Using Mom's Wedding Ring Stones: A Good Idea?

Using stones from a mother's wedding ring to create a new wedding ring is a sentimental option for those who want to incorporate their family into their wedding day. It is a way to have a piece of your mother with you every day and to carry on her legacy. However, it is important to consider the significance of the ring to your family and whether they would be happy for it to be changed. It is also important to ensure that the ring is cleaned, resized, and insured before wearing it.

Can we use the stones from my mother's wedding ring to make a mother's ring?

A mother's ring is a meaningful piece of jewellery that celebrates the bond between a mother and her children. It typically includes the birthstones of the wearer's children or grandchildren and can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The number of birthstones included in the ring depends on the number of children, and the stones can be arranged in various ways, such as by colour, gender, or age.

You can absolutely use the stones from your mother's wedding ring to create a mother's ring. This is a unique and special way to honour your mother and her children. You can choose to include other birthstones to represent your siblings, or you can create a more simplistic design that represents your family. If you are looking to include multiple birthstones, there are rings available that can accommodate up to 12 stones. Alternatively, you can explore stackable mother's rings, which are narrow bands that can be stacked upon each other, allowing for future additions to your family.

When creating a mother's ring, you can also choose to engrave the names of your family members on the ring or include a personalised message of love or gratitude. This adds a further layer of customisation and sentiment to the piece.

In terms of materials, mother's rings can be crafted from a variety of metals, including gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, and palladium. When selecting a metal, consider your mother's skin tone and personal style. Additionally, you can opt for authentic or artificially simulated birthstones. Authentic birthstones are treated to accent their beautiful points and downplay any natural blemishes, resulting in a more expensive but longer-lasting option.

What are the different types of stones that can be used?

There are many different types of stones that can be used in a ring, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference and budget. Here are some popular options:

Diamonds

Diamonds are the traditional choice for engagement and wedding rings due to their shine, brilliance, and extreme resistance to scratching. They are the hardest gemstone on the Mohs scale, rated a 10 in hardness, and can be found in white or champagne colours. However, they can be quite expensive.

Rubies

Rubies are a popular choice for engagement rings due to their bold, vivid red colour. They are one of the hardest precious stones, ranked at 9 on the Mohs scale, making them durable and suitable for daily wear.

Emeralds

The distinct rich green hue of emeralds makes them a popular choice for rings, especially for those who want to channel their inner Cleopatra. They are ranked between 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively hard but not as durable as diamonds or rubies.

Sapphires

Sapphires are one of the four precious stones, including ruby, emerald, and diamond, and they come in an array of brilliant colours such as peach, pink, yellow, green, white, and most commonly, blue. They are ranked at 9 on the Mohs scale and are the third hardest mineral, making them a durable option for rings.

Pearls

Pearls are a traditional choice of jewel stone and are considered royal. They are made of calcium carbonate and are cheaper than other stones. However, they are ranked the lowest on the hardness scale at 2.5-4.5, making them more brittle.

Opals

Opals are unique and trendy, appearing in black, white, and crystal forms with vibrant reflections. They are set at 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making them a popular choice for occasional wear.

Moissanite

Moissanite is a great alternative to diamonds as it is ranked at 9.5 on the Mohs scale, just below diamonds, but is available at more affordable rates.

Birthstones

Birthstones are also commonly used in rings, especially in mother's rings, where each stone represents the birth month of the wearer's children or grandchildren. Some common birthstones include garnet for January, amethyst for February, aquamarine for March, emerald for May, peridot for August, sapphire for September, opal for October, and topaz for November.

What is the process of customising a mother's ring?

Customising a mother's ring is a special process, with each ring undergoing a unique journey to its final design. While each jeweller may do something a little different, there is a basic process that each follows to create a satisfactory ring.

Firstly, the number of birthstones must be chosen. This will depend on the number of children or grandchildren the wearer has. It is also possible to include the wearer's birthstone, or that of their spouse, to differentiate the ring from a standard birthstone ring.

