage. Elopement-style weddings are apparently on the rise, and we don’t expect that rate to fall any time soon. If you’ve been thinking about eloping with your partner, here are a few of the pros and cons to help you make your decision.

Pro: It’s financially brilliant

To no one’s surprise, throwing a full-out wedding party can lead to one expensive bill. In fact, the average wedding costs around $34,000, according to a study done in 2019 by CNBC. Many couples are realizing that by eloping, they can put that money toward other expenses, such as the engagement ring, wedding rings, honeymoon, or even a down payment on a new home.

Con: Your family might feel let down

It’s not uncommon for many couples to feel as though their wedding is, in a way, a performance for their family and friends. The excited mother-of-the-bride is a common trope in movies for a reason: many parents dream of the day their child ties the knot. Depriving friends and family of this experience can often make a couple feel selfish, but remember — it’s your marriage, not theirs.

Pro: Less stress and pressure

Especially because of the big price tag, traditional weddings can introduce a lot of stress into a relationship. At a time when a couple should be celebrating their love, they are often found arguing, bickering, or feeling an enormous amount of pressure as they plan out their big day. Choosing to elope allows you to simply enjoy your engagement and nuptials, without the worries that can come along with wedding planning.

Con: There’s no one to share your joy with

Celebrating your marriage with the people you love is one of the biggest reasons why many couples decide to throw a wedding party. By eloping, you miss out on all the fun that comes along with getting to celebrate with the people who have been there to see your relationship progress, and the ones with whom you would love to share your excitement.

Pro: It’s truly about you

Skipping out on the pomp and circumstance, and especially not having to “share” your time on your wedding day with long-lost relatives whose names you can’t remember, does have one big pro: You get to actually spend time with your sweetheart. Putting the focus back on the two of you means you can take your time basking in the glow of being newlyweds, without worrying about when the cake is coming out or whether the DJ got your song list in time.

Con: It’s not as big of a deal

This could be seen as a pro or con, depending on how you feel about it. If you decide to elope, your wedding may not seem like a “big deal” to everyone around you. This means fewer wedding gifts, fewer congratulations, and, most importantly, fewer eyes on you and your honey. For some, this can be a blessing in disguise — but for others, you may feel a bit sad that you didn’t get to have your moment in the sun.

Choosing what’s right for you

Ultimately, the decision to elope really depends on how you and your partner feel about it. The good news is there are so many ways to celebrate! You can choose to do a private elopement with just the two of you and a big wedding later in the year, or a small ceremony with just your close friends and family. Maybe you love the idea of eloping but can’t handle skipping out on a wedding dress. No problem! What you wear, where you do it, and how you celebrate can be personalized to your heart’s content. The most important thing is you’re getting married to the love of your life, and what could be better than that?

The post Should I Elope? The Pros and Cons of Eloping appeared first on The Loupe.

So, you’re thinking about getting married. Simultaneously, you could be weighing the pros and cons of tying the knot with the one you love. While finances definitely shouldn’t be your biggest reason for getting married, we thought it might be interesting to look at what effect marriage can actually have on your bank account. Whether you’ve just gotten engaged or it’s a long way away, these surprising benefits may just have an impact on how you think about marriage in the future.

1. Better mortgage rates

If home ownership is one of your and your partner’s dreams, then applying for a mortgage as a married couple definitely has its advantages. While being married won’t automatically qualify you for better rates, your mortgage offer is based on your income — which is undoubtedly higher when combined. Just make sure you take both of your credit scores into consideration, because if one of you has a drastically lower score, it can affect the ultimate loan and repayment terms.

2. More options for health insurance

Once you’ve gotten hitched, you’ll have the opportunity to add your spouse onto your health insurance plan, or vice versa. This gives you the ability to “shop around” and figure out which plan offers better coverage and/or rates. Here’s a tip: Insurers usually charge less for a single policy covering two people than they do for two separate policies.

3. You can save on taxes

While there are certain instances where filing separately has its benefits, most couples tend to see a reduction in income taxes when filing jointly. A lower-earning spouse can serve as a “tax shelter” to the higher-earning one, while filing jointly with just one income usually results in a lower tax bracket than filing as an individual. You’re also exempt from estate and what’s known as the gift tax, meaning that you can leave property, money, or assets of more than $14,000 to your hubby or wife without suffering a large tax.

4. Social Security benefits

If you’re married, you have the ability to claim either your own or up to 50% of your partner’s Social Security benefits when the time comes, even after retirement or in the case of disability or death. That means that if there’s one earner paying more into Social Security, you can both reap the financial benefits.

5. Better retirement options

Spouses have the ability to inherit each other’s retirement accounts. In addition, if one spouse is the sole breadwinner, the other can contribute to what’s called a spousal IRA, which wouldn’t be available as an unmarried couple. This leads to more options in order to maximize growth and figure out your best retirement strategy.

We love to see our Shane Co. couples tying the knot because they’re in love, but it helps to know that marriage can also provide a bit more short- and long-term financial security. Let us know how marriage has improved your finances (or your life in general) by tagging us on social media @shanecompany, or emailing us at social@shaneco.com.

The post Benefits of Marriage, Part 2: Financial appeared first on The Loupe.

With this influx of virtual dating activity, the team at Shane Co. was curious to find out:

• How receptive are singles toward virtual video calls on dating apps during COVID-19?
• What are some of the most tedious dating app behaviors, photos, and pickup lines?
• How do singles deal with notorious online dating faux pas regarding read receipts, sliding into DMs, and ghosting?

We quenched our thirst for answers by surveying over 1,000 singles of varying ages across the United States about their online dating app preferences and habits for an exclusive glimpse into the digital dating culture of 2020. The survey ran from June 4 to June 8, 2020. Read on to see the results!

Survey Findings

When asked about their preferred dating app, the majority of singles surveyed (43.2%) named Tinder their app of choice, followed by Match.com (16.4%) and Bumble (13.5%). Women were almost twice as likely as men to prefer Match.com or Bumble above Tinder. This checks out, given Match.com is known for providing highly personalized matches and Bumble is considered the “ladies first” dating app, where women initiate the conversation, rather than the other way around.

When asked which factor influenced their decision to match with someone most, the majority of singles surveyed (34%) said physical attractiveness. Common interests (22.9%) and intelligence/educational attainment (13.23%) were also among the most important factors. Survey results also revealed that Baby Boomers are influenced by age more than any other generation, and Gen X is influenced by humor or wit in dating bios more than any other generation.

When asked which dating app behaviors irritated them most, the majority of online daters (31.7%) said when others lie about themselves in their dating profiles. Other behaviors daters are especially peeved by include matching with someone only to be ignored, as well as being ghosted entirely by someone you’ve been talking to or dating. 

For those who are new to the term, ghosting (per Urban Dictionary) is “when a person cuts off all communication with the person they’re dating with zero warning or notice beforehand.” Survey results found that 70% of Millennials have been ghosted at least once, while 35% of Gen Z daters have been doing the ghosting (more than twice).

30% of online daters are irritated most by photos that appear fake or overly filtered. Gym photos with bulging muscle flexes (16.8%) and fishing photos with large fish or other sea-dwelling creatures (14.2%) also seem to be offensive. 

Shockingly, 53% of all survey respondents have indeed used a dating app while still in a relationship. 71% of online daters are likely to stalk someone on social media or conduct a few Google searches of their match before meeting up with them in person. Thus, it never hurts to do your research to ensure your match isn’t a mass murderer before committing to the first date. 

48% of respondents overall and 73% of Millennials admit to hooking up with someone from a dating app on the first date. Over 62% of respondents list finding a serious relationship or a lifelong partner as their main motivator for being active on dating apps. Gen X is looking for a lifelong partner more than any other generation, whereas the majority of younger Gen Z respondents are looking for a casual relationship.

