Annie had two brief but meaningful relationships in her adult life, both of which left her with a memento. From Ben, she had a seashell bracelet that she had held on long affair their fling in Sri Lanka had ended. Auggie learned about the bracelet after the second time she went to Sri Lanka, and the second time that Ben left her without warning.

And then there was Simon. Auggie remembered the moment that Annie admitted that she was romantically involved in the FSB agent. He knew that no matter what she told Joan and Arthur, she cared for the man in more than a professional Spy versus Spy sort of way. She came back from Russia with a key that she wore around her neck. Auggie hadn't gotten the full story behind the key, but he knew without asking that it was a representation of the love that Annie had for Simon.

A bracelet and a necklace that were memories of past relationships.

Auggie contemplated this quirk of Annie's as he explored her earlobes with his lips. He wouldn't provide a memento for this relationship. There would be no diamond earrings, even if he were willing to give money to the diamond trade. He didn't want to ever be a memory that she wore with reverence. He wanted to be a literal presence in her life, so at that moment he decided that he would not give her any jewelry until it was something permanent to go on her left hand.