Charby's advice and experience from been there and done that.
I was engaged once, I broke it off and she gave the ring back. Since it had been longer than six months since I bought it (nine months at the time and 6 months before the wedding) the store wouldn't take it back or even exchange for other merchandise. I was thinking maybe get some bling bling for myself and mom on the echange program.
I went to several pawn shops and all I could get for a $1800 ring was about $250-300, even tried trading it on a several handguns they had in the $400-500 range, no dice there.
Since it was a 5/8 carat diamond, I was thinking hmmm I'll get a ring made for me out of the diamond, of course once I talked to the jeweler I didn't want to fork over another grand for a unique setting for myself.
So I just threw it in my jewery box and forgot about it until I bought my mother a Platinum saphire and diamond ring for her 55 birthday and I remembered I had the solitare engagement ring in my box. I gave my mom her birthday present and she just ooo and awed about it. I asked her if she remembered the engagement ring I bought for _________ 6 years ago, and she yes that was a nice ring. I asked you really liked ________ and she liked you quite a bit. Mom said too bad it didn't work out but things happen for a reason. I then asked her if she wanted to see the ring, she said yes, so I dug it out and told my mom she could have it. My mom was even more shocked becuase the ring was way bigger than the 1/4 carat my dad gave her when they got married x number of years ago. I told she now has two nice rings to wear out when her and dad go out on the town.
I think I made the right choice on what to do with the ring.
Charby
p.s. Btw about the time I joined APS or Apes as I like to call it, I started dating a really good woman so I think that this board is not cursed but helps those find or keep the right person.
