Podcast #1 : Engagement ring problems, my scoliosis spine and new years resolutions 

Hi Arielle, I love the ring (I would say the one you like is a cocktail ring). As a general rule, as an engagement ring is going to be worn every day they usually include diamonds (because they are the hardest stones on the mohs scale of hardness) and other harder stones which are less likely to be scratched or damaged over a lifetime of wear. The ring you like looks to have an amethyst central stone surrounded by seed pearls. You have to be very careful with pearls as they can be scratched easily and the nacre on the pearls damaged by water or perfume etc. It’s something to consider when you start looking for your unique ring. I look forward to seeing what you choose! xx

I totally agree with you on getting a unique ring that reflects your own style!! And that ring was beautiful! However, it may be hard to wear as an engagement ring just because it’s so big. You will almost always be wearing your engagement ring, and then one day you will stack your wedding band with it. So it’s nice to have something on the smaller side that’s simple, elegant, and understated so you can wear it in workout clothes or with a fancy dress. Something that has precious and delicate stones you may be always worrying about damaging it, so you will end up wearing it less. I have a small diamond on a rose gold band. It’s very durable and goes with everything! I wear any statement jewelry on my right hand and change it out. Loved this format and hearing from you. Happy new year!!

It is indeed exciting to start thinking about engagement rings! The beautiful ring you showed looked like it may have been an amethyst or alexandrite, or any number of precious or semi-precious stone or, it could be a piece of cut glass. It would most likely be classified as a 'coctail or 'dinner ring'. You might want to study up on the stones and ask the seller if they know what it is, if you feel they are honest. Another thing to consider is that Pearls, which are beautiful, and look very nice on that ring. They are somewhat delicate, and depending on the way they are mounted, can be knocked loose very easily. I'm not a jeweler, just a 74 yr.old that has learned from experience. My first wedding band was a band with emeralds and diamonds. I could not wear it all of the time, because emeralds are 'soft' and can come out of the mounts or get damaged with everyday wear. We had to replace two of the stones before I switched over to diamonds. Also, you may want to check the metal of the band, platinum is the 'choice' metal, gold can be solid or plated, you will want to take a magnifying glass or ask the dealer if they have a loop and can show you the markings. It sounds as if you have an exciting start to the new year! Keep up the good work!

You are the most charming person. Your enthusiasm and passion for life is contagious. I say your engagement ring is a personal thing. There is no right or wrong choice for an engagement ring. You get what you would love wearing on a regular basis. 😊 you will do well presenting your webinar. I enjoy your walking tours of Paris as well as all your travel videos. Cant wait to see how your channel evolves and grows this year.

You will not have a problem at all, you are so interesting and thorough in everything…love your talks. I am a Canadian (Québec) of 82 years of age and I still love to learn…

I love the Lupon series! My husband and I have watched all seasons and are looking forward to the next. Ariel, anything you love can be an engagement ring. Jean, if you are watching please take this advice. LOL. Get her what she loves!! That looks like an amythest. And it's gorgeous. You are NOT the only one who feels this way.

YES to podcasts! YES to pillow-talk girl time to unwind and chitchat! Have you thought about piteresting your favorite rings? it gives a clear idea of what you would like and update it as you go.. Just go for what speaks to YOU, and he will have an idea what to look for in a 2nd-hand-shop.

Choose whatever you want as a ring. And you don’t need to wear it everyday if you want something bigger, more delicate, etc. You do you. I married a German years ago, and am like you, I wanted a nice ring ( not diamond) for special occasions and I wear my wedding band everyday.

