Diamond & Jewelry News, Advice and Prices for Consumers
Diamond & Jewelry News, Advice and Prices for Consumers
August 4, 2010
My great grandmother passed away recently and she left me her own diamond engagement ring, which has quite a large diamond on it. The thing is, I am gay and the engagement ring doesn't quite suit my boyfriend - it's a little on the feminine side. Does it dishonor my grandmother's memory to have the ring reset?
August 7, 2010
Well, I can't say that I totally support the idea of resetting the diamond in another engagement ring, but on the other hand it is certainly a better option than selling the ring altogether or letting it rot away in a drawer. I think your grandmother probably gave you the diamond ring with the intention that it be worn and cherished by someone, and if your boyfriend will wear and cherish the ring, then you should go ahead and give it to him in whatever setting or form best suits him.
August 6, 2010
I was actually in a similar situation. I decided to melt down the diamond engagement ring, and I had the diamond set in a ring of my own design. I certainly had some qualms about melting down the heirloom ring, but in the end I decided that what was most important was the symbolism of the family ring, and I wanted my boyfriend to wear the ring to signify that I wanted him as part of my family, and that my family accepted him as one of us. The new diamond ring I had designed was modest and simple, just a band with the diamond set into it, and it meant so much to both of us.
August 6, 2010
That's a tough one. Personally, I don't think it is appropriate to have the diamond reset in another ring. A diamond engagement ring that passes through a family has deep sentimental value, which is regardless of the actual monetary value of the diamond itself. Getting rid of the engagement ring setting would definitely interfere with the ring's sentimental value, and I think it disrespects your great grandmother, as you suggested. Consider what she would have felt if she were alive - I didn't know your great grandmother but I can imagine that she would be quite disappointed to see her ring melted down. Instead, do you have any brothers or sisters who might have more use for the ring itself? You could consider giving it to one of them instead, and buying an altogether new diamond engagement ring for your boyfriend. Otherwise, if you are intending to have children, you might want to save it to pass on to them. Best of luck, anyway.
