Every proposal has a story. Whether it’s long and elaborate or short and sweet, everyone wants to ooh and ahh over the romantic way your guy finally popped the question. But your ring’s personal story is just as important, if not just as entertaining or intriguing to your friends and family.
You may think, “But wait! My ring doesn’t have a special story.” And you, dear girl, are most certainly mistaken. Every ring has its own story, and it’s one that needs to be told—especially years down the road when your grandchildren look at your feeble, arthritis-ridden fingers and exclaim, “Yo, Grams! What’s the deets on this bling?”
Do you really want to stick your dentures in only to turn to your beautifully aged hubby and ask him about how he got it or why because you never thought to ask about it before now? He probably won’t remember at that point anyway, so better start uncovering the juicy and heart-warming details while it’s fresh in his mind.
While you don’t want to give your future hubby the third degree like a police interrogation, here are some helpful questions to ask to establish your ring’s story (just be sure to compliment it at least a thousand times before beginning this process, otherwise he’ll get suspicious).
How did you know the ring was the one?
Was it a family heirloom that his great grandma Bitty bequeathed to him? Did he have it custom made because he wanted it to be perfect for you, or to even incorporate a special diamond like the one in aforementioned grandma’s old, outdated setting or one he mined himself while studying abroad?
Maybe he’s tight on cash and scraped up all he could afford—that’s still very romantic and an important fact to know.
Sometimes the story is really romantic or really funny. My favorite story comes from a friend whose fiancé had purchased a heart-shaped diamond ring and showed it to her mother before the proposal. Her mother freaked out because she and the bride-to-be had just talked rings and that was an EXACT ring her daughter said she hated. Mother dearest immediately ripped out a picture from a magazine her daughter had mentioned liking and sent him back to the store. And that is how that guy knew the ring was the right one—because her mother said so.
Just don’t expect him to say, “Well, I was window shopping and that one sparkled like the light in your eyes.” I don’t care how suave or sweet your gent is—most guys don’t talk or think like that.
When did you get it?
How long a guy holds on to a ring can sometimes be the most romantic part about the story. Had he been holding on to it for over a month, waiting for the right moment or the courage to ask? Or did he give it to you the second he got it because he couldn’t wait to see it on your finger?
I know a guy who bought his ring around the holidays after they all went on sale. His intent was to keep it until their anniversary later that Spring to surprise her with it. However the second he saw her, with it still in his pocket while standing in some parking lot, he spontaneously got down on one knee. It was burning a hole in his pocket and he couldn’t wait a second longer.
Whether he had it months in advance or had it only for about an hour– either way, the answer will warm your heart.
What was going through your mind when you got it?
Now, some guys hate the “what are you thinking about” types of questions, so avoid if your man isn’t a fan. But sometimes, knowing what he was thinking can reveal a lot.
Was he nervous or excited? Was he with a friend or family member? Maybe it was a special moment between pals or even his mother who helped him pick it out. Maybe that moment was the first time he really thought about the future and how it was all beginning to be real now. The truth is, you never know until you ask.
How much did you pay for it?
Just kidding. Don’t ask that. Unless you want to see him cry.
What is your ring’s story? Post below!
By Nikki Roberti
Photo Credit: Sylvie Collection
