So, I have this diamond ring ...

[Jim Nazium]

It was my mother's. She left it to me in her will. I've been kind of torn as to what to do with it. She told me that I could sell it or do whatever I wanted with it; OTOH I know she really hoped I would meet "miss right" someday and give it to her.

I don't feel comfortable just selling it. But the fact is, I'm 45, I haven't been on a date in years, and I was never very popular with chicks even when I was young and had hair. The chances of me ever getting married are vanishingly small.

So I had this weird idea: what if I had a custom neck made for my Roscoe bass and had the diamonds (there are ten of them, 2-4mm in diameter) set in the fretboard as position markers? At least they'd be in a place where I'd see them and they'd be on something that is meaningful to me. The ring is just gathering dust in a drawer.

Think that would work? Would the diamonds sparkle under stage lights? Or should I wait until I have a better idea?

[capnsandwich]

I don't think your mom would've liked the idea of you cannibalizing that ring for a bass project. Hold onto it just in case. You never know.

[hover]

as long as you go whole hog with it as a tribute to your Mom and all that...I think it's a neat idea. I mean, it's not like you wouldn't have the setting still, in case you changed your mind down the road...

[champbassist]

I'd personally keep the ring as is. I wonder why you shall say that a diamond ring, which you must be emotionally very connected to(I'd be, if I were you), is "gathering dust" in a drawer. I'd keep it safe, tucked away with all my other special belongings which have emotional value for me. Diamond inlays: yes please! Diamond inlays from your mother's ring: a sure no-no, IMO.

Just my 0.02. It's your ring after all

[bass.monger]

not a bad idea. just keep the setting and a jewler close by so that if you wanna return the dimonds to the ring, you still can

[jp58]

What about the stones "falling out"?

Just playing devil's advocate

[hover]

Originally Posted by jp58

What about the stones "falling out"?

Just playing devil's advocate

they could just as easily fall out of the ring setting. My Wife has had to have diamonds of that type replaced in a few of her rings numerous times...damage, impact, wear...

[Phalex]

I don't like that idea at all. Have a piece of jewelry made that you can wear, or keep it as is. Of course IMHO & YMMV.

[Smurf-o-Deth]

I think it's a cool proposal (wink). If you are comfortable with the idea, if it conveys meaning to you, that's all that counts. Realistically, it's just an object, and more than that, it's your object, so put it to whatever end you deem worthy. The memories won't vanish just because the stones are housed in wood instead of metal.

Plus, marriage is balls.

[john turner]

i would say that you need to leave it as it is, cherish it as long as you care to, and then sell it.

if you're not going to use it as it was intended, maybe someone else will eventually.

just my opinion but cannibalizing your mother's enagement ring for a bass ornament seems... inappropriate.

[FL Knifemaker]

Have the diamonds set in a mens ring for yourself. I've never worn rings myself but if you do, it would be an option.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Keep it as is IMO.

Who cares if you aren't able to give them to anyone. Heck, my mum told me in my early teens that when she is no longer about, she doesn't want her jewlery given to a spouse, but to (what would be her grand)daughters or whatnot if that was to happen.

[Rune Bivrin]

First of all I wonder how large those diamonds are? To be useful as fret markers they'd have to be pretty large, I think.

Other than that I think if it's "gathering dust" I'd sell it. You won't forget your mom because of that, and jewellery that's just lying around is rather contrary to the purpose of jewellery.

[MEKer]

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

Have the diamonds set in a mens ring for yourself. I've never worn rings myself but if you do, it would be an option.

ABSOLUTELY THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do it--or I'll beat your a&& !

[SteveC]

Keep it as a ring and memory of her or have it made into something for you to wear - like a ring if you wear them. Don't put it in a bass. Keep looking for something cool to do with it.

[kserg]

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

Have the diamonds set in a mens ring for yourself. I've never worn rings myself but if you do, it would be an option.

Or diamond grillz

The bling bling might help you getting the girlies.

[Gard]

Mr. Nazium -

As a representative of the company you are referring to having do this project, we would be flattered that you would want us to do such a thing.

However, I will also cast my lot in with those that say it is not an idea I personally think is a good one.

The best suggestion I have seen, short of leaving it as is - because "she" may walk into your life tomorrow - would be to have the ring converted into something you can wear every day as a memorial to the memory of your mother.

I think I can safely speak for Roscoe Guitars as a whole on this.

[MEKer]

Originally Posted by Gard

Mr. Nazium -

As a representative of the company you are referring to having do this project, we would be flattered that you would want us to do such a thing.

However, I will also cast my lot in with those that say it is not an idea I personally think is a good one.

The best suggestion I have seen, short of leaving it as is - because "she" may walk into your life tomorrow - would be to have the ring converted into something you can wear every day as a memorial to the memory of your mother.

I think I can safely speak for Roscoe Guitars as a whole on this.

Thank you. You are a gentleman. And I will immediately go to your site and look at your guitars.

[MakiSupaStar]

This idea ranks right up there with having 'mom' tattoo'd on your @$$.

[KeithBMI]

Go around town and propose to every girl you see. Sooner or later, it is bound to work.