Tara D.
Yelp
I like to save my 100th, 200th, etc. reviews for places that hold a really, really, really special place in my heart. For my 100th, I reviewed Mercey Hot Springs (one of those places you love so much that you really don't want to tell other people about it.)
For my 200th, I give you GILT, the former home of my engagement ring.
During a brief trip to Portland for Thanksgiving, we spent a day sightseeing the city, much of it in the rain. As we parked in the Alphabet District just after dark, in a light rain, we emerged from the car and were pleasantly surprised by an offer of a free hot chocolate sample from an angelic soul in the doorway of Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe. (We came back on our return and bought some hot chocolate mix and some truffles, see my separate review of Moonstruck.)
My dearest said, "there's just this one place I really, really want to check out." Knowing him, I figured it would be a book store, an art store, a camera shop, or some oddities store. But as we walk up the steps, I realize its a jewelry store...an antique/estate jewelry store (I later discovered they also have some new pieces by local jewelers on the top floor.)
And as we walk through the door, my heart leaps in my chest, and I wonder...is this...? Does he...? No, it can't mean...? Maybe it is!...
And I turn to look, and he's smiling at me, and he says mysteriously, "I thought we'd look around." First we stroll around the edges of the room, which hold any number of lovely pieces. Then he heads towards one or two cases in the center of the room around which most of the staff and customers are gathered.
The two cases are full of rings. And I realize...it IS what I thought it might be. And I flush (turning six shades of pink no doubt) and I suddenly feel about as shy as a 12-year old wondering if the cute guy will ask me to dance.
It did not take long....we both fell in love with the same ring within a few minutes. I think I tried on no more than six.
He knows me well...he wanted to make sure I would like the ring he chose, but he still wanted to surprise me. He didn't buy it in front of me (he paid for it by phone the next day and had it shipped back to LA.) And I didn't see it again for more than a month...but then that's another story!
The store was cozy, service was extremely helpful and polite, and they back up their prices with appraisals. We were very satisfied with our experience at Gilt!