My mom was married back in 1963. She and my dad spent countless weekends camping, but that didn’t bode so well for her wedding ring. Within the first year of marriage, her ring somehow was lost at a campsite. (I completely think some squirrel picked up the sparkler and hauled it back to his home in a hollow tree where it still lives today, but that’s just my theory.) At any rate, mom lived the next 25 years with just her wedding band…no diamond.
Then one night in Carmel, dad surprised her with a new diamond ring for their 25th wedding anniversary. He had spent SO much time and effort researching just the right stone for the ring. To say she was surprised was an understatement. I remember her calling me on the phone, and she was so in shock she could barely speak!! Originally it was set in a traditional prong setting, but years later, she had it reset into this platinum design.
You may remember reading about Atelier Gigi a while back, and I knew she was the woman for the job. The first step was sending the diamond down to the GIA to have it appraised. Gigi then gathered photos of various ring designs. She wanted to find out what attributes my brother liked, and what he didn’t like. Using this information, she started sketching. She came up with a few options, but my brother and I both fell in love with this one.
A few weeks later, the ring was ready. Mom and I went up to the city to pick it up. It turned out even better than I could have imagined! Here are a couple photos Gigi took with her iPhone….
Mom transported the ring up to my brother’s house, and he had to hide it for a whole week. I can envision him opening the box that week and peering into its depths; I know he could barely wait for the proposal to take place.
Fast forward a week, and my brother and his soon-to-be bride were off to Tahoe for a surprise over-nighter. I must say, she was NOT expecting to be proposed to on the gondola in Heavenly…but she said, “YES!!”
Just writing this story brings tears to my eyes. My family is extremely blessed to have Tricia and her son in our lives. I wish her, my brother and their three children a lifetime filled with love, happiness and adventure. Can’t wait for the wedding!! xoxo
I’m so grateful that the diamond has found a new setting and a new home!!! I couldn’t be happier as would Ron!!! We are all blessed!!
That’s for darn sure, mom!!
Your story is beautiful – as are both versions of the ring (your mom’s and the reset engagement ring). I hope it brings many years of joy and happiness to your brother, his bride, and your family.
Thanks, Deb! I’m so happy for our family!!
How exciting and what a beautiful ring and story to go with it!
Thanks, Michelle!!!
That ring is absolutely stunning! It has such a cool story behind it! Thanks for sharing the process with us!!! 🙂
Thanks for reading and enjoying the story, Virginia!
Wow, what a stunner!
Agreed, Bess! 🙂
Even though I already knew this story, seeing it all in writing with the photos make me so happy again for you all!
Aww…thanks, Jen! xo
Wow, I lovelovelove the ring. My wedding ring has a yellow diamond in the center and white trillions on the side-so it’s very similar. But maybe not so large! It was made by the late Glenda Queen.
I like to say that it makes it’s own weather. BUT it must be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks! The future bride should be warned!
Thanks for the cleaning recommendation, Sugar!! She hasn’t taken it off since the proposal, but I told her at some point she’d have to for cleaning. 😉
I am so honored to have made this custom ring for your brother and sister-in-law, and the collaboration between you, your brother, and your Mom was so much fun to be part of. Even better, I’m working on the wedding bands for this lovely couple, and I get to add all of the excitement and love that they share into the mix. It truly is a joy!
You did an amazing job, Gigi. The ring is spectacular!! Thanks for all your hard work. 🙂
Amy this is a FANTASTIC story – filled with great suspense as one pages down and a spectacularly brilliant ending in every way. SO HAPPY for all of you. Time heals…and brings wonderful things. Congrats to you and your family and love that ring! 🙂 xo
Thanks so much, Michelle! xoxo
The ring is breathtaking. The story is beautiful. So happy for everyone. Love you guys!!!
The ring takes my breath away too, Megan! Love to you and Mark!!
Great story! I often wonder where my diamond engagement ring will go in the future . . . Not that I’m going to release it any time soon!
Jewelry does turn into history as it’s passed down, sold, etc. I love to think about where my antique pieces came from — who wore them??