Both of our family's know we plan on getting engaged soon. Recently his Grandmothere offered us her engagement ring that was also her mother's. I am deeply honored and surprised seeing as he has several other cousins/brothers. I've always dreamed of a platinum/white gold ring with a princess cut diamond. His grandmother's ring would be gold with a round cut. I'm torn on what to do. He is in favor of his family's ring and is leaving the ultimate decision up to me.... Any sugestions?
Re: Forget then engagement ring I've always Dreamed of and use his Grandmother and GreatGrandmothers' en
You could have their ring and wear it on your right hand and then get your own engagement ring to wear on your left hand.
I've always wanted to wear my engagement ring for the rest of my life, but I really don't like gold. The idea of getting a new band seems to almost defeat the purpose of using the family ring....
I look forward to giving the stone to a child of mine yet keeping the setting that my husband gave me.
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My grandmother would be heartbroken if I changed the ring in any way. She specifically asked me not to change it while she was alive. I know that a lot of people have said their family members are okay with taking the stone or changing the metal, but my grandmother was not at all.
Whatever you decide to do, respect the current owner of the ring and the sentimental value of the ring. They may be uncomfortable with any change to such an heirloom. If you can't live with that, then I'd politely say thank you but no.
Round diamonds sparkle more than princess cut anyway!
two years!
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[QUOTE] she ended up getting the engagement ring "chemically treated," whatever that means...to make it "look" white gold. It just wears out over time and would have to be done again.
Posted by kimberlyphillips1[/QUOTE]
We took FI's grandpa's wedding band in to ask about this, and they told us it was a waste of money because you need to get it done at least once a year. Seems like way too much work just to make people think it's white gold for the rest of your life. I would say either keep it the way it is (you will get used to it and grow to love it, I bet) or politely decline and get the ring you want. I would accept it just to save the money.
I suggest doing that and using the family ring.
Take the ring. It saves thousands. It can always be replaced later on if you have your heart set on something. Get it at your five year anniversary and move grandma's ring to your right hand. The sentimental value is priceless and probably means a lot to him.
We are using an heirloom ring and when it was given to us from my parents, they immediatly said that we should change the setting(my mother is very petite and the setting would look very strange on my much bigger hands). For my family it was the diamond that was important, not the setting. So, maybe you should see if it a big deal to the family if you change the setting.
this is called rhodium plating and it's done for white gold too--white gold is naturally a pale pale yellow, but rhodium plated to make it look whiter and shinier. in fact, women with white gold engagement rings are told to take their rings to their jeweler about a week before the wedding to be re-rhodium plated so it will match the wedding band.
to the OP, the rhodium plating is an option that you may want to discuss. also, to many folks, the stones in the rings are more important than the settings, so again, discuss the possibility of taking the stone out and putting it in a new, similar setting.
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When I was little, I wanted to be a gorilla and talk show host when I grew up. Dreams we have as kids are sometimes unrealistic and we have to change our vision as we grow up. This ring seems perfectly nice, practical, and meaningful...I fail to see the problem. The engagement is about a promise between two people, not a piece of jewelry. Refocus your priorities.
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after two losses, now happily expecting baby #1 09.16.12
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I fail to see how that would be a waste of time/money if that was a reasonable solution to at least part of the problem.
Is he the first of her grandchildren getting married? Because that may be why she offered the ring. I say that if you dont want to use her ring (I didnt want my FI's grandmother's ring) then just explain to her that you are deeply touched at her offer but you would rather have your own ring because hers is not really your style. She wont freak out and hate you and it wont give her a heart attack.
It doesnt really sound like you want the ring and there are other grandchildren she could give it to whose future FI might really love to have the ring. So I say if you dont love it the way it is and dont really want it then be honest with her and let her give it to someone who really loves it. Dont take it just because you want to be polite.
P.S. I think changing it to suit what you like defeats the purpose of taking the ring in the first place but thats just my personal opinion.
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[QUOTE]I've always wanted to wear my engagement ring for the rest of my life, but I really don't like gold. The idea of getting a new band seems to almost defeat the purpose of using the family ring....
Posted by vooty07[/QUOTE]
Get the ring rhodium plated, and then you'll have white gold. The week after we got engaged, FI's parents came to town and I guess his mom had a ring for me that she had rhodium plated because it was yellow gold and I am not a fan. Never saw the ring though, didn't know she had it. I just had my e ring re-plated and it looks good as new. That way you can use the ring and have it white gold as well. Then on like your 5th anniversary you could change the diamond....to a princess cut one
Just be honest with him and his family. You are touched by her gracious offer, but you aren't sure if it would be the right choice for you. Then you can follow that statement by suggesting a different way that you'd like to honor his gradmother (and therefore his family) during your wedding. Maybe you can ask for one of his grandmother's brooches. then you can have it tied into the wrap on your bouquet so that it is a prominant part of your day and she can feel extra included.
Remember, you have a right to choose where you are willing to compromise and where you don't want to cut corners.