Unexpected HUGE progress!!!!! Yay!

[Dreamgirl]

HHHHHHHHHHHHH! Ok, I just had to let out a scream of excitment.

Here is why: Sorry, this is long but its good.
So yesterday I was at the mall buying shoes and (of course) had planned on stopping in Tiffany's because last time I was there, they were closed and I wanted to take a peek at the Novo, and have my ring finger sized (because the rings I do have are too big) I had posted about that.

Anyway they were open and Im walking in the door and my boyfriend is standing outside of the door. I turned around and asked him if he was coming in and he said no he would wait outside for me. I was ok with that, remember (I've been very good) So I turn around and my favorite Tiffany SA was standing behind the front counter. She made this funny hand motion like "forget him" and she says "Come on in, what would you like to see today!" and I told her I wanted to see the diamond stud earrings and the Elsa Peretti diamond earrings as well. I've had my eye on them for YEARS. I also put my finger over my lips like "shhhhh" and told her I wanted to sneak a peek at the Novo.

So she took me over to the earrings and we were talking, talking (I told her he finally finished college, and about my birthday and his (turning 27)) and I tried on the Elsa Peretti ones (so cute) and unfortunately they went up in price again! Anyway out of nowhere, in walks my boyfriend and he comes over to us. He looked at the earrings and she's too funny she said "I hear someone has a birthday in July" and he replies "Yeah someone." haha I was laughing. Then I asked if she could size my finger and gladly she did. I now know my ring size! 5.5! My boyfriend was surprised because he knows too that my other rings are too large (7!)

She told him about how rings fit differently too by the width of the band (which I just learned here on PS last week!) and so I said "Oh, yeah like the Novo is very thin" so she smiled at me and said "Oh, do you want to see the Novo?" I replied yes!

She takes us over to the rings and took one out and my boyfriend was still there. I tried it on and we were talking about how I like it etc, etc. He was actually interested.

Then he excused himself to go to the bathroom and she and I were laughing and she told me "He lasted pretty long there!" And I told her "Oh I love you, I don't know how you did it! I can never get him this interested." haha we were sneaky!

So we were playing with the wedding bands as well when he came back. I mentioned that he loved the Tiffany Setting so she took us over to them. She completely got him into looking at rings because we go over there, and he points out one HE likes

and she took it out and let me try it on. (I've never tried on the Tiffany Setting before)


Now FOR THE RECORD because of things I have said in the past: Funny thing is, after trying on the Tiffany Setting instead of just looking at it all the time made a HUGE difference in my opinion of it. I always thought it was incredibly beautiful and elegant but just "not me." Well after yesterday, I think I LOVE the Tiffany Setting now. I really fell in love with the knife edge band as well! It looks so much better on my hand than in the case! haha! I sure thought the Novo was going to hopefully be my ring someday but I really like how the diamond stands all on its own on the Tiffany Setting. I could not get over how it drew the light into that one concentrated area instead of the entire band! It definitely provides more "bang for your buck." I tried on 2, one was a H, .47, the other was a H, .71 I think. The .71 sparkled like mad crazy (nothing I've ever seen!)

Must be that Round Brilliant cut. I was SO blown away by it. It looked much larger than .71 too! (I have short fingers) He was completely into looking at these rings and he loved the sparkle too!

So then she showed me a .37 Novo vs. one of the Tiffany Settings (can't remember which one) and said they were about the same price. Well, when she held the Tiffany Setting by the Novo I think I was more attracted to the Tiffany Setting. I put the .37 Novo on and I commented that this stone got "lost" in the band because it was too small. From holding my hand out, you couldn't even see the center stone.

She took out the Round Brilliand with Bead Set stones because it has a similar look to the Novo, but I didn't like the band. It was too wide and I couldn't even close my pinky finger into my ring finger. Im not sure what size that stone was.

Then she told me if I liked the Tiffany Setting, I could get the Novo wb to go with it and she gave one to me and I had both on. OH SO GORGEOUS together! I was in heaven. It looked so good.

I told her that the Novo wedding band along with the Tiffany Setting looked perfect to me in my opinion. They compliment each other extremely well. If I were to ever have these two rings, I think this would be the perfect compromise between what ff originally liked (Tiffany Setting) and what I liked too (Novo.) She and he agreed!

