Thank you so much for the kind, thoughtful, and heartfelt responses. It means a lot that you let me share this special event with you.
I'm glad to hear you guys like the setting and proportions! I do think it turned out very well. Tom Tivol made the ring as well; no stock settings or castings. The whole experience with him was a delight. He is knowledgeable, passionate about his work, and wonderfully articulate.
Niel, about the waterproof makeup, I asked her what she was thinking later. She said at first she wondered about a water park. Then after the proposal she said as the evening got more special, she thought, "He thinks I might cry. Maybe he's getting me a tennis bracelet?" She said the engagement ring hadn't occurred to her!
Acinom, thank you for your thoughts on the ring being a symbol of what lies ahead. Funny bit about that: when we were meeting with Tom Tivol, I knew a three-stone was for her; when Mr. Tivol explained how some think of a three-stone ring as representing "past, present, and future," her eyes welled with tears. So I knew that was it!
KristinTech, I like your comment about the four-prong settings giving it a slightly square look. I think it's tastefully done and really gives the ring some presence.
pandabee, it was close a time or two in there. I actually had a mini playlist set up on my phone to play right before the proposal. On the drive there in the morning, she said she wanted to listen to the music. It's connected by Bluetooth to the car. One of the songs meant for later that night started playing. Ack! I managed to switch the input quickly, but it was a close one there!
diamondseeker2006, thanks for your reply! I made sure to keep in mind that this ring was for her. It needed to match her tastes and style. Even if she hadn't had a diamond ring before, I figure she'd know what she liked when she saw it, or not! So when she said, "It's so me," it made me very happy.
Coralfish, such wonderful words. Thank you! It really did turn out well and we're both very pleased. I keep catching her looking at it. It's eye-catchability (it's a word now, hah!) is just exquisite.
Lorelei, thank you so much for the kind remarks! I enjoy everyone's thoughts here and that you quite like it pleases me. Thanks! And yes, wedding bands are next. I'm thinking rose gold for mine. The wheels are turning.
luvdajules, thank you for reading the whole adventure! I was considering where and how to post this, whether just the ring details in SMTB or just the proposal stuff in that section. But it's all part of the context so you guys get the whole story!
To everyone else, thank you so much. You're all gracious and thoughtful and it makes me very happy to read your remarks in this lovely afterglow of the proposal.
More photos are below! Unfortunately it's been dreary and overcast these past two days so getting fire shots is tricky. I do have some in natural lighting though that nearly blinded us!
As soon as the sun (or some good interior spotlighting) allows, I will snap some more and share them with you all!
Wow - you really did your homework! I love, love, love the elegant straightforwardness of the setting, and of course the diamonds are . Congratulations on your engagement, and on pulling off the perfect surprise proposal.
Beautiful ring, and lovely story. I loved reading about how much consideration you put into the ring and proposal, and how it was all about her tastes and making her feel special. Wonderful stuff! Congratulations!
What a great story! I had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Tivol's store back in the 80's. It is so nice to hear of a B&M store doing it right and providing great service.
I love everything about this story. All the thoughtful details that went into the ring and proposal. She is one lucky lady aND that is a stunning ring!