Wedding Blog

Before I dive into the story of my ring, here’s a little background: remember how I said I never wanted to get married? It was true. Never in my life did I dream of my prince charming or a fantasy wedding. I was much more interested in playing “senators and representatives” (true story) or shoving my nose in a book. Interestingly enough, there was one wedding element I did spend a fair amount of time visualizing—the ring. I remember conjuring up pretty images in my mind of gargantuan multi-stoned baubles and delicate filigree vintage pieces (although back then, I doubt I deemed them ‘vintage’…) set in a variety of metals. Each of the pieces I created in my head was dramatically different, save for one uniting feature: the center stone. It was never a diamond; it was my birthstone, the aquamarine. Back then I didn’t have anything against diamonds, I was just drawn to aquamarines. I figured if I stuck with my original plan, I’d never get married, but I’d eventually design and purchase an amazing aquamarine ring for myself.

Why an aquamarine, you ask?

As I mentioned, it’s my birthstone, and it just feels right. I am innately drawn to any and all bodies of water (typical Pisces…) and the serene blue hue of the stone always feels like home. Being a highly sentimental creature, I suppose I was also looking for my engagement ring to be as personal as possible.

Having unique tastes is all fine and good until someone else is required to purchase something for you (like oh, I don’t know, maybe an engagement ring?!). Once Mr. Lemonade and I (read: I) got comfortable with the possibility of getting married, I started brainstorming creative ways to let him know what I might be interested in in regards to left handed jewelry. This was uncomfortable. It’s not like I wanted to come across as a total gold digger, but I certainly wanted to ensure that if the occasion were to arise, I would be presented with something I actually liked and wanted to wear. Luckily, Mr. Lemonade and I don’t really have any hang-ups in regards to each other, so I just got over it and started sending him pictures of pretty rings I liked—all of which featured my pretty birthstone.

From there. I stepped back and let whatever was to happen, happen.

On December 21, 2007, I was presented with this:

Note to self: Run, don’t walk, to the nearest nail salon for an emergency manicure.

I. Was. Shocked. Seriously. In fact, I believe I asked him if he was serious (like, twice). Like many engaged gals before me, I’m not even sure if I said yes. Although I must have indicated some sort of acceptance, seeing as how he promptly slid this puppy on my finger:

To me, it is perfection in all its double banded, white gold, emerald cut, aquamarine splendor.

What makes your engagement ring unique or personal to you?