Mark Loren Designs Blog

Welcome to Music Friday, where songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics take the spotlight. Today we revisit Canadian rockers The Trews and their 2005 track “The Pearl (More Than Everything).” The song casts love as a treasure, with nautical and jewelry imagery weaving through Colin MacDonald’s storytelling.



In the lyric threads, the narrator adores his beloved as “the pearl,” and he compares her beauty to a diamond ring. He sings of pursuit and longing, noting, “Though the pearl eludes me while I’m sinkin’ still there’s no finer thing,” and adds, “I want you more than everything.”

The ballad paints a winter tempest as a backdrop for a vow to persevere, with the sea’s siren call echoing in the background. The moment of clarity arrives as the mist lifts and reveals the cherished prize he’s sought.

He sings, “Now I can find the gold and silver that I prayed tomorrow would bring.”

“The Pearl” appears as the eighth track on The Trews’ Den of Thieves album. It marked the band’s second studio album and climbed to #6 on the Canadian Albums Chart, signaling their growing national footprint.

The band formed in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, in the late 1990s and broke through in 2002 after winning a contest with Ontario rock station CHTZ-FM, which led to a Bumstead Productions deal. They earned Juno nods in the mid-2000s, including New Group of the Year (2004) and Single of the Year nominations for “Not Ready to Go” (2005). A standout moment came in November 2010 when they performed the Canadian National Anthem at the Grey Cup in Edmonton, a televised moment that echoed the country’s musical pride.

In 2024, reports highlighted the three principal members’ invitation to perform their 2010 release “Highway of Heroes” at Juno Beach, Normandy, for the D-Day 80th anniversary — a moment broadcast worldwide and watched by leaders and fans alike. As of 2026, The Trews — still featuring core founding members MacDonald (vocals), John-Angus MacDonald (guitar), and Jack Syperek (bass) — remain active on tour, with the band promoting their latest material and celebrating a heritage of rugged, melody-driven rock.

Check out the video of their 2009 live performance of “The Pearl” at the Myer Horowitz Theatre in Edmonton. The lyrics are here if you’d like to sing along…

“The Pearl (More Than Everything)”
Written by Colin MacDonald, John-Angus MacDonald and Gordie Johnson. Performed by The Trews.

The search of one true heart
Deep within you
The ocean will part
The clearness of blue
Though the pearl eludes me while I’m sinkin’ still there’s no finer thing
Diamonds do you justice only cause your beauty shines like a ring

I want you more than everything
I want you more than everything

The four winds on high
Of virtue they sing
It sharpens my eye
Determines these things… determination

Though the pearl eludes me while I’m sinkin’ still there’s no finer thing
Diamonds do you justice only ’cause your beauty shines like a ring
Fighting through the winter tempest I can hear the sea sirens sing

I want you more than everything
I want you more than everything

I feel your heart
It fades into view
The mist pulls apart
And reveals the…

Pearl that I've been seeking while I’m sinkin’ see there’s no finer thing
Diamonds do you justice only ’cause your beauty shines like a ring
Fighting through the winter tempest I can hear the sea sirens sing
Now I find the gold and silver that I prayed tomorrow would bring

I want you more than everything
I want you more than everything
I want you more than everything
I want you more than everything

More than everything
More than everything
More than everything
More than everything…



Credit: Photo by Lildreamer22, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

For some of the world’s ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) elite, marriage proposals have evolved into meticulously engineered spectacles played out with synchronized drones, private islands and helicopter-pad theatrics.



Proposal Dubai, one of the region’s premier experiential agencies, has unveiled its 2026 Collection, a portfolio of what it calls “high-impact engagement productions” designed specifically for UHNW clients. The launch reflects not only rising expectations around proposals, but also the extraordinary wealth and youthful demographic driving demand in the emirate.

As of early 2026, Dubai ranks as the fourth wealthiest city in the world, home to roughly 81,200 to 86,000 millionaires, along with 237 to 251 centi-millionaires (those worth more than $100 million) and 20 to 23 billionaires. Even more telling: About 58.5% of Dubai’s 4 million residents are between 25 and 44 years old — prime engagement years. By contrast, only about 27% of New York City’s population falls into that age bracket.

Situated on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has become a magnet for global wealth migration, fueled by tax-friendly policies, luxury real estate and a lifestyle built around spectacle. Proposal Dubai’s new offerings lean directly into that environment.