Then just for fun she put another Novo on my finger sandwiching the Tiffany Setting and I said "Oh yeah, stack them up baby!" haha she mentioned that you don't see this look very often and of course, I thought it looked beautiful!


While she was talking to him about the rings, etc. HE pointed out another ring he said he "really" liked a lot.

The Round Brilliant with Tapered Baguettes. So she took out out and let us look at it. I tried it on. This one was much more expensive due to it being a G, 1.10ct ring but it looked nice too! FF says he likes it because its more like a "tower" setting where the Baguettes go up to the center stone vs. a diamond sitting straight up on the ring. (That doesn't bother me)


Anyway, we must have been in there for 40 minutes or so! And he was completely into it! And for me, I wasn't nervous/giddy while trying them on like I have been in the past. I had this sense of calm over me like this is the man I will marry one day! I remember thinking to myself "My God, I can't believe this is happening and without me making him look!" haha! After leaving the store, HE was the one who started talking about the RB with Baguettes and the Tiffany Setting so I went along with it!

Though I did tell him I think the RB with Baguettes would cost much more. I told him I think I LOVE the Tiffany Setting now with the Novo band and that Im now open to other rings rather than just the Novo. Can you believe that?! I shouldn't have obsessed like I did over that ring. Yes, it is lovely and I do still love it. But I only tried it on once. After trying it on again and seeing these other 2 rings, I can't say that its my "dream" ring anymore. So I take that back.

Im actually grateful that I looked at these other rings because now I feel more at peace with myself in some sense. I told him maybe another time we can look again at these other 2 rings vs. each other and the diamond sizes because we didn't look at these 2 side by side and he said OK! He also said he owes this much to me for waiting for him to finish school all these years! Woooo hoooo!

I emailed the SA and thanked her for everything along with asking her a few questions on prices for the RB with Baguettes vs. the Tiffany Setting. I will have to wait and see what she says! I just had to share this unexpected event with all of you!

So, a photo in celebration of what may possibly be one of my e-rings within the next few years!
Which one do you like better?
Top: Tiffany Setting
Bottom: RB with tapered Baguettes

 

[IrishBreakfast]

Ooooooooo! You have had a wonderful trip to Tiffany''s! Sounds to me like that SA is worth her weight in gold!

I like the simple Tiffany setting best. The baguettes take away from the beautiful round a little IMO. Plus, Tiffany have the best simple mount for solitaires - it''s just freakin'' gorgeous! Many try to copy it with good reason!

 

[Dreamgirl]

Yep, I told her I have seen many copies but none compare to the original! She is really great. She knew that we weren't going to buy anything just yet. Not pushy at all. I am always very at ease with her.

 

[gwendolyn]

Heehee, what a great day you had! The original Tiff setting is my first love of diamond rings. I lerve it. With the bags it''s not bad either, but I love the original.

 

[FrekeChild]

Ditto to the Tiffany setting. But I''m a solitaire minimalist, so take that for what it''s worth!

 

[akmiss]

I am so happy for you and thanks for the wonderful account of everything. Both rings are beautiful but I like the baguettes better. The center stone defiantly needs to be large enough for the side stones though.

 

[kittybean]

Dreamgirl, I am so excited for you. That is a big step! It''s awesome that you guys got to discuss rings together--you know he wouldn''t have come in there if he didn''t want to. Your story made me smile.

As for the baguettes v. solitaire debate, I''m a huge fan of baguettes, but I love them with the step cuts (my personal favorite). I think the RB looks perfect on its own, so I would probably go with a solitaire if I were you. I can just imagine Audrey wearing a gorgeous Tiffany RB solitaire.

So what is your expected timeline after this development? Did you talk about it at all?

 

[Ms.Dreamy]

ooooh, so sweet! I''ve read some of your previous posts about your BF and the Novo and found them so cute

.
I think the Tiffany setting together with the Novo wedding band is a perfect combination!!!
It tends to happen to me as well that I am completely obsessed with something and then my BF comes up with another (better

) idea I haven''t even considered. I think now you have definitely found your AND your BF''s dream e-ring and wedding band... I think that was the thing he waited for and now you won''t have to wait too long for your perfect e-ring - yay, that''s so exciting!

 

[bee*]

That sounds like a great day Dreamgirl! I love the plain Tiffany solitaire. I think it looks beautiful and with the novo band it would be gorgeous.