Next, the style, metal type and gemstones are chosen. The style may be influenced by the number of stones selected, and the metal type will depend on the wearer's preferences and budget. Metals commonly used include gold, silver, platinum, rhodium and palladium. The gemstones will be chosen based on the birth month of each family member included.

Once the design has been selected, the ring will be cast. This involves forming the chosen metal into a casting design, also known as blank mounting. The birthstones are then selected and seated in gold prongs, or precise notches, to keep them secure. Each stone is placed and inspected to ensure it is near flawless and that there are no blemishes on the ring.

Finally, the ring is set. Mother's rings commonly feature three stones, which can symbolise the wearer and their two children, or two grandparents and their grandchild. However, there are rings available that can accommodate up to 12 birthstones. For larger families, stackable mother's rings are a good option, as narrow bands can be stacked upon each other, allowing for future additions.

What are the different styles of mother's rings?

Mothers' rings are a wonderful way to celebrate the miracle of life and the incredible journey of motherhood. They are a symbol of the unconditional love that comes with the birth of a child and are often gifted by a partner or other family member shortly after the birth. They can also be purchased by the mother herself as a self-appreciation gesture.

Mothers' rings come in a variety of styles, allowing you to choose a design that resonates with the mother's preferences. Here are some common design elements to consider:

Gemstones

The gemstones used in mothers' rings hold profound significance. Each stone on the ring typically represents a child, making it a truly personalised and sentimental piece. This creates a colourful and vibrant display that reflects the individuality of each family member. The gemstones can be chosen to match the birth months of the children, or they can be selected in the mother's favourite colours. Some popular gemstone options include diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

Band Material

The band material of a mothers' ring can vary, with classic options such as gold and silver, or more modern choices like rose gold and white gold. The choice of metal can be influenced by the mother's personal style and the other jewellery she typically wears.

Setting Styles

The setting style of the gemstones can also vary, with traditional options such as prong settings or more contemporary choices like bezel settings. Each setting type has its unique appeal and contributes to the overall look of the ring.

Engravings

Engravings add an extra layer of personalisation to the ring. You can include the names or birth dates of the children, a meaningful quote, or a special message to make the ring even more sentimental.

Minimalist or Elaborate

Mothers' rings can range from simple and understated designs to more intricate and elaborate styles, depending on the mother's preferences.

Stackable Rings

A popular trend in mothers' rings is the concept of stackable rings. Parents can add a new ring for each child, creating a beautiful and evolving collection that symbolises the growth of their family. Stackable rings are a great option for those who want to add more birthstones in the future.

Number of Stones

Depending on the number of children in the family, you can choose a ring with multiple stones. This customisation ensures that each child is represented on the ring.

Styles for Blended Families

Modern mothers' rings also offer options for blended families, where stepchildren are involved. These rings can be designed to represent all children, including stepchildren, showcasing the inclusivity and love within the family.

What is the history of mother's rings?

The exact history of the mother's ring is difficult to trace. Some historians believe that birthstone rings have been used to honour mothers for centuries, but the modern mother's ring likely has its roots in the 1950s or 1960s.

The creation of Mother's Day in the early 1900s by Anna Jarvis, which became an official holiday in 1914, is thought to have played a significant role in the popularity of mother's rings. As a day to celebrate mothers became socially accepted, gifts like jewellery became common.

One story of the ring's origin is that a jeweller in the 1950s created the first mother's ring by fusing two wedding bands and adding birthstones for each of his and his wife's children. This design became popular and spread, leading to the various styles of mother's rings we see today.

Another story suggests that a jeweller invented the ring by using small screws with stones arranged on them, allowing multiple birthstones to be placed on a single ring. This design became known as a memorial ring, with mothers wearing the birthstones of their children as a reminder of their family.

Over time, the style and design of mother's rings have evolved. Early designs featured a row of birthstones between two bands of metal. Today, the options are much more varied, with arrangements similar to engagement rings, stackable rings, or embedded stones for a more subtle look. The number of stones has also evolved, initially representing each child, but now potentially signifying the birth months of the mother, children, or other family members.

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