At the center of the 2026 Collection is “Love Story in the Sky,” a private drone light show featuring 1,000 synchronized drones that narrate a couple’s relationship across the Dubai skyline. The aerial storytelling is paired with fireworks and custom projection mapping on Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel.

Founder Ankur Bagga describes the experiences as “live theater where the couple is the protagonist,” made possible by exclusive access to some of the city’s most restricted and recognizable landmarks.

Among the new-to-market venues is The Next Level at The Palm Tower, the highest vantage point on Palm Jumeirah, offering 360-degree views that sweep from the marina to the sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab. That same architectural icon — famous for its 24-karat gold interiors and its dramatic 212-meter-high helipad — is now available for sunrise or sunset proposal productions. The helipad has previously hosted everything from a Roger Federer–Andre Agassi tennis rally to an airplane landing.

For those seeking seclusion, Sweden Beach Palace on The World Islands offers ultra-private waterfront mansions inspired by Scandinavian design, while AURA SKYPOOL — the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool — provides a suspended-in-the-sky backdrop 200 meters above the city.

Not every proposal in the collection is sky-high. In the desert dunes at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Proposal Dubai introduces its “10,000 Candles” experience. A private desert arena is transformed into a literal sea of light, with a bespoke dinner and live string quartet. Comparable ultra-luxury desert dining experiences in Dubai have reached prices as high as AED 500,000 (approximately $136,000) for a single evening.

The company’s upcoming global portal aims to streamline bookings for international clients seeking curated UAE proposal itineraries — further positioning Dubai as the epicenter of cinematic engagements.

With extraordinary wealth concentrated among a largely young population, Dubai has become a place where even the most intimate question — “Will you marry me?” — can unfold on a billion-dollar stage.

Credits: Couple photo by Proposal Dubai. Ferris wheel at night by Richard N Horne, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

If it’s been a few years since your fine jewelry was last appraised, your insurance coverage may no longer reflect what it would actually cost to replace your pieces today.



The reason is simple: precious metal prices have surged dramatically. Gold is now trading around $5,235 per ounce, up from $2,040 just two years ago — a 157% increase. Platinum has climbed from $905 to $2,165 per ounce (+139%), while silver has jumped from $23 to $87 (+278%).

For consumers, those increases translate directly into higher replacement costs — and a growing risk of being underinsured.

Jewelry insurance is typically based on a specific appraised value, known as the retail replacement value. If that appraisal is several years old, the amount listed on your policy may fall far short of what it would cost to replace the piece today.

For example, a ring insured for $5,000 a few years ago might now cost significantly more to recreate due to higher metal prices and rising labor and material costs. If the piece is lost, stolen or damaged, your insurer will generally pay only up to the scheduled amount — leaving you responsible for any shortfall.

That gap could mean the difference between replacing a piece “like kind and quality” or settling for something smaller or less valuable.

Some insurance policies include automatic inflation adjustments, often in the range of 1% to 5% annually. While helpful during stable markets, these increases rarely keep pace with the rapid swings seen recently in gold, platinum and silver.

Even policies that apply broader “Insurance Value Adjustments” may not fully capture sudden spikes in specific metals or the unique characteristics of your individual piece.

Most jewelers, appraisers and insurers recommend updating jewelry appraisals every two years — or even annually in periods of significant market movement.

You should also consider a new appraisal if (1) Your piece has been repaired, resized or redesigned; (2) You’ve added stones or changed the setting; (3) Precious metal or gemstone prices have risen sharply.

Your trusted jeweler or certified gemologist can provide an updated retail replacement value based on current market conditions.

Here are a few steps to protect your coverage: (1) Check the date on your most recent appraisal. (2) Schedule a professional reappraisal if it’s more than two years old. (3) Submit the updated valuation to your insurance provider. (4) Confirm your policy covers full replacement value, not cash value or a capped amount.

Precious metals are often viewed as “safe haven” assets, which means their prices can rise quickly during periods of economic uncertainty, inflation or global instability. While that may increase the intrinsic value of your jewelry, it also raises the cost to replace it. Regular appraisals will help ensure your coverage keeps pace with the market.

Credit: Image by The Jeweler Blog, generated by aichatapp.ai.

If your spare change looks a little different in 2026, don’t worry — it’s not a mistake. To celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary, the US Mint is releasing a special series of one-year-only coin designs that honor the nation’s history, founding principles and enduring spirit of liberty. Each piece will carry the dual date 1776 ~ 2026 and will return to its familiar look in 2027.