Taking a pulse on swipe culture during COVID-19, survey results found that 53.7% of respondents have chatted with more people during the pandemic than before the pandemic started. What’s more, over 55% of singles are either likely or very likely to hop on a virtual video call with someone they’ve recently matched with. 

Dating apps like Hinge are now accommodating the masses of singles in search of virtual romantic connection by providing a “date from home” feature, where daters can hop on a mutually consensual video call with their match. There comes a time when messaging only goes so far, and if daters can’t rendezvous in person, then they’ll opt for the next best option.

Another behavior synonymous with online dating is the infamous “DM slide,” where someone sends a direct message (DM) to another on social media for the purpose of flirting or dating. Sliding into a DM is a bold maneuver — a domain where few have prospered, but where most have failed. 

The majority of respondents (70%) have at least made attempts, and their social media app of choice for such a slide is, by and large, Facebook Messenger. When asked how they feel when someone slides into their DMs, male respondents were more likely to feel flattered, while female respondents were more likely to feel creeped out. 

Wrapping Up

Several complex and unspoken rules exist within the world of virtual dating, but we hope these insights will act as a useful guide to dating app etiquette for singles moving forward in 2020. Luckily, the collective intentions are good, as the majority of respondents are using dating apps as a conduit to find a lifelong partner. Found your life-mate and ready to start ring shopping? Take our MatchMaker quiz to find your dream engagement ring by tapping “like” or “dislike” on a wide selection of styles.

The post The Dos and Don’ts of Online Dating appeared first on The Loupe.

Do your research

Like any other significant purchase, deciding on things like budget before you begin your shopping journey can help the process go a lot smoother. Many couples make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to go wedding band shopping — this can cause unneeded stress, as you’re already making a lot of large purchases when it comes to your wedding. Plus, if you decide to get something more custom, you may not be able to get the ring in time for the big day. Play it safe and discuss your options beforehand — including who’s paying for the bands.

Think about your lifestyle

This one holds true especially for men, as women are more likely to have considered the wear and tear their engagement ring has to go through already. Does your job require a lot of work with your hands? Are you an athlete, or do you spend a lot of time in the water? All of these answers can contribute to what kind of band you land on. Some metals are more durable than others, so it can help to educate yourselves on all the different types before making a decision.

To match or not to match?

For women, there are a few directions you can take your wedding band, depending on what style you’re looking for. Some prefer to match their band with their engagement ring to create one harmonizing set, while others may prefer to mix and match with different metals and styles. You can also choose to pair your band with your fiancé’s in some way, if that’s your thing. We recommend checking out these helpful blogs for inspiration.

For men, take into consideration any jewelry that you wear on an everyday basis, as well as the overall look you’re trying to achieve. Men with larger hands or fingers may find that a thicker band looks better, while those who always sport a silver watch may want to stick to white-colored metals like platinum and white gold.

Consider personalized details

Wedding bands are the perfect place to add a little extra personalization. Ask your partner if they’d be interested in adding engravings to your bands, such as the date of your wedding, your initials, or another significant message that you can keep with you forever. At Shane Co., you can even create a fully customized wedding band by choosing from millions of options, from size, metal, and finish to unique inlays and patterns.

Make it an experience

Whether or not you shopped for the engagement ring together, getting to pick out your wedding bands is a great way to spend some time as a couple before the big day. Perhaps you want complementary bands, or maybe you just want to elevate an experience that is often overlooked. Either way, shopping for your bands together gives you the chance to make this purchase more meaningful.

The post How to Buy Wedding Bands, Explained appeared first on The Loupe.

Marriage is a big step in a relationship, so it makes sense to wonder if you and your partner are headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, there is no secret or exact timeline to getting engaged. Like most things surrounding your relationship, it’s entirely up to you and your partner. While some people might feel like total strangers after a few months, others might be ready to take it to the next level. That being stated, there are certain milestones that can help you learn a lot about your relationship before tying the knot. Read on to see which markers to look for when thinking about getting engaged.

1. Spending a major holiday together

The holidays are a time of joy, excitement and…quite a bit of stress. Sharing old traditions with one another as well as creating new ones can be an exciting step in your relationship. Plus, if you’re thinking about starting a family together, you’ll get a glimpse into what that might look like during these special moments.

2. Getting sick

Tissues and coughing and mucus, oh my! While catching a cold is certainly not a fun time for anyone, being around your partner when you’re ill (and vice versa) can help you to learn a lot about that whole “in sickness and health” part of your vows. Is your honey a complainer? Do they love to take care of you when you’re feeling under the weather or prefer to keep their distance? It’s good to recognize how you both act when you’re not at your best – it tells you a lot about how you’ll be throughout your potential marriage.

3. The first big fight

If you and your love are still in the honeymoon phase of your relationship, the idea of having a fight might seem like something you don’t need to worry about. But even the best of couples end up knocking heads on occasion, and how you deal with conflict has a huge impact on how your relationship will fare in the future.

4. Going on a trip

Nothing says “committed relationship” like traveling with your partner. Learning how your loved one deals with the stress of traveling, plane rides, packing and exploring new places can tell you a lot about how you will get along in the future. And while taking a vacation together can be fun, it’s important to also travel for less-fun reasons, like visiting family or checking out a potential new hometown.

5. Meeting each other’s families

Whether you come from a close-knit bunch or don’t see your family much, it can be helpful for you and your partner to meet each other’s ilk, at least to get an idea of where you both came from. There’s baggage that can come attached to family and it’s good to experience what it might be like when your two families become one (before they actually do, that is).

6. Having “the talk”

If there’s one piece of advice we can impart, it’s know where you both stand on marriage and future goals before you decide to get engaged. Does one person want a quick wedding and a big family, while the other would prefer a big affair and a nomadic lifestyle? Is one of you super thrifty while the other more of a spender? These are all important questions to ask yourselves – and, more importantly, to talk about with your partner, before making any big life decisions.

Want to learn more about engagement rings and marriage? Check out some of our other blogs on The Loupe and read up on The Benefits of Marriage.

The post 6 Relationship Milestones That Should Happen Before Getting Engaged appeared first on The Loupe.

At Shane Co., we love to see our customers express themselves. We have a knack for finding beautiful stones that allow people to outwardly present the creativity and beauty that lives inside. This Pride Month and every month, we want to amplify the beauty of love in the LGBTQ+ community — a community that we’re proud to support and celebrate!

Pride looks a little different this year, as parades and parties have been canceled to protect the health of would-be attendees. However, in thinking about ways to celebrate and reflect on LGBTQ+ experiences at home, we immediately thought of a great solution: binge-watching all of our favorite LGBTQ+ movies!

To have some fun (and as an excuse to pore over our favorite flicks) we decided to see which movies should make our Pride binge list by checking out which LGBTQ+ movies were most popular nationwide.

Using Google Trends search reports, we were able to analyze the most searched LGBTQ+ movies in the United States. We organized our data findings geographically, so we could look at how favorite LGBTQ+ movies differed nationwide.

The data we found showed some interesting trends among the most searched movies. Read on and see if your Pride pick made the list. Then, get comfy with whomever you love and celebrate Pride with these popular movies!

Based on the data, our biggest takeaway was that there is a huge variety of popular movies across different states. While some films definitely dominated nationwide popularity, 23 movies were most popular in only a single state. With so many states having a unique most popular film, it’s interesting to see which films were common loves and why unique films are special for certain states.

First, let’s look at films that were popular across several states.

One big pick was Beginners, the most searched LGBTQ+ movie in 12 states, from Hawaii to Maine. We can’t think of a more perfect film for Pride! This adorably funny yet warm film showcases the story of a man named Oliver as he reflects upon the life of his father Hal, who has begun to explore his gay identity as an older man. With its sweet father-son scenes and introspection on sexuality, Beginners is a great way to celebrate Father’s Day during Pride Month.