 

[purrfectpear]

Since you''re looking at smaller stones, I would stick with the plain setting.

I personally like the baguettes better but I think they will overpower a stone under a carat.

 

[absolut_blonde]

I''m partial to the plain solitaire, myself -- but some of it comes down to what you like best on your finger too. Also depends what kind of wedding band you want. I love the look of a plain solitaire with a blingy band!

 

[pocahontas]

Yah Dreamgirl

I love when shopping trips turn into something so unexpectedly awesome! Count me among the minimalists - my vote’s for the Tiffany solitaire

You know what’s funny? I’ve been with my fiancé for just under nine years so I’m sure you can appreciate how much time I’ve had to think about e-rings. My original choice was an RB with tapered baguettes just like the one you posted. I then changed to the Vatche x-prong only to decide on a Tiffany-inspired solitaire (mine’s the SC version with some modifications to the shank). I also always thought I’d get an eternity wedding band, but then decided on a plain band. And to boot, my ring size is 5.5 too. Haha – didn’t I tell you you were my PS soul mate

So, hurry up and get that ring and let's go dress shopping

 

[claireabelle]

Congratulations on holding the BF''s attention span in Tiffany''s for a whole 40 mins!! I''m excited for you that he''s taking more interest!

The tiffany setting with novo wedding bad would be DELICIOUS! that''s my vote...

xx

 

[Bia]

Now we are def Tifanny twins! I love, love, LOVE the classic Tiffany setting!

I am the type that second guesses myself all the time too, but I know the RB solitaire is my true love when it comes to e-rings.

What a wonderful turn of events! See, gave him a little breathing room and now he wants to make you happy by indulging you! Congrats honey!!!

 

[KCCutie]

Oh, that''s so sweet! I can tell that this is really big for you! he came in all on his own and even participated, that means a lot!

I''m definitely a solitaire girl....I like the baguettes with step cuts, but for a RB I say Tiffany solitaire all the way.

 

[Dreamgirl]

Awwww thank you everyone!

I have read all of your posts and Im kinda leaning toward the Tiffany Setting too. I can't believe Im saying that haha!

Thanks for reading this long post!

I am still so blown away by the fact that he came in on his own and actually looked at rings without me even telling him to look! (haha)

I forgot to mention that ALL the rings we looked at that day were by his choice, I never pointed out one that I liked, I just stood there while he said he liked this one, and this one. The SA kept winking at me and we were sharing secret giggles between each other while he was looking. It was so awesome.

gwen- Thank you! Can you believe after everything I've done on talking about the Novo that looking at rings with him made me change my mind? I like this though because we looked "together" instead of me looking and calling him over and forcing something on him like "this is what I WANT" lol

freke- After trying this on, I decided I LOVE how all the attention is drawn to the solitaire. Thank you!

akmiss-I agree that the center stone would need to be large enough for the side stones. That is what I thought was wrong with that little .37 Novo. But the baguettes looked good with the 1.10ct center stone.

kittybean- Your right, he wouldn't have come in if he didn't want to. He saw me on what I call "the diamond side" of the store looking at the earrings. He could have stayed away. When he left to use the restroom, I figured well he looked a little so thats awesome. But he came back over and then was even more interested! We have a general timeline which will probably be somewhere within 3 years from now.

Ms.Dreamy- Aw thank you! It's always easiest if you have been following my crazy posts to know just what Im talking about! I can't believe how I was obsessing over that ring. All this time he told me he liked the Tiffany Setting and I just thought it was too plain. I can't believe I never tried it on. All the years Ive gone to Tiffany's and I would always just walk by. But wow! HE was right, it looks gorgeous. He probably was waiting for me to come around. I told him last night that if it weren't for him looking at those rings, I would have never known and now Im more open to these other rings. He said GOOD! lol

bee- It was the greatest day ever!!! Wouldn't it be great to have this setting with the Novo band? OOOOh this is so exciting!

purrfectpear- We did look at those smaller stones, but Im not sure when the time comes what his budget would be and what size I would end up with. Though I really liked the .71 setting. It looked much larger on my hand and I think thats because I have short fingers.

absolut- I really liked the way the Tiffany Setting looked on my hand. I never imagined I would love this ring but Im glad I listened to ff and "hinted" to the SA that HE likes this setting. I couldn't get over the fact that I was trying on rings that he was pointing out!

