the Ring

So before any of you get worried, the title to this post has nothing to do with the thriller movie of the same name. (it is the eve of Halloween after all) No, in keeping with the spirit of my theme, this post will involve my search for a diamond solitaire engagement ring. (not to be confused with Gollum or anything "preshuuuusss" either)

Earlier this summer when I began to feel the way I continue to now, I considered buying a ring via the internet. I ultimately did not feel comfortable about this transaction as I would only see the ring once it was mailed to me (even though the maker was only a few hours away by car). The person did have a great site to their credit and I did learn a lot as I looked at the inventory and custom rings that he sold. If you are interested in this style of transaction, their site was found at herdreamdiamond.com. A great place to do research if you are chicken like me and still don't purchase.

About a week ago I travelled to one of the local malls where several jewelry shops are located. I was not too surprised about prices as I had a clear idea from the investigating I had done on-line. I may have found a ring in one of these shops and it meets my only criteria. It must be a Canadian diamond. I like to buy Canadian wherever possible. I love my country. I stopped buying Roots apparel years ago when I saw they had outsourced some of their products. Now I'm sure they are all made overseas.

In the mall, there was one other jewelry store I visited that I wish I hadn't. Even though I told them I was still shopping around, the salesperson became rude when he saw he would not make a sale. Should I return, I asked him to write information about the ring on the back of a business card. He would not do it. Only when I asked him for the pen so that I could write the information down did he comply. What he wrote was nearly illegible. This salesman did not understand simple tact. Buying a ring for someone is a big step. It's not a good strategy to make someone feel uncomfortable while doing it. Besides, they had their logo embossed on the inside of the band so large that it looked gaudy. Thanks, but no thanks PEOPLE'S Jeweler's. The other stores I have seen so far have their logo and identification printed on by laser (only for identification purposes), and it is so small it is practically non-existent. That's more like it. The two stores that will likely be one of my choices is W.K. Chan or Birks. One is a locally owned business and the other has a storied history. Both have beautiful rings. I will likely go back to W.K. Chan as in fairness to this process, my mental spending limit was less when I visited there. I would like to see what they have in the price range I am now comfortable spending.

I never believed in the nonsense I heard years ago, 'a man should spend two months salary on an engagement ring'. You think it might be a jeweler who invented this idea? I dislike that a guy has to feel compelled to spend a prescribed amount of money on a ring to convey his emotions for the woman he loves. The idea that should carry the most weight is maybe making sure that this is the right person to make this commitment to. Sounds old-fashioned? Well, a large part of me is that particular way. I digress. I've found a ring that will honour her and something she will hopefully like. I'm probably over budget, but this will be the only ring I will ever purchase. I've been waiting for this moment my whole life. Everything feels right.