Kalani Hilliker, who impressed us with her grace and athleticism during her four seasons on Dance Moms, recently shared the story behind her brand new oval-cut diamond ring. The 23-year-old announced her engagement and showed off the ring in a series of Instagram pics taken in picturesque Lake Como, Italy.
Hilliker dished to people.com how she started the ring-shopping process determined to come away with an elongated cushion-cut diamond, but as she tried on different styles, she and her now-fiancé, Nathan Goldman, started leaning in a different direction.
She told people.com that her plans "completely flipped" after three visits to her jeweler.
Goldman explained, “The oval just looked much better on her hand, and with something like a ring she will wear forever, I thought it was important to make it perfect."
Hilliker was also indecisive about the metal type, so Goldman took the lead on that decision.
"I always loved the gold because of its contrast with the diamond," he said, adding, "I also added in the hidden halo on the band because I knew she loved that.”
Goldman reported that the diamond weighs 6.82 carats and carries a clarity grade of VS2. The band is fabricated in 18-karat gold.
Hilliker said that she will always cherish the experience of seeking out the perfect ring with her fiancé.
“It was also such a fun memory for us we will always love," she told people.com.
Lake Como provided the stunning background to Goldman's romantic proposal.
“I wanted to make the proposal beautiful and I knew she loved white flowers prior to doing so," he told people.com. "I was a little worried on how I would achieve it, but luckily some of Kalani’s friends are wedding planners and they helped me out."
“The set-up was more than I ever could have imagined and I couldn’t believe he pulled this off in Italy," commented Hilliker. "He is a true romantic and wanted to make sure it was so special for me and that is what he did. It was also special because friends of mine were able to be a part of this special moment.”
Hilliker joined Lifetime's Dance Moms during Season 4 in 2014 and left the show during Season 7. Just this past May, she appeared in Dance Moms: The Reunion. She is currently a dance teacher, mental health advocate and social media influencer.
Credits: Images via Instagram / kalanihilliker, Instagram / kalanihilliker and brilliantearth.