Another popular pick was The Normal Heart, which was the most searched movie in five states. This movie was especially popular in the South, ranking No. 1 in Alabama, Kentucky, and Mississippi, which is a little surprising considering that it follows its characters through the AIDS crisis in New York City during the 1980s. While it’s definitely heartbreaking, The Normal Heart is a beautiful movie and is a great pick for those looking to reflect on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Finally, The Children’s Hour also had more widespread popularity, being the top-searched film in three states. This widespread popularity is a true indication of the lasting impact of the 1961 movie, which was groundbreaking in its portrayal of same-sex love in movies. While LGBTQ+ films have certainly come a long way, seeing characters struggle to embrace their identities still resonates deeply during Pride today.

While multi-state prominence was awarded to a few movies, other trends of LGBTQ+ movies also popped out.

First, there was substantial popularity for films whose plots included stories of their characters facing AIDS. Six of the 35 top-searched films included AIDS and HIV as a major theme, including Philadelphia, The Normal Heart, Before Night Falls, and Beats Per Minute. Top popularity of these films across 10 states indicates that stories of resilience in the LGBTQ+ community are tremendously moving. Pride is all about celebrating progress through struggles facing the LGBTQ+ community, and these films definitely attest to that idea.

Another trend we saw was the mirroring of the regions where films were popular.

For example, Philadelphia, the story of a gay man’s legal battle in the City of Brotherly Love, was the most popular LGBTQ+ film in Pennsylvania. Likewise, Before Night Falls, the story of a gay man in Havana, was the most popular pick in Florida, a state with a large Cuban population.

Finally, we loved to see the diversity of characters and stories across the different popular films.

Top popular films included stories of men, as in Call Me by Your Name; women, as seen in Carol; and non-binary and trans people, as seen in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Tangerine. Further, films like Moonlight, The Watermelon Woman, and Tangerine promoted black and Latinx pride stories across racial lines. We love that this list of popular films promotes a variety of stories and characters, and we know that an LGBTQ+ movie marathon is only better when it showcases diversity!

When all is said and done, there are a great number of films with LGBTQ+ themes, and, even better, the diversity of these films is only growing. We are so happy that during Pride Month, we can fall into stories of embracing identity — and we think that’s worth celebrating.

Shane Co. is proud to support our LGBTQ+-identifying customers in embracing their identities through gorgeous jewelry, as well as same-sex couples shopping for wedding bands and engagement rings to celebrate their love. But most importantly, we are proud to celebrate our customers embracing their own gorgeous selves! Happy Pride Month!

The post The Most Popular LGBTQ+ Movie in Every State appeared first on The Loupe.

In the United States and across the world, we celebrate Mother’s Day, where we take a day in May to honor our matriarchs and thank them for everything they do for us. But how did this tradition originate? And how can you make this Mother’s Day the best one yet?

Where does Mother’s Day come from?

The tradition of honoring mothers is nothing new. Celebrations of motherhood can be traced as far back as to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses, Rhea and Cybele. The earliest known incarnations after that include the Christian festival “Mothering Sunday,” which fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and encouraged the faithful to return to their “mother church” for a special service.

Over time, this shifted into a more secular holiday where children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity as American Mother’s Day became a national holiday, all but disappearing in the 1930s and ’40s.

Mother’s Day in the United States of America

Mother’s Day as we know it in the U.S. dates back all the way to the 19th century, when Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia started “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach mothers how to care for their children. These clubs became a unifying force in a region of the country that was, at the time, still divided over the Civil War. In 1868, Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” where mothers could gather with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation. Even back then, mothers played peacemaker to their large families in the United States.

Another precursor to Mother’s Day came from suffragette and abolitionist Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” in 1870. She asked for mothers to unite in promoting world peace and campaigned for a “Mothers Peace Day” to be celebrated every June 2. While her idea didn’t exactly catch on, it led the way for the versions of Mother’s Day that followed.

Becoming a national holiday

The official celebration of Mother’s Day arose in the 1900s because of Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Anne Reeves Jarvis. After her mother’s death in 1905, Anna came up with Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers make for their children. She gained financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner named John Wanamaker and, with his help, in May of 1908 she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. At the same time, thousands of people celebrated the new holiday at a Wanamaker’s retail store in Philadelphia.

Jarvis’ idea was so successful that she started a letter-writing campaign to urge the adoption of Mother’s Day as an official holiday. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. Ironically enough, Jarvis remained unmarried and childless throughout her life — but this didn’t stop her from recognizing the importance of mothers in cultures all over the world.

Fun facts about Mother’s Day

Surprise Mom with these interesting facts you may not have known about this important holiday.

• The original Mother’s Day involved wearing a white carnation as a badge in addition to visiting one’s mother and attending church services. White carnations are still a popular choice for Mother’s Day flowers, while colorful pink ones are given as well.
• In the 1970s, women’s groups often protested on Mother’s Day to highlight the need for equal rights and access to childcare.
• Approximately 122 million calls are made to moms on Mother’s Day in the U.S. How’s that for a phone bill?
• In 1968, Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., used Mother’s Day to host a march in support of underprivileged women and children.
• More fresh flowers and plants are purchased on Mother’s Day than for any other holiday except Christmas/Hanukkah.

How to find the perfect gift

Jewelry makes a meaningful gift for Mother’s Day because it treats Mom to something special she might not otherwise buy for herself. Shane Co. has the widest selection of gifts for Mother’s Day, all crafted by our design team with exclusive styles for every budget. You can shop online at ShaneCo.com, and your gift is guaranteed to be shipped within three days. Mom will get a heartfelt present, wrapped in a burgundy bow just for her.

With hand-picked diamonds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, and gemstones, she’ll love the beauty her Shane Co. jewelry adds to her wardrobe. Along with personalization options like engraving, as well as our other custom jewelry, you can add a unique touch to her piece she won’t find anywhere else.

Here are some of our favorite customizable Mother’s Day gift ideas:

Family Collection

Our Family Collection is designed to highlight the members of your family, reminding Mom of the people who love her most. Choose from exclusive and high-quality designs for a unique piece that will make her think of you, always. Pick from two to seven stones for these gorgeous necklaces in your family’s birthstones, favorite colors, and more.

Engravable Gifts

Want to send Mom a special message that will remind her of a special Mother’s Day? Gifting her an engraved gift means she’s getting something that’s personalized just for her. This Horizontal Bar Bracelet comes in a variety of high-quality metals and is perfect for displaying a meaningful message, name or date. She’ll also love this unique 3D Bar Pendant with enough space for engraving the names of all her kids and/or grandkids.

Mother & Child Collection

There’s no better way to celebrate motherhood than with a gift from our Mother & Child Collection. She’ll radiate classic beauty with this Freshwater Pearl Mother & Child Pendant, while this customizable Mother & Child Pendant leaves a space for the special stone of your choice. Reminiscent of a mother’s embrace, this collection is sophisticated and meaningful — the perfect Mother’s Day surprise.

Other gifts we love for Mom

Lockets: The perfect place to put a picture of her family. With vintage to modern designs, our lockets are timeless pieces that will look great on every mother. This elegant Engraved Locket in 14k Yellow Gold has milgrain detailing that will stand out, just like she does.

Gemstones: Give her something stylish to wear with gemstone pieces that add lots of stunning color to her vibrant style. This Solitaire Gemstone Pendant comes in a variety of colorful shades and is only $100, for an easy, never-fail Mother’s Day gift.

Matching Sets: What’s better than one Mother’s Day gift? Well, two, of course! Matching sets are the perfect way to surprise Mom (one gift from you, and one from the kids!). Try this Infinity Black and White Sapphire Pendant with matching earrings for an unforgettable surprise.

Why shop Shane Co.?

