I have a lot of favorite things, but one of my all time favorites is when I get to work with a man during the engagement process. From the beginning stages when he says Ok, I know that I want to do this but that's about all I know. What do you spend? What will she like? How the heck do I figure out her ring size? It's in this process that we get to play detective and ask questions like What's her style? What color metal does she prefer? Is she traditional or more modern? What makes the most sense from a design perspective based on who she is?

Here's a little journey into the story of Blaine and Angela.

They met 3.5 years ago when both worked at Tavern Law, one of Seattle's most unique, speak easy style bars. In Blaine's words "I clearly remember her first day when she walked through the door for the first time. I told the other bartender working that night "I am going to marry her one day."

Fast forward 3 years and he knows it's time. Here's a guy who's not just after a rock to put on her finger. He wants the properties of the stone to resonate with her. He did some research into the properties of a few stones and then we started comparing cuts, colors, properties, etc. After many an email and a lot of research on both our ends we narrowed it down. Jade, Citrine and Ametrine were the clear winners. We opted to cut jade out of the picture so we'd get a little more sparkle with a transparent and cut stone. Ametrine won based on the fact that it has a little more visual interest and qualities like those found here.

There's a beautiful little girl in their life named Guen. As they don't often get many date nights Blaine knew the night and he decided that even if the ring wasn't ready he would propose with a stand-in. So, on January 2nd they set out. Stopping first at Damn the Weather near Pioneer Square in Seattle. They had a quick bite and then, went wandering on through Occidental Park. Where, beneath all the white christmas lights and decorations, he pulled out the ring (A stand-in that Guen had picked) and dropped to one knee. She began to cry and said "Are you serious?" He'd pulled it off and She was completely taken by surprise. The whole start to the night had gone off wonderfully. But the night wasn't over yet! Blaine had worked with Bar Sajor, a restaurant nearby to create a special menu for their night. Not just any dinner mind you, we're talking 8 courses complete with Champagne! Finally, to end the night, a small gathering of 30 of their closest friends at E. Smith Mercantile where they celebrated the night away. In Blaine's words "We meeted and greeted and had one of the best nights of our lives. It was surely magical, even though the actual ring was not present. Rings should not be a mandatory thing rather a gift of ones love to the other."

So, that first night was a smash hit, but there's more. Since the ring wasn't ready for the first proposal there was a round two in the works. His plan was to re-propose at a brunch with friends, but Guen had other ideas cooking in that sweet little 8 year old brain of hers. Blaine's birthday had been the day before and so when they all walked in the door at home, Angela asked Guen to grab the presents. Guen did as she was told and grabbed the ring that She and Blaine had hidden the day before. Instead of the ones meant for Blaine's birthday, Angela was surprised again, this time with THE RING. It was sunny and perfect and this lovely Ametrine now sits in its setting of 10K gold atop Angela's ring finger.

Now that my heart is near bursting with joy for you guys. Thank you Blaine, Angela and Guen for allowing me to be a part of, and for sharing your story. I wish you many adventures, celebrations, and the happiest of lives together!