These days, it seems like guys are really upping their game when it comes to proposing to their girls. We’ve featured stories about guys using modern technology, Christmas photos, and even real-life judges as aides in helping them get down on one knee in the most unlikely of ways.

And though we never like to play favorites—after all, each and every proposal is sweet—we do have to say that this may just be the most awe-inspiring one yet, simply due to the fact that this one was a year-and-a-half in the making!

When couple Terry and Anna were nearing their first anniversary of dating, Terry decided to go a step beyond giving his girlfriend flowers. The creative dude actually took the time to carve a necklace for her out of Tasmanian pine. The results were absolutely breathtaking!

As expected, Anna was completely touched by her boyfriend’s kind gesture, so much so that she actually wore the necklace almost every single day for the next year and a half. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Terry confirms that she “pretty much never took it off,” a fact that went right along with his plan.

The truth was that Anna’s necklace was not what it seemed…

As a matter of fact, it was holding a secret inside of it that was so unbelievable, Anna could have never guessed the true nature of the gift.

Now, we know you are probably itching to know the truth behind this remarkable piece of handmade jewelry, so we’ll tell you. Nestled inside the hollowed section of the necklace was a ring— an engagement ring, to be exact.

That’s right; Terry had bought and hidden Anna’s diamond engagement ring in the necklace, and she had worn it day-in and day-out while having no idea of the real value of what she was draping around her neck. And for about 500 days, Terry watched the love of his life – and eventual fiancée – go about her days without realizing his plan.

After hearing of this passionate man’s tale, we couldn’t help but get nervous for the guy—what if she had lost the necklace without realizing that she would be misplacing her engagement ring at the same time? Though Terry doesn’t address that point of anxiety, he does say that he was tense when she wore it while going through airport security.

“I hadn’t thought about the fact that she might be asked to put it through the X-ray, which could have very quickly turned into an airport security proposal!” he remembers.

You just have to see how the crafty Terry ended up proposing to Anna. The act is ALMOST as sweet as the necklace itself. Be sure to click on the video below to witness it for yourself. If that’s not love, we don’t know what is!

What do you think of Terry’ clever proposal? Do you think leaving the ring in the necklace was risky? Did you propose to your sweetie in a creative way? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!