36. appropriate finger

We must’ve looked a pretty picture, two casually dressed relative youngsters coming through the hallowed doors of Tiffany’s, soaked to the bone and grinning like idiots. Or maybe that’s just the kind of sight the esteemed staff at Tiffany’s are used to? Either way, BB asked for the lady with whom he’d made an appointment but she was not available just yet. The kind old Gent behind the counter said that he’d keep us entertained in the meanwhile, what were we looking for? My funny bunny BB then told him that we’d just gotten engaged and that I wanted “the biggest rock in the place”.

Obviously he was joking, but Gent probably believes one should never judge a book by it’s cover and proceeded to show me a selection of rocks so big, so shiny that I was blinded for a bit. Afterwards BB told me that Gent surreptitiously flashed the price tags of each ring for him to see, at which BB imperceptibly, sadly shook his head “no, no, no, still no…” Luckily our booked assistant Rosalie then showed up and rescued us from having to deny any more of Gent’s ostentatious jewels.

BB and Rosalie had discussed price range and cut when he’d booked the appointment. She brought out a selection and while we sipped champagne, I tried on a few sparklers. I’d always loved emerald cut stones so we tried those first. Much to my dismay, it just didn’t look right on my finger. I was disappointed. I’m such an indecisive person, was this going to be a long arduous journey to find the one and only ring?
Rosalie then suggested we try something else, the Lucida. I slipped the perfectly square diamond on a wide platinum band onto the appropriate finger and my fate was sealed. The simplest, cleanest, most modern, unfussy stone of incredible clarity, it seemed to glow on my finger. Just like that, in ten minutes flat, the search was over.



BB and I were escorted to a plush waiting room, some more champers appeared and we tried to drink in the moment as Rosalie went off with BB’s credit card and my correct ring size. I was still quite dazed, but deliriously happy. We spoke about how strange it felt, like kids playing at being grown-ups. But oh, what a fun game this was.

Rosalie returned with a slightly concerned expression. “Sir, I’m sorry but your card has been declined?”