In a romantic Christmas Day proposal, multi-millionaire entrepreneur and Dragon's Den star Steven Bartlett asked his long-term partner, wellness influencer Melanie Lopes, to marry him. The exclusive reveal, first reported by the Daily Mail, shows the couple's seven-year romance has culminated in a stunning engagement during a festive getaway to Morocco.
The Eye-Watering Value of the Ring
Now, attention has turned to the breathtaking piece of jewellery that sealed the deal. Expert analysis suggests the large oval-cut diamond engagement ring could be worth a staggering £175,000 to £200,000.
Neil Dutta, managing director at Angelic Diamonds, provided the valuation to the Daily Mail. 'Based on the visible size and setting, a ring like this would typically be valued between £175,000 and £200,000 in the UK, particularly if the diamond is natural,' he stated.
Describing the exquisite design, Dutta added: 'The engagement ring features a large oval-cut diamond that appears to be around three to four carats, set on a slim pavé band. This style of setting is often used with stones of this size because it keeps the focus on the diamond.' He noted that the oval cut is a classic, flattering choice.
A Proposal Four Years in the Making
The 33-year-old Diary of a CEO podcaster admitted the proposal was the result of meticulous, long-term planning. Steven revealed he had been secretly noting Melanie's ring preferences for nearly four years, after observing her browsing styles with a friend and checking her Pinterest saves.
'I've had this folder in my phone for like three or four years of the ones she said she liked,' Steven explained on Maggie Sellers Reum's Hot Smart Rich podcast. The ring was eventually crafted by a trusted jeweller in New York.
Melanie, a French-Portuguese yoga entrepreneur, shared the first glimpse of her sparkler on her Instagram Stories this week, simply captioning it 'Mon amour.' She was reportedly delighted to say 'yes' when Steven popped the question on December 25th.
A Love Story Forged on Instagram
The couple first connected on Instagram in 2016. Despite both having significant social media profiles, they have consciously kept their relationship largely private. Their journey hasn't been without a hiatus; they briefly split after a year of dating as Steven focused on building his business empire, now estimated to be worth £320 million.
Realising his mistake, Steven famously flew 22 hours to Bali, where Melanie runs a breathwork and yoga retreat, to win her back. Their relationship has grown stronger ever since, with the couple living together in both London and Los Angeles.
Speaking about his fiancée, Steven said: 'She knows me better than anybody... In many respects, she's like everything that I'm not. She's like an angel that fell from the sky.' He credits Melanie with helping him anchor his life and looks forward to building a family.
Sources close to the pair confirm they are now happily planning their wedding, marking the next chapter for one of the UK's most talked-about entrepreneurial couples.
