Whoa! I leave for two days and come back to find this. lol -- thanks for your responses, everyone.
Steve, that's actually a great idea -- I didn't even consider that. One disadvantage is that I think she'd find it odd to get gloves in the middle of summer, but at the same time it's obscure enough to fit my personality. lol
Bill, it's funny that you mention that, because that idea popped into my mind when I was at the place I'm having make the ring, and the owner said he'd seen something like that and would search around. He said he's not sure he'll be able to get one by the time I'm trying to propose, but he'd keep an eye out for one.
Jessf has actually offered to make me a box and I gladly accepted. Jessf, thank you again for your offer. I'm excited to see what you come up with!
JC, I have a similar outlook on the whole thing. I believe the whole thing isn't even about the ring itself, but about everything leading up to the ring, including the presentation. I've made this a special project from its conception -- custom ring with a unique design and uncommon stones, proposal ideas, etc. I think you and someone else had mentioned that it's not even the ring itself that matters, but what it stands for; and I totally agree. But I do think that a ring, especially a unique one, can lead someone back to that memory that "one special day," and even beyond that to the memory of what experiences lead to the proposal and whatnot. (This is sounding cornier and cornier as I go, I know. lol). As far as the pre-nup goes, I don't think it'll be necessary. I understand everyone has had their good and bad experiences with marriage, but I don't foresee (of course, this is probably what many have said before me) any problems whatsoever.
Mcpesq, that's how I feel about it, too. In fact, the place I'm having make the ring has cut the cost of the ring in half from what the original jeweler was going to charge for its creation; and they're using better metal and stones. Thank you for your contratulations
Yenling, I appreciate the offer! If I hadn't already contracted someone to make the ring, I would take you up on it. The guy I went to was a gemologist as well and that stuff is absolutely fascinating! He totally convinced me that the whole "mining for yourself" idea is a farce, and that to get a truly good stone, you have to spend a LOT of time and effort researching the areas you mine from and whatnot. Pretty interesting stuff...but anyway, thank you for letting me know. Perhaps I can contact you when I'm looking for other jewelry
Rockm, I agree. I also think a ring is just a ring and a box is just a box, and it's "the love that counts." However -- and even though I'm trying to "zen it out" and "live in the now" -- I think that the ring can still serve as a reminder -- something to bring back those memories of when we were first together, and the proposal, and all that stuff. As far as cost goes, Jessf has offered to make me a box for free! Nonetheless, you speak from experience and I really do appreciate your insight, and perhaps I'll feel the same way you do when I get that far along. I still do want to make this special in hopes that she will remember one day when I or she thought she wouldn't, and it might make her smile. And no, she's in no way a material person caught up on silly stuff like that. This is just me trying to make it special. lol
Klytus, jade would probably make a beautiful box. I have no clue how to find someone who works with it, is the only thing. Yes, Bill's idea of the geode sounded great, too, but I think I'm going to go with Jessf's box. He's made an offer I couldn't refuse (insert Don Corleone picture here), and I'm excited to see what they create.
Thanks again for all your input. Again, I didn't expect this to get so many responses! Sorry if my personal responses are scatter-brained or short, and I haven't scanned for any typoes or grammatical errors.
