Discussion Topic: “Boyfriend Proposed with His Grandma’s Ring: Is It Too ‘Chunky’ for My Hand?”
Hey everyone!
I’m so excited to share a special moment in my life—my boyfriend proposed to me with his grandmother’s engagement ring! 🌟 It’s truly sentimental and comes with a beautiful history, but I have to admit, it’s a bit chunkier than what I typically envisioned for an engagement ring.
The Ring
First, let me describe the ring: It has a stunning vintage design, featuring a central diamond surrounded by intricate filigree and smaller accent stones. While I love the sentiment behind it, I can’t help but wonder if it’s a little too overwhelming for my hand. I adore the vintage feel, but I’m also used to daintier styles.
The Dilemma
This brings me to my question for all of you in our lovely community: How do you feel about “chunky” rings? Have any of you worn a ring that seemed too big or bold at first, but grew on you over time?
Also, what advice do you have for styling chunkier rings? I’m curious about how to make it feel more “me,” whether that’s through other jewelry choices or how I wear it day-to-day.
Share Your Thoughts!
- Chunky vs. Dainty: Do you prefer a certain style when it comes to engagement rings? What influenced your choice?
- Personal Experiences: If you’ve navigated a similar situation, what did you do? Did you embrace it, make modifications, or wear it proudly as is?
- Style Tips: How do you style chunkier rings to balance out your overall look? Any specific outfits or occasions where they shine?
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and stories! Plus, if anyone wants to share photos of their rings—chunky or dainty—please do! Let’s celebrate the love and beauty that comes with these meaningful pieces. 💍💕
Looking forward to our discussions!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
Feel free to comment below, share your insights, and let’s help each other navigate the world of engagement rings together!



I absolutely love this ring. I wouldn’t change one thing. I’ve never seen a ring this beautiful and unique.
I’d get a cheaper one to wear daily and pull this one out for when I can wear a bulkier ring! I wouldn’t change this, it’s a family heirloom now and it is so gorgeous
This is a gorgeous ring, very unique. This is very much NOT the classic ring most are going for nowadays which IMO is quite boring. But to each their own. If one of my friends was just proposed to with this ring I would be very jealous. Love it.
It’s a difficult predicament. It is one of the most unique rings on this forum and it really makes you think as someone who loves design. It reminds me of a rock side section cut with all the gorgeous crystal inside.
Just wanted to add to all the great comments here and say do not change your ring because of what everyone else is doing, or what is popular on this forum. Rings are something people wear every day and it should be a personal choice. I don’t think it’s too chunky for your hand, especially if you switch it around.
The good news is that ultimately your partner and his grandma want what makes you happy. You can wear it for as long a time as you want, you’ve got lots of choices to fit what works with you:
– keep wearing it and watch your love grow, not just for the ring but also the thoughtfulness your fiance put in to live within his means and find you something beautiful that’s family related. It’ll also remind you of his family/Grandma’s blessing.
– wear it for some time, then buy another ring so you can keep the sentiment and the really wonderful design, but find something you’re more comfortable with.
– wear it for some time, then melt it down and remodel it so that you have the same materials and carry the sentiment but modelled to something you love.
– probably more choices but those are the ones I would be thinking about. All of them are equally good!
My personal opinion is that this ring is too special to be melted down, but ultimately do what makes you happy.
Edit: there’s nothing wrong with vintage and old ladies can be cool, wish people wouldn’t be so ageist!
I love it!
Very cool and unique. Love the family heirloom. I also see constellation and oyster shell.
I like the ring on your hand! Would you mind getting married with this ring? I ask because personally I wouldn’t rush with a decision what to do with this set since it‘s so unique. Take your time and see how you feel about the ring down the line.
There’s a lot going on here. The sentiment is absolutely precious but it doesn’t look like it fits you tbh
Agree with flipping it around because a) it will look more balanced on your finger and b) the wedding band typically goes closer to your wrist with the e-ring stacked on top. I think it’s lovely, unique, and special. If you do redesign it, I suggest perhaps keeping the “feel” of the ring with the vertical diamonds, but with a slimmer setting. Congrats 🎉
Have the stones set in something else
I love this ring on your hand.
It’s exactly like the beginning of a marriage, too much going on, and needing time to adjust the eyes.
But after a few months/years, you realize it’s a perfect fit, and the uniqueness is the strength.
It’s stunning.
