Preparation

When there’s a wedding band that’s been passed down through either of your families, it makes the ring exchange during your ceremony even more special. Such a special piece deserves special attention: Whether the band is an heirloom that’s been in the family for decades or has a much more recent time affiliation, you want to treat it right.

You may appreciate that the ring has a special family attachment but that doesn’t mean you want to wear it every day for the rest of your life. Before you make a final decision, give it a chance and appreciate its beauty, even if it’s not the diamond-encrusted platinum band you were hoping for. If, after careful consideration, you realize it’s just not for you, discuss alternative options with your partner.

That’s the best of both worlds: You get to wear a ring that has some contemporary touches but still retains its original look. Before making any changes to the ring, make sure the family is on-board.

If it feels too big or too small, it needs to be resized so your finger will be comfortable. Even if the ring doesn’t need resizing, you’ll want to take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning, so it looks its best as it starts a new journey with you.

You’ll need to find out the ring’s value by having it evaluated by an appraiser; you’ll need this info to get it insured.

If you were very close to your grandfather who has passed away, giving his wedding band to your guy could be a lovely way to honor that close relationship.

It could be compelling and worth repeating to younger generations so its history isn’t lost. Think of it as Ancestry.com for jewelry.