This is the story of Michele and Donatella: a marriage proposal organised in New York, an engagement ring chosen with care and an experience lived at close quarters in my workshop. It is not just the tale of a solitaire. It is the story of a man who wanted to transform a promise into an unforgettable moment.
A marriage proposal in New York
“A few months earlier I had decided to propose to Donatella. I was going to ask her to marry me during our trip to New York. I had very little time to set the stage for my romantic gesture.
The chosen location was reportedly the Rockefeller Center observation deck, with a romantic view from Top of the Rock. I had a specific date in mind, but the tickets were sold out. I had no choice but to opt for two VIP passes. Done, by the skin of my teeth.
I was imagining a proposal like in the movies: on one knee, in front of goodness knows how many people, and above all with a ring. A solitaire. She would never have expected it.
The choice of the engagement ring
I already knew who to turn to: Antonio Colonna. I had no doubts.
I wanted him to be the creator of that piece of jewellery, the symbol of my love for Donatella. I hadn't imagined just any ring. I wanted a specific, recognisable one, not one of those you see thousands of around the place: I wanted an Antonio Colonna.
Because of this I chose a frame designed by him. I didn't feel the need to put my own stamp on it at all costs. For me it would have been like telling a painter which technique to use and what subject to paint. I trusted him.
Once the appointment was made, I joined Antonio in his workshop. Despite us having little time available, he immediately made himself available.
Inside the lab: stone, setting and guarantees
One thing, among many, struck me: his meticulousness and the care dedicated to the customer.
Antonio did not take anything for granted. He welcomed me and guided me through every stage of choosing the setting and the stone to use for my solitaire. I allowed myself to be intrigued.
Cut, clarity, colour, carat weight, origin, certificate and authenticated appraisal: I had free access to every detail of my stone. I was able to observe everything closely, using the equipment that Antonio makes available to his clients in the laboratory.
I also watched the setting being made. I discovered just how crucial the mounting and prongs are not only for enhancing the stone, but also for protecting it over time.
It was a process I could have skipped, because I trusted him. But today I am overjoyed to have experienced it.
The yes to the Top of the Rock
I offered my solitaire ring to Donatella hundreds of metres up, with the sunset over New York behind her and her tears of joy lighting up my heart.
Today I look at that ring on her hand and many images flood back into my mind. I smile with emotion and, every now and then, I play the role of the jewellery expert, telling Donatella about the features of my gift.
I don't know how to put it, but it was as if through the microscope, that day, I had seen in a single glance our entire love story and, as a preview, the splendour of her yes.
This is the story of my Jewellery Experience.”
Michele L.
When a ring holds a story
A marriage proposal does not only live in the moment it is made. It lives on in the story, the images, the details and the jewel that remains.
For this a Bespoke Engagement Ring it can become much more than a gift: it can hold the anticipation, the choice, the place, the surprise and the profound meaning of a promise.
Those who wish to explore this subject further can also discover the page dedicated to Bespoke personalised jewellery.
The first meeting is intended to clarify the direction, timetable and feasibility. It does not require an immediate decision.