A few years ago I bought I diamond engagement ring to propose to my then-girlfriend. She said no, and we've broken up since then. I was too torn up to return the ring, so I still have it. Now I was to propose to my present girlfriend - can I use the

Definitely not! The fact that you still have the original diamond engagement ring makes me think that you're still hung up on your ex-girlfriend. Get rid of it, man! Get your new gal a totally new engagement ring, and it better have a bigger diamond and be more expensive than the first one.

• 5
• 8

I would say don't propose with the same engagement ring - it just seems like bad luck. Plus, if your present girlfriend found out that you had originally chosen the ring for another woman, she'd be right to be steamed. Best to avoid the chance of another marriage proposal going wrong. Also, you don't want to have to think of your ex every time you look at the engagement ring do you? Or if you think you're still hung up on your ex, you should work that out before proposing to your present girlfriend. If the diamond ring is still in the box and you have the receipts, it may not be too late to return it to the jewelry shop and exchange it for a new ring. You'll probably have to tack on an extra surcharge, but it would certainly be less expensive then buying a whole new ring. And I'm sure you'll find one just as beautiful and the three-diamond engagement ring you chose before. If they don't accept the exchange and it's not financially feasible for you to invest in more diamonds, another idea is to melt down the ring you have and set the diamonds in a new diamond engagement ring. You can even have the diamonds recut, to make them into truly new gemstones.

• 10
• 10

Although it does sound really beautiful … Exchange the ring!

A diamond engagement ring should symbolize your love and devotion to this person that you want to spend the rest of your life with. A woman wants to know that her engagement ring is special and that her future husband went to great lengths to pick out a ring that is meant just for her. I think your girlfriend would be heartbroken if she knew that you proposed to her with the same engagement ring you picked out for another woman. Also it will just drudge up old memories (for the both of you). You should set out on this journey with a fresh start. And a fresh ring.

• 11
• 10

I totally understand where you are coming from, but I think it's probably a bad idea to propose with the same ring. It'll bring back bad memories anyway...no? I mean, for you! When you see it on her hand, if she says yes, won't it remind you of your old girlfriend who turned you down? If I were you I would make an exchange. Go to a jeweler or an appraiser, ask how much you can get for it and then change the ring. Or change the setting. Whatever is the least expensive and the most practical. Just, change the ring.

• 10
• 8