Personally , I think it’s sweet , but not pretty. I would ask him to have it reset with three diamonds going across. A good Jeweler could do that, Using the same goal and diamonds.
I totally see your predicament. While it is absolutely gorgeous I see what you mean about it maybe being quite different from the “norm” although that is part of its charm. What you could do is take it to a jeweller to see if there is anything they can do to make it a modern twist on this design, for example make the gold parts less chunky but keep the position of the stones? Then you can see how you feel from there
Flip it the other way. I like it better without the band. As a jewelry lover, I think this ring is amazing and I beg you not to change it. I also have a unique original engagement ring, and some days I just wanted a “regular” ring to wear. So for an anniversary my husband got me a moissanite solitaire. Then another anniversary my husband got me lab diamond. I now have three rings, all different metal colors, all different stones, and I have zero regret about changing the original ring, and I get to swap them out as my mood desires!
It’s a beautiful ring but I’m getting the sense that it’s just not your vibe.
I wouldn’t change the ring but I would get an alternate wedding band or set that you can wear on dates where you’d like to wear something more simple
The way I would love on this ring would be insane! There’s so much to consider when a man’s family thinks enough of you to want you to have something so special. This ring is gorgeous and full of history and connection. Love that ring with pride and love that man and his selfless family with your whole heart! You will purchase many rings in years to come, but none of them will hold a candle to this one and all it represents. You are one lucky young lady!
Just flip it because once you get married, the wedding band goes on the inside closest to heart anyway
i wouldn’t change a thing. i like it without the wedding band. i’m curious as to what it would look like with a *very* thin diamond band. i think clocking it as vintage in this era of ginormous lab diamonds on delicate settings is a compliment. truly a case of ‘they don’t make them like this anymore.’
I love unique rings. That said, I ended up going with a solitaire antique elongated cushion cut to keep things timeless and then I plan on changing up my wedding band stack because I know my taste will change. ANYWAYS, I adore this ring and think it is so amazing. I’d keep it as is and save up for another ring in the future (or now). Nobody said you can’t have two!
I think it’s incredible. I’m into vintage rings for reasons like this — your ring has so much character and personality. I think people are asking if it’s vintage because it’s so unusual. I’d rather stand out because my ring was atypical vs. typical. It looks like your hand can handle it as well.
You could always update for an anniversary, like fifth or tenth, if you end up resenting its size.
I understand your hesitancy, but if it’s growing on you I’d lean into that feeling of liking it.
Its a stunning ring, absolutely unique, I wouldn’t change it.
I wouldn’t change a thing I love everything about this ring I’ve never seen before
Keep this one, save for an upgrade. Everyone can have a giant oval rock with a hidden halo, only you can have this ring. Don’t change it!
As long as you like it
Also nails make a massive difference
Lovely 🥰 I wound try wearing other way around.
Try flipping it so the smaller diamond is on top
I think it’s a beautiful vintage ring and looks great on your hand. I’d be staring at my hand all the time if I was given that ring. Congratulations.
It looks super cool, IMO, but it’s all about your feel on it.
Oh I looooove this! It’s so gorgeous.
I can’t imagine changing something so uniquely beautiful and with such special family history.
I like it and the sentiment to your ring. I would never change/alter it. Perhaps when the time comes to get married you could choose a nice wedding band that you really like and maybe a few years down the road you can get a ring of your choice to go with your wedding band. You can always keep the ring and wear it on your right finger, or if you feel like passing it down to his little brother if he is interested. Before doing so, I would talk to your fiancé first to make sure that he is OK with that. Since it was ultimately given to you. Congratulations on your engagement!
Something about it reminds me of both an oyster shell and a constellation…I can’t decide if I would reset it or not, tbh, because my first reaction was “wow that’s a lot of ring” but the longer I look at it, the more interesting I find it.
Is this ring by the US modernist designer Ed Weiner, OP? Do you have a hallmark?
It is large but I think it’s really cool ! I think a lot of people are doing unique engagement rings these days. If you like it then great ! If not then change it.
I think it’s so special and beautiful and fits you well! Such a unique ring.
I think it looks so special and unique. I’d maybe have a conversation with your partner about why he picked it, I feel like for me if he felt the sentimental value or its unique design was important then I’d personally rock it for at least a few years knowing I could change the design later. I’d also maybe consider a different band but that’s just me I think it looks more delicate without. If it was kind of whatever to him I’d ask about changing it, but either way I think it’s very special. A lot of modern rings will look dated shortly anyways, and not in a cool retro way like this one