How much to spend on an engagement ring? Ideally, nothing. My husband's grandmother had long promised him her 1920 engagement ring when he was ready to marry. When that time came, she gave it joyfully. He assumed that I would want to reset it, but that would have been just wrong. We had only to resize it, and to ask the jeweler to fashion two simple coordinating wedding bands.

Grandma wasn't up to attending our wedding so we went to see her after the service and reception. I thanked her for her ring on my finger, and she said, "You should think of it as having always been yours." What I wish I had been quick enough to reply was, "No, I will think of it as having always being yours and mine." She wore it for almost 60 years, and I have now worn it for 31 years and counting. I hope that it will be worn by another family bride in its second century.

The value of a ring that represents a long family history of happy monogamy? Priceless. But if you have to spend money for an engagement ring, be more concerned with creating that heritage for your children and grandchildren than with the showiness and price of the diamond.

KITTY SKINNER
Fox Chapel

www.post-gazette.com

The beauty and symbolism of your wedding band lasts a lifetime. Glatz Jewelers has what customers want, and what they need. Although there are thousands of different designs to choose from, variety alone cannot satisfy all customers. For this reason we also provide our clients the option of customizing and personalizing their wedding bands by choosing any precious metal, style or width. Every ring is made in the United States, using only environmentally friendly metals and conflict-free stones.