Romantic and True Stories by Von Bargen's
John Von Bargen's Engagment Ring Story
Listen >> (modified 11-19-2005 - 478K)
Rekindling the romance
Several months ago, a woman came into Von Bargen's "just to look", as she had never been in our store before. After welcoming her to Von Bargen's, I learned that she and her husband lived in New Hampshire only part of each year, and spent the other part in a more metropolitan area of Pennsylvania. She had a vivacious personality and an individual style, and since unique jewelry was more prevalent in the city environment, they had not done much shopping in the upper valley. She also mentioned that their 25th anniversary had passed recently.
She was pleased to see what a range of distinctive designer styles we had, and I pulled out one of my favorite rings to show her- Alex Sepkus' Swirling Water band. It is an 18-Karat Gold handcarved ring, set with many naturally-colored diamonds in yellow and cognac hues. Not only did the gold tones look stunning against her skin, but the ring complemented the jewelry she was already wearing perfectly. She said that she hadn't planned on doing any shopping, and that she would come back with her husband at some point...and she really had a hard time giving me back the ring!
Since I had no idea when she'd have a chance to come back in, I was pleasantly surprised when she brought her husband in just a few days later to show him the ring. He himself was wearing some eye-catching jewelry, and immediately took a liking to the Swirling Water ring. When she put it on her finger, he loved how it looked on her and how happy she looked wearing it! The name of the ring also proved symbolic, reminding them of memories earlier in their marriage. I also showed them a picture of the matching wider Water Garden band in Alex Sepkus' catalog. Not only did he suggest that the Swirling Water ring would be the perfect 25th anniversary gift, but he also bought the wider ring for himself, without seeing more than the photo! They were overjoyed to find a style that they both loved to symbolize 25 years together. By the time they left the store, they were holding hands and giggling like newlyweds. It is wonderful to see people find jewelry as unique as they are, that holds meaning to them personally. Even still, when they talk about their rings, they become all smiles, and are still enjoying them as much as the day they first saw them.
Create Your Own Shopping Store
Before Valentine's Day, a man came in looking for a gift for his girlfriend.
He loved our jewelry, and he explained that he really wanted to do something special this year. Like most men, he was apprehensive about whether he would be able to find the "perfect" piece for his loved one. After describing her style, we were able to pick out numerous things that could be that perfect present.
Each piece had different elements that he thought would appeal to her, and after nearly an hour, we weren't able to confidently eliminate any one of the items from the selection.
He didn't like the idea of telling her that she could return or exchange what he had chosen, since he thought it would take away from the thought he had put into the gift. We finally settled on the perfect solution - to bring the shopping experience home to her! He ended up purchasing four different pieces- an Alex Sepkus handcarved chain bracelet, a Von Bargen's eternity band set with D/internally flawless Diamonds, a Lauren K aquamarine ring, and a classic tennis bracelet.
Two days after Valentine's Day, they both came in - she was glowing - and she was wearing the Alex Sepkus bracelet AND the Von Bargen's diamond ring! It was just perfect. Not only did she love every piece he had chosen, but she said that when she saw what he had set up, she started crying on the spot. She had never had her "own personal jewelry store" before! It was truly a memorable day for both of them, and for us.
An Anniversary to Remember
Having eloped when we were wed, my wife and I had decided at the time to forgo the traditional engagement ring in favor of other priorities such as a new home, etc. However, the agreement was that she would get the ring of her dreams for our 10th Anniversary.
Not long after our seventh Anniversary we happened to be in Burlington one evening and decided to visit Von Bargen’s Jewelry. My wife immediately found the ring of her dreams: a breath-taking Von Bargen’s designed 5-diamond gemlock in 18-karat gold.
Yet our 10th Anniversary was still two and half years away.
Not wanting to be too predictable, I purchased the ring a few months later having decided to surprise her with it on our 8th Anniversary. On our Anniversary, we returned to the coastal restaurant where we ate after our wedding, as we have every year since. After our meal, while finishing our wine, I got down on my knees in the crowded restaurant, asked her to marry me again and presented her with the ring among tears and cheers throughout the restaurant.
Cut to the present: it is now our 10th Anniversary. Having presented her with the long-anticipated ring from Von Bargen’s two years ago – what was I to do to top that?
I decided to keep it simple and romantic.
After our traditional annual Anniversary dinner at our favorite coastal restaurant, I suggested we take a sunset stroll along the beach to where we were married. After a short walk up the coast, we descended the stairs to the beach where my wife discovered a path of red rose petals on the beach leading from the stairs to the water.
Every few feet, a single white rose lay among the petals. I gathered the flowers for my bride as we walked toward the shore and as we neared the waters’ edge, my wife discovered the very same Justice of the Peace that had married us 10 years earlier, waiting for us. I presented the bouquet of flowers to my tearful wife, took her hands in mine, and we renewed our vows as the sun set behind us.
Nicest Store
Hi, Jason!
I got the email from John and the ring would truly be stunning!!! I have ordered the Christian Bauer ring that I first saw. Please tell John when you talk to him that I apreciate his help and effort!! I will definitely recommend Von Bargens to any of my friends that will be looking for great quality jewelry and/or diamonds. Your store is by far the nicest in Burlington and in any other area nearby.
Thanks again,
Gail