Junior Rasmussen
There are many options for what to do with your grandmother's wedding ring. You could wear the ring as-is, choosing a finger that isn't the traditional wedding ring finger, or you could redesign the ring to better suit your taste. If you'd like to wear the ring, it's recommended that you first take it to a jeweler to have it cleaned and inspected for loose stones, worn prongs, and thin shanks. If the ring holds significant sentimental value, you could also add it to a chain to wear as a necklace or incorporate it into your wedding bouquet or hair accessory. Alternatively, you could repurpose the ring by removing the diamonds and gemstones to create new pieces of jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wear the ring | Wear on a different finger than the traditional wedding ring finger, such as the middle finger or right ring finger |
| Incorporate into a bouquet or hair accessory for a wedding | |
| Get the ring resized and repaired | |
| Clean and inspect the ring for loose stones, worn prongs, and thin shanks | |
| Store the ring | Keep the ring in a safe space or jewellery box |
| Modify the ring | Reset the stones into a necklace, earrings, or a pendant |
| Redesign the ring to match your style, such as by changing the setting or adding extra diamonds | |
| Melt the metal into a new design | |
| Sell the ring | Sell to an antique or vintage store, or a jewellery reseller |
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What You'll Learn
Wear it on a different finger
If you're thinking of wearing your grandmother's wedding ring, it's a good idea to first take it to a jeweller to be cleaned and inspected. Inherited rings may have loose stones, worn prongs, or thin shanks. You can then decide which finger to wear it on.
If you're not married or engaged, it's best to avoid wearing a ring on the traditional wedding ring finger—the third finger of the left hand. You could wear the ring on your right hand, as some people have done with their grandmothers' wedding rings. You could also wear it on your left hand if you're not engaged, as long as you're comfortable removing it when the time comes. If you are married or engaged and want to wear your grandmother's wedding ring, you could wear it on your right hand, or on the left hand alongside your own wedding ring.
If you don't want to wear your grandmother's wedding ring on your finger, there are other ways to wear the jewellery. You could turn the ring into a necklace, brooch, or earrings, or have the stones reset into a modern ring.
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Reset the stones into a necklace
Resetting the stones from your grandmother's wedding ring into a necklace is a great way to repurpose the jewellery while retaining its sentimental value. This can be especially meaningful if you're not ready to part with the ring but also don't want to wear it as-is.
Before resetting the stones, it's important to have the ring inspected by a jeweller to check for any loose stones, worn prongs, or thin shanks. This step will ensure that the stones are securely set in their new design.
When it comes to the design of the necklace, you can opt for a simple pendant that showcases the original stone, or you can add accent stones and a complementary chain to create a more elaborate piece. Consider your personal style and the type of necklace you'd like to wear. Do you prefer a more subtle, everyday piece, or are you looking for something more elevated and fancy?
For an everyday look, a yellow gold chain is a classic choice. If you're looking for something more formal, consider a white gold chain. You can also add a pop of colour with coloured gemstones. Blue sapphires, rubies, or emeralds can add a touch of zest to your design.
Keep in mind that resetting an heirloom ring may decrease its resale value, so it's important to be certain about the decision. However, by resetting the stones, you'll be able to wear a memento of your grandmother and keep her memory close to your heart.
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Remount the stones into a new ring
If you have inherited your grandmother's wedding ring and would like to redesign it, you can remount the stones into a new ring. Remounting is a great way to give new life to the gemstones you already own and love. It allows you to wear sentimental gemstones in a contemporary style that is more flattering for you.
Before having the stones remounted into a new piece, you might want to have your older gemstones repolished or recut by a lapidary to remove any scratches or chips and restore their original lustre. If the stone has previously suffered damage, consider remounting it as a pendant or earrings, as these mountings will offer additional protection.
When remaking a ring, you can choose to recycle the original materials, including gemstones, into a new ring design. You can also replicate the ring in any precious metal, such as platinum, white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. You can work with a jeweller to create a completely new design that works for your fashion style and lifestyle, while still incorporating your grandmother's diamonds.
Remaking a ring typically involves several steps. First, you start with a consultation, then you build a detailed quote, followed by the design stage, before creating the final item. Remaking a ring can be less expensive than buying a completely new piece of jewellery, but be sure to check with your jeweller at the beginning.
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Melt down the metal and use it in a new piece
If you're looking for what to do with your grandmother's wedding ring, melting down the metal and using it in a new piece of jewellery is a great option. This way, you can create something that suits your style and lifestyle while still honouring your grandmother's memory.
When melting down the metal, the ring will be placed in a crucible and heated to a high temperature, usually around 1100 degrees Celsius, until the metal reaches a molten state. This molten metal can then be poured into a casting mould to create a new shape, such as an ingot, which can be used by goldsmiths to craft new pieces.
You can use the melted-down metal to create a variety of new jewellery pieces, such as wedding bands, bangles, signet rings, or pendants. For example, you could create a new wedding band for yourself or a family member, incorporating the metal from your grandmother's ring. This adds a personal and sentimental touch to the new piece.
If your grandmother's ring has any gemstones or diamonds, you can choose to incorporate them into the new piece as well. This could be in the form of a pendant or a new ring with the diamonds reset into a modern setting. You could even create a solitaire necklace, as one person did with their grandmother's wedding ring, which then became a tradition for all the cousins to wear on their wedding day.
When melting down and repurposing jewellery, it is important to work with a skilled jeweller who can advise on the best course of action and help create a unique custom design that suits your vision. They can also inspect the ring for any loose stones, worn prongs, or other issues that need to be addressed before melting it down.
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Sell it to a vintage jewellery store
If you have decided to sell your grandmother's wedding ring to a vintage jewellery store, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you could look for local vintage jewellery stores or pawn shops that specialise in vintage jewellery. These stores often buy vintage engagement and wedding rings, and you can visit them in person to discuss the value and selling process.
Another option is to sell the ring online through a trusted website or auction platform that specialises in vintage and antique jewellery. Websites like Worthy.com offer a secure and straightforward way to sell your ring. They provide access to a network of pre-vetted jewellery buyers, ensuring you get a competitive price. These sites often include complimentary grading services, where your ring is professionally evaluated, cleaned, and photographed prior to the sale. This step is crucial for receiving a fair price for your ring.
Before selling your grandmother's wedding ring, it is essential to have it cleaned and inspected by a jeweller. This step will ensure that any necessary repairs, such as tightening loose stones or fixing worn prongs, are addressed. A well-maintained ring will likely fetch a better price.
Keep in mind that selling a wedding ring can be an emotional decision. Take the time to consider your reasons for selling and ensure you are comfortable with the process. Remember that you can always choose to wear the ring, repurpose it into a new piece of jewellery, or pass it down as a cherished heirloom.
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Frequently asked questions
You can repurpose your grandmother's wedding ring by resetting the stones into a new piece of jewellery, such as a pendant or a pair of earrings. Alternatively, you could resize the ring and wear it on a different finger, or melt down the metal and use it to create a new piece of jewellery.
If you don't want to wear your grandmother's wedding ring, you could keep it in a safe place, such as a jewellery box, or sell it to an antique or vintage store.
When repurposing your grandmother's wedding ring, you should consider the design, metal type, and gemstones used in the ring. You should also think about which elements of the original ring you want to keep, such as the metal, style, or diamonds and gems.
