First of all, thank you to everyone who answered yesterday’s question from a Verastic reader. If you haven’t, it’s not late yet. And for those asking if I am now living with Igwe, that is not what I sent you there to read oh! Ehen, so go and answer the reader’s question. That said … ehm … this past Friday, Igwe insisted that we go ring-shopping. We went once before, but it wasn’t official. We were just kind of in the area, and there happened to be jewelry stores there. This time, we made a deliberate attempt to go ring-shopping. We went to Radcliffe Jewelers in Towson, a big jewelry store that seemed to have thrice the amount of items as other stores we went to.
When Ken (an employee … and maybe part owner?) finally came to talk to us, we told him what we came for. So he asked the natural question, “Do you have anything particular in mind?” To this, I was more than happy to whip out a page from my wedding book. Let me tell you about this wedding book. Several years ago, I worked in a bridal shop, and tons and tons of bridal magazines were sent there like every other day. I’d flip through them and make a mental note of what I liked or did not like.
Finally, I decided to rip off the pages of items or ideas I liked and stick them on a blank page which I arranged chronologically – according to the dates I got them – in a black binder. At the time I started keeping my wedding book, I did not even have a potential boyfriend. But I figured I might as well do something with the magazines. I stopped working there two years later, and my wedding book has not been updated since then. But there is a ring in my wedding book from De Beers that I absolutely love. It’s dated for October 12th 2008 (the day I put it in my wedding book).
Fast-forward back to the present. When Ken asked if there was a particular type of ring I had in mind, I was quick to show him this particular ring. I was sure to tell him that I was not implying that I had to have a ring from De Beers, nor did I have to have one exactly like the one I brought. He understood. But just for the sake of curiosity, I asked, “So give me an estimate, how much do you think that this ring costs?”
After observing it for a couple of seconds, he said – very casually, “Judging by the shape, the design, and the size of the stone, I’d say roughly around $120,000.”
Ehn?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?! [Please note the number of punctuation marks, as even this is an understatement of my shock). One hundred and twenty thousand American dollars? For what? Maka why? As in N18, 000, 000 – eighteen million naira? On this one ring that I will wear on one finger? For what reason? How dare you?!
Hmmmmmm. I laughed nervously with sweat appearing in places I didn’t know I could sweat. And all of a sudden, I felt queasy, like the room was suddenly spinning. And I thought to myself while laughing nervously, this man, you’re making me funny.
My friend, give me back my picture!
Okay, forget about the picture I showed you. Let’s work strictly on our budget. I said.
What’s your budget? He asked.
Igwe said a number.
I said, “Err, no. That’s not the budget. Make it lower than that.”
Igwe said, “No, we can work with my budget.”
Me, “Nope! Absolutely not. If you’re willing to spend that much, let me pick a ring and you’ll give me the change.”
At the end of it, I said, “As a matter of fact, I don’t want to do anymore. Let’s go home. All this ring-shopping thing is making me tired. And hungry. And angry.” So we quit and went to Cheesecake Factory for a nice dinner, devoid of all talks about rings. I might just be sporting a rubber band on my finger when the time comes.
I was sure to remind Igwe that this ring-shopping thing is really his job; I should not be coming along. He’s supposed to do it alone and suffer it alone. In his defense, he did not want to buy me something that I wouldn’t wear. Point taken. But still.
There were too many options and too many possibilities. All the ones I saw and liked cost at least $20,000. And there was more of that nervous laughter each time Ken told me the price. I even asked him if they would be having a Black Friday sale. I urged him to have one. Do a sale for 95% off and open the doors at 3AM. We will be here! No chance of that, by the way. As far as I am concerned, all ring-shopping has been suspended. If Igwe wants one that badly, he can go get it himself. I quit!
Yes. I know you have questions, like why the heck are you and Igwe ring shopping? And is there something you’re not telling us? Of course, there is something I am not telling you. But I will tell you everything —- later. Today is not the day 
LMAO! Vera, you will not kill me with laughter. LOL@ My friend, give me back my picture and your hope for a black Friday Sale.
Sweetheart, the prices I was seeing there was making me rethink everything I have ever believed in. Like, is the sun really hot? Lol! I just couldn’t fathom the prices. I mean, I know celebs pay millions for their rings, but I am not a celeb, nor do I have their kind of money – yet, so appraising my beloved ring at $120,000 is enough reason for a girl to freak out.