Thanks for sharing your life and love in Paris. I felt compelled to answer today since I've lived with scoliosis since I was 11. My school nurse noticed it when I was out playing at a break. I wore a back brace, a Milwaukee version with metal bars that I screwed together in the neck. Weirdly enough I don't remember a lot of those years. I wore until I was 17 and obviously it wasn't fun. This is in the 70's and back then I had to wear it 23 hours per day and one hour for hygiene. Obviously they didn't know better then....no physical therapy offered and I had to stop all sport activities. Long story short, I ended up doing a complete spinal fusion only 14 years ago (when I was 43) since the curves had started to turn and there is a risk for it to either effect my inner organs or I could get a hump. So it had to be done. It was a big thing of course, but I felt completely safe with my surgeon. I wish I could have had this when I was younger. Here in Sweden you are offered surgery at a young age if you have severe scoliosis and it's much easier to do it when you are younger. I do respect your choice and instead trying other options. Surgery is not a small thing but please also consider the future....and not only here and now. As a woman we do get weaker, both with skeleton and muscles and ligaments. It might require a lot of exercise and treatments to maintain your back as you get older. I'm not saying to scare anyone but I often feel that doctors and the healthcare system doesn't really think of what lies ahead of us.... So as a 57-year old woman I just want to remind you of that. Regarding the ring, follow your heart. I love the idea of choosing something that is unusual and special. Life is too short to be ordinary ❤

My best friend has scoliosis. For the last 20 years she has been using a combination of Pilates and massage - this is the only thing that has eliminated pain and increased her flexibility and mobility. Ring shopping is so fun! Since you are Canadian, have you thought about vintage Birks rings? Etsy has some great (reputable!) vintage sellers to browse, and they will tell you how much sizing a ring will withstand. Fiona Kenny Antiques is a great one! Nutrition recommendation: Pick Up Limes! Another Canadian (from Vancouver!) living in Europe. Her recipes/videos are amazing. Happy new year! 🎉😊

I am 51 Arielle and I have scoliosis~and I remember as a kid in second grade being pulled out of a line by a teacher and a nurse (and being scared and traumatized and embarrassed) ...I know what you are talking about with people's reactions. My mom had to come down to school and I was "discussed" and then I saw a doctor. At least you have had some medical care. Unfortunately, I avoided it, and I now am quite hunched. I live with it--ironically it doesn't really cause me pain. I visually don't like how I look though with my shoulders. Oh well. Congrats on the upcoming engagement. You choose what ring you like--unique is cool. Much love. Thank you for sharing.🥰

I love the podcast idea! I think any ring can be an engagement ring. In my opinion, it is the identity that you and your partner put upon the ring, not the one applied by society. I am also with you on never wanting to spend a lot of money on it (or a wedding for that matter). And finally, purple is definitely your colour, it is so complimentary to your colouring and makes your blue eyes pop. 😊

Honey, you can wear any kind of ring that makes you happy! There are no rules about what kind of ring you should have. xo

I hope you will continue to show us your life in Paris. You have such a fun and unique perspective!

I think that an engagement ring can be whatever you want it to be!

Your videos are always great but I must say that I can see the growth and how you get better in every iteration. I loved the Vlogmas series, it was fantastic! I've seen all three seasons of Lupin and yes it's simple but very entertaining. THE RING......it looks like an amethyst which is a wonderful stone for an engagment. As one of the commentors here said, diamonds are much harder (the hardest) and thus stand up to daily wear however, one should always go with what has resonance and meaning for them. The amethyst stone meaning is very rounded out in healing and peacefulness in the tradition of stone readings. It represents (or instill the wearer with) calm, intuition, connection, love, transformation, protection, peace and stress relief. This is why it is a very popular stone for home decor, feng shui and general environmental well being. I say go for it!

I love the ring Arielle. 😊

An engagement ring is whatever you want, it's your ring

Love all your ideas! You need to have whatever ring you desire, the nutrition class will be very helpful to stabilizing your health and weight...DO IT!!!

Hello Arielle, A engagement ring is to be worn all the time with one day your wedding ring . With Antique rings are worn on a occasion,not all the time . Diamond last a life time , So to here about your scoliosis,you poor love. There are many other ways to treat your condition pain relief,and wearing a back brace. Having a opp can course nerve damage to and more pain. Think about that one, take care and all the best ,love your channel xo💕😊

Lupin is a great show for the language and the scenery. When you see “your ring” you will know ❤. Love this podcast format. Thanks for sharing the day to day. My resolution is to restart my French language studying. My hope is to relocate there within the next 5 years and focusing on the language now will help so much when the time arrives.

