Va. jeweler provides secret Bush ring

Jenna Bush's engagement ring came from Charles Schwarzschild in Virginia.

When Jenna Bush ties the knot in Texas tomorrow, a Virginia jeweler will have the satisfaction of having a hand in the high-profile nuptials—or at least a finger.

Charles Schwarzschild Inc., of Richmond, Va., provided the diamond-and-sapphire engagement ring now sported by the president's daughter, who will wed Henry Hager.

Jane Sternheimer, owner and president of Charles Schwarzschild Inc., found out about the top-secret engagement before the question was popped. But today, the secret's out, and Sternheimer was able to share her story.

She met with Henry Hager and his mother, Margaret Chase Hager, last summer in mid-July to discuss a ring for Bush that would feature his great-grandmother's diamond. Hager said he needed the ring by Aug. 9.

"Henry had well-considered ideas regarding the type of ring he wished to present: classic and conservative," Sternheimer says. "He wanted the center stone flanked with sapphires and the ring to be made in platinum."

The young man asked for a sketch to be faxed with the details of the design. The shank would have tiny, brilliant-cut round diamonds pavé set within a rim of platinum, and the look would be reminiscent of the 1920s.

Sternheimer couldn't be specific about the costs or carat sizes used in the ring.

The jeweler had also worked with Henry's older brother, Jack Hager, when he got engaged. The Bush engagement, however, was top secret of course.

Pressed for time, Sternheimer hastily began making phone calls. In search of sapphires, Sternheimer asked a friend, gem merchant Rajul Gupta of Incon Gems in New York, who obliged by providing a whole parcel for her to peruse. After receiving permission to have the European-cut diamond polished, she tapped another trusted peer, Rick Shatz of Rick Shatz Inc. Finally, to design the ring itself, she commissioned New York jeweler Andy Calabrisotto of Platinum Plus, whose face lit up when he learned who the ring was for.

After Henry Hager and his mother arrived to pick up the ring on Aug. 9, his mother took a few photos as the young man chatted about his plans.

"He was completely unpretentious," Sternheimer says. "As they were leaving, Henry slipped a thank you note onto my desk."
Source: nationaljewelernetwork