For those of you who are interested, the ring is a brilliant-cut (round) diamond, perfectly colorless, and nearly flawless in a platinum “cathedral” setting. The name of the setting alone makes Frances love it! The diamond sparkles splendidly in its sturdy setting, which looks like a flower (four thick prongs suspend the diamond like petals and two “swoops” protect them like the sepals of a rose). We are certain this ring will pass the endurance tests of life for a hard-working mother to many (God-willing!).



Frances' Perspective:

In the right light the diamond sparkles with so many colors - I often find myself mesmerized by its beauty! But my heart truly loves the commitment of which this ring is a mere symbol. David's gift to me (this ring) pales in comparison with the gift of himself which he offers me in marriage. His free, total, faithful, and fruitful love shines brighter - and means more - than any gem in the world.

David's Perspective:

At first, I truly had difficulty with the engagement ring. I didn't struggle with the idea of a permanent relationship with Frances. I agonized over the idea that our society holds the diamond engagement ring as the epitome of an intended commitment to your future spouse.

But, but, but the ring is just that...a ring. It doesn't represent all of the love and work I have given and desire to give to Frances. The ring wasn't around for all of those long months of being patient. It is beautiful, but for me it did not encapsulate all that I truly want to give to Frances. It is not an adequate measure of my desire to give, especially in giving God, to her.

So I struggled. Obviously I gave her the ring. I spent months learning about diamonds and I spent weeks checking online, checking vendors, and checking shops. Finally after visiting with her parents and receiving the green light, I brought Katy, my sister, to Diamond's Direct. They were great. Courtesy, honesty, gentility, and kindess were a few of the gifts we received. The Lord saw to it that we also received a great deal.

At this point, you may be thinking, if he didn't like it, why'd he give it? I just needed to be patient to realize that giving her this ring was God's will. First, Church Tradition values the wedding ring as a sign of unbroken fidelity and love. The engagement ring is a precursor to the physical reminder/representation of the covenant a man and woman make to each other in God's presence. By giving it to her, I realize that I have given her assurance that I desire to serve her forever. What I didn't understand was that the engagement ring isn't supposed to represent what our relationship means to us. It's a preamble for our covenant.

Next, I gave her the ring in front of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament at Adoration. Jesus makes it all worthwhile.

Finally, I read this wonderful passage in Fr. Peyton's Rosary Prayer book for the Annunciation in the Joyful mysteries, "Gabriel, going from God to the Virgin, merely exchanged one paradise for another. A sea of grace, Mary's soul, almost without shore, depth, or horizon. So blessed was she - "The limits of the Infinite," one Church Father called her- that even the Lord God would become incarnate in her. The Virgin Mary, bright diamond set in the ring of all humanity, engaging Heaven to Earth."

So, this ring, blessed by the Father presiding at Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral the day we became engaged, may not represent everything I want to offer Frances, but it does serve as a wonderful precursor that we will share God together forever. Moreover, every time I look at it, I'm reminded of the wonderful Scriptural essence of Mary's Fiat in God.

P.S. - Yeah, I was slow in understanding this concept...lol...I'm male.