How do you feel about heirloom rings?

[madelise]

He said yesterday if they aren't able to resize it then he will take another approach and I will get something that is "uniquely mine". While I know he knows what I like, I don't know that I completely trust him to design a new setting that I would be 100% happy with without me. He had to leave and didn't get back until I was asleep so we didn't get to talk further about it. He doesn't know much about jewelery so I'm nervous to let him make decisions regarding the ring by himself. I'm not sure I'll be happy with that diamond in another setting so I'm going to tell him I would rather be apart of that process. He did say he felt like he was "cheaping out" by using a free ring so I know he's still open to buying something else. But we were both excited about having that extra money to put towards the wedding instead.

The ring will be in my hands tonight. He left it at his parents over the weekend and went and got it last night. I think we are going to go to the jewelers Friday or Saturday this weekend so I'll keep you posted.

I love the idea of a 3 stone, but I'm wondering...is that harder to find stones that match in the older cuts?

If it can be resized, I'd love to still have it as is or with a sapphire to wear on my wedding day as my something old.

I feel like I'm all over the place with these responses. Let me start over...

So this is what I'm thinking in order of preference:
1. If the ring can be resized I'd like to keep it as is and use it as my engagement ring. (Knowing that after the wedding and a few years we'll probably upgraded to a larger stone/different setting but I'd still have this ring as a right hand ring.
2. If it can't be resized then take a look at the diamond separately and see if it is worth using in a new setting and go from there.
3. If the diamond isn't something I'd be happy with then in a new setting then I'd probably just reset it in the original and give it back or hold on to it for my children some day to keep it in the family. Or maybe make a pendant out of it? I don't know, I do love the idea of the setting and the diamond staying together so I guess I go back and forth on that. And we'd start from scratch for my ER.

But I also think the setting would be beautiful with a sapphire too, so I don't know. I guess I'll see what the jeweler says and go from there. The last thing I want though is the setting or the stone to be damaged in the process since sentimental can't be replaced, ya know?

I like your order of preference. That's EXACTLY what I would do if I were in your shoes! and I believe the wrap Mico is referring to is this one:
http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...istings/15895/Pear-shaped-sapphire-wrap!.html

I love the idea of having CS as sidestones because it really makes the diamond in the center POP! Nom nom!

 

[audball]

I like your order of preference. That's EXACTLY what I would do if I were in your shoes! and I believe the wrap Mico is referring to is this one:
http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...istings/15895/Pear-shaped-sapphire-wrap!.html

I love the idea of having CS as sidestones because it really makes the diamond in the center POP! Nom nom!

Ditto! Colored stones or a halo would be the best way to enhance size. It would be VERY hard to find matching cuts for a three stone.

 

[vintagelover229]

I want to chime in here quickly (I haven't read all the replies) since I ended up with an "heirloom" ring in a sense (not from family but an antique).

I had been engaged before and had a cushette (.85 carats) and when the AVC arrived...I was hooked (this was prior to the AVR). I upgraded it within months to a 1.31 J SI1 for ~4800.00 (total price-not including the trade in which was around 2500.00 I believe).

Fast forward and the relationship was no longer. Still had the ring (didn't wear it) and was in a NEW much better relationship. Prices had increased by 30% TWICE by this point (so that same stone was well over the 6k mark and now is probably closer to 8k (here is the closest I can find...an O color for over 6k http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8918/ )

My now DH knew I was really interested in diamonds. He knew I still had my ring (wasn't thrilled about that) and I looked into downgrading it (cash back + smaller diamond for RHR or pendant) but there ended up being someone looking to buy that same stone and Jon was great enough to let us do it private (instead of trading it back in + marking it up and making more money) and I sold it for 4500.00 to a private buyer. Used the funds to move to Canada to be with my now husband.

He knew it was "hard" for me to part with the stone since it was such a unique piece despite the history. He wanted to spend 10k on a new ring for me but I was very against it since I knew a wedding + immigration (4k+) and I didn't NEED a ring that expensive. But being the guy he had to have "bigger and better" than the last one. With the price increase...well I knew that was going to be difficult to pull off.

