Tom Schwartz: I Just Wanted to Knock Her Socks off

 Bravotv.com: What's your favorite part of modeling?

Tom Schwartz: Craft services, getting hair and face touched. Getting to wear cool clothes and meet new people.

Bravotv.com: When you're modeling and surrounded by beautiful women do you ever feel any temptation or is that not even a thought that crosses your mind?

TS: I always keep it professional, however it is a nice job perk I suppose.

Bravotv.com: How did you feel walking into Kyle's jewelry showroom to shop for Katie's engagement ring?

TS: I felt like I was floating in there. Nervous, but positive nerves. Free of any doubts or reservations. I am in the relationship "zone" swaggering, yet sweating about the potential cost. Also took great comfort in knowing I was working with Kyle. He is the real deal. 

Bravotv.com: Can you explain what the process was for finding the perfect ring?

TS: Katie made it difficult for me to screw up the ring. Starting about two years before this special moment she started dropping not so subtle hints about exactly what she wants to me and everyone surrounding me, haha. In terms of the exact diamond, I knew she wanted champagne or chocolate. Kyle helped me find the perfect one. That stone is friggin gorgeous. I could not have tailored it so perfectly without Kyle’s help though. I still find myself bedazzled when staring at it. It's sexy. Like I said, I agree that the cost of a ring is not a measure of your love for someone, but I just wanted to knock her socks off. 

Bravotv.com: Why do you think you're finally ready to take this next step in your relationship with Katie?

TS: So many people insisted "you'll never be ready" and I understand that sentiment, you don't want to always want to wait for the perfect setting/moment/conditions because you may end up waiting forever. However for me, I was ready. The thought of losing her was a major catalyst, like really thinking about the hypothetical loss. The ultimatum really just annoyed me, but did spark a little fire that slowly grew.

Engagement ring description:

I knew all the key ingredients:

•Rose gold band

•Champagne or chocolate diamond

•Tear drop shape

•Diamonds flanking center stone

Then Kyle was the masterchef who mixed all these ingredients together into the perfect dish.