In August, I had surgery, which meant that I needed to remove my wedding and engagement rings. My hands have changed. My rings are now too small and taking them off was a struggle. As I ran cold water over my fingers, I thought about how often I had planned to get my rings resized. Life got in the way and I haven’t made the time.

My husband recently surprised me by suggesting that he buy me a new wedding ring. A friend recommended we go to Twist in NE Portland. I had never been, having already dismissed it as out of my price range. We decided to check it out.

I sucked in a breath when we entered. Stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry displayed in beautiful gallery-style arrangements filled the large space. A woman wearing dangling, fresh-water pearl earrings asked if she could help. We told her that we were looking for a wedding ring suitable for everyday wear, one not so expensive that I would fear losing it when we travel. 

Her face darkened. “That’ll be hard.”

I thought, yup, this place is too expensive.

“Let’s explore,” she said.

We followed her around the store.

“Okay,” she said. “White gold doesn’t do your skin tone justice. You’re more of a yellow-gold type.” She made the rounds of the jewelry cases, growing more excited as she did.

“Ooo,” she said after I had tried on a ring studded with green aventurine. “Green is your color!”

In the end, we purchased a gold band with intricate carvings. Delicate. Beautiful. One-of-a-kind—and in our price range! A special order that will arrive by my 31st wedding anniversary.

The ring itself is a wonderful gift, and so is the memory of  the saleswoman’s care and creativity as she searched for the ring just right for me.