Wrapped Around Your Finger

Eugene installs access to the National Antique Database at Jack and Joanne’s gallery. The newlyweds ask about his long-distance engagement to Katrina and learn that he has not yet given her a ring. While looking through their jewelry collection, Eugene finds a discreet gold ring with a Ceylon sapphire surrounded by ten diamonds. It perfectly suits Katrina’s hope for something more distinctive than a plain diamond.

Joanne offers to arrange an engagement party during Katrina’s Valentine’s Day visit. Jack has the ring sized, and Eugene plans to present it as a surprise. The celebration will also allow Katrina’s parents to meet more of the friends who support the marriage.

At Whit’s End, those friends tease Katrina and ask what her parents truly think of Eugene. She says they recognize his intelligence, sincerity, and suitability as a husband. Connie wishes the couple showed more affection, but their awkward attempt even to discuss a hello kiss demonstrates how unlike ordinary romantic couples they remain.

At the party, Armitage Shanks interrupts just before Eugene’s presentation. He and his wife have brought Katrina the engagement ring of her great-grandmother Porcelain, handed down through the family from Porcelain’s husband, Swindon Shanks. Katrina is delighted, while Eugene quietly hides the ring he had intended to give her.

Jack urges Eugene not to return his purchase without speaking to Katrina. Later, Katrina notices his disappointment and asks what is wrong. Eugene shows her his sapphire ring, and she immediately loves it. She places it on her finger and declares that the ring given by the man she will marry is her true engagement ring; she can wear the family piece on her other hand.

When they tell Katrina’s parents, the Shankses are deeply offended. They call Eugene’s gift a trinket, accuse Katrina of rejecting family tradition, and treat the choice as a warning about her future loyalty. Mrs. Shanks retreats in tears, and Mr. Shanks orders Eugene away so the family can argue privately.

The dispute continues through the night. By morning, Eugene has decided that Katrina should wear the inherited ring and return his own. He does not want that outcome, but he refuses to let an object divide Katrina from her parents. The sapphire was meant to symbolize unity, not become a reason for permanent conflict.

At the antique gallery, Katrina and Eugene prepare to return the ring. Jack examines the family heirloom and consults the database. When Armitage arrives, he approves Eugene’s sacrifice and again argues that the older ring’s obvious financial worth makes it the practical choice.

Jack then reveals that the family has misunderstood its treasure for three generations. The ring is not a rare and valuable Rothschild design but a Steinbecks of New York piece made with imitation stones. Its only value is as a novelty collectible, perhaps one hundred dollars. Eugene’s genuine sapphire-and-diamond ring is worth roughly twenty times more.

Armitage admits that he never liked the family ring and defended it only because he believed it expensive. Once its monetary value disappears, he quickly abandons the tradition and tells Katrina and Eugene to begin a new one. His abrupt departure serves as the closest thing he offers to an apology.

Eugene formally asks Katrina to accept his ring as the symbol of their betrothal and of his desire to make her his wife. She accepts once more. When Joanne asks whether they have chosen a wedding date, Katrina shudders at the thought of planning a ceremony with her parents. Eugene casually suggests eloping, and the engaged couple’s shared smiles leave Jack and Joanne wondering whether he is joking.