The diamond is an investment.  God forbid you ever have to sell it, but if times really got tough, it's like cash in the bank.  Will your DW buy into this way of thinking?

  Mikla

What are you talking about? I'm the Crown Jewel. 

Okay, DJM.  My mom always told me that "can't" was a forbidden word, right up there with other four-letter words.  Clearly, you need to make some decisions here.  The first decision *I* would make is the decision to be joyful about your trip and about your beautiful diamond.  You've spent the money; if you don't have a wonderful vacation (your plan sounds SO cool, BTW) or allow you and your wife to enjoy the beautiful diamond you've bought, then you've wasted your money.  And I HATE waste.

If, on the other hand, you enjoy yourselves, then it's money well spent.

Another decision you need to make is whether/what to tell your wife.  I think part of the reason you're upset is that you're making all these decisions all alone.  I know you want the trip to be a surprise.  But you also want it to be a positive experience for everyone, and right now, your anxiety is palpable.  You're not having fun, and you're worried that your wife won't, either, right?

What do you need to do to look forward to this?  Maybe the answer is "tell your wife about the trip."  Maybe it's "tell her about the diamond."  Maybe both.  Maybe neither.  But decide, commit, and BE HAPPY.

Love,
Robin

DJM-I think your plan sounds lovely and think that you should give your wife the diamond also   It is paid for and the plans have been set, so enjoy your time together and tell her not to worry about the $$$ right now.  Enjoy!!!

Sorry everyone... but DW is after me to get ready.  We have dinner reservations with friends. I promise to post something later.

I am hanging on the edge of my seat!   

I resolved that I was coming clean.

A few days before our anniversary, I wrapped the oval, got a card and made reservations to our favorite restaurant ("saved" for special occasions). The restaurant sits on a cliff overlooking the most majestic views of surf crashing against  the rocks. I tipped the maitre d' earlier during the week for the best table in the place-- next to an open window.

The sea air and cool evening Maine breeze coming in felt great against my face. DW had gone to the ladies room and I felt for the oval box in my blazer pocket. I pulled the card out and thought about what I had written and wondered if I had made the clues so difficult that DW wouldn't be able to guess the surprise. I took it out and re read the words I had listed giving clues of the weekend away with our college friends. I counted 8 words, eight clues. She should be able to do this, no problem. I ordered our cocktails and waited for DW to return.

Tucking the card back into my pocket, I watch her approach me and think that she still is the most beautiful woman I ever laid eyes on. She smiles at me from a distance as if she could read my mind. I stand, pull out her chair and get a wiff of the perfume I love on her (Salvatore Ferragamo). I'm thinking we should just skip dinner.

We make a toast then take a sip our Martini when I see DW pull out a card from her clutch. I read her sentiments and get choked up. She does this to me every time. I hand her my card and tell her that I really did live up to my bargain and explained that I planned months before I agreed to anything. I watch her open the envelope, taking another sip of my drink.

She looks up, smiles at me then asks how many guesses she gets. I told her three but I was NOT going to give her anymore hints, no matter how much she begged.  She reads the eight clues outloud then says: "Hmmm", well let's see. Clues one and four has to do with going away somewhere and clue number 5 ... "attendants" must mean our friends. I don't know what clues 3 and 6 mean but..."


DW gives her first guess which was pretty darn close. I tell her to re-read clues 3 and 6 and guess again. BINGO. She nails it and I laugh.

I'm just about to lift my right hand to reach for the gift in my breast pocket when I feel DW place her hand on mine. She looks me in the eye and says: "Honey, that is one of the nicest gifts you have given me--that is just perfect. I loved that you planned all this...that's all I want..to go away with you and be with our friends."

I swallow hard and give her a half smile, wondering if she sensed that I was uneasy. So...there you have it...I chickened out. The gift stayed in my pocket and returned it to the safe deposit box the next day.  It was a perfect evening otherwise.

I told her that in light of everything going on, I sent it back to David so that I could "trade it in" when things free up a little bit. In the meantime David will find a new buyer for it. (She always knew that this was a "trade-up"ring so she was happy with that explanation. I told her to think of it like "money in the bank".

Actually, it wasn't really a lie when you think about it... the ring was sent back to David, he probably cleaned it before he listed it, someone else did buy it and I do have money in the bank..I mean safe deposit box.

I just omitted the part that I already traded up.  Not a lie--right?

Man, now I sound like you guys...

   Thanks. 

Aw DJM you are such a sweetheart!  You had it right there and you knew it wasn't quite the right time.  She is going to be blown off her feet when you finally give it to her.  God bless you for being such a darling man and huge congrats to you for being so crazy in love with a woman who is obviously just as bonkers about you.  Warms the cockles, it does!   

I'm going out on a limb here . . . he reminds me of Ross on "Friends".
 
  Mikla

Can we just get a little picture of it?