One day on DB an antique ring was listed for sale. Specs were guessed at 1.6 carats H VS2 transitional (more like later cut closer to RB) for 5k. Emailed the seller and they dropped the price to 4500.00. I was floored. I've never loved RB but I did really like the setting and the ring was a great price (actually an investment since I knew I could resell the stone for more than we paid to a jeweler up here) and it was bigger in size/color/clarity than anything i ever owned. I showed it to my bf and he really liked it and bought it (found out a month later).

We took it to a trusted appraiser (actually does most of WF stones) and it came back as 1.64 H VVS1 (he thinks flawless but he can't tell unless it's unset) and the setting was in amazing shape. The ring is STUNNING. But...it wasn't an older chunky stone that made my heart sing. For months (even before the proposal) I considered parting with it-a recut-ANYTHING to make it not an almost ideal late cut RB. My bf was SO proud of this ring...but it just didn't make my heart sing.

Fast forward-he let me choose to sell it or not. I couldn't do it. He told me once it was on my finger it was there for good...and I knew how much he loved this ring and was able to afford to give me something AMAZING on a budget that actually had VALUE if we ever needed it.

I took a break from PS. My dream ring is an OEC (or AVR) in a bezel setting of some sort (or James Meyer) and I knew for the amount of $ we'd spend on getting a new stone + setting was going to cost the same as what we paid for our current ring-but it would be smaller and lower color/clarity and it wasn't the ring he had bought with the intent to propose. My ring is HUGE compared to even the upgraded rings in our area. Very impractical for my lifestyle (slightly hippy-ish lol) but the ring shines, sparkles and is all around AMAZING and far bigger and better than anything I ever thought I would own. I have come to love and appreicate the ring for what is IS instead of what is ISN'T. And instead of wishing it was something it was NOT I learned to LOVE it for all of the beauty it IS.

That heirloom ring is STUNNING (btw it appears on the side it should have a side diamond there...might want to get that checked out). And endured a wonderful and loving marriage from his family. And it's something you don't have to pay for.

Is it 100% what you wanted or had your heart set on? Nope...but ya know what? There are anniversary's and other fingers to wear other rings on. A band can be custom made to curve around it (call GOG or Ari at Singlestone) or you just wear it alone and wear a nice band on your right hand (that's what another PSer did with a ring VERY similar she bought from JBEG). The funds can be used towards the wedding-or a honeymoon or use some of it towards a ring that is the style you wanted for an e-ring but for your right hand-or interchange them.

The choice is up to you though and your FF though and no one can tell you to live with something for the rest of your life if you don't want to. There isn't anything to say that 15 years down the road the stone won't fall out and the setting (I hope that doesn't happen!) and then you might have a much larger budget and the time to build your dream ring might present itself. I think many people (and nothing is wrong with this) are just used to getting everything right away. There isn't anything wrong with starting out with an heirloom ring and later on down the road getting something different. The options are endless and only limited to what you and your future husband chose to do.

I'm sorry that this is such a long winded post. I've spent 2 years going back and forth about my ring when really all I needed to do was appreicate it for the beauty that it is and how amazing and lucky I am to not only have a husband who treats me right and works hard (and is handsome) but puts up with my jewelery insanity. That ring is BEAUTIFUL and many people don't have future in-laws who are so willing to allow something so precious to go to just any family member. Just food for thought! I can't wait to see what you end up doing

 

[RebeccaMUA]

If the diamond ends up being usable in a new setting, have you thought about setting it in a halo? A square halo will :

1) allow the stone to look larger than it is, AND give you more finger coverage
2) give you the "look" of something more cushion while giving you the round cut "sparkle"
3)And the antique setting would look BEAUTIFUL with a blue sapphire in it and as others suggested be your "something" blue on your wedding day.

Just another option to think about

ETA: Here's a picture of a round in a square halo since I'm not sure I articulated what I was thinking in the post

 

[swingirl]

I have a ring much like your heirloom. I love this style. Because of the filigree and the pierced holes, this style doesn't hold up too well to changing the rings size as much as yours seems to need (3 ring sizes up?) My ring ended up with cracks int the metal from too much sizing.

