Everyone I know is either having a baby or getting married. I never had the traditional proposal, it was more like "let's get married", so I'm at a loss for good advice on that subject. Rings? I had three sets. The first one my aunt lent me when I got married, then an upgrade a few years later, and finally a new set that was supposed to symbolize ten years of commitment. Even then I initiated the buy, selected and purchased them on my good credit, so I'm partial to being part of the process. If this is a little Carrie Bradshaw-ish, please forgive me. Wayne and I (well, Wayne through default) have been on a Sex and the City DVD marathon. Lately my tone has been slightly influenced by it and I make no apologies (high fives from Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte!) The subject of proposals and rings has come up more than once this week, sparking some very interesting perspectives. My friends have very differing opinions. Names will be altered to protect the innocent.Every little girl dreams of the day a man gets on one knee holding that little box with the perfect ring in it, but when it comes to engagement rings have we given in to the hype of the wedding industry? Are the four C's really more important than love?
I had lunch with Holden who is planning to purchase the perfect ring for his unsuspecting girlfriend. He's going to Tiffany & Co. on his own. He believes that her ring should be something that comes from his heart and that whatever it is, she should cherish it because he sought it out especially for her. He's a hopeless romantic in the best sense of the word and I know he'll obsess about it so much it will be just gorgeous. I think what matters is that he loves her so much he is actually making every effort to find the perfect ring that exudes that love.
Celeste just got her wedding set upgraded. Her husband surprised her with it during a recent road trip. It is stunning, to be sure. She chose her ring with her then Fiancé. She believes that a wedding ring should be something tailored to a woman's taste and that it should be something that reflects her style. It should also be something so beautiful to her that each time she puts it on, she can't take her eyes off of it.
We sat a recent bride Angelique, who would prefer to design her own set rather than buy one from a retailer. To men, it would be the equivalent choice between getting a brand new Corvette or building the car of your dreams with everything you need at your disposal. I'm not really the one to be qualifying this issue, but I do think they are all correct. Wherever it comes from and whatever it looks like, a wedding ring should symbolize your love. If it is carefully chosen with the woman in mind, her preferences, her style, her unique personality then it will be treasured. 
I know a couple who decided they wanted faux turtle shell wedding bands and they were gorgeous. My friend Piper has a diamond so huge it blinds me. The important thing is that they are a refection of love. I have a good 16 years of experience over all these guys, so my opinions have been tempered by time and life. The only thing that really matters to me is that the man should love the woman and the woman the man. The search for the ring should be something both partners will remember, symbolic of the efforts they make to build a life together. There are no mistakes in buying a ring that I can think of except never take it off after and for Pete's sake don't get a tattoo ring unless your word is as good as the ink on your finger. Good luck Holden, here are some great tips from Blue Nile for your hunt. Congratulations Angelique. Celeste, your ring sparkles so does your future.
