the Ring.

Since today is Valentine’s Day, I figured it might be a fitting day to share the story of the engagement/wedding ring that Anthony designed.

He knew that I prefer rings that have symbolism in them, rather than something that doesn’t have a story behind it. When he went ring shopping he didn’t find anything that fit what he’d imagined, so he had my ring custom designed.

The center features five larger diamonds (larger in comparison to the outer diamonds). Three of those diamonds, the center-most diamonds, symbolize the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The outer two diamonds symbolize each of us to show that we are always united through the Trinity. I like to say that we are united “through Him, with Him, and in Him” because it unites us to the Mass as well.

The inside of the ring is designed to look like vines and branches from John 15:1-12, which reads,

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”

Easily one of my favorite passages of Scripture. I’ve written about it many, many times, but especially important was this post.

Needless to say, he did good. This ring, which I will wear every day for the rest of my life, is deeply symbolic of our love and commitment to each other – exactly what an engagement/wedding ring should be.

Happy Valentine’s Day!