I can't forget you! Im glad you can relate to me. Sometimes a girl's mind just wanders when she is in such a long-term relationship! haha. Im so excited to know my true ring size. (BTW, I would LOVE to go dress shopping with you) lol

claireabelle- Its unbelievable he was interested for that long!

bia-WE ARE TIFFANY TWINS!!! Im actually glad I second guessed myself because now I am SO SO happy that this happened.

kc- I know! It means so much to me that he came in.

 

[Ms.Dreamy]

Date: 5/27/2008 12:24:03 PM
Author: Dreamgirl

Ms.Dreamy- Aw thank you! It''s always easiest if you have been following my crazy posts to know just what Im talking about! I can''t believe how I was obsessing over that ring. All this time he told me he liked the Tiffany Setting and I just thought it was too plain. I can''t believe I never tried it on. All the years Ive gone to Tiffany''s and I would always just walk by. But wow! HE was right, it looks gorgeous. He probably was waiting for me to come around. I told him last night that if it weren''t for him looking at those rings, I would have never known and now Im more open to these other rings. He said GOOD! lol

I can imagine what you loved about the Novo for such a long time - but to be honest I think it''s the band of the Novo that is unique and appeals to me, but as you mentioned the stone gets somehow a bit lost (and the prongs are not my fav). So, in my opinion:
Tiffany setting + Novo wedding band = a match made in heaven

Btw, how often do you visit a Tiffany''s just for fun (without buying something)?
I have a trip to a Tiffany''s planned this week - yay! Am going to buy the knife edge band.
I am thinking about the novo band as well (in rose gold) but can''t decide between this one and the new metro in rose gold. - Have you seen them both? - Any suggestions? (sorry for threadjacking!

but you are even more obsessed about Tiffs than I am and obviously a real connoisseur

)

 

[Bliss]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

THAT is huuuuge progress. Things tend to move fast after you go ring shopping. Really fast!

You can''t go wrong with either one!

YAY!

What a beautiful choice... either way, it will be fabulous!

 

[Dreamgirl]

Thank you so much bliss!!

(Now I've just got to control myself and not talk about it too much) I still cant believe he did this haha! He could have just told me he was going to go back outside and wait for me after looking at the earrings. Gosh it was so unexpected. And then HE was pointing out which rings he liked and talking about it after leaving the store?! Where's my boyfriend? What did you do to him? lol You think things would go fast after this? Because I thought it wont happen for quite some time yet.

Ms.Dreamy- I KNOW!!! Tiffany setting + Novo wedding band = a match made in heaven FOR SURE! FOR ME! This is exactly what I thought about it. I can't believe I never thought of this myself before. Maybe it was more the Novo band that I was in love with (like you said.)
It would be so awesome to have this combo. We would both be happy!

I wouldn't want something that he doesn't care much for. And he doesn't seem to have a reaction to the Novo. But these other 2 he loves!

 

[Dreamgirl]

Date: 5/27/2008 1:03:41 PM
Author: Ms.Dreamy
Btw, how often do you visit a Tiffany''s just for fun (without buying something)?

I have a trip to a Tiffany''s planned this week - yay! Am going to buy the knife edge band.

I am thinking about the novo band as well (in rose gold) but can''t decide between this one and the new metro in rose gold. - Have you seen them both? - Any suggestions? (sorry for threadjacking!

but you are even more obsessed about Tiffs than I am and obviously a real connoisseur

)

Oh, I almost forgot haha!
Id say I go to Tiffany''s about roughly only 3-6 times a year. But I would say I am somewhat the Tiffany connoisseur. I try to keep up to date on what''s new, what the price changes are and not just on the jewlery (I collect their vases!)
Here is some interesting info for you. I noticed the knife edge was different on the two Tiffany Settings I looked at. One was a bit thicker than the other. I asked why and she said they do these by hand so some will be a bit different than others and this is another reason they can call some in, so you''d get something you want. Im sure its the same with the band as well. Not sure how many they have to choose from.

I didn''t see the Metro but I will say that she showed me both the half setting Novo and full setting which is new. The full setting was a bit thinner than the half setting. It was extremely thin and oh so lovely! Im sure it is about the same mm size as the Metro.