My wedding ring is vintage. I'm sure many would think it is a dinner ring, but it fits my personality . Get what speaks to you and makes you happy. You'll be wearing it a long, long time.

I first ran across your videos when I was looking for a new apartment to rent in Paris. Found them so entertaining, I think I have seen most of them by now. Was pleasantly surprised to see you will be talking about the 8th arrondissement on Bonjour Paris on the 17th of January! I am a longtime Bonjour Paris fan, and more recently a contributor as well. Go, Arielle!

I loved the ring 🤩 So so pretty 🕊💕🕊 Very much in the style of Kate Middleton’s engagement ring , which used to be Diana’s Thank you for sharing 🤗🧚‍♀️

hi Ariel, I will try to make this as concise as I can. Yes, yes yes to the podcast webinar. You are absolutely fantastic and I loved it when you did the one on taking us all around Paris with Maps, etc. You are super good at that - what I want to really comment on is your Scoliosis. I was diagnosed with scoliosis at 13, just like you and this was in 1967! I had an S curve and if that time hardly anybody even knew what it was all about. Fast forward to 1987, I had a six-year-old and a three-year-old and I just happened to see an article in a magazine about a doctor in Dallas Texas that did surgery for scoliosis. Of course this was before computer cell phones, etc. I looked up this doctor he was located a place called the Carrell clinic, in Dallas. The carrell clinic is a very highly recommended orthopedic clinic. I saw a doctor there and at that time my curve I believe was 45°. I was 33 years old at that time. He recommended surgery because he said every year my curve would increase 1 to 2° and by the time I reached “old age, it would be quite debilitating. at that time, they did a surgery, it was called the Harrington rod where your back was fused, and a rod was put in place. I had great success with that surgery, and now I am 70 years old, and I have totally forgotten about the rod in my back and it did stop my curvature. I had another baby when I was 39 without any problems. I remember my doctor told me that he never ever did the surgery for cosmetic purposes, he only did the surgery to stop the progression of the curve. I would highly encourage you to think about that and consider the surgery because today they even have better techniques than they did back then. I can honestly say it was not that terribly bad, it really wasn’t. My doctor never said it was dangerous or anything like that however, all surgeries, cary a risk. Anyway, that’s my story. 🥰 I absolutely love your channel, I lived in Belgium for five years back when I was 19 through 24 and I just love Europe.

I love the ring! I find diamonds kind of boring. Go bold with color - why not?! My ring has multiple different colored sapphires inlaid in gold, and I love it.

❤

I’m two weeks in of the flu! I have lost 10 pounds in one week! I was only able to tolerate a bit of water and ginger ale. Thankfully, I’ve turned the corner and feel I am getting my strength back. Oh, the things to be grateful for when you recover, like eating toast, walking Wiggles! I’m in Virginia, U.S.A. Yes, this virus is everywhere!!!

I too am the same in regards to resolution not made any as of yet.

2024 is the year of taking care of yourself and doing what you want to do.

I’m so sorry your New Years Eve was ruined! Glad you’re feeling better now. When considering your engagement ring, I would look for stones and metal that will hold up over time. I love amethysts too but they are a softer stone. I would avoid a large ring if you want to wear it every day. I’ve seen some vintage and antique rings that are beautiful and not expensive. Look for estate sales or a jeweler who sells estate jewelery. Happy New Year! I love the podcasts idea. ❤

Oh love the ring i have one my ex husband had made like Princess Diana ring with the Sapphire , I always feel it is what you like for your ring doesnt matter what others think. Happy New Year to you both.

Oh, should see a nutritionist in till you go to school. I highly recommend, it was eye-opening for me.

Enjoyed your walking tours of Paris videos. As far as engagement ring, I feel like it is very personal mattter. I have scoliosis of lumbar spine since childhood and then 3 discs got damaged in 2008. I live with some pain that I manage with physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments.yoga, stretches, and walking.Webinar about Parisian neighborhood sounds like sthng I might be interested in.

