They Liked It So Much, They Put a Ring On It.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Back when my husband and I got engaged, we were what I refer to as "grad school poor." We could pay our bills (thanks to student loans), basic life necessities, and with a side job we could also afford some travel. There was little left over at the end of each month for any kind of luxury items, and when we began talking about getting married, it was clear that we would be doing so without the customary sparkly diamond ring. My husband sniffed around a bit, hoping that a family heirloom would suddenly appear from thin air, and after a while I offered up a basic band that had been my great-grandmother's. I had been wearing the ring for years, but it took on a new meaning when my husband moved it to my ring finger the night he proposed. We always said I'd have a "rain check" on the ring of my dreams, and over the years my taste changed so much that I was more than happy to wait until an occasion arose that warranted such a memorable gift. Sometime during my pregnancy, we decided that the birth of our second child would be a perfect time to find the perfect ring.

I knew early on that I didn't want a solitaire. Mostly for practical reasons, but also because on my too short and too stubby hands it would take one big rock to look right. I had always loved these Tiffany Legacy bands, and when we found out that we would be having another baby boy, I finally knew what kind of ring I wanted. Actually, it was more like three rings... one for each of my boys. Or, as I like to say, "they liked it so much, they put a ring on it."



The two sapphire bands have each of the boy's birthday's engraved on them, and on the diamond, my anniversary. I wear them on my ring finger and every time I look at them I am reminded of not just my commitment to my husband, but also to the family that we created together. Looking back, I am glad that we waited as long as we did. When you get engaged, you never really know what you are getting into. Now, some 9 years later, I know exactly what I signed up for, and to each of my boys I give an enthusiastic "I DO!"

Contrary to popular belief (my sister's) I did not choose them based on my obsession with nautical stripes  (I need a program) but the navy and white stripes are one just happy coincidence. :)

12 comments :

Taylor M. Hauff said...

gorgeous!! did you get them from gemvara? i am totally obsessed with their site. local start up that is revolutionizing me-commerce!!!

Robin M Anderson said...

I actually got them from Tiffany's.. they are the legacy Bands, but I'll have to check out that site!!!!! Love the me-commerce!!! xx

Grace in TN said...

They are beautiful! Love this post. It's such a sweet reminder that all good things come to those who wait :).

Anonymous said...

wow, you are more into labels that I thought. What a complete waste of $10,250 so you can tell people that your rings are from Tiffany. You do realize that you can get the EXACT same ring at a million other places for a fraction of the price. What a complete waste of money for probably one of the most common looking rings around.

Robin M Anderson said...

Actually anon, the reason I got them from tiffanys is because we were able to get them guaranteed conflict free an two other jewelers that I went to were not able to do so for any cheaper. I also think the antique style edging is difficult to replicate. I couldn't be happier with them!

Anonymous said...

There is NO such thing as a guaranteed conflict diamond. Once it goes into the open market there is NO way to actual track its origin. The only guarantee is to obtain an ACTUAL antique diamond.

Robin M Anderson said...

Unless the vendor can show that they purchase their diamonds from Canada. Over 85 percent of Tiffany's product is purchased from there. Hence the mark up along with the fact that the name carries more value for re-sale. (not that we would ever sell these, they will be passed down to the wives/ daughters of the boys.) I appreciate that you are so concerned about where we get put jewelry from.

Rob and Amber said...

I think it's GORGEOUS and I love the sentimental meaning and story attached to it! What a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Mama J said...

so beautiful. i love the look. and don't understand snarky anon posts about such a beautiful and sentimental gift! the blogosphere is a strange place.

Shari said...

The rings are gorgeous! Wear them well! :)

Mira said...

Wow! That is stunning. Well worth waiting for. And such beautiful pictures. You will treasure that ring more and more over the years as your boys grow up, go to school, move out of home, etc. You will always have the close to you and will be reminded of them repeatedly throughout the day, every day. A very special gift.

Unknown said...

I literally could have written the first half of this post myself. My husband and I were both in grad school when we got engaged. I adore my engagement ring, but it's nothing too flashy and all we could afford. He promised to "upgrade me" one day when I'm done med school and we actually have an income.