We decided to go with the solitaire, and save the ring with side stones for another piece, or for a family member. We did decide to have it shipped USPS registered mail and it arrived safe after a scary week of waiting (with next to no updates on the online tracker!). We knew that is typical for USPS but it was still nervewracking.
We took it in to a local jeweler to discuss options. We did a lot of research and found one that is a third generation family jeweler and very highly recommended.
We ended up settling on a custom design utilizing the stone and the gold from the original ring. I was surprised at how reasonable it was price-wise - they do a lot of custom work like this. The jeweler had me look through and try on rings from their inventory to mix and match features I liked. We just got to see the wax on Friday and I was so happy with it! I couldn't stop grinning. Here's a pic:
Sorry for the bad quality - they're from my camera phone.
The jeweler also said it will look more delicate in metal since the wax is always a bit bulky.
The ring will have my grandmother's center stone, a halo of pave-set diamonds, pave diamonds on the short pieces holding up the center stone and halo, then pave sapphires on the band. They are ordering some nice light, bright sapphires for the band to keep it from looking too dark. It will all be in white gold.
I am SO EXCITED. We've been keeping it pretty quiet and I can't wait to share the news with my family and friends (my parents, sister, and one or two close friends know we are "shopping"). Since I approved the wax my boyfriend has told me I'm done, though... I won't know when he has it or see the final product until the actual proposal. Of course I'm dying to see it, but I really like how we went about this. I know I'm going to get something I love (so my boyfriend doesn't have to be stressed about that!), and it will have sentimental value from using a family stone, but there will still be a big element of surprise.
I'll update again when the time comes! Thank you again to all of you for your advice and support!
