Love Stories – Chris & Matt
“We feel connected.” That’s how Chris and Matt described their rings. Chris's organic signet is set with a single, deliberate emerald cut green sapphire. Matt's maximalist eternity ring features twenty-two emerald cut green sapphires arranged in an organic rhythm. Designed side by side with the Black Finch team, their rings developed a quiet kind of intimacy. Distinct, but aligned.
When and how did you meet one another?
It’s a cute story. We met online but not in your typical way. My friend of mine who lives in London was moaning that there were no good-looking men on his grid. So, I moved my pin to his home to have a look see and give him a kick along. This made me appear to be in London on the apps, when I was on the couch in Melbourne. Matt messaged me thinking I was around the corner, when we were in fact worlds apart. When Matt found out I was in Melbourne, he was gobsmacked as he was moving to Melbourne in 2 weeks for work. He didn’t know anyone in Melbourne, and he said when he arrived would I show him around. I said sure, and the rest is history.
When did you know you had found your special person?
It was immediate for both for us. The first day we met, we stayed up chatting until the wee hours and knew we had found that special one.
What is something that has surprised you about the other?
How adaptable we have been to each other’s needs. We are far from co-dependent, but we know what makes the other happy and act accordingly.
How did the proposal go down?
One of our favourite shows is Taskmaster, so I set up a series of fun tasks that Matt had to complete with a friend. I also gave them a bottle of champagne to lubricate the process. When he had completed the tasks, he was given a clue of where to find me. I proposed and he said yes! After, we were joined by family and friends for a picnic to share the moment.
What were the most important factors when choosing your jeweller?
Matt did a lot of research on prospective jewellers. He was impressed with Black Finch’s unique approach to creative design and engagement pieces. Once we had our initial consultation with Asha we knew it was the jeweller for us.
Were there specific design elements you wanted to include?
Yes. Green stones and an organic feel. Black Finch helped hone our ideas into a magnificent concept.
How do you feel your pieces reflect you individually and as a couple?
Matt has 22 stones in his engagement ring. I have one. That says a lot! But they are the same stones and we feel connected.
Is there any advice you would give to other couples choosing their engagement rings?
Initially, I was completed disinterested in the process. But I knew it was important to Matt so I put my big boy pants on and came along. I loved the consultation and became completely invested in the process. It was quite a joyous experience.
I know it is ‘traditional’ for one partner to organise the process, so it is a surprise. But I don’t think an engagement should be a surprise. It’s a natural progression of a relationship and both parties should be involved. I could never have come up with the concept and design Matt wanted. It would have been stressful to do it alone. Doing it together added an extra bond to our relationship. He didn’t see the finished engagement ring until the proposal so there was just the right element of surprise.
What plans have you made for your "big day"?
We’re getting married in Collingwood. Keeping it local is very important to me. This was another factor in choosing Black Finch for our rings.