The most collectible pieces you’ll likely spot first are the five new quarter designs, each highlighting a defining moment in America’s journey.



The Mayflower Compact Quarter features two Pilgrims embracing on the obverse, symbolizing unity and shared purpose. The reverse shows the Mayflower under full sail, honoring one of the earliest expressions of self-governance.



The Revolutionary War Quarter presents George Washington on the front, while the reverse depicts a determined Continental Army soldier at Valley Forge — a powerful tribute to perseverance during the fight for independence.



The Declaration of Independence Quarter showcases Thomas Jefferson, the document’s primary author. On the reverse, the Liberty Bell appears with its famous crack, a reminder of both freedom’s promise and the fragility of a young nation.



The US Constitution Quarter features James Madison, known as the “Father of the Constitution.” The reverse highlights Independence Hall and the inscription “We the People,” emphasizing government by the consent of the governed.



Rounding out the series is the Gettysburg Address Quarter, with Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse. The reverse shows two clasped hands alongside the phrase “A New Nation Conceived in Liberty,” reflecting unity and national resolve.



Beyond the quarters, the dime is getting one of the most dramatic redesigns in its history. Replacing the long-standing Roosevelt portrait is an “Emerging Liberty” design showing a windswept Liberty wearing a stars-and-stripes liberty cap. The reverse features an eagle in flight carrying arrows and the inscription “Liberty Over Tyranny.”



The nickel keeps its familiar Thomas Jefferson portrait and Monticello reverse, but adds the commemorative 1776 ~ 2026 dual date — a subtle but meaningful nod to the Semiquincentennial.



Collectors will also have two special options not intended for everyday circulation. The Enduring Liberty Half Dollar features a close-up of the Statue of Liberty on the obverse, while the reverse depicts Liberty passing her torch to the next generation — symbolizing continuity and the transmission of American ideals.



There’s also a commemorative 1776–2026 penny available directly from the Mint. Although the one-cent coin is no longer being produced for general circulation, collectors can purchase this special edition featuring Abraham Lincoln and the dual anniversary dates.

According to the U.S. Mint, the designs are meant to reflect America’s ongoing journey toward a “more perfect union” and to give citizens a tangible connection to 250 years of history.

So in 2026, it might be worth taking a second look before tossing your change into a jar. For one year only, the newly minted coins in your pocket won’t just be currency — they’ll be miniature works of art celebrating a milestone in the American story.

Credits: Images courtesy of the US Mint.

When it comes to popping the question, today’s couples share one clear priority: getting the engagement ring exactly right. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study 2026, the ring is no longer a solo decision but a collaborative effort, with 79% of recipients involved in the selection process and one in four couples shopping together at a retailer before the proposal.



Nearly 9 in 10 proposers had a ring in hand when they popped the question, and 96% of couples exchanged rings to mark their engagement. But the process behind that moment has become far more of a team effort. Only 21% of rings were chosen without any input from the recipient.

Research begins early. Fifty-seven percent of proposers start their search more than six months in advance, although 63% make the final purchase within two months of the proposal. More than half say it’s important to shop in person, with proposers visiting an average of two retailers and viewing about 10 rings before deciding. While 64% purchase in-store, roughly one-third complete the transaction online.

When it comes to design priorities, couples are clear about what matters most. Cut and shape rank #1, followed by style or setting (#2) and metal choice (#3).

The most popular diamond shape remains round (26%), closely followed by oval (25%). Other top choices — each at 8% — include emerald, princess, pear and marquise cuts.

Metal preferences continue to evolve. Yellow gold now leads at 39%, marking a dramatic rise in popularity over the past five years, while white gold continues a gradual decline.

Price and size expectations vary depending on diamond type. The average natural diamond engagement ring costs $7,000, with an average center stone of 1.6 carats. For lab-grown diamonds, couples spend an average of $4,300, but opt for larger stones averaging 2.0 carats.

The engagement journey often follows a familiar timeline. Couples dated an average of three years before getting engaged, and about 40% remained engaged for 11 to 18 months, with the average engagement lasting 14 months. Nearly 60% begin wedding planning within a month of the proposal.

As for popping the question, December remains the most popular month, with Christmas Day topping the list, followed by Christmas Eve and Valentine’s Day.

