British Jewellers' Association

• Submitted By: Kate Silvester
• Release Date: 7th December 2011
• RRP: £150
• Product Name: "Take the Leap" Ring
• Telephone for Consumer Stockists: www.dowerandhall.com

Known for their effortlessly modern style and romantic flair, British jewellers Dower & Hall are excited to launch their new ‘Take the Leap’ proposal ring…but with a twist!

The ring has been exclusively created for next year’s leap year, where on the 29th of February women can turn social customs upside down and ask for their man’s hand in marriage.

As the story goes, the tradition of women romantically pursuing men in leap years began in 5th century Ireland, when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for men to propose. Patrick finally relented and set the 29th of February as the day for allowing women the right to propose.

The tradition then continued in Scotland, when Queen Margaret declared in 1288 that on 29th February a woman had the right to propose to any man she fancied. Men who refused were faced with a fine in the form of a kiss, a silk dress, or a pair of gloves given to the rejected lady!

So time to feel liberated this February! Take the leap and pop the question with Dower & Hall’s new ring design - a weighty silver band featuring a sculpted twist, which is engraved inside with those two life changing words Marry Me along with the date the leap year falls on 29.02.12 (which will not only catch him by surprise!) but will symbolized the promise of a wonderful future together.

The £150 cost of the ring is redeemable against his wedding band too. Choose from the precious house collection, a commissioned by bespoke design or have the original 'Take the Leap' twist ring made in either 18ct yellow/white gold or platinum. He gets to keep his Marry Me ring too, wear it until the big day, then once it is replaced it can be worn on a necklace or worn on the other hand, whichever way - it’s the perfect keepsake.

Available from January 2012