Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Love At A Bargain




I stood in front of a case of diamond engagement rings and watched Terry, Ethan and James walk out of the jewelry store into the crowded mall. “Are you doing this alone?” asked the salesman. “Yeah,” I laughed ruefully.
I was here to buy another engagement ring because I lost mine four years ago. I still remember the morning: I put my ring in my pocket to get sunscreen on Ethan before we went to a play date. I forgot to put it back on in the chaotic rush of trying to get a toddler out the door. When I finally remembered, it was gone.
I’ve always felt horrible about losing the ring. Terry planned to replace it and present it to me with romantic flourish. Nothing as extravagant as that jewelry commercial in which a couple is vacationing in Venice and the husband surprises the wife with some massive diamond ring in St. Mark’s Square. Lots of kissing and hugging ensue.
No, springing it at me at some cozy restaurant dinner—no cooking/no kids—would have been just fine.
But the years passed, and that particular romantic dinner didn’t happen because we didn’t have the money to replace the ring. Then last weekend my sister told me about a jewelry store that is going out of business. Bargains were to be had.
Shopping a fire sale with two kids in tow isn’t exactly romantic, but I guess middle age makes you practical. While Terry entertained Ethan and James at the mall, I checked out the rings. I still wasn’t sure I was going to get one. Even at a discount, diamond rings are expensive, and we have a long list of items we should spend money on. I don’t need a ring as proof of our love for each other.
But never underestimate the power of bling. Within a few minutes of trying on some rings, I fell in love:

When we got to the car, Terry took the ring from me and slipped it on my finger. I got the same thrill that I did the first time he slipped a ring on my finger that fateful Valentine's Day 16 years ago.

14 comments:

MaryAnn Ashley said...

So sweet... it's beautiful. What a happy ending:)

~ April ~ EnchantedDandelions said...

I'm not big on jewelry, but that's a gorgeous ring! I'm glad you were able to find something at a bargain!

P.S. Thanks for the comment. I'm going to add you to my bloglines!

Shadow said...

beautiful ring. even more so that thrill you got, 16 years later...

hokgardner said...

It's beautiful! Enjoy wearingit.

Stat Mama said...

Beautiful ring!

Funny how real life is never anything like the commercials, isn't it?

the mama bird diaries said...

How romantic. Love the ring. Beautiful. And it will keep its value. And that's a lot in this economy.

Kathleen said...

Congratulations, beautiful ring. there is no worse feeling. I am glad you finally got that replacement.

Korie said...

Dangit, you should've bought me one too. We can't afford an engagement ring right now either :(

Cookie said...

That is so sweet. My husband lost his wedding ring within months after we were married. I bought him a new one for our first anniversary. but wedding bands are much cheaper than a diamond engagement ring!

Kathleen W. said...

I'm glad your ring came back to you, in a way. I loved reading that post, and your ring is beautiful. I love its simplicity.

Tiffany said...

The ring is very pretty! Good to hear you finally got something for yourself - that is so hard to do as a mom with so many other things you want or need for the family.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes you just flat-out need the bling. That is a beautiful ring! congrats. :)

suzannah | the smitten word said...

stunning!

Wayfaring Wanderer said...

What a sweet story.....I love the square shape! You certainly deserve a ring as sparkling as your lovely personality. Sorry, I haven't been around much, but you are very much in my thoughts.....