Prior to Doug proposing, we didn’t talk much about rings. I was never one to glance through bridal magazines or cut out images of rings that I liked. To be honest, I didn’t really know what I wanted. I’d always looked at it from the view point of enjoying the surprise of having him pick out the ring on his own.
However, 7 years of dating is a long time, and throughout the years I unknowingly dropped hints of my ideal ring along the way. (We put this all together in hindsight, of course) For example, when faced with gold vs. silver, I almost always pick gold. I love the timeless elegance of the metal and also feel that it compliments my skin tone better than other metals.
Another hint that I dropped was when a friend of ours got engaged and we both noticed her ring was filled with tens of different gems throughout, in a unique design in the center. As much as I adore diamonds, I loved how unique her ring was, and apparently told Doug countless times that I’d like something different too. (Subtleness has never been my strong suit)
So, when it came time for him to pick out my ring, he had a pretty good idea of what I wanted and he took it from there. The end result is, in my opinion, perfect.
It’s made of 14 carat gold, in which all the gold is recycled, with a satin finish to give it a vintage look. Diamonds line either side of the middle gem, getting smaller as they approach the center. The middle stone is moissanite, a rare gem literally born from a star (refer to history lesson below), and it’s absolutely breathtaking.
I’d never heard of this gem before, so for those who are in my boat, here’s a quick history lesson. Moissanite was discovered in a crater created by a meteorite that hit earth 50,000 years ago. It was named “moissanite” by Tiffany & Co. gem expert George Kunz, after its discoverer Dr. Henri Moissan. The gem itself has been called the “World’s most brilliant gem” as it naturally sparkles more than any gemstone and is the 2nd hardest on earth, which is perfect for those who are accident prone like me.
Beyond how rare, beautiful and durable the stone is, there’s another aspect that further enhances it. A lot of diamonds come from conflict zones, but moissanite is known among more “earthy” jewelers as being the preferred gem because it’s conflict free and ethically produced. I love that Doug thought about this while shopping and even went with a local Etsy jeweler to make the ring.
This website has a good overview on the gem if you want to learn more.
So there you have it! A little history lesson and perhaps a fun introduction to a new gem that is stunning. I love how unique it is and all the thought that Doug put into it. It’s perfectly me…perfectly us…in every way.
The past few days have pretty much gone something like this….Talk talk talk, SPARKLY RING OhMyGod….Type type type, SPARKLY RING OhMyGod….Eat food, chomp chomp, SPARKLY RING OhMyGod….you get the picture. 😉
Psst — Just in case you missed it — here’s our engagement story.
Care to dance? Follow my lead.
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26 comments
so pretty — i didn’t know that about the middle gem! I THINK YOU’RE A STAR!! 🙂 xx
He did such an amazing job! Your ring is GORGEOUS!!
Love this! I don’t understand how some guys can just buy a ring for their girlfriend without taking into consideration what they want! You have to make a trip together to just “look” or give subtle hints (specifically your size and gold/silver preference). Sounds like yours played out perfectly! 🙂
It’s beautiful!! Good job, Doug!!!
I read your story yesterday!!!! (I was on my phone, which doesn’t allow me to comment…) And Congratulations!!!!!!!!! The ring is absolutely stunning! Such a beautiful stone 🙂
It is absolutely stunning! Congratulations again!
Now that is a beautiful ring 🙂
Nicole
http://www.eleganceandclutter.blogspot.com
It’s gorgeous! And such a story behind it. Congratulations again!
Alyssa
ruffleandcurl.com
so cool! what a great rock and awesome story! congratulations!!!! xoxo
It’s absolutely gorgeous!! What an amazing story and that is an absolutely timeless piece that’s absolutely stunning!
I love it Emily! Doug did perfect! ps: the whole “SPARKLY RING!” thing never really wears off – or at least it hasn’t in the 3 months I’ve been engaged 🙂
SOOOO beautiful! And I love all the thought that went into it!
It’s gorgeous! Congrats!
Jill
Classy with a Kick
So so pretty!! Congrats lady – yall are the cutest!!
That ring is so gorgeous. Congratulations on your engagement!
star-crossed smile
I’ve been so excited to read about this ring! I love hearing about engagement rings that are non-diamond and unique. My bf of about 6 years is a geologist so maybe I should casually ask him what he thinks about moissanite… 😉
xox
Bailey
http://akabailey.blogspot.com
I am STILL so excited for you and I loved re-hearing about your proposal and ring on here 🙂 Hope you’re havng the best week in Michigan!
Oh what an amazing, super dreamy post!! Amazing how much thought and detail he put into that stunning ring (which by the way, I too think it’s absolutely perfect). Really loved its history, I am speechless right now and so happy for you guys! <333 Hugs and all the best!!
Liana x
Dress Code Chic
Such a beautiful ring! Love it!
xoxo, Aman | coffee chic | twitter
You ring is PERFECT and I love the story behind it. So sweet!
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS, Emily! Way to go, Doug 🙂
ArteresaLynn.com
Such a stunning ring x
Gorgeous ring!!!!!!
http://www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
http://www.daisyraeboutique.com
it looks great on you!
xoxo navy & orange
yayyyy sparkly ring!! loved hearing all the details and how it’s exactly what you wanted!! 🙂
It’s so gorgeous! Subtle hints are a MUST. You only get to do it once, so you have to make it right 😉