No, no, not a ring for me, silly - not just yet, anyway! I’m talking about the fun I had plotting and planning and creating an engagement ring for a good friend of mine here in Richmond.

Back in May, her then boyfriend, now fiance, Jonas, asked me very nonchalantly if I would make a ring for her. He sent me a photograph of a design he had in mind. After a little prodding and nosing around, I ascertained that yes, indeed, this was going to be a very special ring, as he was planning to ask Karen to marry him! So happy to have a part in the wonderful news, my heart skipped a beat, and I replied a resounding YES!

While on vacation in Portland, OR, a couple of weeks ago, he popped the question and presented the token of his intention. Now the happy couple is engaged! I can’t wait to see them both together tonight at dinner, ring on her diminuitive finger (a size 3.5, by the way), my part in the wonderful plot that is their engagement, complete.

The ring has both 14 karat yellow and white gold, a textured surface on the white gold, and it is flush set with eight 2.5 mm rubies. Eight is Karen’s favorite number.