The study also offers insight into modern romance. One-third of couples met online, the leading way partners connect for the fourth consecutive year, followed by meeting through friends (14%) and at school (12%).

Once engaged, couples quickly turn their attention to wedding planning — and the budget. The venue is the top priority, with 83% calling it the most important decision and an average cost of $12,900. Other major expenses include photography ($3,000), florals ($2,800), the wedding dress ($2,100), rentals ($2,000) and a DJ ($1,800). Catering averages $80 per guest, while couples spend about $330 on groom’s attire, $530 on the cake and $300 for hair and makeup.

The “Real Weddings Study” is based on responses from 10,474 US couples married between January 1 and December 31, 2025.

Credit: Photo by BigStockPhoto.com

Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you classic songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today, the incomparable Neil Young searches for love, purpose and personal redemption in his 1972 chart-topping classic, “Heart of Gold.”



He sings, “I want to live, I want to give / I’ve been a miner for a heart of gold / It’s these expressions I never give / That keep me searching for a heart of gold and I’m getting old.”

Young's “heart of gold” links the precious metal to an inner worth: a soul’s rare quality that shines when tested by loneliness, time and the prospect of a life unfulfilled. The “miner” is us all — digging for an authentic self that can love and be loved in return. His metaphor implies a core of warmth, generosity and openness — qualities that, in Young’s world, must be cultivated as one ages.

Penned by Young in 1971 and released as a single in February 1972 from his fourth album, Harvest, “Heart of Gold” became the Canadian artist’s only #1 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also topped Canada’s RPM chart and was later ranked #259 on Rolling Stone’s 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Interestingly, this enduring favorite was born from a pair of unexpected circumstances. After suffering a painful back injury, Young was unable to stand long enough to play his electric guitar. The limitation pushed him toward a quieter, more introspective sound built around acoustic guitar and harmonica — the setting in which “Heart of Gold” took shape.

A second stroke of serendipity occurred in Nashville, where Young was recording Harvest. Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor happened to be in town for a television appearance, and producer Elliot Mazer recruited the two stars to provide the original recording's now-iconic background vocals.

In the decades since, “Heart of Gold” has been covered and reinterpreted by a wide array of artists from Fiona Apple, Willie Nelson and Tori Amos to Roxette, Diana Krall and Johnny Cash (with the Red Hot Chili Peppers). Its inclusion in films, such as the 2010 romantic comedy Eat Pray Love, has kept the melody in public consciousness.

Today, at age 80, Young remains a towering figure in rock lore, but his performing status has shifted. In early February, Young announced the cancellation of his 2026 European tour, stating he needed to "take a break" and that it was "not the time" to tour.

Please check out the video of Young’s live performance of “Heart of Gold.” The clip is taken from his 1971 appearance at the BBC Radio Theatre in London.

“Heart of Gold”
Written and performed by Neil Young.

I want to live, I want to give
I’ve been a miner for a heart of gold
It’s these expressions I never give
That keep me searching for a heart of gold and I’m getting old
Keep me searching for a heart of gold and I’m getting old

I’ve been to Hollywood, I’ve been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean for a heart of gold
I’ve been in my mind, it’s such a fine line
That keeps me searching for a heart of gold and I’m getting old
Keeps me searching for a heart of gold and I’m getting old

Keep me searching for a heart of gold
You keep me searching and I’m growing old
I've been a miner for a heart of gold
Keep me searching for a heart of gold

Credit: Photo by Andrea Barsanti, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Sometimes the most remarkable diamond stories don’t begin in a jewelry store — they start at the bottom of a swimming pool and end, improbably, lodged in the sole of a shoe.



That was the case for a 1.3-carat diamond that spent months wedged inside the circular indentation of a pair of Lands’ End water shoes worn by a Pennsylvania playwright and writing instructor known simply as Coleman.

The discovery happened in February during a trip to Florida. After a day by the pool in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Coleman removed his water shoes and noticed something sparkling on the bottom.

“Look,” he told a friend, according to his personal website. “A gem.”

At first, he assumed it was nothing more than a piece of decorative glass — the kind of plastic “bedazzle” that turns up just about anywhere. But a visit to a Fort Lauderdale jeweler revealed a surprise: the stone was a genuine diamond, likely dating to the 1950s or 1960s and featuring what the jeweler described as an “old-fashioned cut.”