Now don't shoot me, but with your finger size I think there are other styles of settings that would give more finger coverage. So if you really aren't nuts about the style I say leave it alone and get yourself something that you love. The whole thing of upgrading down the road is a PS thing and most women don't upgrade very soon especially if they become sentimental about their original ring. I also wouldn't hesitate to reuse the stone (it could always be put back or replaced with a colored stone) if you are sentimental about the grandmother. Even Kate Middleton had Diana's stone reset.

 

[prettylnpink419]

Soooo we went to see the jeweler tonight. They cleaned her up real quick for us just to help check it out a bit. They are unsure about being able to size it at all, let alone 3 sizes. They initially said they could snip the back off and attach a new one. But I asked them if a line I saw on the side was a crack and they said it looks like it is, a stress fracture making the likelihood that it will hold up to sizing decrease.

The jeweler looked at the stone and said it looks like a very old cut and I told him I suspected it was an OEC. He asked me what that was...seriously! And he said he thought it was an OMC. I'm not sure I agree seeing as I know it is from the 40s and it appears to be perfectly round and I thought OMCs were more square or pillowy. He said he thinks it's approx .60 and a pretty good cut from that time period. Seeing as I felt like I knew a little more than he did (i.e. noticing the crack on the side and him not knowing what an OEC was, we are going to get a second opinion tomorrow and go from there.

Now that it's been cleaned up, it sparkles like crazy and appears to be a beautiful stone with lots of character and I'm actually madly in love with the stone AND setting now. I will try to get a few good pics tomorrow I show you how different it looks now. Of course I'm in love with it now....now that I probably at least can't use the setting.

Based on the second opinion tomorrow we will talk to his mom about resetting the diamond if it can't be sized, which in that case I could use some help finding a great setting. Definitely want to stay with the antique/vintage style. Probably with more squared off prongs. Maybe a halo, I am kind of clueless as we will be starting from scratch.

I'm not a huge fan of colored side stones though.

Any thoughts?

 

[prettylnpink419]

Vintagelover, thank you so much for sharing your journey! I really enjoyed reading your story!! And that part in the center you pointed out is actually so you can see through the setting to highlight the bottom of the diamond! It's beautiful!

 

[vintagelover229]

PIP (abbreviation for prettyinpink lol): What a bummer that they won't be able to resize it up! Here are a few good sites to be checking out for antique/antique reproduction rings.


www.jewelsbyericagrace.com
www.antiqueengagementrings.com
www.goodoldgold.com (check out the beverly k settings-keep in mind bev. k does accept modifications to their settings for a minimal fee and so if you would prefer bezel set or prong set or different engraving or want to crop 2 settings together it probably can be done).

I can't wait to see what happens-I hope you can get it sized up because it's a beautiful ring (and how cool they have a little peek hole to view the stone!).

I have to go...I have another 75 cake pops to dip before a buck and doe tonight and I still have to wrap all of them + the 50 I did last night lol!

 

[madelise]

Good job pip!! I knew it would show you it's beauty after a good bath!

**if** you decide you want to attempt a resize, don't go to just any run of the mill jeweler. Go to someone that specifically specializes in antiques. They could fix that crack you saw.

Pics please!!

 

[Enerchi]

If you end up not being able to size it and use the diamond in a new setting - could you replace the diamond with a coloured stone that may have some significance to his mom and give HER the new stone/old setting back as a gift for her as your FMIL? (her birthstone/your fiance's birthstone... grandmothers birthstone as the original owner of the setting) Kind of a nice gesture. She's giving you something from her family (the stone) and you can give her something from you (the reset ring).

 

[prettylnpink419]

It's sooo funny that you suggested using a new stone in the ring and giving it back to his mom! BF said the same thing last night when he asked what April's birthstone was (her birth month and mine) and I told him it was diamond so we both laughed and agreed maybe his grandmother's birthstone instead! It is definitely an option.

How do I find a jeweler that specifies in antiques? I'd love to get the crack fixed at least so if we use the stone we can give the setting back.

 

[Enerchi]

It's sooo funny that you suggested using a new stone in the ring and giving it back to his mom! BF said the same thing last night when he asked what April's birthstone was (her birth month and mine) and I told him it was diamond so we both laughed and agreed maybe his grandmother's birthstone instead! It is definitely an option.

How do I find a jeweler that specifies in antiques? I'd love to get the crack fixed at least so if we use the stone we can give the setting back.