Worried about picking the right place to shop for Mother’s Day gifts? Shane Co. makes it easy to give her exactly what she wants with benefits like our Free Lifetime Warranty, where your gift is protected for free, for life. Chat with online jewelry consultants or book a virtual appointment if you need help figuring out what to get Mom, or shop our entire Mother’s Day Gift Guide on ShaneCo.com. We’re here for all of life’s important moments — because that’s what a friend would do.

The post Celebrate Mom This Mother’s Day appeared first on The Loupe.

Be there for her

Luckily, even if you can’t physically be with Mom this year, you can still show her you care. Try setting up a virtual chat so you can still see each other’s faces from far apart. If your mom isn’t great with technology, we recommend writing out the steps to setting up a virtual call with her beforehand, even providing her with extra resources if necessary.

You can even set up a “Mother’s Day brunch” with all your close relatives! Share recipes beforehand, offer ideas for drinks, send out virtual invitations, and spend some time chatting to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Surprise her with something personalized

Giving Mom a personalized gift not only shows her you’re thinking of her, but can even remind her of her family when they aren’t close by. Try personalizing a piece from our Family Collection with the birthstones of her kids or grandkids, or find a gorgeous engravable necklace to personalize with a meaningful quote.

Get the kids involved

If you have kids at home with you, Mother’s Day can be the perfect excuse for some fun arts and crafts! Design a banner for Mom when she wakes up, create Mother’s Day cards for Grandma, or ask them to write down their favorite things about Mom and create a collage with your favorite photos of her. Ask them to help you with breakfast, or bake some cookies together to ship out in the mail to all your loving mamas.

Make it a special day

Whether the woman you’re celebrating is in the house with you or far away, make Mother’s Day extra special from the beginning to the end. Make her breakfast in bed, schedule a good morning call, decorate the house in all her favorite colors, and have a gift arrive for her just in time to celebrate. Did you know that every piece of jewelry you purchase from ShaneCo.com ships in just three days? That makes it easy to ensure your gift will arrive on time, beautifully wrapped in a burgundy bow.

Don’t forget about self-care

Hey, Mom — we see you reading, too! With so many people to care for, it can be easy to forget to care for yourself, particularly in uneasy times. This is your chance to indulge in all your favorites. Take an extra-long bubble bath and pour yourself a glass of your favorite drink. If you feel like you haven’t had any time for yourself, ask for a few hours of privacy so you can read, nap, work on a new hobby, or catch up on your favorite show.

Before the big day, make sure to drop a hint on your favorite pieces on ShaneCo.com, or treat yourself to something special. Trust us — you deserve it!

The post How to Have a Meaningful Mother’s Day — While Social Distancing appeared first on The Loupe.

1. Private Movie Theater

Pop that popcorn, because it’s movie night! Set up all your favorite snacks and relax on the couch for a classic date that never goes out of style. We recommend indulging in your nostalgic side by building a pillow or blanket fort, or setting up twinkle lights for ambiance. Then, pick a movie or two you’ve been dying to see and let the fun begin.

2. The Only Restaurant in Town

Restaurants are closed, but you can still enjoy a night in by bringing your favorite restaurant to you. Light some candles, set the table, and order a few meals from a local spot for delivery or takeout. Serving each course like you would in a restaurant helps to make this truly feel like your favorite date. We also recommend putting on some classical music (or even restaurant chatter — do a quick YouTube search to find some lovely white noise) for full effect.

3. Game Night

Luckily for us, card and board games simply never go out of style. Bring out all your old favorites and set up some snacks for a long night of friendly competition between you and your sweetheart. Whether it’s Monopoly, spades, charades, or another game, you’re sure to have a good time with this easy date night.

4. Indoor Campout

Bring the outdoors to you by setting up a campsite — right inside your home! If you have a fireplace, now’s the perfect time to break out the s’mores. Turn off all the lights and only rely on flashlights and candles to create the illusion of spending an evening in the great outdoors.

5. Homemade Pizza Night

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that pizza is always a good choice for dinner. Switch it up by making your own dough or buying it premade, then play around with your favorite toppings and cheeses for a fun activity you can do together. Psst — if you’re a beer drinker, adding a “flight” of new ones to try can take this date night up a notch.

Surprise your loved one with a date night gift from Shane Co.! You can shop all your favorites online at ShaneCo.com.

The post 5 Ideas for a Romantic Date Night In appeared first on The Loupe.

There’s no doubt about it — jewelry makes a memorable and meaningful anniversary gift. Whether it’s the very first year or you’ve been together for ages, giving the gift of jewelry means giving something that lasts forever, just like your love. We’ve put together a list of jewelry gifts for each wedding anniversary year, pulled from traditions both old and new. Find out which you should give for this year’s anniversary by taking a look at the chart below.

Anniversary gift ideas

At Shane Co., you can create a personalized piece that was made just for them by using our suggestions for anniversary stones or by showcasing her favorite color, her birthstone, and more. Design your own ring with the center stone of your choosing, create a necklace that’s totally unique, shop birthstone jewelry, or create a piece within our unique Family Collection, where you can add up to five stones of your choice. Our final suggestion? Add a heartfelt engraving to ensure you’re giving her jewelry that she’ll want to wear forever.

The post Anniversary Stones by Year: Meaningful Gift Ideas appeared first on The Loupe.

1. Design an at-home getaway

If you can’t get out of the house…bring the vacation to you! Now’s the perfect time to get creative — use supplies you have on hand to transform your home into your partner’s favorite getaway spot. This could mean creating a winter wonderland with paper snowflakes and leftover Christmas lights, or an island getaway with fruity cocktails and origami flowers…it’s totally up to you!

2. Bake them something sweet

Extra time on your hands means you can finally perfect your baking skills. Whether they’re a lover of cupcakes or cookies or go crazy for chocolate-dipped everything, make a homemade version of your loved one’s favorite treats to surprise them with on their special day.

3. Take a trip back in time

No matter what the occasion is, it’s always fun to reminisce with your sweetheart. Create a nostalgic celebration by finding streaming versions of their favorite childhood films, snacks, and activities for a day that will bring them back to simpler times. Here’s a fun idea: You can even make your own coloring books!

4. Surprise them with a lasting gift

Stores are closed, but you can still get them a gift they’ll love on ShaneCo.com. From classic diamond stud earrings and tennis bracelets to personalized birthstone jewelry, there’s something for everyone — shipped to your home for free and tied with a burgundy bow.

The post 4 Ways to Make Celebrations Special (Even When You’re Stuck at Home) appeared first on The Loupe.

March 20 is National Proposal Day! A day where we celebrate love of every kind — and offer a few tips to help your partner get the message that you’re totally ready for a ring.

1. Leave him clues

A surefire way to let them know what you’re thinking about without being too obvious is to plant some clues for your honey. Oh, you accidentally left your laptop open on some pretty ring photos? How forgetful of you!

2. Use media to your advantage

Putting on shows like “Say Yes to the Dress” or pointing out recently married or engaged friends on social media is a great way to start a conversation. Mention how gorgeous your bestie’s new ring is, or how much you love the look of a mermaid gown. Even talking about what you don’t like is a way to get started — if you see an extravagant proposal on TV that’s very un-you, try saying something like, “I’d be so embarrassed if someone popped the question to me in public like that!”

3. Enlist your friends

Chances are, you’ve already talked to your friends about your desires to get engaged. Luckily, they can be very helpful in nudging your sweetie in the right direction. Ask them to drop hints, or if they’re already coupled up, talk about how amazing being engaged/married has been for them.

4. Be honest

Look — if you truly feel ready to get engaged, you should also feel ready to talk to your honey about it. While giving an ultimatum is never a good idea, being honest about your feelings and wondering where your relationship is headed is totally normal. Keep the lines of communication open and let your partner know what’s on your mind.

5. Go shopping

Looking for a new piece of jewelry? Ask your sweetie to shop online with you. This way, you can “casually” point out rings you like without it seeming like a big deal. If you’ve been together for a while, they’re most likely curious about your tastes anyway!

