Princess cut, always go princess cut.

 

Why not use one as engagement and the other for a wedding band?

 

no opinion offer but only a grats

 

the meaning behind your family's ring is worth more than a tiffany.

 

My wife was first given a family ring that is ~150 years old. For our first anniversery she picked out another ring that she wanted to wear on a more regular basis.

I think the meaning is more important than the actual ring. I also think that a woman should choose her own ring and setting because she has to wear it and she is not likely to admit that what you picked out may not be perfect.

I would also add that if you are looking for a bargain, you would do well to stay away from Tiffany's. I paid 8 grand for a solitare necklace at Tiffany's a couple weeks back as a gift. I could have had the same thing for about 2700 total by purchasing the rock from a place like http://www.bluenile.com/ and the necklace from a jewelers catalog.

Is the name that important? To some it is I guess.

 

^ Tru and Congratulations!!!

-Alan

 

My best advice is this (FWIW): Don't let your desire to please her cloud priorities. If she's of a mind that traditions are important it will appear that you're more family orientated by passing your mother's ring on to her. If things work out you can always buy her other diamonds later.

 

I'd personally rather have the family ring.

If I were you, I'd want to make certain that she understands that your mother's ring remains in your family and she wears it as long as she's in the family. I'm not suggesting you have (or will have) a bad relationship or anything, I just would hate for the ring to get out of your family.

I like the idea of getting her the new stone for another occasion--like an anniversary. Or perhaps have the older stone set in solitare pendant or something? You can never have too many diamonds.

 

I'll talk to you later tonight.. give you a call with my opinions!