My last several articles have focused on the etiquette of giving and receiving wedding bands and engagement rings. In the most recent article I questioned who should keep the ring if an engagement was broken off. Should the woman be allowed to keep it or does the man get it back?
Some of you responded with your thoughts and opinions to the situation.
In some cases, the man does get the ring back. It may be that the woman willingly handed it over or it may be that he asked for the ring back. Either way, he has it.
Suppose that time goes by and both partners find a new mate. The man still has the ring. Is it okay for him to give it away again in another proposal? Can a man use the same ring with two different women? Is this good etiquette?
This is likely inappropriate use of an engagement ring. It would be more tactful for him to trade the ring in for a new one or sell it and use the money to buy a new one. I know many people who purchase used rings from jewelry stores or pawnshops. However, there are no emotional ties or personal bonds with the used ring. The couple does not know where it came from or who wore it.
With a ring that a man gave in a previous engagement, there is a history that ties him to another woman. The ring was chosen for her and not for the new partner.
However, I am sure that there are a select few men out there who have used an engagement ring more than one time and with more than one woman. Their new fiancé may or may not know that the ring was previously used in his first engagement.
You and Your Ring Til Death do You Part?
Shopping for an Engagement Ring