6. Focus on the future

If you’re considering getting engaged, talking about your vision of the future is something you should already be doing with your partner. Discussing things like where you want to live, how many kids you want, and what your forever home would look like is the perfect way to get your future together on their mind without coming off as too pushy.

7. Do it yourself

It’s 2020, and there are definitely no rules when it comes to engagements! If you know your relationship is ready for the next step, maybe it’s time to take the proposal into your own hands. Check out our selection of design your own engagement rings for women and men, or opt for a simple proposal and go ring shopping together afterwards.

The post 7 Ways to Drop a Hint about Getting Engaged appeared first on The Loupe.

Sorry, we’re busy squealing because Valentine’s Day is almost here! To us, the upcoming holiday means we have a few extra excuses to celebrate love and all the special people in our lives. In fact, this year we’re offering to help you make this the most romantic Valentine’s Day yet:  get a gift for your honey at Shane Co. and receive chocolate truffles and a gorgeous card for you to fill out with all the sweet nothings you desire. Valentine’s Day celebration? Done!

If you’re not sure what to get your special someone this year, take a look at our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for some fail-safe ideas.

Heart shapes

A simple gift that says a lot. Because she already has a heart of gold, why not give her one she can wear? Shop all heart jewelry here.

Engravables

Meaningful, personalized gifts that hold more significance. Because this way, you can say what you feel. Shop all engravable jewelry here.

Pearls

Elegant and sophisticated – because classic beauty like hers simply never goes out of style. Shop all pearl jewelry here.

Sapphire essentials

Our hand-picked sapphires make gorgeous Valentine’s Day gifts. Because these colorful stones sparkle as much as she does. Shop all sapphire jewelry here.

Tom’s favorites

The Infinity Heart Necklace is Tom Shane’s pick for the perfect gift this year…because your love for her will last forever. Shop the Infinity Heart Necklace in three different shades here.

Diamond studs

An enduring design, a new pair of diamond studs or an upgrade of her current pair are a memorable gift she’ll want to wear every day. Because a diamond is forever, shop diamond stud earrings here.

Tennis bracelets

A timeless symbol of love, our tennis bracelets come in a variety of sizes and styles. Because there’s no use messing with the classics. Shop tennis bracelets here.

Stackable bangles

Give one, two or three – either way, she’ll love to mix and match our all-metal and diamond-studded bracelets. Because she deserves the best. Shop stackable bangles here.

Matching sets

Earrings and necklaces that match perfectly make a unique gift for any fashionista. Because two gifts means more to love. Shop all matching sets here.

Promise rings

Not ready to propose? Pledge to be hers with an elegant promise ring – because you want to show her how you feel. Shop all promise rings here.

Engagement rings

Make it a Valentine’s Day to remember with a proposal she’ll never forget. Because it’s love, find her dream engagement ring here.

Still can’t figure out what to get her? Take our gift finder quiz to make your search for the perfect Valentine’s Day surprise easier, or shop all jewelry on ShaneCo.com.

The post The Shane Co. Valentine’s Day Gift Guide appeared first on The Loupe.

Valentine’s Day is the day to celebrate love — but sometimes just telling your partner “I love you” doesn’t accurately portray everything you feel about them, especially if you’ve been together for a while. It can begin to feel like “love” just doesn’t cover the meaningful place they hold in your life. Here are a few alternative ways to show your significant other how deeply you care for them.

1. Show appreciation

One of the biggest indicators of a healthy relationship is when couples show gratitude toward each other. Maybe your partner does the dishes most nights, and you’ve grown accustomed to this act of kindness. Take a moment to let them know just how appreciative you are of everything they do. Even if you think they already know this, saying the words out loud can remind them that it (and them) are always on your mind.

2. Get them something special

For many people, gift giving can be difficult. In fact, a lot of givers tend to fall back on giving their partner something they themselves would like to receive, making an assumption that their sweetheart will like it, too. Take the time this year to think about the little hints your honey has left you over the past few months or even years, and get them something special that shows you listen to and understand them. This can mean picking out a pendant in their favorite color, getting them that pair of earrings they’ve had saved in their favorites, or including a heartfelt note explaining exactly why you’re giving them their gift. It doesn’t have to be extravagant — what matters the most is that it’s meaningful.

3. Spend some quality time

Gifts can be wonderful, but sometimes all your honey wants is to spend a little time together. Even if you live together, everyday activities like watching TV and going to the grocery store are often interrupted by phones, social media, or simply not being present in the moment. Take them out to dinner, have a coffee or breakfast date, or just spend an hour or two giving them your full and undivided attention. If it feels a little weird to be so one-on-one, try out conversation cards like this app created by The Gottman Institute to get the ball rolling.

4. Give selflessly

Maybe your partner has been busy with work and hasn’t had time to pick up their prescriptions or do their laundry, or maybe you’ve been eating out a lot because neither of you has wanted to make a home-cooked meal. Taking on one of these small acts of kindness without being asked to can make a world of difference for your significant other — a really easy way to say “I love you.”

5. Ask them what they want

Here’s a simple way to show you care that is often overlooked: Try asking your partner if there’s anything you can do to make their life a little easier. Chances are, there are a few small tweaks you could make to help brighten their days. They might even let you know about an activity they’ve been wanting to try together that they’ve been too embarrassed or afraid to bring up sooner. Just opening up the conversation leaves room for you to grow and communicate as a couple.

The post 5 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’ (Without Actually Saying It) appeared first on The Loupe.

Interest in men’s jewelry has been rising steadily over the past few years, with rings and necklaces/chains leading the board in terms of popular styles. Even if your man isn’t keeping track of all the latest trends, updating his wedding ring or picking out something more useful, like a tie or money clip, can be the perfect way to show him how much you care. Check out some of our favorite men’s gifts below!

This 14k Yellow Gold Figaro Chain is an easy way for him to show off his classic style. With an understated but sophisticated look crafted with our high-quality 14k yellow gold, he can wear this chain with a T-shirt and jeans or dress it up for a night out.

This Brushed Titanium Men’s Band adds a bit of texture to a traditional titanium band for a unique look that’s all his own. You can also try out our Custom Men’s Band Builder for a personalized ring that reflects all his favorites! Choose from the widest variety of materials, finishes, features and engravings.

Does your husband wear a lot of suits? This Black Matte Tie Clip in Sterling Silver is a sleek addition to his wardrobe. It offers a modern look made from quality sterling silver and can even be engraved with a personalized message. Pair it with these matching cuff links for a chic surprise.

Another easy gift, this Sterling Silver Money Clip is definitely one of our favorites. This handsome tool will keep his money safe and secure while adding a hint of style to his everyday wear.

Add some color to his wardrobe with these Blue Enamel Cuff Links in Sterling Silver. With a circular blue enamel inlay, these quality sterling silver cuff links are a great gift for him.

This Sterling Silver Cable Bracelet is a simple and stylish gift for your husband. With a high-polished finish and classic cable design, it’s a wearable piece that can easily fit into any man’s collection of jewelry.

If you’re looking for more gifts for him, check out our entire selection online, or visit us in-store to speak with one of our jewelry experts.

The post What to Get the Man in Your Life For Valentine’s Day appeared first on The Loupe.

This year, we encourage you to take a night (or morning) off and celebrate your besties with mimosas, waffles, heartfelt hugs and maybe a little bit of sparkle. Take a look below for some of our favorite Galentine’s Day gifts to surprise your loved ones with.

Engrave this 3D Bar Pendant with your name and the names of your three closest friends for a piece of jewelry you can always hold close to your heart. Made with 14k yellow gold, this stylish pendant will look great with everything.

We love this 14k Rose Gold Heart Pendant Charm! Give it solo or pair it with the Rose Gold Layering Chain for a simple and sweet gift to your favorite people. You can also add a monogram to personalize it specifically for them.

