Three things to remember when proposing with an heirloom ring

Modern brides have a huge selection of engagement and wedding rings at their disposal. There are so many styles to choose from, including a variety of precious and semi-precious stones, unusual materials and metals, and of course various ages. Nowadays, you can opt for a brand-new modern ring or select an heirloom. 

Whether a heritage ring is passed down within your own family or is purchased from an antique dealer, there are a few things to look out for when proposing with this special piece of jewellery. Below are the top three things to consider when popping the all-important question with an heirloom ring.

1. Permission

If you’re proposing with an heirloom ring that has been passed down within your family for generations, you must first ensure that you have the permission of the ring’s owner to propose. It sounds obvious, but a family jewel may have been reserved for a specific sibling or the person currently holding on to it has specific memories associated with the ring. 

Whatever the case may be, gently broach the subject and outline your intentions. Once you’ve received the blessing to propose with the ring, it will feel all the more special and memorable.

2. Memories

As with the previous point about permission, it’s important to find out the history of any heirloom ring you may choose to propose with. If it’s a piece that’s been passed on in your fiancé-to-be’s family, it’s certainly worth finding out who the ring previously belonged to and how the marriage it was associated with faired. 

It’s also a good idea to subtly query whether or not an heirloom would be gladly received or not, as not only can it place a lot of pressure on the recipient, but heirloom rings can be very particular in their styles. Vintage rings have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, however more traditional designs won’t be to every bride’s taste. Whilst it might be important to your family that the ring is passed down, you’ll also have to ensure that your potential future wife will also be happy with this decision. 

3. Workmanship and fit

While it stands to reason that a ring that has been in a family for years will be fairly well made, it’s a good idea to have an experienced jeweller check it over for any loose stones before proposing. A jeweller will also be able to advise on the type and quality of any precious stones on the ring, as well as the type of metal used, which is useful to know when it comes to your ring’s upkeep and maintenance. 

They will usually give the ring a good clean as required or even re-plate it to make it look as good as new. Lastly, once you get your ring measurements, an experienced jeweller will be able to resize your heirloom ring to fit the bride-to-be’s finger without damaging the setting.

Heirloom rings are a fantastic, often budget-friendly alternative when planning a proposal. Their rich history and sentimental value make them a top choice for many brides and grooms. However, adhering to the above three best practices, and making sure no feelings are hurt in the process, is always a good idea. That way, you can enjoy the perfect proposal with your family heirloom or heritage piece at the heart of it, and sail off into the sunset with the ultimate vintage proposal story.