The find sparked Coleman’s imagination. He briefly considered having the stone set into a necklace for his grand-stepdaughter as a future graduation gift. Instead, he decided to share the unusual story on Facebook, posting a photo of what he jokingly called the “diamond on the sole of my shoe — thank you, Paul Simon.”

The musical reference was to Paul Simon’s 1986 hit “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” the fifth track from the landmark Graceland album. Frequently ranked among the greatest albums of all time, Graceland earned the 1987 Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

Coleman’s post quickly turned his quirky discovery into a community mystery — and then, almost immediately, into a reunion.

Within minutes, neighbors from his Chester County, PA, community began reaching out with tips. One comment read, “I think I know who the diamond belongs to.” Soon after, his phone rang. On the other end was Cindy Ware.

“Hello,” she said. “I think you have my diamond.”

Ware had lost the stone in December while exercising at the community pool. The diamond, a cherished family heirloom from her late husband’s ring, had vanished without a trace.

“A diamond in a swimming pool to be found at all is impossible,” she told NBC10 Philadelphia.

The explanation was almost as unlikely as the discovery. Coleman regularly plays water volleyball in the same pool — wearing those same water shoes.

At some point, the loose diamond settled into one of the shoe’s small circular indentations, which turned out to be uncannily close to the stone’s exact size. Protected by the snug fit, the gem remained lodged in place for months — through repeated pool use, a trip to Florida and countless steps on beach and pavement.

“I assumed I picked it up in Florida,” Coleman told NBC10. “Went down there, wore them, wore them on the beach, to the pool.”

When the diamond was finally returned, Ware could hardly believe it. Coleman, meanwhile, was simply happy to help restore a piece of family history.

“To be able to add even a little bit more happiness there,” he told NBC10 Philadelphia, “well, that’s really swell.”

Credit: Conceptual image by The Jeweler Blog, generated by aichatapp.ai.

The average price of a natural diamond engagement ring in the US climbed to $7,346 in 2025, marking a 9% increase from the previous year, according to a new industry report from the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and analytics firm Tenoris. The findings, based on more than 4 million transactions across 2,500 specialty jewelry retailers, point to a clear trend: couples are choosing larger diamonds and more expressive designs to mark their engagements.



Size played a major role in the price increase. The average center stone grew 5% to 1.16 carats, reflecting steady consumer interest in diamonds that make a stronger visual statement. In fact, the fastest growth occurred in larger categories, particularly stones weighing 1.50–1.59 carats and 2.00–2.24 carats — further evidence that many buyers are moving beyond the traditional 1-carat benchmark.

While round brilliant diamonds remain the dominant choice, accounting for 62% of engagement ring sales, the report highlights growing momentum for fancy shapes. Elongated and distinctive cuts — including marquise, cushion and other non-round styles — are gaining traction as couples look for rings that feel more personal and unique.

Celebrity influence has helped fuel this shift. High-profile engagement rings worn by stars such as Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift and Zendaya showcased elongated and vintage-inspired shapes throughout 2025, encouraging consumers to explore alternatives to classic designs. The marquise shape alone posted notable year-over-year growth, signaling continued interest in statement silhouettes.

Overall, engagement rings — including finished pieces, loose center stones and semi-mounts — represented 38% of all natural diamond jewelry sales by volume, underscoring the category’s central role in the diamond market.

Looking ahead, the NDC expects generational change to further reshape buying patterns. Gen Z consumers (born between 1997 and 2012) are projected to remain the fastest-growing segment of diamond buyers in 2026. Younger shoppers are placing greater emphasis on individuality, storytelling and self-expression, trends that align with the rise of larger stones, distinctive cuts and bespoke design details.

Another emerging shift involves male consumers. The report notes that young men are increasingly likely to make their first diamond purchase in 2026, driven in part by the growing visibility of men wearing diamonds on red carpets and at major events. Appearances by style leaders such as Timothée Chalamet and Colman Domingo at the Golden Globes have helped normalize diamonds as a fashion choice beyond traditional bridal gifting.

Credit: Image by BigStockPhoto.com.

For two dedicated diamond hunters, a winter delay turned into a once-in-a-lifetime reward when a glowing 6.03-carat canary yellow diamond emerged from a pile of frozen gravel collected at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro.



Mining partners Jack Pearadin of Nashville, AR, and Michael Schumacher of Soldiers Grove, WI, are no strangers to success at the park. Between them, the longtime friends have discovered more than 350 diamonds over the years. But nothing compared to what happened during a routine TikTok livestream on January 25.