I should work at Tiffany''s. lol

 

[Dreamgirl]

Oh, I forgot to tell you guys:

So later on we were about to leave the mall and he stopped at the Starbucks to buy us a slice of pumpkin bread. I had to use the restroom pretty bad so I ran over to Nordstrom and afterward we were going to meet in front of Nordstrom but he wasn't there. I was walking over to the Starbucks thinking he was still in line and I didn't hear any music playing in the mall but I walk in front of Tiffany's (and peaked in thinking "what if he's inside there again?!") he wasn't. But when I looked in the window the mall was playing "our song" and I almost fainted. haha. Im one of those people who believes in signs and destiny. I took that as a sign. I didn't hear it before but when I looked in Tiffany's window our song was playing in the mall!!! Are you kidding me!!?? I couldn't believe it!

What a sign!

That's all. hehe

 

[Bia]

Date: 5/27/2008 1:46:11 PM
Author: Dreamgirl

I should work at Tiffany''s. lol

Why don''t you again?

 

[Dreamgirl]

haha. Oh, probably because every time a guy comes in to buy some beautiful item, I would just nicely put it on myself to show him how great it looks on me ha! Ahh yes, that would be fun. hahaha

I started a show me your Tiffany Setting profile thread to see if anyone will post profiles of their rings. Lisa1.01 told me that her ring sits low on the hand. I told my boyfriend that it sits low, I guess that is his only concern on this setting. He worries it would snag on things. Im not sure about that. I don't think that would make a difference between the RB with Tapered Baguettes setting vs. the Tiffany Setting. Do you?

 

[Dreamgirl]

OK HELP!

I just got a response to my email from the SA. I had thanked her for her help and asked her what she thought my boyfriend liked best (because I wanted to know if she saw his reactions to the rings) I had also asked her about her schedule because sometimes I don''t see her in the store. So she said this:

What a nice message from you yesterday; it made me smile!!
I felt that (ff) really likes the classic Tiffany setting the best,
with the knife edge band. And I feel that this ring will look the best
with the Novo band.
My schedule changes from week to week, so let me know when you want to
come back in so that I can make myself available.
If you would be comfortable in sharing (ffs) contact information with
me I would really like to open up a line of communication with him
directly.
I look forward to hearing from you again.

Thank you.

What do I do? What do I do? I know for a fact that we wont get engaged for quite a while yet and Im good with that. I don''t want to push anything. I had also told her how he just finished school and is looking for a better job. Do you think she wants "open up a line of communication with him" because of the earrings, the ring, or just in general? I don''t think they work on commission there but I did mention to her that when he does buy something real nice, I would like for her to be the SA because he would receive the best service. I don''t know what to do about this. I don''t want him getting mad at me either because then this whole fun event would blow up in my face. lol If I gave her his contact info, what would she do with it?!? HELP! lol

 

[Ms.Dreamy]

Date: 5/27/2008 1:46:11 PM
Author: Dreamgirl

Date: 5/27/2008 1:03:41 PM

Author: Ms.Dreamy

Btw, how often do you visit a Tiffany''s just for fun (without buying something)?


I have a trip to a Tiffany''s planned this week - yay! Am going to buy the knife edge band.


I am thinking about the novo band as well (in rose gold) but can''t decide between this one and the new metro in rose gold. - Have you seen them both? - Any suggestions? (sorry for threadjacking!

but you are even more obsessed about Tiffs than I am and obviously a real connoisseur

)

Oh, I almost forgot haha!

Id say I go to Tiffany''s about roughly only 3-6 times a year. But I would say I am somewhat the Tiffany connoisseur. I try to keep up to date on what''s new, what the price changes are and not just on the jewlery (I collect their vases!)

Here is some interesting info for you. I noticed the knife edge was different on the two Tiffany Settings I looked at. One was a bit thicker than the other. I asked why and she said they do these by hand so some will be a bit different than others and this is another reason they can call some in, so you''d get something you want. Im sure its the same with the band as well. Not sure how many they have to choose from.


I didn''t see the Metro but I will say that she showed me both the half setting Novo and full setting which is new. The full setting was a bit thinner than the half setting. It was extremely thin and oh so lovely! Im sure it is about the same mm size as the Metro.


I should work at Tiffany''s. lol

wowza, you could really work at Tiffany''s! OK, I''ll take a close look at the knife edge bands when I''m there - thanks for the info!

