No I’m not quitting blogging(!)….I’m just not going to be “Miss” P for much longer! Seven years and one Little Tornado later, (not bad going!) J took me by complete surprise and popped the question just before we went on holiday. Things have been so manic that it’s taken me this long to get around to posting about it….
I say “complete surprise because when I first met J he was recently divorced and already a father. He was adamant from the outset that he didn’t ever want to get married again and didn’t want any more children; and look at us now, lol! Just goes to say you can never say never!
Now onto the ring….ah the ring! It’s an early Victorian 18k ring set with Ceylon sapphires and diamonds in a snowflake design. J picked it himself and I couldn’t love it more.
There’s a slight twist though. The eagle eyed amongst you may have spotted me wearing this ring before. That’s because it was a surprise gift from J last Christmas. Now J is not being a cheap skate and neither am I. We had intended to buy a ring we had seen at auction, but got outbid. The ensuing search for another piece that would fit the bill as “the” ring weirdly started to stress me out. I felt like already I was being caught up in the whole paraphernalia that seems to surround getting married, and I’d only just got engaged! I hate the whole convention that the ring has to be some expensive solitaire and a show of status of some kind, because it’s so far removed from how I am. If I love something I love it, whether it’s 50p or £50k. So, I decided, I already had a ring that I loved; the odds on me finding another that fit the bill more perfectly than this were slim AND it’s the finger you wear the ring on that’s significant and not the ring itself, right? So I did the rather obvious thing, to me anyway, of switching the ring I already loved, to the other hand. Simple. It sits perfectly and I know I’ll be happy with it there for the rest of my days.
J didn’t feel quite right about it. I think he was worried people would think he was tight. So to make him feel better, I told him I’d let him buy me some antique diamond studs to go with it, next time we were at the auction. I’m selfless like that you know…….;)
AH!!!! Congratulations! That’s such fab news! And I completely agree with everything you’ve said about the ring and wedding convention/traditions. I am exactly the same. The ring is a symbol of love, not a symbol of status or wealth (or at least it should be!). I love your ring, and your attitude – a girl after my own heart. Congrats again to you all!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Such great news. Plus I agree with you and Jo about the ring being a symbol of love.
Oh Portia what wonderful news! Congratulations to you and J. Your ring is simply perfect! Sam xox
Congratulations and what a lovely ring.
Ah congratulations, such fantastic news. I had a friend whose engagement ring was plastic, she loved it way more than any gigantic diamond, it’s all about what you love and who you love x
Wowsers its an absolutely beautiful ring, and so appropriate ! And I agree, the symbol of love is whats important. I think its beuatiful and I love the fact that his has its own story, and history too ! I wish you all the very happiest of luck for your lfe together. Huge congrats, K xxx
Wow, Miss P-not-for-much-longer! What another wonderful story from you. What a year! I love the story behind the ring. You’re quite right to do what you want to do. I am so happy for you!
what a lovely story. the ring is beautiful and i agree that if it feels right then it is!
congratulations too! it’s fun to be unconventional : )
Awh wonderful news and massive congratulations to you both Portia! I love the ring and quite agree with all your sentiments behind keeping it as ‘the ring’!
Congratulations! So excited for you and lovely story about the ring – it’s stunning! Am already intrigued by the thrift & refashioning that you’ll be doing for your wedding!!! Sx
That’s a brilliant story, such a refreshing attitude! And very apt given your love of refashioning. Congratulations!
That’s wonderful news Portia and I love the ring story. Big congratulations! X
Such wonderful news! Congratulations! 🙂
Wow! Congratulations!! it’s definitely the sentiment that matters, and I’m so happy for you! 🙂
Congratulations darling x
Many congratulations.
I love that you have chosen to wear your beloved ring as you’re engagement ring. It’s so very romantic.
I wish you every happiness.
Congratulations! Your ring is beautiful 🙂 And although J might not feel right, I am sure the diamond studs will make him feel better 😉 lol
Congratulations!! I adore your ring. I don’t follow the whole status symbol crowd either. This is supposed to be something between you and your fiancee, not you, your fiancee and the whole world. I have an antique as well. Mine is from the 30s and I always get compliments on it. It’s not topped with some huge rock. It’s very modest but the details are ornate. Your’s is so beautiful.
YAAAAAY! Mega Congrats! That ring is absolutely gorgeous. I love the story about it too and agree that I doesn’t matter. It’s the symbol the ring represents not about the money. 🙂
YAAAAAY! This post makes me happy & happy for you. 🙂
Huge congratulations ms p!!! Wonderful ring, I whole heartedly agree with your engagement ring philosophy and wow what a ring…its gorgeous
Super massive congratulations soon to be Mrs! The ring is beautiful and I think that loving it (and the man) are the most important things, not the price tag! Your whirlwind is going to have such fun whatever sort of day you have!
Yippie, that is great news! I completely agree about the ring too, when hubby and I first talked about getting married, I told him I didn’t even want a ring “just ask me and I will say yes”. Well, that didn’t quite work him, so we settled on something more unique and non-traditional – like you. All my happy wishes for a wonderful lifetime together 🙂
Oh Portia, many congratulations! I’m so happy for you!!! Your ring and it’s story are both just so perfect!xx
YAY! HOW EXCITING! What fabulous news!!! Big congrats!!!! (ps. glad you are not quiting blogging…heheheh that’s what I thought when I read the title!!)
That’s a gorgeous ring! I love the departure from the traditional diamond. Congratulations!
Congratulations! Beautiful ring. I too have sapphires and diamonds although not vintage and I love having something different from the solitaire!
Congratulations; and best wishes for some finer weather for the wedding (whenever it’s to be; it seems our seasons are reversed and we’re having your sunshine).
Congratulations!
Congratulations! That is such a beautiful ring I am not surprised you don’t feel the need for another!
I’m so happy for you, congratulations!!