Buying the Ring

Since being in Japan things have been amazing. A new atmosphere, new people and the opportunity to just be ourselves, together. We have learned so much about each other and have become so close. When we decided that we would get engaged we had a plan: buy a proxy ring in Japan and then the 'real' one when we get home. After thinking about it, Jono decided we should get the real one straight up, it would be even more special if it came from the country I was proposed in. So, nervous yet excited, we hit the jewellers.

Lots of the jewellery in Japan is Sterling silver or a really yellow cheap-looking gold. We looked in many stores and came up with nothing that felt right. My Mum always says, when you try it on you'll just know. We headed to a large shopping centre, affectionately known as 'Marion' and found a jewellery store. The ladies in the shop were so friendly and helpful and so excited for us. I tried on many rings which were silver and the ladies informed us "Gold, OK". One particular ring I kept going back to and finally decided, yep this is the one. Once the set was chosen we had to choose the diamond. Next came the bargaining! "Best price?" I asked...big grin on my face. "OOoooohhh" they replied! We told her that we would pay cash on the spot and they gave us 30,000 yen off! (About $300). The ring was ordered in gold and would be ready in 4 weeks.

As we left the shop, beeming from ear to ear, we heard little shrills of excitement come from the shop behind us. We headed up the mall and up the escalators when I noticed a lady running after us. I recognised her from the shop. She was holding a chain of rings. "Your size," she said. It was then that we realised that they didn't check my ring size! Phew. Glad she found us!!

It was a long 4 weeks, keeping the ring a secret and waiting excitedly for the special day to arrive. It was more than worth the wait, and the ring is perfect!