And you told me even more news: there is a half-eternity novo band??? I only knew that there is a full eternity novo band. do you know how much they differ in price? (I think there''s only the full eternity on the website)

awww, so cute that they played your song... I believe in such signs too - I know, it''s maybe just a coincidence but anyway - I''m a romantic gal

hey - so cool that you started a tiffany-setting-thread! I''m already looking forward to see some beautiful pieces. I''ve done a search earlier today but found very little genuine Tiffany settings of that size I was looking for.

 

[Dreamgirl]

Oh, haha the half setting is the new one? I guess it is, my bad. Ok anyway, I think one of my catalogs at home mentions the price of the half setting though I could be wrong. I can check later on when I get home.

That is, if you help with my previous post! HELP lol

 

[Ms.Dreamy]

Date: 5/27/2008 3:49:14 PM
Author: Dreamgirl
OK HELP!

I just got a response to my email from the SA. I had thanked her for her help and asked her what she thought my boyfriend liked best (because I wanted to know if she saw his reactions to the rings) I had also asked her about her schedule because sometimes I don''t see her in the store. So she said this:


What a nice message from you yesterday; it made me smile!!

I felt that (ff) really likes the classic Tiffany setting the best,

with the knife edge band. And I feel that this ring will look the best

with the Novo band.

My schedule changes from week to week, so let me know when you want to

come back in so that I can make myself available.

If you would be comfortable in sharing (ffs) contact information with

me I would really like to open up a line of communication with him

directly.

I look forward to hearing from you again.


Thank you.


What do I do? What do I do? I know for a fact that we wont get engaged for quite a while yet and Im good with that. I don''t want to push anything. I had also told her how he just finished school and is looking for a better job. Do you think she wants ''open up a line of communication with him'' because of the earrings, the ring, or just in general? I don''t think they work on commission there but I did mention to her that when he does buy something real nice, I would like for her to be the SA because he would receive the best service. I don''t know what to do about this. I don''t want him getting mad at me either because then this whole fun event would blow up in my face. lol If I gave her his contact info, what would she do with it?!? HELP! lol

She sounds really like a nice SA!
In my opinion you definitely have to ask your BF before giving her his contact information. Tell him about the nice mail you received today and so on - but give him the feeling that nobody is pushing him!!! try to tell it to him in a casual way and ask if it''s ok for him to give her his contact info.
when he agrees - write your SA back and tell her that you like the tiffany setting and the NOVO band - so she''ll know it and could make it clear to your BF if he comes to the store by himself. anyway, you could have 2 wedding rings: the knife edge and the novo (and he gets the wider "male-knife-edge-version"). Or even better: I think the have a plain novo band! it''s totally new and not even on the website - so you could have the novo with diamonds and he could have the matching plain novo band. that would be fab!

 

[Ms.Dreamy]

Date: 5/27/2008 4:01:29 PM
Author: Dreamgirl
Oh, haha the half setting is the new one? I guess it is, my bad. Ok anyway, I think one of my catalogs at home mentions the price of the half setting though I could be wrong. I can check later on when I get home.

That is, if you help with my previous post! HELP lol

oh, please. that would be great if you could check the price for me in your catalogs at home! you''re great

my help to your previous post was already on its way

If you need more help, I''m around... I''m waiting for your post about the half-novo-price anyway

 

[Dreamgirl]

True! But anyhow, Im not sure because if I told him then he might get upset. But then again I could just say I emailed her to thank her for her help and she replied with this info. Im guessing he would say no though because even that would seem pushy. Like I said, engagement wont happen for a few years still! I hope she understood that lol! I do have her card that I was going to give to him. Maybe I should wait until he is in a good mood to tell him about this. haha!

Any other suggestions? Oh dear....

 

[gwendolyn]

DEFINITELY do not give her his contact info without his ok. That would totally blow up in your face, as you said.

I would be totally honest with the SA, and write back and tell her that you have been windowshopping and doing your research but that you don''t plan to buy in the imminent future. Let her know that you value her help greatly and that, when the time comes, she will be the one to help you guys out, but for the time being, you are still in the looking stages.

Then, when the time is right, you can mention to your boyfriend that you have that SA''s contact info and anytime he would like it, you''d be happy to give it to him, as you know that she will make the process much easier because she knows your tastes so well.

That''s how I''d handle it, anyway.