KAEL
"Show me what you have."
The jeweler, an elderly man named Vincent who'd been crafting custom pieces for three generations, opened the case with reverent hands.
Three rings gleamed against black velvet.
All platinum. All featuring the center stone I'd selected weeks ago: a flawless three-carat diamond, emerald cut, clarity so perfect it seemed to hold light itself.
But each setting was different.
The first was classic, a simple solitaire with delicate pavé diamonds along the band.
The second was more ornate, the center stone surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, with intricate filigree work along the sides.
The third was modern, clean lines, geometric, the diamond set in a bezel with baguette-cut stones flanking it.
All stunning.
All uniquely beautiful.
But none of them felt quite right.
"These are exquisite," I said carefully. "But I'm not sure any of them are… her."
Vincent nodded, unsurprised. "I had a feeling you might say that. May I make a suggestion?"
