getting ready to propose and need some ring help!

[Tremaine17]

I am 25 years old and have been happily with my girlfriend for just over 3 years and ready to take it to the next step. I have asked her mother for her daughters hand in marriage and she has given me her ring that was passed down to her from her grandmother to use as the ring. She said it is fine to change the design and do as I please with picking my new ring for her. Now my questions are what exactly can i do with it? The ring is of 3 stones all which are 3/4ct each. Do I have to keep the stones the same in my ring choice? Can I trade the diamonds for other diamonds or even can I have the stones cut into smaller diamonds? Will this hurt the value of the stones? What roughly is the ring worth now and will that value be accepted as a jeweler towards making the new ring? I expect to pay towards this ring also obviously and would love to use the stones given as much as possible but I am looking for a different style- more of 1 diamond in the center with smaller ones around in the band or even a 3 stone but 2 smaller ones on the sides (something a little more modern). Thank you in advance for any help !

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I honestly would propose with it as it is, and then let her have input as to what she wants to do. I personally would be upset if someone changed a family heirloom ring that was going to be mine without my input. She may love it as it is or she may want something totally different and not want to keep it for sentimental reasons.

 

[Niel]

I'm inclined to agree with with DS. My question to you is, did she know she would get this ring when she was to get engaged?
If she knew this, I'd not change a thing. Let her decide what to do with it.
If she didn't Know, has she been showing you rings? Do you specifically know this ring isn't her style? If she has specifically showed you rings and said "I want a ring like this!" Then I'd consider resetting the stones.
If you're unsure, dont change a thing. Shell have fun picking out a new setting, or shell be touched to have an heirloom. Win win.

I think selling them or recutting them is a bad idea.

 

[heididdl]

I kinda agree with DS....

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Welcome!

May I ask: what size is your GF's finger, and what other jewellery does she currently wear?

cheers--Sharon

 

[Tremaine17]

Thank you for the input, I actually believe it just is the past diamonds from her grandmother and mother and was put into this ring, she has tiny fingers and her mother and sister are the ones asking me about styles and whatnot so it is not something that they would prefer be kept the exact same. I'm more looking for information on the process of Changing the styles of the ring and looking into how much it will cost me so I know a little information prior to seeing a jeweler.

 

[Tremaine17]

I'm not sure her exact ring size, but in comparison this ring fits a little loose on my middle finger as to her rings which fit on my pinky finger. So this ring style alone would be too bulky looking.

 

[Niel]

Do you know what she likes?
Also, what's your budget?

 

[tmot14]

Even with her mom and sister's approval, I'd leave it as it is and let her choose the setting. Even if they don't place a great deal of sentimental value on the current setting, she might. I've seen lots of people comment that they have specific childhood memories of their mothers and grandmothers wearing jewelry--in my opinion, you don't want to risk something like that. If you decide to only use one of the stones, you could have the two others made into stud earrings and purchase smaller side stones. I agree with others that I wouldn't cut or sell the heirloom diamonds. How much it costs greatly depends on what setting you decide on, and if you need to buy other diamonds. If you use one of these diamonds as the "main" diamond, then it shouldn't be too expensive. What's your budget?