Swarna : “Chinese Man Proposes with Cement Ring”

During childhood, many of us may have crafted makeshift rings out of colourful paper or chocolate wrappers. However, a man from China took this concept to a whole new level by creating a ring using concrete instead of the more traditional metal or stone bases. This unique choice of material set his creation apart from the rest, showcasing his innovative approach to jewellery design.

Man’s Concrete Ring Featured at the Olympics

Yao Guoyou, a 36-year-old alumnus of Tsinghua University in China, embarked on a mission to create a ring with superior waterproofing qualities and longevity. This led him to experiment with concrete as a viable material for his design. His unconventional choice garnered attention and even made its way to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics arena, where his concrete ring was showcased.

Proposal with an Unconventional Twist

Yao’s creativity extended beyond professional projects as he decided to incorporate his concrete ring into a personal milestone – proposing to his girlfriend. A video circulating on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, captured the moment when Yao presented the cement ring to his partner. While some praised his unique gesture, others criticised him for not opting for a more traditional gold or diamond ring.

A Symbol of Everlasting Love

Despite the initial backlash, Yao’s girlfriend accepted his proposal with the concrete ring. The engagement took place during the Tsinghua Qihang Scholarship Gold Award ceremony in 2016, solidifying their bond with a symbol that Yao believed represented enduring love. “The ring signifies that our love will endure for at least a century without corrosion or deterioration,” Yao explained in interviews.