I just saw your video. I’ve worked in jewelry for several years and am GIA certified. First, any ring you choose to get engaged with is an engagement ring. The ring you showed was beautiful. Vintage with I’m sure the character you’re looking for. It looks like it might be an amethyst with pearls. Just an FYI… those are soft stones, especially the pearls. Not something for everyday living and wear and tear. Maybe you could check out purple sapphires. They are stunning and 9 on the Mohs scale.

Ms Blu has nice quality rings really good prices

To be honest, I thought that you two got engaged during Christmas at his parent’s home. You guys were so lovey-dovey. I love the ring.

my husband got me a custom ring from Esty! I love it, it wasn't too expensive and because of that we're thinking of "upgrading" the ring soon because we've been married for 5 years now and our tastes have changed. I'm kind of wanting to find a really nice vintage ring and possibly switching out the stones for the ones in my engagement ring

Have you thought of maybe finding a "dinner" type ring for your engagement ring but when you and Jean saw your vows you can exchange plain gold or silver bands? Save your engagement ring to wear with your band when you go out or for special occassions...my grandmother gave me a ring that the main stone I am told is ruby colored glass. I decided I wanted to wear it on my middle finger so a jeweler did say it was a gold setting and was able to enlarge the shank to fit...so jewelers can enlarge older rings but this ring was a simple shank, not thick or that involved with the ring setting.

I’ve been a Bonjour Paris member for at least 22 years and probably more like 30!

I’ve belonged to BonJour Paris for years, perhaps since they began. I watch all the videos and most are very good. The lousy ones are when the speaker just wings it. So your compulsion to be prepared will work out well. The best ones also include maps and lots of pictures. I’m very excited that they asked you. You will fit their audience very well.

For your engagement ring - have you considered Moissanite for the stone. It’s a man made stone that’s as strong as diamond but a fraction of the cost. Still very beautiful. Obviously you wouldn’t find a vintage ring with that type of stone, but if you found a setting you like, you could replace the stone. Sorry you were so sick for new year’s and missed out on the fun. Hopefully 2024 will be a great year for you with only good things to come!

Hi Arielle! I agree with your engagement ring view. I think it should be what makes you happy. After all, you are the one who will be wearing it. Get what you want. As far as scoliosis, I too have it. I don't know to what degree. My spine is like an S shape. I can actually see my right collar bone and hip bone protrude vs my left side, and my left ribs more than the right. I was told as a preteen to swim a lot and do weights to balance things out, which I did. I am in my 50s and I do get low back pains but that could be due to sitting at a desk for decades for my job so who knows if it's related or not. Glad you are back and all better. Can't wait to see what 2024 has in store for you and your content!

That ring is gorgeous! Remember Princess Diana's ring, now worn by Princess Catherine - Its a giant sapphire surrounded by diamonds, similar to your ring which is an Amethyst surrounded by pearls. I think it's just the US/No America that is obsessed w/diamonds for engagement rings. I personally have an Oregon sunstone surrounded by diamonds for an engagement ring (I live in Oregon). Something unique is awesome! Go for it girl! And the podcast sounds great! Anything you do , with the enthusiasm you have, is fantastic! Keep it up!! :)

I had almost the exact same thought process as you when it came to rings - I wanted something vintage and "me". But also durable. Amethyst and pearl are very soft (if it is amethyst). Anything not at the top of the mohr scale will get cloudy very fast and pearls damage just by looking at them too hard. I have amethyst jewelry that's sadly scratched and cloudy. That ring is beautiful, though! Anyways, I tried a bunch of different ones from traditional jewelers and second hand shops. Then I went into this small shop that has a bunch of different local artisan jewelers. I ended up with something that looked much more modern but so perfect the moment I saw it.

