I PROMISE that my blog isn't going to get too crazy wedding on you, but I did want to share the story of finding my engagement ring.

On Saturday, after having brunch with one of my bridesmaids, Ian and I toodled on over to Black Swan on Whyte Ave. Black Swan specialized in vintage jewellery. Despite having a beautiful selection, nothing there really tickled my fancy. We then hopped over to Decade to Decade, who really focus on vintage furniture and had a small collection of vintage rings that I felt just didn't fit with me.

We were on the hunt for a simple but unique ring, preferably from the 1930s-1950s. We were open to any stone and setting, but since I have very small hands and rarely wear jewellery, it had to be simple, understated and classic (not to mention affordable!).

On Sunday, we were prepared to spend the entire day at antique stores like Beck Antiques & Jewellery, Old Strathcona Antique Mall, and Rocky Mountain Antique Mall, hunting for the perfect ring.

Our first stop was Beck's, which is not only an antiques store but also offers repairing services, as well as an on-staff gemologist. It was our first visit, and as soon as we walked in we got a good vibe. The store was well organized, we were greeted right away by Clinton and were left to browse while he helped another customer.

Once we were ready to look at rings, we noticed that their engagement rings are sorted and labeled in the display case by price, meaning that you won't put on a ring and fall in love and realize that it's out of your budget. Clinton also mentioned that all diamonds are sold wholesale - meaning you pay what other jewellers in Edmonton pay - and that if we had a stone that we liked but no band, one could be made for us. He also gave us a brief history of engagement ring styles during the 30s & 40s. There were no hard sales and no pressure: just straight up education.

Well I put on one ring and fell in love. I'd describe it to you, but a photo is worth a thousand words. Clinton told us to take it outside and look at it in the sun, and I actually blinded Ian with it.

Laser Ring!

We agreed that this was "The One", and while we (ok, Ian) set up an account and paid, my ring went through the polisher. The creme-de-la-creme? Clinton threw in a beautiful 1920s ring box because he "knew we'd appreciate it." Um, yeah! Oh, and did I mention that they will make a matching band for me when the time comes? How awesome is that?



We also went ahead a booked a sit-down appointment with Carla, who will appraise our ring, next week. Less than an hour later we were out the door and on our way, and we extremely happy with our experience.

Then Ian was all like "Oh hey, let's go to Fort Edmonton Park and hang out", since we both had the day off and there wasn't much to do. I suspected he had ulterior motives but played dumb (he is TERRIBLE at keeping secrets, which is a good trait for a fiance to have).

As we went through the park Ian kept asking me what my favourite part of the Park was, and nervously checking his pocket. I mentioned that 1920 street was my favourite, and he took this photo from the jewellery shop beside the Capitol Theatre. Talk about foreshadowing.


Then we had drinks & dinner at the lovely Hotel Selkirk. It's pricy, but the Pimms was cold, the service was excellent and supper was delicious.



By the time we were done dinner, the park was closed. We made our way to the entrance/exit as the sun was about to set. Right before the exit is the midway, which was empty. Ian wanted to stop and take some more photos - but you can imagine what happened next.




He got down on one knee and said all these amazingly sweet things and almost made me bawl, and then slipped the ring on my finger. Ian said he was really nervous, even though he had already technically proposed to me last week.

Very relieved I said yes

Now that I have the ring everything feels so real and official, and I can start doing some planning! I know I want a small, humble wedding & reception - all that matters is that I marry the love of my life and we start a happy life together. A big party is fun, but it doesn't make you any more married.