For your sophisticated sweeties, these 8mm Tahitian Pearl Solitaire Earrings offer elegance and beauty in our signature shade of 14k rose gold. Pair them with a matching pendant for the ultimate gift (to yourself or others).

This Princess Cut Pink Sapphire Stackable Ring is the perfect piece to add to her collection. With one princess cut sapphire at the center of this sweet design, it’s gorgeous worn alone or paired with a set of stackable styles.

Want to see more Galentine’s Day gifts? Head over to ShaneCo.com to shop our entire Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.

The post Celebrate Your Besties on Galentine’s Day appeared first on The Loupe.

Justin and Heidi

Justin, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, met his now-fiancé Heidi, from northern Iowa, in Minnesota in January 2019. Justin knew he was ready to get engaged to Heidi almost immediately because of her sweet and captivating nature. Once he selected her engagement ring and diamond, he decided that popping the question at Shane Co. might just be the perfect way to make it official. He ran the idea past Bailey, their jewelry expert at the store, and they started planning.

The proposal

When Heidi and Justin showed up at Shane Co., Bailey greeted them and told Justin to go back to the financing area to check out the rings and make sure everything was correct before picking them up. Meanwhile, Heidi went over to the fashion jewelry area to look at some necklaces and stay busy.

While she was preoccupied, Bailey gave Justin the heads up – and in he came, with a bouquet of roses in his hands and his engagement band as well as her perfect ring in his pocket. After handing over the flowers and showing her his own ring, Justin took Heidi’s engagement ring out of his pocket and popped the question. Heidi happily said yes and the store staff celebrated with them, taking pictures and offering congratulations. They finished off the proposal with a kiss and a celebratory dinner.

Buying the ring

We asked Justin and Heidi how they ended up with Heidi’s beautiful ring and what their experience was like with Shane Co.

Justin: We shopped together, both for the ring and the diamond. My experience at Shane Co. is hard to put into words. From the first step into the Shane Co. store to spending quality time with Heidi and seeing her get overjoyed/excited while looking at rings, to the actual proposal experience – it was effortless, amazing, memorable and life-changing. Last but certainly not least, the service; Bailey did such an incredible job, and without her, none of this could have happened.

Heidi: Excellent customer service means a lot to me and Bailey and Shane Co. certainly displayed the highest level of service. The shopping process was easygoing, no hassle and a lot of fun.

Looking towards the future

Finally, we asked Justin and Heidi what they were looking forward to most about married life.

Justin: Spending every day with Heidi. Falling in love with her over and over every day for the rest of our lives together. Being able to have my best friend as my wife is, quite simply, living the dream – my happily ever after.

Heidi: I’m excited to watch our three kids grow up together and I am forever grateful to be able to share that experience with my soulmate.

The post Customer Stories: Justin and Heidi’s Shane Co. Proposal appeared first on The Loupe.

From the ornate ball gowns of the 1950s to the absurdly puffy sleeves of the 1980s, wedding gowns have always mirrored popular fashion trends, and brides often look to celebrity wedding gowns for inspiration. This got us wondering — what are the most popular wedding dress styles of today? Do they vary from state to state? And what celebrity wedding dresses remain at the forefront of the industry? 

To find out, we looked at Google Shopping data for various wedding dress styles in every state. We also looked at Google search volume for several iconic celebrity wedding dresses. The results show a complex, fascinating industry with particular regional styles. Read on to discover what we found! 

The Most Popular Wedding Dress Styles in Every State

Said to have been made popular by Jackie Kennedy’s gown from 1952, the ball gown wedding dress style has remained the most popular wedding dress style in the United States. This style is the most popular in 13 states, including Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Kansas and Arizona. As you can see on the map, this style is particularly popular with states in the central part of the U.S.

The second-most popular wedding dress style in the U.S. is the princess style, which flaunts an undefined waistline. This is popular in states such as Texas, Florida and Oregon. Other regional trends include long-sleeve wedding dresses in northern states like Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, and short-sleeve wedding dresses in western states like Colorado and Utah.

The Most Searched Wedding Dress Style in Every Region

Speaking of regional trends, we broke down our results into major regions in the U.S. in order to determine if there are significant distinctions. As it turns out, the ball gown is the most popular in the Midwest and the South. The A-line-style dress, which is described as a “tamed-down version of the ball gown,” is particularly popular in the Northeast, which proves just how popular the ball gown style really is overall.

However, there is a significant variation in the most popular styles in the West. Five styles of dress — A-line, ball gown, asymmetrical, princess and short sleeve — are equally popular in terms of search volume.

Here you can see the breakdown of each wedding dress style in terms of popularity, based on the count of states with the most search volume for that specific style. It makes us wonder what new trends might be on the horizon in the new decade! 

Next, we broke down each state’s most searched celebrity wedding dress style. Which celebrity gowns are Americans searching for the most?

The Most Searched Celebrity Wedding Dress in Every State

Surprisingly, based on our above data, Jackie Kennedy didn’t make the cut. The most popular celebrity wedding dress in the United States was Marilyn Monroe’s. This makes sense to us, as the blonde bombshell was married three times, with three different dresses, and all of them are nothing short of iconic. Residents of states like North Carolina, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Missouri and more are calling up her dresses on Google, perhaps for inspiration for their own gowns.

Some runners-up for the most searched celebrity wedding dress in every state are Celine Dion (most popular in states like Utah, Minnesota and South Carolina) and Pippa Middleton (most popular in Hawaii, Kansas, South Dakota and Vermont). Royals made the list, including Princess Diana and Meghan Markle, and so did celebrity influencers, including Chrissy Teigen and Kim Kardashian. 

What about when we break it down by region?

The Most Searched Celebrity Wedding Dress in Every Region   

As you can see, Marilyn Monroe’s wedding attire dominates the list in every region except the Northeast, which is tied for a whopping nine most popular celebrity dresses. These include Angelina Jolie, Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss, Lauren Conrad, Marilyn Monroe, Pippa Middleton, Priyanka Chopra and Victoria Beckham. Clearly, the Northeast likes to grab fashion inspiration from a wide variety of places!

Finally, here is a breakdown of the most popular celebrity wedding dresses in the U.S., based on the concentration of states searching for them the most. We were certainly interested to see that more Americans were searching for Pippa Middleton’s dress than Kate’s, though Pippa did get married much more recently than Kate!

That wraps up our analysis of the most popular wedding dress styles in every state. Are you surprised by any of the results? Does your wedding dress style fit into any of these categories, or do you have another celebrity wedding dress you love? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us a comment below or send us an e-mail at social@shaneco.com. You can also connect with us on social media (@shanecompany on Instagram and Facebook) to learn more.

The post The Most Popular Wedding Dress Styles in Every State appeared first on The Loupe.

1. The Grande at Kennesaw

This all-inclusive wedding venue offers romantic garden views, beautiful Victorian architecture and an overall sense of rustic elegance that’s perfect for any bride- and groom-to-be. The Grande will provide catering, flowers and even your wedding cake, making it easy for you to sit back and enjoy the celebration.

2. The Whitlock Inn

Winner of the “Best of Weddings” award from popular wedding site The Knot nine years in a row, this unique wedding venue boasts a large ballroom, a flower-filled garden, and luxurious greenery. With so many picture-perfect spots to pose in this 1900’s beauty, you’ll love saying “I do” to The Whitlock Inn.

3. The Conservatory

The Conservatory at Waterstone is a full-service wedding venue offering distinctive and well-planned weddings for Atlanta-area brides. The vibe is a combination of French country and modernity, with exposed brick walls and high ceilings that offer elegance and class. Choose from two different wedding packages to find your perfect fit.

4. The Marietta Garden Center

Located in historic Marietta, the Marietta Garden Center is perfect for large weddings or intimate ceremonies, with period antiques, landscaped gardens and a gorgeous gazebo. You’ll love its elegant southern charm whether you decide on a luxurious indoor party or an exclusive outdoor experience.