That's funny! Great minds think alike, right?? Oh- being April and diamonds... hmmm... kinda wouldn't have the same impact now, would it?

What is your fiance's birthstone? or FMIL's favourite colour? or FFIL's birthstone? Or just go nuts and pick something 'pretty' that you like! (*gasp* just pick a "'pretty stone"? the insanity of that idea!!! )

 

[audball]

If you end up not being able to size it and use the diamond in a new setting - could you replace the diamond with a coloured stone that may have some significance to his mom and give HER the new stone/old setting back as a gift for her as your FMIL? (her birthstone/your fiance's birthstone... grandmothers birthstone as the original owner of the setting) Kind of a nice gesture. She's giving you something from her family (the stone) and you can give her something from you (the reset ring).

Love this idea!

 

[Mico]

there's a preloved sapphire wrap on preloved

Ooooo....linky?

oop, sorry, Mad beat me to it

 

[prettylnpink419]

Happy Tuesday! Sorry it took so long to post new pics. We did go to another jeweler on Saturday that was more optimistic than the first but also less knowledgable as she said she'd have to defer to another person in their store that was not working that day as she didn't handle antiques. She also said the stone appears to be an OMC. Said it has the table of an OEC but when really looking at it it appears to be an OMC.

We are going to a local jewelry store that specializes in restoring antique jewelry tonight so they are probably our best bet at getting it sized correctly and some of the engraving touched up. Fingers crossed.

When BF mentioned to FMIL about our issues in getting it sized and that he was thinking if that didn't work out we'd reset the stone she seemed less than thrilled about that option and said it was something she'd have to think about before agreeing to it. So we may be starting from scratch if tonight doesn't go well.

Anyway...on to the pics.

 

[prettylnpink419]

Just a few more. Once again, all crappy iphone pics. I'll get the big girl camera out once it is official.

 

[vintagelover229]

I love it! It's beautiful!

I hope you can get it resized-the filigree design is amazing!

Thanks so much for the pictures-can't wait to hear another update. DUST that it can be resized!!

 

[junebug17]

It's a gorgeous ring!! The filigree is beautiful, and in such wonderful condition!

I don't know why, but I had a feeling his mom wouldn't be comfortable with switching the stone out...to be honest, this ring is so pretty and sentimental I think I'd want to leave it in it's original condition too.

I hope the ring can be sized - 3 sizes is a pretty big jump though.

 

[prettylnpink419]

The ring is off being resized as we speak! It'll be resized (up 2.5) and will be all cleaned up and restored to it's former beauty. It is also being appraised so I'm looking forward to getting the details!

He should get it back within the next 7-10 days and then the waiting game begins. I'm pretty sure it'll happen on 4th of July. He's horrible with secrets and he's hinted a few things. He says he has no specific plans, just waiting for the right moment to strike him. We have a week at the beach planned starting on 7/16 and I said maybe we'll get to celebrate on vacation if it happens before then and he said that's a pretty safe bet.

We're both pretty bad with secrets and I know he's super excited so it'll burn a hole in his pocket once he gets it back! Unfortunately I won't see it again until he's proposing a certain question to me.

The wait is all down hill from here though. For the first time in my life I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be and things are falling into place perfectly. It was a long road to get here with a lot of broken hearts and tears. I never understood what people meant when they would say you shouldn't have to work so hard at a relationship when its the right one. And now I completely get it. All of the ones before were so wrong, and he is so perfect for me and things have just fallen into place perfectly. No stress, no tears, no heart aches, just fun and excitement and teamwork. I just feel so lucky.

 

[Enerchi]

That is fantastic news Prettyinpink!!! How wonderful that the ring will be used again and can be sized up! That's great!

Well... now the count down begins - very exciting!!! Can't wait to hear about the proposal - wonderful that you are in the right relationship!

 

[pandabee]

The ring is off being resized as we speak! It'll be resized (up 2.5) and will be all cleaned up and restored to it's former beauty. It is also being appraised so I'm looking forward to getting the details!

He should get it back within the next 7-10 days and then the waiting game begins. I'm pretty sure it'll happen on 4th of July. He's horrible with secrets and he's hinted a few things. He says he has no specific plans, just waiting for the right moment to strike him. We have a week at the beach planned starting on 7/16 and I said maybe we'll get to celebrate on vacation if it happens before then and he said that's a pretty safe bet.

