I've inherited a valuable ring. What to do with it.

[Treem]

It was my grandmothers engagement ring . It has one large diamond which has a rough value of £5500. It has a lovely inscription inside and is of huge sentimental value to me but is too big for my fingers.

I'm getting married and considering having the diamond made into my wedding ring. It would look lovely with my fairly plain engagement ring. I would keep my grandmothers ring with the engraving but it would obviously have no diamond and no use as a ring.

Reasons for- it would be lovely to have a reminder of my grandmother on my hand every day and it wouldnt do anyone any good sitting in a box

Reasons against- I'd be terrified of losing it because it's not replaceable even if I did get the money for a new one. It's quite a big diamond and I dont want to look like I'm showing off. I don't know how I feel about taking apart a ring that was on my grandmothers hand for 70 years.

Pic please! I love old rings

I'd have it sized and wear it, unless you dislike the style?! Go for it!

Get it re-sized and wear it on your right hand. Rings are meant to be worn, and I am sure your GM would love that you wore it. My engagement ring is an heirloom and I love knowing that I am the next in a long line of women who have worn and loved this ring.

(And yes- pics please!)

Have it adjusted and wear it. It'll be safer on your finger than in a jewellery box at home. I wear my grandmother's rocks too, they're fabulous!

Sorry! It's at my mums house for safekeeping so I dont have a pic.

The ring as it is isnt my style. Also I only have silver rings and it is gold.

I think that's a great idea. I am sure she would have wanted you to have something that you would wear all the time, like she did!

You could replace the stone in your grandmother's ring with something cheaper if you want to keep the 'look' of it.

I would definitely insure it. You need to get it specially covered by ring insurance and in order for that to be valid you will need a valuation for insurance purposes -- this needs to be kept up to date, eg you may need to get a new valuation every 3 years or as specified by the insurer in order for the insurance to be valid.

If you think it looks too ostentatious or you don't like it, obviously don't do it -- but I think the symbolism of using your grandmother's diamond is lovely and that she would have approved. Also, you can always say to other people who comment on the diamond that you inherited it if you are uncomfortable seeming like the kind of person who would spend thousands on a ring!

Many things today are repurposed.

Your grandmother had 70 years of joy with the ring but now with her passing it can evolve and be made into something that suits your style.

Would you wear a pendant?

Good point about being able to tell people the story if they ask. That would be nice.

If I do get it re- made it will be into my wedding ring. I dont think a pendant would be special enough to warrant taking the old ring apart.