Hhahhahahahahhaah Vera. Classic. My question to you though is, would you mind wearing a ring he bought if you totally hate it? Because you have to wear it forever. I would and that’s why I picked my own ring. I have the peeps that suggested he let me pick my ring to thank tremendously. Plus the ring I picked was half his budget which I am sure he loved…lol. I totally feel you though….$120k…si gini mere…..pssshhhhhhhh.
If he buys me a ring I don’t like, it’s okay. It comes with a receipt. Lol. We can just take it back and get one that I really want, and if there is change, it will be going into my pocket. Ah. Nna is lucky oh! You picked a ring that was half his budget. I hope he gave you the change? Lol!
Lol @ receipt. Good point. I know right @ Nna is lucky…lol. Couldn’t get myself to let him spend that much on a ring. But I am getting my change everyday from his love
. Precongratulations, big step to be going ring shopping with him 
. BTW, I am loving the new website design. It is so much more easy to comment via my Blackberry.
Awwww. Thanks! I’m glad you love the design. Been working on it for a while, and so happy that it’s live now. Haven’t even “advertised” it yet cause I still have some empty pages below, which I’ll hopefully be working on this weekend. And yeah, ring-shopping is quite a big step. Whew!
So sweet what you said about getting your change back from his love. Awwwwwwwww! You should see the big smile plastered on my face right now; you’d think I’m the one collecting the love from Nna. LOL.
Vera, I went with mine to do the ring shopping, the prices were making me very nervous so I picked something nice and cheap. We looked at my top 3 and walked away, unknown to me he made the purchase when I was looking at other things. Igwe will pick something gorgeous (these men are smart)
Let me just say CONGRATULATIONS VERA AND IGWE. I shall be in attendance, I don talk am now. #lettingmyselfoutnow
Stop it! Stop telling me congratulations oh. Awwww at him purchasing it while you weren’t looking. Sweeeeeeet! So when is the wedding, if you have not had it already? You disappeared! Hope you’re well.
Next thing we know these two will be going crib shopping for boy twins! I am choosing my own ring o you can propose without the ring we can go shopping later no problems lol just because i want one of those two in one rings you know the kind where the engagement ring fits into the wedding band and it looks like one ring? Yes that’s the one i want. So we should we start saving for blogreaders aso ebi?
Hahahaha at crib-shopping for twins. Err, no. Not yet Biko. Babies are expensive. And they always need you. Lol. I know the ring you’re talking about. Not bad! A lot of people opt for those ones these days. Cool stuff. And no for the asoebi. I don’t like all that stuff jare. Lol.
Ah, I haven’t been here in ages. let me go through your back posts and see if I can catch this ring gist properly
Sugar King, see your mouth. You abandoned me siiiiiiinnnnnnccccceeee and now you’re coming for back posts on the ring. Don’t allow me to catch you there oh.
LOL Lolo and Igwe, y’all need a reality show, I’m convinced! Love you two. Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS in advance (or in arrears, hmm)! Hehe. Can’t wait to come and chop that wedding jollof mehnnn. =)
Hahaha at a reality show. And lol at the congratulations in arrears. In arrears for what oh? *rolling eyes* Lol. When the time comes, you will be here to chop rice. We can even cook your own special. Per the reality show, lol, that would be the day.
LOL wow. Please when is the date?! For real. You will need a special room just for the commenters and readers of this blog over the years.
Bia if Igwe wants to spend the money WHY ARE YOU RUINING IT FOR HIM? Kilode? See this girl. Instead of you to be happy he isn’t suggesting Walmart, as was once suggested to me in what I hope was a joke.
Lol. What’s your beef with Walmart rings? Lol. Per date and all that, leave that one first. My dear, normally, I’d never, ever stop a man from spending money on me. Why shall I shy? But this one is different. I’d really rather have the money. There is so much I could do with it right now.
Awwww… congratulations nne
Wait. It is not yet time to congratulate me. I will tell you when it’s time. Lol,
Feels good to know that I am not alone. Almost got married a few years ago and while ring shopping, I was alarmed at the prices. I set a very low budget which people thought strange since I was going to be the one wearing at least 2 of the 3 rings. I couldn’t imagine carrying so much money around on my finger.
In retrospect, I should have made him buy the most expensive one AND kept it, lol!
