Beyoutiful Beginnings

“Can I see that one please?” I asked the saleswoman.

The well dressed jeweler though polite looked at me sympathetically. She looked at me as though I reeked. I reeked with the scent of hopes, dreams, and all things happy. All things unrealistic.

My thoughts could not have been more contrary. Though my boyfriend and I had only been together for just over a month, I knew. I didn’t know if he knew, but I knew. Or at least I hoped.

This explains the look.

I continued in confidence because as certain as I felt about me and my boyfriend’s future was just as certain as I felt about this ring. He suited me. It suited me.

For the record, I love Helzberg Diamonds. ­(And no, I am not getting compensated for saying that.)

Here is the ring that caught my eye.

Just enough sparkle. Just enough trendy. Just enough artistry. After trying it on, I left the mall as if floating on a cloud. At the time the ring was priced at $999. On one end of the spectrum it sounded like a ton of money, but on the other side it didn’t quite sound like enough. Yup. I said it. For a split second I thought, “…but isn’t it supposed to cost more?” Though not rich, I knew that two months of my boyfriend’s salary was in the thousands not a thousand. What would people think?

“Who cares?”

Now THAT sounded more like me. The truth is that this “rule” about the engagement ring having to cost two month’s salary is a product of the industry. It was invented to sell more diamonds. Surprised? Of course not. Another truth is that diamonds did not even become a stable of engagement rings until 1930. It does not mean that diamonds are evil and so are all things expensive. It simply means that you have choices. Believe me. YOU HAVE OPTIONS. If you know your boyfriend’s budget is limited, be sensible. Don’t be less you. Simply research until you find it. (or let me do the leg work for you)

Don’t let a big paycheck dictate your ring either.  Bigger isn’t always better. Look for rings that suit your look and your lifestyle.  

I couldn’t see the future. I couldn’t see the couple more years of long distance dating that I would have with my wonderful boyfriend. I couldn’t see the perfectly simple yet ridiculously thoughtful and romantic proposal that this man would one day plan. I almost flipped when I saw that little burgundy box. Yes, I would become his Mrs., and he would become my Mr. The ring pictured above is currently sitting on my finger as I type. I only wish I could go back to that same saleswoman and simply wave to her; with my left hand of course. ;)

*I did however write a review of the ring on the Helzberg website. It was written the day  after the proposal (November 8, 2009), and it is painfully obvious how excited I was about being engaged to the man of my dreams. It's pretty cute. You can read it here.

What's your engagement ring story? Did you choose it? Was it chosen for you? Was it an heirloom gift? I would love to hear all about it. Please comment and share.