You can get whatever you want for your engagement ring. I have a friend who wanted and got a blue sapphire ring. I have scoliosis since we were all tested in PE in the 7th grade. I'm 61 now, it's not too bad but definitely keep doing your exercises, I love deep water workout in a pool. You could wear a brace to help maybe too...I don't know. I'm like you in that I NEED food bedside manner, some Dr's just don't have it! Love your videos! ❤

On scoliosis, my son was diagnosed in 6th grade. He wore a brace for 12 hours a day everyday from his underarms to his pelvic area. He had to give up soccer which he loved since he was 5. The 12 hour window didn’t allow for practices, plus matches etc. it made minimal difference after 3 years. He now just stays active. He is studying abroad in Frankfurt, Germany.

Pearls would be hard to wear every day, because easily damaged. The purple ring is beautiful, but maybe a similar ring that has diamonds around it. Think: Princess Diana/Kate Middleton. Another idea: my friend got a ruby and diamond band that looked very Renaissance-y and that was her wedding ring.

That was incredibly unprofessional of the radiologist to express an opinion of ANY kind. That was the domain of the Orthopedic surgeon, who I'm glad was more positive. Happy New Year! 🥂🍾

My boyfriend knew I have tastes for engagement rings that are almost the same as yours. Je bought me a ring, in a second hand shop in a town he spent most of his life in Scotland, from 1920. And I got another one, from the same shop that looked like the engagement ring of his grandparents, a simple aigue-marine one. So I got 2 ❤😂🎉

The ring you like seemed to be an amethyst with pearls. If you go for such a ring, I would suggest a band and you remove the ring for cleaning, etc. The pearly are fragile and the amethyst is not at as sturdy of a stone as a diamond. Also, it is recommended to go up or down two sizes. I love th idea of a unique ring.

Don’t forget you might be wearing a wedding ring with the engagement ring. The ring you like is a cocktail ring only worn on special occasions.

Hi Arielle, you do you for what type of ring you want! I would suggest a 10k wedding band ( if you want one) because they will be stronger than 14k or 18k. As for looking for an antique ring, I'm not sure what it's like in France, but here in the States, many jewelry stores buy estate jewelry. Maybe you can find one there. So happy for you two ❤️

If you have pawn shops in France I found my ring there. Not a typical ring either and also less expensive and it was able to be sized. Agree that pearls probably not the easiest to wear

OMG....I know exactly what you mean with the scoliosis! I have bone overgrowth on my vertebrae. The first time I saw my own neck on an actual film, I almost vomited.

My main goals are to: 1. Find a job in my domain(s) (learning design or content Management) 2. Earn the Delf C1 cert 3. Expand my friend group 4. Do these things in france

1st one to view and "like" this!!

Of course you can get engaged using any ring you love. And you can be a part of choosing it. There are no rules. They are all inventet. Do what makes you both happy. I dont know of a problem of resizing a vintage ring. I have some I need to have changed. Maybe ask a jeweler?

You can resize any ring

Congratulations on your webinar, so happy for you🎉 I really want to start being more active on social media and hopefully start my RU-vid chanel! Year by year goes and I still havent made any moves, so maybe I will have the courage to do it 😊 My educational goal this year is to learn Polish language already on it on Duolingo. Same as you, really want to get onto healthy eating and educate enough. Travel vise booking and planning trip to New York and Chicago. Also I have a one absolute word goal: Quality I want to attract more quality than quantity I want to become quatity for myself, family friends. Do you have any word of goal for the year? Perhaps its minimalism or happy etc? ❤

As to the ring, take a look at Princess Diana's engagement ring, now Princess Catherine's engagement ring. It is rather similar to the amethyst & pearl ring you love. I have had a lot of friends who wanted 'unique' engagement rings. I say go for it! Be you. As to the scoliosis, not something I have any experience with, However I have lots of experience with other disabling physical problems. I am a skeptic of allopathic medicine. Too much surgery, too much Pharma. I use complementary modalities in conjunction with MD's. I have a great deal of respect for Chinese medicine & it has been extremely helpful for me. Beyond that nutrition is often causative. Some foods can be injurious & some foods can be curative. Your desire to learn the science of nutrition may be very helpful in working with your scoliosis. I am vegan with some fish. For me there were a lot of foods that were causing unnecessary problems--dairy, gluten, sugar, simple carbs in general. You will find out what works for you & what doesn't. I actually cried when I was told no more dairy. Now I have learned how to be very happy with alternatives. They don't excite me the way that French cheeses (cow's milk) can, but maybe that is the point. I am looking forward to hearing about your journey.

