SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
When it comes to buying an engagement ring, there's a number of questions one might have, not the least of which is, "Should I really be doing this?"

Francois "T-Bo" Thibault sketches out designs for his custom line of rings at his workshop and store, Originals by T-Bo. He says an engagement ring should be something unique that can be passed down generations. - Daniel Campbell/NNSL photo

Local jewellers can certainly help with most of the questions involved in choosing the right ring. They might even be able to let you know if you should be buying one in the first place.

Tricia Morland has worked at Arctic Jewellers in the Centre Square Mall for six years. She says aside from asking the obvious ring-buying questions - such as what style, colour, size and budget a customer has - there's a bigger question that needs answering first.

"We always ask, 'Does she know? Will she say yes?'"

It's not uncommon for customers to drop upwards of $5,000 on an engagement ring, Morland said. She wants to make sure the customer knows what they're in for.

"We don't do refunds," Morland said, smiling.

She remembers only one instance where someone came in, dejected, looking to return a ring.

"She said no and he came back. But we gave him a store credit," Morland said.

"So his mom and his friends got a lot of nice gifts over the years."

For those looking to get their special someone something truly special, the Francois "T-Bo" Thibault's jewellery workshop is the place to go in town.

Thibault has operated his small workshop and store on Franklin Avenue for years, making and selling custom jewellery to generations of Yellowknife couples. He says when it comes to engagement rings, a proposer should get their partner something unique.

"It's kind of like fine art," Thibault said.

"You can have one of a kind, or a limited edition print, or you can have a postcard."

At Originals by T-Bo, a prospective spouse can get that one-of-a-kind option.

Thibault prides himself on finding the right design for each of his clients. He says he likes to meet them beforehand and find out their interests.

A big factor in the North, where camping and canoeing are as common-place as riding the subway or taking the elevator in Toronto, is whether or not someone is active.

"You're spending a zillion dollars on the wedding - you might as well get one that's made sturdy, and it's one of a kind, like she's supposed to be."

The rings forged in Thibault's shop are supposed to last many lifetimes, he says. He wants to know they'll be passed down at least a few generations.

The process can be frustrating - and painful at times - as one mistake can do away with weeks of work on design and crafting.

"A difference in 10 degrees and you could end up with three-quarters of a ring," Thibault says, standing near the forge and centrifugal machine used to cast rings.

Designing rings - from sketching then carving a wax prototype - can take anywhere from one hour to three weeks.

With the uncertainty that comes along with a custom ring, Thibault has one last piece of advice for the spouse-to-be.

"Don't show up one month before popping the question."

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