Steven Bartlett’s Romantic Proposal: A £200K Oval-Cut Diamond Ring for Fiancée Melanie Lopes
British entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, best known as the host of the popular podcast The Diary of a CEO and a star on Dragons’ Den, has announced his engagement to longtime partner Melanie Lopes. The couple, both 33, got engaged on Christmas Day 2025 during a romantic getaway in Morocco, marking a joyful milestone in their seven-year relationship.
The news first broke in early January 2026, with sources close to the pair confirming that Steven proposed with a stunning diamond engagement ring. Melanie, a French-Portuguese wellness influencer and yoga entrepreneur who runs a breathwork and yoga retreat, shared the first public glimpse of the ring on her Instagram Stories on January 7, 2026. In a sweet photo of their intertwined hands, she captioned the post “Mon amour” (French for “my love”) accompanied by a white heart emoji. The ring features a large oval-cut diamond set on a diamond-encrusted band, described in reports as impressive and staggering in value, with some estimates linking it to around £200,000 given Steven’s reported net worth of approximately £320 million.
What makes the proposal particularly touching is the level of thought and preparation Steven invested. He revealed on the Hot Smart Rich podcast with Maggie Sellers Reum that he began planning the ring about four years earlier. While Melanie was discussing engagement ring preferences with a friend, Steven discreetly noted her favorites and saved images from her Pinterest board in a hidden folder on his phone. When the moment arrived, he collaborated with a trusted jeweler in New York—recommended by close friends—to craft the perfect design, ensuring it aligned with her taste and even complemented her envisioned stacked wedding band.
The couple’s love story has its share of heartfelt twists. They first connected on Instagram in 2016 and dated for about a year before briefly parting ways as Steven focused on expanding his business empire, including his social media marketing agency, The Social Chain. Realizing he couldn’t imagine life without her, Steven made a grand gesture by flying 22 hours to Bali—where Melanie was then based—to win her back. Since reuniting, their relationship has flourished, with the pair living together in both London and Los Angeles while balancing demanding careers.
Steven has spoken warmly of Melanie, describing her as “like an angel that fell from the sky” and someone who “knows me better than anybody.” He has expressed his excitement about their future, including starting a family together. A spokesperson for the couple shared that they are “naturally, both very, very happy” and looking forward to wedding planning.
The engagement has been met with widespread congratulations, highlighting a beautiful blend of romance, patience, and personal attention to detail. As one of the UK’s most successful young entrepreneurs celebrates this new chapter, it serves as a reminder that even in high-profile lives, the most meaningful moments often come from years of quiet devotion. Congratulations to Steven and Melanie on their engagement! 💍
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