The post Top 4 Wedding Venues Near Atlanta, Georgia appeared first on The Loupe.

You’ve found your person, you’ve got your ring, and your perfect proposal is already in the past. Now, it’s time to start planning the wedding. But we’ve all heard those scary stories of engagements that lasted well beyond their prime, so how do you know how long is too long?

Well, while most people are averse to still being called fiancé years after you’ve agreed to marry, according to The Knot and Brides.com, the average engagement usually lasts between 12 and 18 months. That’s time for planning, engagement parties, growing closer with your partner, finding your wedding dress, and getting everything in order before the big day. Just because the average engagement length falls within those parameters, though, it doesn’t mean that you’re destined to stay engaged forever if yours lasts longer – this is an entirely personal decision that depends completely on the needs and wants of you and your partner.

Benefits of a long engagement

Waiting until you’re totally ready to tie the knot has some its positives, including:

• Giving yourselves more time to get ready for the wedding means less stress to get things done quickly. Rather than feeling pressured to get everything in place in a matter of months, you’ll have plenty of time to find the perfect venue, save up for expenses, and possibly get better deals on wedding details when you book in advance.
• You’ll have time to get to know each other better. Even if you were cohabitating before getting engaged, taking your time throughout the engagement gives you a chance to talk through all the hard questions you may not have gotten to already. You’ll also get the opportunity to learn more about your significant other’s family, and hopefully begin to knit together into one cohesive unit, even before you make it official.
• As the saying goes, you should expect the best and prepare for the worst. Whether this means having a back-up plan in place in case your wedding doesn’t go entirely as you envisioned, taking advantage of the extra time to let the perfectionist in you shine, or preparing for the new role you’ll soon be filling in your partner’s life, having more time for reflection is always a good thing.
• A long engagement gives you and your partner the chance to catch up to each other if you are at different points in your lives. For example, if one of you is still finishing up school and the other has already started their career, extending your engagement until you’re both in a good financial position can make it a lot easier to plan out your future.

Benefits of a short engagement

Maybe a long engagement just isn’t for you. Here are some reasons why taking the shorter route may be to your advantage:

• If you’re excited to get moving on big life changes, like having children or co-habitating, but want to be married before you get started, then having a shorter engagement just might work out to your favor.
• Less time between the engagement and the wedding means the excitement will still be fresh in everyone’s mind. Waiting too long after getting engaged can make you and your friends and family lose some of the anticipation that they may have had initially about your upcoming nuptials.
• You can escape the “limbo” of engagement and get right to starting your life together – that means returning to your regular work/life balance without constantly worrying about wedding details. Not to mention, the faster you get to call them “husband” or “wife,” the more fun it is for you.
• You’ll probably experience less of a “wedding withdrawal” than you would if you spent months or even years planning for one big day. Instead, you can focus on what comes after the wedding – your amazing new life with your forever love.
• It’s easy to get caught up in the details when it comes to wedding planning. But limiting the time you have during your engagement means you won’t have to worry about the implications of every little detail. It can also force you to make decisions that you might have agonized over if you had too much time to think about them.

Stay focused

No matter how long you choose to make your engagement, the important thing to remember is that it’s yours. Talk with your partner about what the ideal timeline looks to you in addition to just discussing wedding details. And remember: the most exciting part is yet to come! After you pick out your wedding bands, read up on the benefits of marriage over on The Loupe.

The post How Long is the Average Engagement? appeared first on The Loupe.

Our favorite men’s gifts this year? Timeless, classic styles to wear every day or on special occasions.

Men’s chain necklaces

Our selection of men’s chain necklaces includes some of our most popular styles — after all, he wants to feel like a million bucks, too.

For an affordable gift that still feels like a luxury, this Sterling Silver Byzantine Chain is perfect for him. This unique chain features a square Byzantine design for a bold addition to his wardrobe. Like most of our products, it includes our Free Lifetime Warranty and comes beautifully gift-boxed, complete with a hand-tied ribbon.

If your honey loves to turn heads, this Miami Cuban Chain in 14k Yellow Gold is the ultimate gift. Crafted with our high-quality 14k yellow gold, the 26-inch Miami Cuban chain features a high-polished finish that will last a lifetime. He’s sure to stand out with this lavish piece.

Men’s bracelets

Easy, fun and perfect for daily wear, our selection of men’s bracelets offers a wide selection of gifts to choose from.

This Black Onyx Bracelet is the perfect gift he’ll love to wear every day. Made with high-quality sterling silver, the onyx beads add a stylish element to an easy-to-wear gift, complete with a bolo clasp. Like all of our men’s gifts, this bracelet offers sophistication and durability.

Want a little more bling for your buck? This Rope Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold is sure to make your holiday memorable. This classic style comes in resilient 14k yellow gold, with the rope design adding luxe style to the enduring 9-inch design.

Men’s bands

Want to celebrate your love this holiday season? Upgrading his wedding band or getting a new band for him to wear is a meaningful gift he’ll treasure forever. Plus, you can engrave a special message on his band for something extra special.

This Damascus Steel Wedding Band is a daring design made from high-quality Damascus steel. This unique metal is known for its affiliation with classic sword-making, giving this band a unique back story combined with a sleek look.

For the man who loves a more traditional design, this Classic Men’s Comfort Fit Ring in 14k White Gold is perfect. Offering a clean style with a touch of milgrain detailing on the edges, we love this ring as a distinctive twist on a timeless style.

Want a pop of color? This Carbon Fiber Inlay Men’s Band is just right for him. With an inlay made from our signature shade of 14k rose gold and a standout carbon fiber accent, this textured comfort fit design is ideal for the contemporary gentleman.

If you’re looking for more stylish gifts for the man in your life, head over to ShaneCo.com to see our entire selection of men’s jewelry.

The post Men’s Gifts: What to Get the Man in Your Life for the Holidays appeared first on The Loupe.

Realizing you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with is, of course, totally amazing — but it can also bring on fear and anxiety as you begin to plan your proposal. After all, this is a big moment, and you want it to be special for both you and your partner. But how do you know you’re taking the steps to ensure your proposal goes off without a hitch? This helpful guide will point you in the right direction.

What to do before you propose

1. Know you’ll get a “Yes”

Although your proposal will probably be a surprise, you don’t want to ask someone to spend the rest of their life with you if you don’t have a clue how they feel about it. Ideally, you’ll already have discussed the concept of getting married with your partner, even if you haven’t been explicit about the “when” and “how.” If you haven’t actually broached the subject but feel confident you’re both on the same page, then the hardest part of your proposal should be planning it — not worrying if they’ll even want the ring.

2. Consult with their family

While this may not be the case for every relationship, many couples still consider “getting permission” from one party’s parents to be an important step in the proposal process. In modern times, it’s less of an ownership thing and more of a sign of respect to make sure that parents are okay with their son or daughter settling down. Chances are, you already know they’ll be thrilled, and it’s more of a formality than anything else.

3. Pick out a ring

Our favorite part! While the spur-of-the-moment proposal is certainly one way to go, there’s definitely a lot to be said about going the traditional route and proposing with the perfect ring. Make sure you do some research beforehand — pay close attention to her style, ask her friends and family for advice, stealthily figure out her ring size, and maybe even check out her Instagram or Pinterest favorites for ideas. If you’re still not sure what she likes, it’s best to go with a classic style, such as a solitaire or pavé setting. When choosing a stone, round diamonds are also a safe bet — they make up over three-quarters of all engagement ring purchases.

4. Start planning!

Does your fiancé(e)-to-be love a good meal? Are they crazy about the outdoors? Would they prefer to be asked in private or surrounded by their friends? These are all questions you can ask yourself while you start to plan the big moment. Every proposal is entirely personal, so it’s pretty impossible for us to say what they’ll like for sure — just remember that the more customized it is to them and your relationship, the more likely they are to love it. Think about some of your favorite times together and use that as inspiration when you go about your planning.