The pair had collected buckets of diamond-bearing soil from the south end of the park in late December. Normally, they would have processed the material quickly, but a winter storm coated the region in ice, making it difficult to wash and sift the frozen concentrate.

At one point, Pearadin apologized to his partner for the delay. Schumacher’s response would later prove almost prophetic: “It’s okay, Bud, don’t worry about it — just leave that big, beautiful canary in there to grow. It’s not going anywhere.”

When the weather finally allowed Pearadin to begin processing the material, he set up a live demonstration for viewers. Using a saruca — a bowl-shaped screening tool designed to concentrate heavy materials — he flipped several batches of gravel. A “saruca pile” is the mound of heavier material left after the screen is flipped, the very place where diamonds are most likely to appear.

After his fourth flip, Pearadin began to walk away — then something caught his eye.

“Something big and yellow was just glowing,” he later recalled. At first, he assumed it was a smaller stone, but when he tried to slide a small spoon underneath it, the tool wouldn’t go deep enough. He had to dig nearly to the bottom of the pile before lifting out the gem.

“I was shaking,” he said.

Watching the discovery unfold live from Wisconsin, Schumacher immediately realized that his earlier prediction had come true.



The friends later returned the stone to park officials, who confirmed it as a 6.03-carat yellow diamond — about the size of a gumdrop. The crystal’s vivid canary color and rare hexoctahedral shape, featuring 48 natural faces, make it especially unusual. It now ranks as the fourth-largest yellow diamond and the 22nd-largest diamond of any color registered since the Crater of Diamonds became an Arkansas State Park in 1972.



Pearadin and Schumacher named their find the "Pearadin Schumacher American Dream Diamond," a nod to the 1954 doo-wop song “Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream)” and the nation’s 250th anniversary year.

Beyond its size and color, the story behind the stone highlights what makes the Crater of Diamonds so special. It is the only diamond-bearing site in the world open to the public where visitors can search — and keep whatever they find.

For Pearadin, the discovery isn’t about potential value.

“I personally was never looking for this — I just enjoy the experience,” he said. Schumacher agreed, noting that the possibility of finding something extraordinary keeps him coming back.

Credits: Images courtesy of Arkansas State Parks.

For US alpine skier Breezy Johnson, the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo delivered the kind of week most athletes — and romantics — only dream about. Just days after capturing Olympic gold in the women’s downhill, Johnson crossed another finish line that would change her life: a surprise marriage proposal and a bright blue sapphire engagement ring from boyfriend Connor Watkins.



Watkins had been planning the moment for nearly a year. On February 12, shortly after Johnson completed her run in the women’s super-G, he was waiting in the finish area. Still dressed in her Team USA gear, the gold medalist was stunned as Watkins dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him.



Johnson later described the experience as “everything I ever dreamed of,” adding that the timing felt perfect. The Olympic engagement fulfilled a wish she had shared early in their relationship — the hope of combining “the two loves of my life,” skiing and Connor.

The couple’s modern love story began in 2023 when they met on the dating app Bumble. What started with a simple brunch date grew into a partnership strong enough to weather demanding training schedules and international competition. Today, the Salt Lake City–based pair share a home — and now, an unforgettable Olympic memory.

At the center of the proposal was a custom-designed engagement ring that reflected Johnson’s personal style. Rather than choosing a traditional diamond, Watkins worked with a jeweler to create a white gold bypass-style ring featuring a vivid blue sapphire center stone accented by white sapphires.



“I’m so much more of a color person,” Johnson told vogue.com, noting that she “was not sold on the white diamond thing.” The sapphire choice also carried a personal touch. “Blue is also her color,” Watkins said.

Johnson had given Watkins full creative freedom. “I don’t want to go ring shopping,” she told him. “I want you to design it.” He completed the piece months ahead of the Games, ensuring every detail was ready for the big moment.

The presentation itself included another meaningful element. The ring was placed inside a custom wooden box engraved with a lyric from Taylor Swift’s song “The Alchemy”: “Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?” The track — known for its sports imagery and themes of love and victory — had become a favorite for the couple as their relationship deepened.

The story didn’t end there. After Johnson shared the engagement on Instagram, Swift herself commented with another lyric from the song, delighting the newly engaged athlete. Johnson later called the unexpected nod from the global superstar “so cute” and said she couldn’t believe it.

Credits: Images via Instagram / breezyjohnsonski and hashtagconnor4real.