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We were specifically talking about engagement rings, not rings in general.

Let's just forget I brought this up. Christ. Fucking lawyers.

R'n'R HoF redux
 

It's almost criminal that Buddy isn't in the Hall already. If you haven't ever seen a Buddy Guy show, go at the next opportunity. At his age, you never know how many more you'll get.

R'n'R HoF redux
 

I was happy to see him on the list. He's headed this way in November to perform at an art gala.

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My advice still stands. Sure, she had a conversation with a friend in which she said that she never liked diamond rings, and maybe even specifically said for engagement rings. Doesn't mean crap.

It's a good technique, though, the asking a friend thing. Would definitely trust it for things like stone shape or even ring design. Unless the friend hates you.

Anyway, glad to hear you are ready to take it to the next level with Sequels.

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Screw the ring. I'm going with a plasma TV.

I'm not getting engaged any time soon. I have to bang an FBetty first.

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It's my personal opinion that a woman should never be surprised by an engagement ring. Sure, she can be surprised by the proposal, but the ring, like the putative marriage, should have at least been discussed.

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That's the Coltrane we've come to know and love! Good to hear.

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The discussion should be limited to a response when the guy casually asks you what you think of this style or that style. Women should never bring it up. If you haven't been with someone long enough for them to know your taste, then it is a good indicator that you shouldn't say yes, anyway. This may not surprise you, but I am dead set against the woman setting out, in detail, what type of ring they want.

TM

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Good call.

You haven't?

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Not all surprised, honey. And it shouldn't surprise you that I agree with you that women should never bring it up.

That said, if I were a man, and about to spend more on a piece fo jewelry than I'd ever spent before, I'd want to have a pretty good idea that my intended was going to be happy wearing that ring every day for the rest of her natural born life. And yes, that can be as simple as a discussion about cuts and styles. And I suppose, the color of the metal in the setting.

But I think that you ought to have that discussion, as well as the discussion about whether or not y'all might get married before you get down on one knee over dessert at The Palm.

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Too true. The trick is to carefully listen when one of your gf's friends shows off her engagement ring. Listen to what your gf says about it casually. also, if your gf wants/expects an engagement ring, she'll probably let you know her taste in rings subtly. Listen and keep notes.

I knew exactly what to buy and surprised my wife with it. You really can't beat the syurprise, particularly around Xmas. She kept asking for some antique furnture for the place and I just handed her a glass of wine with the ring on my pinky and said "You aren't getting any furniture because now I'm broke" or seomthing like that. Guess I technically never really asked for her hand, so i guess she could void the whole thing any time...

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No. Anyone game? I'm pretty hot.

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Is the plasma tv part of the deal?

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The Palm? Can you think of a less romantic place? Its a steak joint with cartoon pictures of local celebs all over the walls. When I think "the Palm", I think several glasses of Woodford Reserve, a rare filet, breaded onions, sauteed spinach, cherrystone clams and a chop salad.

I didn't get on one knee. Its cliche. I didn't want to advertise to everyone in the hotel that I was getting engaged.

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I'm shocked. Shocked, I tell you.

Which brings up an interesting question. What do married women do with their engagement rings when the marriage is over? Sell it on Ebay? Sell it to Coltrane for a good price? Keep it as treasured family heirloom albeit with bad karma? Wear it on the right hand? Feed it to the cat? melt it down with wedding ring and dance naked around pyre? Give it back? What's the etiquette?