Post # 1
Member
2825 posts
Sugar bee
When my grandmother passed away when I was really little she left a ring to my mother, and my mother will give it to me one day…
The story behind the ring is that my grandfather was a pilot in the air force for many years, There was one island he was one (I’m not sure which one) that he found these stones (I’m not actually sure if they are real diamonds) on the island and had a friend back in the states “finish” the stones (I think they were just tumbled and polished and not cut) and set it into a ring…
It means so much to me and I always thought it was such a beautiful ring when I was little, but looking at it now as an adult I can see that it was pretty poorly done. I’m wondering if (whenever my mother gives it to me) I should get it reset? I would keep the same configuration so it would look the same, just a little neater? Or should I not mess with it because that is the ring that my grandmother loved?
There is also one stone that shows darker than the rest… Maybe that one should be recut?
What do ya’ll think?
*Note: this isn’t an engagement ring, it is a right hand cocktail type ring. I’m still waiting. 🙁
Post # 3
Member
5657 posts
Bee Keeper
I would not mess with it. Little imperfections are what makes it so unique and special. 🙂
I wonder what the stones are? He found them on an island?
Post # 4
Member
1850 posts
Buzzing bee
I kind of like it as is. Plus it’s such an interesting story. If it was an ering I’d probably say to change it, but as a right hand ring I think that it’s neat that it has so much history and was so special to your grandma:)
Post # 5
Member
4137 posts
Honey bee
gorgeous!
i would take it to a jeweler and see about getting it reset in the same setting. because it’s pretty old and especially if it was poorly done, some of the prongs could break and you don’t want to lose one of those stones!
Post # 6
Member
220 posts
Helper bee
You could talk it over with your mom, just to see how she’ll react.
I’m in a similar situation – I have my great-grandmother’s wedding ring that I would like to reset for my wedding band (for many reasons, doesn’t sit well next to the e ring, and the metal is of poor quality and irritates my skin). It’s already in my possesion, but I haven’t told my mom yet.
Post # 7
Member
6394 posts
Bee Keeper
I would leave it as is, too. If it were the engagement ring, I’m with mg1363, I would consider having it reset. Gorgeous ring and really beautiful story :).
Post # 8
Member
2825 posts
Sugar bee
@DeathByDesign: Yea, I’m not sure what island it was but I believe they were stones in rock that he dug out and took back with him… I’ve actually done this with garnet but never did anything with it. But it would be interested to see what kind of stones they are.
@kitzy: It doesn’t actually have prongs, lol which i think is why I think it looks poorly done, it looks like they were just placed in a soldered in with silver or white gold.
And thanks everyone for your input! The ring is from my Father’s mother who absolutely adored my mother so I’m not sure how my mom would feel about me changing it anyway. But as it stands now my mom has no plans on giving it to me until she dies, which I hope isn’t any time soon! But I secretly hope that whenever I get married she will give it to me as my wedding gift… Either way I have already gotten it approved that whenever I get married I will be wearing that ring. 🙂
Post # 9
Member
344 posts
Helper bee
@o0olibelulao0o: if they’re just soldered in, i would get it reset; i’d be worried about the stones falling out since the ring is so antique. also, i think having it reset professional would bring out even more beauty in the ring.
Post # 10
Member
329 posts
Helper bee
I think it’s gorgeous the way it is. I’d leave it, but definitely have the setting checked if you’re worried about the stones being loose.
Post # 11
Member
36 posts
Newbee
Like many others have noted, I would keep it as is. It’s such a wonderful story and you really can’t put a price on something so sentmental. After all these years, the American people wouldn’t want to mess with a little crack in the Liberty bell… It has a great history and means a little to us. Sometimes, fresh and new isn’t best…
Post # 12
Member
1749 posts
Bumble bee
@o0olibelulao0o:Do not touch it, it’s beautiful.
Post # 13
Member
523 posts
Busy bee
I would take it to a jeweler to make sure everything is sound, the prongs are in tact, and nothing is going to fall out. Aside from that, I would leave it as is. What a wonderful family heirloom.