5. Practice your speech

This isn’t the Oscars — you don’t need to have every word of what you’re going to say planned out. In fact, you’ll most likely get carried away when the moment comes and end up going off-script. But it definitely will help to write down your thoughts, any special memories or favorite things about your partner to have in mind when you pop the question. The last thing you want is to go totally blank when it’s finally time to ask, and practicing what you’re going to say is a sure way to stop that from happening.

6. Strategize for afterward

After you’re officially engaged, we’re willing to bet you and your fiancé will be in a celebratory mood. There’s no need to plan a whole party, but having dinner and some champagne ready, or even having your friends on standby, can make the night feel extra special. You know your partner best and will be able to determine if they’d rather celebrate with just the two of you or go all-out — use your knowledge of them to guide your decisions.

What to do during the proposal

1. Find the perfect moment

Unfortunately, your well-thought-out plans may not always match up with reality. Make sure to remain a little flexible, and don’t rush your proposal just because you’re trying to stick to a strict timeline. You’ll know when it’s time to pop the question because you’ll be able to feel it. Listen to your gut!

2. Get the ring ready

Consider storing your ring in an easily accessible place, such as your coat jacket or the inside of a pair of high socks, for ultimate safekeeping. We highly recommend keeping it in the ring box to avoid any unintentional losses — this is one purchase you want to be extra careful with.

3. Take your time

This is a moment you’ll remember for the rest of your lives, so there’s no need to rush! Hug, kiss, cry, scream — whatever feels right, let yourselves feel it. You may need a while to process all the excitement before you even have a chance to put on the ring or move on to whatever else you have planned for the night. Instead of watching the clock, savor these moments while you can.

4. Be photo-ready

Maybe you hired a photographer to capture the precise moment you got engaged, or maybe you brought along some film to record it yourselves. Either way, you’re going to want some photos to look back on in the years to come. Here’s another tip: If you’re proposing to your girlfriend, you may want to book her a nail appointment that day so her hands are newly painted and exfoliated for the first shot of her engagement ring.

Still unsure of how you’re going to propose? Check out these unique proposal ideas for some inspiration. You can also start proposing with an engagement ring on ShaneCo.com!

The post How to Propose 101: The Guide to the Perfect Proposal appeared first on The Loupe.

At Shane Co., we feel honored to be a part of so many engagements each year. Getting engaged is a huge milestone, and with so many components and decisions leading up to getting engaged, it’s no wonder there are so many traditions surrounding it.

Tradition helps us determine how to act in situations we might not know how to navigate otherwise. They are not set in stone (forgive the pun), however, and often have interesting, meandering histories. Did you know that men kneeling to propose might have originated in the Medieval era with men devoting themselves to their Earthly ideal, often a noblewoman? That’s why it’s so appealing for us to find out what proposals look like today. How many of these traditions have lasted and how many have changed with the times?

We decided to conduct a survey to determine what proposals and engagements look like today in the United States. We surveyed 1,376 married or engaged U.S. adults about what their proposals, from the relationship beforehand to the photos taken after looked like.

Read on to discover our findings! 

Average Relationship Timelines

First, we decided to dive into what relationships, from the first date to the wedding day, look like on a timeline. We asked our participants how long they dated their partner before they got engaged, how long they lived together before their engagement (if they did), and how long their engagement lasted. We then broke down each segment into averages by generation and by sexual orientation. 

So what does the average relationship timeline look like by generation? According to our findings, Gen Xers had the longest relationships before getting engaged, with an average of 25 months or just over 2 years. Couples of the “latchkey generation,” which is noted for its emphasis on independence and individualism, lived together the longest before getting engaged, with an average of 14 months. 

We also found it remarkable how engagement lengths have varied greatly over the generations. Baby Boomers were engaged for less than a year on average, while Gen Xers were engaged for 18 months. Millennials had engagement periods of around 16 months, which is the average overall. We suppose Gen Z will determine whether the average engagement period increases or decreases over time! 

Similarly, we observed differences between the relationship timelines of opposite-sex and same-sex couples. Same-sex couples dated for much longer before getting engaged, an average of 29 months, which, of course, must be considered in the light of marriage equality in the United States. Same-sex couples also had longer engagement periods and lived together longer than opposite-sex couples.

Of course, there are many other reasons engagements and relationships prior to marriage might look different among various couples. We also asked questions about our respondents’ lives when they got engaged; what stage of life were they in when they became affianced? 

Life Around Engagement

As engagements and proposals have changed, so have the lives of those getting engaged. More often than ever, couples may own a home together or have children together before they get engaged. After all, there isn’t one right way to get engaged!

In fact, traditions aside, 47.3% of couples moved in together before they get engaged. Although they tended to live together for a relatively short period (46.7% lived together for a year or less before getting engaged), living together is a noteworthy precursor to getting engaged.

While the majority of couples surveyed did not own a home together before getting engaged, our results indicated that opposite-sex couples (38.1%) were more likely than same-sex couples (31.5%) to close on a house before their wedding day. 

Popping the Question

Picture a proposal in your head. We’d venture to bet the image that comes to mind involves a man on one knee, a diamond ring, and a wonderfully surprised girlfriend. Of course, popping the question has a highly traditional element to it. But are people today following tradition? 

The median engagement age of our respondents was 26, close to the national average of 28 for women and 30 for men. This stat is on trend that the age at first engagement has been steadily increasing for decades. In 81% of couples, the standard picture of men doing the proposing remains accurate, as does the element of surprise, which is still the case in 73% of engagements.   

A feature of 21st-century engagements is their public setting, such as at sports games or concerts. However, the fact remains that 68% of engagements are private, with only 4% of engagements taking place in a highly public manner. 

The Ring

It’s no surprise that at Shane Co., we have a huge interest in the ring part of engagements. Not just in the most popular stone or setting chosen, but the cultural norms that surround them. Historically, it was expected for a male fiancé to purchase a ring, which he gifted to his betrothed for her to wear throughout the engagement period.

Naturally, things have changed over time. 85% of proposals still involve a ring, with 13% of couples splitting the cost of that ring. When you break it down by sexual orientation, 24.8% of same-sex couples and 11.5% of opposite-sex couples split the cost of the ring. 

Shopping for engagement rings has changed too. 60% of opposite-sex couples and 70% of same-sex couples pick the ring out together, instead of one partner choosing for the other. When it comes to getting engaged, however, 53% say the ring doesn’t matter at all, while 6% of people would turn down the proposal if they didn’t like the ring. 

Finally, we decided to take a look at how deeply some popular engagement trends of recent decades have influenced proposals. 

Engagements and Culture

Popping the question is a huge moment. It can be the culmination of months of planning and years of being together. There’s also plenty to consider when it comes to culture and trends: will you ask your partners’ parents’ permission? Will you have a photographer present? Will it be exactly how you and how you envision your partner always wanted?

Interestingly, though only 4% of engagements are fully public, 56% of people reported that they would prefer a public proposal. Even still, only 19% of engagements have a photographer present to capture the moment, although having engagement photos taken after the fact have become increasingly popular with each generation.

Still erring on the side of traditional, 52% of people ask for parents’ permission before proposing. Unfortunately, 22% of respondents stated their proposal was not exactly what they wanted. Luckily that means more than three-quarters of people DO have the engagement of their dreams. 

What About You?

We’d love to hear your thoughts on our survey results, as well as hear about your own experiences with proposals and engagement norms. What did your engagement look like? Did you follow tradition or do something completely your own? Did you have an awesome photoshoot, or are those memories simply left in your head? We welcome your comments and pictures via email (social@shaneco.com) or on social media (@shanecompany).

The post Engagement and Proposal Traditions in the United States appeared first on The Loupe.