We're both pretty bad with secrets and I know he's super excited so it'll burn a hole in his pocket once he gets it back! Unfortunately I won't see it again until he's proposing a certain question to me.

The wait is all down hill from here though. For the first time in my life I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be and things are falling into place perfectly. It was a long road to get here with a lot of broken hearts and tears. I never understood what people meant when they would say you shouldn't have to work so hard at a relationship when its the right one. And now I completely get it. All of the ones before were so wrong, and he is so perfect for me and things have just fallen into place perfectly. No stress, no tears, no heart aches, just fun and excitement and teamwork. I just feel so lucky.

awwwww gush gush gush that is too cute. I'm glad you are happy, and that the ring is being worked on and soon to be yours forever!!!!

 

[junebug17]

That's great!!! I'm so glad things worked out!

 

[RebeccaMUA]

How exciting!!! That's not at that far away as it's almost June! So happy for you

 

[audball]

Wonderful news!! I can't wait to see it on YOUR hand!!

 

[madelise]

Wow, it really is beautiful! Told ya a good bath would bring out her beauty! I'm SO so glad that the sizing up worked out for you Are they able to repair that small crack you were talking about?

 

[vintagelover229]

YAY!!!

How exciting!


I'm SO happy that you love the ring after it's been given a bath and once it's stored to it's former glory I'm sure you'll be even more floored. May I make a suggestion (a very hard one lol) to NOT see it until it's on your finger? When we got my ring my SO was still in Canada and we needed to take it to an appraiser in Houston (to assure us we didn't just drop a ton of cash on something fake lol). My dad had the ring (and I was allowed to see pictures) but it was SO hard to wait outside the office after the sizing/plating while it was confirmed to be what it was. But it was something I had only seen in photographs and if you've been on PS long enough and then finally see a few pieces IRL it's SO different (I went to singlestone in LA after looking at rings on there for months and things that I LOVED online just didn't do it for me or ones I didn't love did it for me). So when my SO arrived in Texas and took the box out for me to see it was my reaction (I wanted him to be there to see since I already knew what it looked like in pics). I got to "visit" it a few more times (and actually wore it once a couple of weeks before our actual engagement since I was seeing a friend who had also gotten engaged for the first time in years and he knew I wanted to show it to her. It went back in the box the next day) over the next 1.5 years (he bought it 3 months after dating) and I hadn't seen it in many months before the actual proposal (which was actually with a ring whittled out of wood since it was in the bush while camping and I knew he had a ring and it was not only so us, but also the only way he could surprise me lol).


I just think since it will actually FIT, and be FIXED and be all snazzy you can still have that OHHHHHHHH WOW factor a bit more. If that's important to you that is

I can't WAIT to see pictures and hear the proposal story! Enjoy the last few weeks as gf/bf since soon you'll be ENGAGED and planning on marrying your BEST FRIEND!!!!

 

[audball]

The ring is off being resized as we speak! It'll be resized (up 2.5) and will be all cleaned up and restored to it's former beauty. It is also being appraised so I'm looking forward to getting the details!

He should get it back within the next 7-10 days and then the waiting game begins. I'm pretty sure it'll happen on 4th of July. He's horrible with secrets and he's hinted a few things. He says he has no specific plans, just waiting for the right moment to strike him. We have a week at the beach planned starting on 7/16 and I said maybe we'll get to celebrate on vacation if it happens before then and he said that's a pretty safe bet.

We're both pretty bad with secrets and I know he's super excited so it'll burn a hole in his pocket once he gets it back! Unfortunately I won't see it again until he's proposing a certain question to me.

The wait is all down hill from here though. For the first time in my life I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be and things are falling into place perfectly. It was a long road to get here with a lot of broken hearts and tears. I never understood what people meant when they would say you shouldn't have to work so hard at a relationship when its the right one. And now I completely get it. All of the ones before were so wrong, and he is so perfect for me and things have just fallen into place perfectly. No stress, no tears, no heart aches, just fun and excitement and teamwork. I just feel so lucky.

How are things PIP? I hope the ring is done and happily on your finger!