Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 November 1885 — Engagement Rings. [ARTICLE]

Engagement Rings.

“That ring,” said the jeweler, as the reporter picked up a seven-stone cluster diamond, will cost you sl2. If you return it within six months you will receive a rebate of $5.” “What! only sl2 for a cluster diamond ring!” exclaimed the astonished scribe. “I said $12,” was the calm reply. “Here (lifting out another tray) is the mate to it—price $10.” “Enlighten me,” pleaded the reporter. “I will; although it is odd that you haven’t caught on to this little game. The American is a hustler in all things. If he falls in love he goes with the same rush that would characterize a business transaction. He wants to be engaged and have the day set, bdt in perhaps three cases out of ten his ardor cools before the fatal day arrives, and he ‘throws’ the match. He was mistaken in the girl, or in the strength of his own feelings, and he breaks the match.” “I see.”

“He has given the girl an engagement ring. He can scarcely muster up the cheek to ask for its return, and the chances are that he wouldn’t get it if he did. This cluster diamond ring at sl2 fills a want long felt. The gold plating will wear for six months, and the paste diamonds will sparkle and glisten for about the same length of time. If, at the end of six months, he finds that his feelings have changed, he breaks off the match and is little or nothing out of pocket. If time has only welded his love the firmer, so to speak, he gets the spurious ring from her to have their initials engraved on the inside, and comes here and pxcfyanges it for the simon pure. ” I