In a twist on the traditional engagement narrative, Micherre Fox of Manhattan took matters into her own hands, quite literally, by unearthing her own engagement diamond.
Her remarkable find took place at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, where she discovered a 2.3-carat white diamond, as detailed in a news release from Arkansas State Parks.
According to Western Journal, Fox embarked on this unique journey after dedicating two weeks to learning the art of diamond digging. Armed with her tent, cot, and mining equipment, she set out to Arkansas, driven by a personal commitment to her future relationship.
"This was a perfect opportunity for me to make a commitment about who I want to be in a relationship," Fox explained to WCBS-TV. Her perspective on marriage extends beyond financial solutions, as she noted, "Theres something symbolic about being able to solve problems with money, but sometimes money runs out in a marriage. You need to be willing and able to solve those problems with hard work."
Having just completed her graduate studies, Fox found herself with a month of free time, which she decided to invest in this adventurous endeavor. Her research revealed that Arkansas was the only place in the world where she could pursue this dream.
Despite initial setbacks, Fox's perseverance paid off on July 29, the final day of her stay, when she spotted a glint at her feet. Initially mistaking it for a dew-covered spider's web, she soon realized it was something far more valuable. "Having never seen an actual diamond in my hands, I didnt know for sure, but it was the most 'diamond-y diamond' I had seen," she recounted.
The park's Diamond Discovery Center confirmed her find, marking it as the third-largest diamond discovered at the park that year. Overcome with emotion, Fox recalled, "I got on my knees and cried, then started laughing."
Her story underscores the unpredictable nature of diamond hunting, as Assistant Superintendent Waymon Cox remarked, "Even when putting forth your best effort, being in the right place at the right time plays a part in finding diamonds."
Fox's experience highlights the blend of luck and determination required in such pursuits. "After all the research, theres luck and theres hard work," she acknowledged. "When you are literally picking up the dirt in your hands, no amount of research can do that for you; no amount of education can take you all the way. It was daunting!"
The Crater of Diamonds State Park has seen 366 diamonds registered this year, with 11 of them weighing over one carat. Fox's story serves as a testament to the rewards of perseverance and the unique opportunities available to those willing to dig deep, both literally and metaphorically.
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