The diamond was the thing. The gold band? No so much.

DIAMONDS

Most brides are captivated by something sparkling when the light hits it, the more carats the better. This fascination with shimmering jewelry is deeply rooted in tradition and symbolizes the eternal bond between two individuals.

The dazzling sparkle of a diamond reflects the joy and excitement of the wedding day, encapsulating the hopes and dreams of the future together. and adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to the occasion.

The beauty and radiance of these precious stones serves as a testament to the enduring love and commitment that the couple shares, creating an enchanting and unforgettable visual spectacle for everyone present.

GOLD

On the other hand (quite literally), the band of gold has been a long-standing symbol of commitment and unity in most parts of the world. This precious metal represents the enduring nature of love and the strength of the bond between two individuals. It symbolizes the promise of loyalty, faithfulness, and everlasting love in the context of marriage.

The circular shape of the band also holds symbolism, representing eternity and the unending nature of the love shared between partners. As such, the exchange of gold bands during a wedding ceremony is a significant ritual that signifies the couple’s commitment to each other and their intention to build a life together based on love, trust, and partnership.

MY OWN STORY

The oldest thing I’m wearing today? It’s my wedding ring, circa mid-1980’s!

In the midst of the college phase of my life, my girlfriend and I took a trip to Chanhassen, Minnesota to take in a play (“Fiddler on the Roof”) at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre there. Fortunately for me, the prior show had been “My Fair Lady,” and the lobby was flush with roses that played well into my secret agenda.

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(several weeks earlier)

The phone rings in a small town in north central Iowa.

The line picks up and Karen (my mother-in-law) answers with a sunny “Hello?”

“Hey Karen, it’s Jon. Can you keep a secret?”

(now back to our story…)

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From a planning perspective, I eagerly anticipated the release of tickets for the show. As soon as they became available, I went online to make my purchase. To top it off, I managed to secure seats so close to the stage that a cast member could have easily stepped onto our table during the dance sequences!

During intermission, I excused myself to make a (fake) trip to the restroom, but instead, I arranged for a single rose and a special cake to be delivered to our table. When I returned, I orchestrated what I believed was the perfect “down on one knee” moment with a heart-shaped diamond (from Belgium) and asked her to marry me. Fortunately, she said yes!

“TRADITION!“

Now, the gold band on my hand with the inscription “…and I love you, Jon” (her inscription says “I love you, Jett) serves as a daily reminder that I have found my (much) better half, and that’s something I’ve treasured for more than 30 years.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Share the story of the oldest thing you’re wearing today by leaving a comment for our readers!

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