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Shall I go for a replacement engagement ring or another piece of jewellery?

26 replies

mightymam · 13/03/2023 13:13

I lost my engagement ring during a house move a few months ago. I've been through absolutely everything at least 5 times and just can't find it. Luckily our insurance company is happy to pay towards having it replaced to the value of £6,000. The thing is, I don't think I want another ring. My previous ring was just over 2ct of a diamond (solitaire) which I always ended up hiding when around others (twisting it the other way) because it felt too big and flashy for me (I like the outdoors, like dressing smart but casual- Toast, Cos, Sahara, Masai, Seasalt are my usual clothing brands of choice) and made me feel like I'd be flashing the cash at them (I work with young children). That plus the fact that there's divorce on the cards (I ended up buying the ring for myself- long story!) so I'm a bit reluctant to have another ring. The thing is, I'm not much of a jewellery person- I wear diamond stud earrings and a watch only (and previously a wedding band and my ring). I don't do delicate jewellery so a pendant, etc. is out of the question. What else can I go for?

I want something long lasting that I can wear on a daily basis or something that has resale value that I can sell it on if I have to. Help!

OP posts:
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mightymam · 13/03/2023 13:16

Ideally not replacement diamond earrings since I'm already on my second pair (having left the first pair at the gym). This would be my most expensive piece of jewellery so I want it to count.

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LuckyDipForTheEuro · 13/03/2023 13:19

If you haven't got a particular thing in mind just stick it in the bank. Divorce can be expensive so it could go towards that or keep it for a rainy day.

fairlygoodmother · 13/03/2023 13:25

You could get a new watch, that might hold its value better than jewellery.

mightymam · 13/03/2023 13:29

The cash option is much lower in value vs a replacement of the ring. I'd have preferred the cash too.

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mightymam · 13/03/2023 13:31

fairlygoodmother · 13/03/2023 13:25

You could get a new watch, that might hold its value better than jewellery.

I'm thinking of selling the Omega that I wore previously because I now wear a Fitbit on a rubber band!

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Whatthediddlyfeck · 13/03/2023 13:33

I was going to suggest something like a watch but see that’s not an option 😂

TaRaDeBumDeAy · 13/03/2023 13:34

What about a chicky bracelet? Could you commission something?

mightymam · 13/03/2023 13:48

@TaRaDeBumDeAy maybe not a bracelet (I'd be scared of losing it if the clasp malfunctioned) but bangle might be an option...

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BeatricePortinari · 13/03/2023 13:52

A gold bangle.
Simple stylish and will hold value.

BeatricePortinari · 13/03/2023 13:53

It's basically reinvesting the cash into gold.

mightymam · 13/03/2023 13:55

@BeatricePortinari exactly what I was thinking :) any idea what kind of bangle or style?

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whatthebejesus · 13/03/2023 14:39

If you want something to hold its value then look at a Rolex or an omega watch. They usually are good investments if you choose wisely.

What about buying some gold with it?

googledidnthelp · 13/03/2023 15:41

Are you definitely able to spend it on another price of jewellery and not expected to buy another ring?

I'd personally still go for a gorgeous ring but maybe a full band of diamonds so the carats are spread out and not too big and flashy, then you can wear it on your other hand should the divorce happen

StephenDedalus · 13/03/2023 15:46

I agree with @googledidnthelp I would get a back of diamonds or a beautiful dress ring. But I LOVE nice jewellery so would probably have no problem spending it Grin

StephenDedalus · 13/03/2023 15:47

a BAND

TaRaDeBumDeAy · 13/03/2023 16:30

mightymam · 13/03/2023 13:48

@TaRaDeBumDeAy maybe not a bracelet (I'd be scared of losing it if the clasp malfunctioned) but bangle might be an option...

Yes sorry, I meant a chunky bangle!

frustratedtenant · 13/03/2023 16:39

Do you have any kids? You can get a ring (or two, for that money) and keep it for them when they get married and need a ring.

BeatricePortinari · 13/03/2023 16:40

I'd just go for a very simple classic bangle like this: www.michaelhill.com.au/p/65mm-round-comfort-fit-bangle-in-10kt-yellow-gold-C1850035625.html

I think it's the same category as diamond stud earrings: not flashy but the simplest form of high quality but simple jewellery you can get.

My mum has one and never takes it off. I often notice how elegant it looks and covet it .

BeatricePortinari · 13/03/2023 17:10

Also I have a large solitaire engagement ring that felt too flashy for work. So I had it reset into a bevelled setting, set lower and neat against my wedding band.

It now feels more subtle, less flashy and I love the simplicity. I now wear it all the time.

More like this:
images.app.goo.gl/woYNakDv5RxJvv9T6

mightymam · 13/03/2023 19:34

BeatricePortinari · 13/03/2023 17:10

Also I have a large solitaire engagement ring that felt too flashy for work. So I had it reset into a bevelled setting, set lower and neat against my wedding band.

It now feels more subtle, less flashy and I love the simplicity. I now wear it all the time.

More like this:
images.app.goo.gl/woYNakDv5RxJvv9T6

Ooooh, I really like this. Amazing what a difference the right setting makes. This is what mine looked like (not my ring or hand). It's very delicate and I don't have delicate hands!

Shall I go for a replacement engagement ring or another piece of jewellery?
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mightymam · 13/03/2023 19:38

I've been thinking about going for an 18ct torque bangle or another ring set differently. Maybe get a lovely diamond and have it set into my existing wedding band?

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mightymam · 13/03/2023 19:42

Like these:

Shall I go for a replacement engagement ring or another piece of jewellery?
Shall I go for a replacement engagement ring or another piece of jewellery?
Shall I go for a replacement engagement ring or another piece of jewellery?
OP posts:
Polkapjs · 13/03/2023 20:02

mightymam · 13/03/2023 19:42

Like these:

I love this idea!

BeatricePortinari · 13/03/2023 20:26

Mine was like yours and set 'high' so it felt pointy and in your face.
I love the new setting it feels more modern and understated.

I really love the ones you've shared!!

What is nice about having a ring I love is making sure my nails are done and then just looking at and enjoying my hands throughout the day. I've had mine reset for over 10 years and I still enjoying looking at it every day.
I also have a ring I wear on my left hand which I gaze at during meetings so they don't have to be 'engagement' rings to love them.

bestbefore · 13/03/2023 20:28

Do you have to use a certain jeweller for the replacement?