Written by Samantha Holschbach
Surprisingly, this wedding column is aimed more pointedly at men, who are the ultimate ring-bearers when a relationship becomes serious. You see, when a man hopes to merge his life with his girlfriend’s, he scouts a local jewelry store, to find a suitable diamond. However, in my humble opinion, such guys should first visit an even more local source for jewels: their families. Impressive family heirlooms with a story to tell may await them—gems that can be reused, ever an eco-friendly option.
My fiancé Dan did just this, and I’m all the more thankful for his thoughtfulness. My engagement diamond came from his grandmother’s ring, a diamond that her husband-to-be saved up for while he fought in World War II. For four years they were separated physically, yet they held on to hope that a future together awaited them. Now I’m reminded of their powerful bond and the love between Dan and I whenever I look at my ring.
Additionally, smaller diamonds from my future mother-in-law encircle the engagement diamond, yet another treasure that bears a link to my new family. All of the diamonds are encased in a modern setting that I picked out from Mary Healy’s Fine Jewelry in Little Rock, so essentially the jewels have been recycled in a custom-made ring.
Additionally, my and Dan’s wedding bands will be his maternal grandparents’ set, practically unaltered. Sure, Dan’s ring may have to be adjusted a bit, but my ring— his grandmother’s—fits perfectly as is. Our family history will be as near as our fingertips.
I should mention that Dan didn’t pay a cent for his family gems, though the customized engagement setting did cost a pretty penny, I’m sure. Thus, a thrifty alternative is for the man to present his prospective wife with an original family heirloom ring if it’s nice enough, perhaps with the option of customizing it as she sees fit later on whether with an engraved engagement date/wedding date/initials inside the band, extra gems, etc. And don’t think you’re limited to diamonds—I know someone who received an original family heirloom engagement ring adorned with a breathtaking ruby.
In fact, some brides would prefer to receive a ruby or sapphire as an alternative to diamonds, which are sometimes mined illegally or worse, used by rebel groups to fund conflicts that cost thousands of lives. Even today, child labor is used to polish diamonds in India. Thus, to ensure that diamonds are “conflict-free” and ethically processed, couples that don’t have family heirloom rings can purchase diamonds from retailers like BrilliantEarth, based out of Canada. Examining a retailer’s policy on conflict diamonds and requesting a conflict-free diamonds guarantee are the best means of buying a socially responsible ring.
On the whole, reusing family jewels is a great way to include older family ties into a couple’s enormous commitment, with an added bonus of boosting one’s wallet and the environment.
