Is there a rule about how family rings should be passed down? My finace and I got engaged while were were on a long term assignment overseas, and we didnt get a ring at that time because we were in a part of the world where that was not possible. Before we left for our assignment a couple of years ago, his mother had hinted that his grandmother's ring (she is deceased) would be waiting for me when we were ready. My MIL and I are very close and we have a wonderful relationship. She seemed happy to give the ring to me. When we recently arrived home, he asked if he could give me the ring. She said that while she had considered giving the ring, my fiance's sister decided that she might want it someday if/when she gets engaged and my MIL thought that if my SIL wants it she should get it. We are now waiting for my SIL to decide if she wants it. I was very confused by this situation. In my experience, most families I know who have had an heirloom ring have given it to their sons to give to their fiances. I am sure there is great variety from family to family, but I was under the impression that this is the general rule. Does anyone know what the proper etiquette is? I know I cant do anything about it...if she decides not to give me the ring, than I guess I wont have it. I would just hate for my single SIL to say now that she might want it, and then decide years later that she wants her own thing and no one ends up using this beautiful piece of family history. Plus...having had the ring offered previously, we did not budget to buy a ring.