What about Princess Di’s ring? The style is very similar.

I think it was a “dinner” ring as the center stone is several carats large. You can get something similar in an engagement ring on a smaller scale. I would look at antique stores or estate sales. Some regular jewelry stores do have a section of estate jewelry. It will be more than 1,000 euro but it’s not 10,000 euro. Also, remember, this is a lifetime investment that may one way get passed down to your daughter or granddaughter. Think long term.

A jeweler can resize gold band, but it cannot be real thin in the back.

Sorry to spoil it for you but my man would never leave me alone in NYE! Especially if I were so sick! Maybe after I would convince him to go and have a drink (maybe) but he definitely choose to stay with me! And I would do the same for him! So I am not so happy for that! Nice that you are doing well now! I had also Covid around holidays and I understand how awful that can be!

My resolution is to get my will in order this year! I got a divorce 10 years ago and have not dealt with it yet!!!

Love a good update video but you really romanticized that flea market 😂

Look at Princess Kates engagement rings

Happy New Year, Take a breath, slow down a bit…If you do all you talk about wanting to do…you will be spreading yourself thin. You have so much energy but you drain it fast and that is when you risk getting sick .

Princess Diana, now Kate ring is non traditional. I think the ring that you life is beautiful.

Hi Arielle, I left a comment yesterday and I don’t see it here. I was wondering if your presentation will be in English?

Princess Diana’s engagement ring now passed down to Kate is a large sapphire with diamonds surrounding it. Not traditional at all but quite beautiful.

I am a naturopath, and you can absolutely heal scoliosis, sweetheart (my sister did)! You have to go an a long-term raw food protocol to alkalize the body and use herbal botanicals to strengthen your kidneys and your endocrine system (parathyroid and adrenals)! I've seen the body uncurve from all types of degenerative disorders and spines re-fuse by simply cleaning the body and healing certain weaknesses (by bringing more energy into your body through a high fruit diet with herbs). Check out the work of my mentor, Dr. Robert Morse! ❤

A Holistic back book " Back in Control " by Dr David Handscom from Seattle . A reformed, reknowned Orthopedic surgeon 's view and unique treatment for pain ( journaling). I did it for a rare chronic pain condition and it diminished my daily pain and cured my migraines.

I have a totally different wedding ring (jade and gold nuggets) but never had an engagement ring. Do you really need one? I urge you to get only a wedding ring and blast it out on something unique.

(sounds like really noisy children in the background! a playground?)

Congratulations on your first "official" podcast. I've enjoyed seeing your posts for some time & would like to make a constructive comment for improvement of your future posts. Please do not take my comment negatively, but I've noticed that you fling your hands about excessively and it is distracting from your content. You may want to consider using your hands much less as most successful podcasters don't use these distracting movements. Otherwise, I enjoy your content and wish you much success!

The ring you like isn’t something most people would identify as an engagement ring, but that’s really not important. I am frequently struggling to meet weight goals. Exercising is good for your health, and will probably keep you from gaining weight, but to lose weight you have to make sacrifices with your diet. Stay away from sugar and alcohol. That’s something that would be hard for me to do if I lived in Paris!

I watched Lupin but in the US the show was dubbed. It was done well but no French was spoken at all. An engagement ring is very personal. It can be anything you want it to be. There is no " correct" ring.

I enjoy watching your blogs but I have one small criticism..the word LIKE ....you use it way too much ..please just listen to your blog and realize how much you use that filler word . I don't want this to sound mean ..just a bit constructive maybe because I do enjoy you , esp the ones from the olive groves .