My fiance's sister offered us their grandmother's engagement ring. He didn't know anything about the ring so we were both curious. I had already shown him a picture of what I wanted, but we figured it couldn't hurt to check it out.
I am so honored that his sister would give me a ring handed down to her, and I would love to honor his family by wearing it. Unfortunately, it is nothing in my style or taste. It is a vintage yellow gold, 6-prong flimsy band with a dark topaz stone that is about 1ct.
I had my heart set on a 3 stone topaz eternity ring in white gold. The ring I picked out is not expensive, no more than 0 so I am not trying to empress anyone. It is just beautiful and what I want. I also have long fingers and larger stones compliment my hands. His grandmother's ring would look like a child's ring on me. Plus, I don't wear yellow gold.
What do I do? Turn it down or just take it and bear it?
Note: His first wife was never offered a family heirloom.
Originally posted 2009-05-29 07:36:04.
Well, anything you do will seem selfish if you don't accept it. Personally, I would tell his sister that I could not accept such a personal piece of jewelry, that it should stay in the immediate family, and that means with her or her daughter.Hopefully your fiance will not feel hurt. Or you could accept it and wear it as a pendant on a chain around your neck, or even have it restyled as a broach . I take your message means that it was meant to be your engagement ring. I think you should have what you want. However if money is tight, it would be a good temporary solution. Just wait a while, yellow gold will be popular again!