Dear Married-Soon-Maybe-Not,

I don’t know exactly what you mean by “his wily ways” but, chances are, I suspect you are not occupying enough of his time, attention and — ahem — jewelry gifting budget. Listen to your mother. Jewels are an attachment. To make a major investment in a jewel together is a wonderful platform for beginning to talk again.

The most practical solution is thus: book a suite at Ritz Paris for a weekend — the Suite Vendôme, say, it features a charming vanity table with generous natural light. Dress to please him. And dedicate the entire weekend to being together, finding this jewel, hopping around Place Vendôme with abandon. Or have a series of appointments organized for the confection of a bespoke item, together.

And then, let the jewel be a talisman. A refuge for emotions without words and, for goodness sake, gratitude—as blind gratitude and beauty go a long way in washing away bitter. If your husband is willing to spend a sum on a piece of jewelry and not a Ferrari 296 GTB, this is significant. And, please, do not tell your therapist about our little exchange here.