Hahahahahaha. Yes, considering that you did not end up marrying him – I’m assuming – it would have been a bonus to not marry him AND keep the ring. Might not be too late. You should call him and ask him if he would like to go ring shopping again …. for old time’s sake. Lol! And lemme know how hard he banged the phone on your ear. Lol.
congratulations vera
me i am very frugal oh, my budget is $1000. It would feel odd to me having something really expensive on my finger everyday
Don’t congratulate me yet, and I agree … wearing something so expensive on your finger is weird. I did not feel this way till recently. I don’t particularly think that it should be cheap, but for me, $120,000 is too much.
Well, i’ve just read bits & pieces of u, here & there. Seen ur comments and pictures, here & there as well. I must say though, i’m excited for u about this ring-shopping thingy. All the best.
Chinazar, thank you so much. And I really appreciate this comment. Thank you
Dear Vera
this price is giving you a headache because;
a) you are a progressive thinker,
b) you are intelligent,
c) you have a morally upright conscience,
d) you might have been a NIDO baby,
e) you certainly are not materialistic and so are not a show off.
In short YOU ARE NOT YORUBA!!!!!!
See my Yoruba people will go and obtain a large cubic zirconia ring and say ahh you know this ring was bought in Suzaland and is very very expensive….very very expensive oo aa infact.
When my people keep repeating themselves know they are lying.
Vera my sister keep it up!
I have this feeling of what you would do if you were to obtain the money;
Start a Microfinance Bank for women?
Go on say i am right.
Lol!
Nice, you are one amazing person, and reading your comments has started bordering on being a sheer orgasmic experience. I don’t know the last time – if ever – someone told me that I am not materialistic. Because I am Igbo, I am automatically assumed to be materialistic. And a gold digger, of course. I sure do hope that I am a progressive thinker. I always think of myself as one.
And lol at starting a micro finance bank for women. Well, the idea of owning any kind of bank has never crossed my mind but there are a lot of things I plan on doing for women. They come close to banking
Because you have the taste for the finer things in life you should never in anyway be
bothered by being called a gold digger
since all you are saying to a any man after your heart is ‘hope you are not going to be intimidated by my ambitions and aspirations’.
Next time you are called a gold digger say this.
‘Point of correction I am a platinum and diamond digger I am even thinking of prospecting for oil’
NEVER APOLOGISE FOR WANTING TO SET A HIGH STANDARD.
POVERTY IS NOT VIRTUOUS
iGBO kwenu!
Yah! Kwezuo nu!
I loooooooooove that response. And I promise to use it. The way you wrote this – about a man being intimidated by my ambitions and aspirations – it’s almost as if you’re in my head. It has not been easy finding someone who is not intimidated or angered by my ambitions.
Thank you, Nice.
Get the expensive one, sell it and I’ll help you invest the money
Congrats (belated, in advance and today)
Adura, see your mouth. Lol at the congratulations.
$120,000???? Ok, new plan! Ditch saving for a car, ditch having a nice house…..heck evate taxes…..and save for a ring……….. naaah, I rather not get married, LOL
I know, right? And I couldn’t believe I was standing there decreasing the budget that Igwe gave them.
Vera I love your blog, I hardly go a day without reading your blog. Pls keep it up, proud of you.
Awwwwwww. Thank you so much, Mike!! This is so encouraging. Thank you so much. It’s an honor to make you proud.
Nne, dat ring is beautiful o! But, me sef dey sweat on ur behalf. An alternative to dat rubber band is paper ring. I made a lot of those in primary skool. Lemme know if u need one, I”ll make u a pocket-friendly quote
Hahaha @ the paper ring. How kind of you to offer me this, Honey Dame. Normally, I’d opt for the paper ring, but I’m not sure how long it can last. The rubber band will work longer, more durable. But thank you oh! *rolling eyes*
Mad funny encounter – hahahahahah! I can’t stop laughing. What won’t be funny though is if I am not connecting the dots of the highly anticipated day. You better make sure that I AM THE SOLE KONNECTOR
FTK lomo…I won’t mind swapping the range for some ring shopping assistance duty 
Love love love this post!
Business madam! You’re something else. Lol. The one day you commented on this post, you decided to remind or threaten me about you konnecting the dots. Lol. FTK, mind yourself oh! Lol.
…In retrospect! lol
Yesssssssss!!!!!!!