Resetting an heirloom stone?

I don't think you're being crazy. Do you have the GIA certification for it? My diamond (just under 2 ct) has the GIA certification number etched on it SUPER teeny, it's hard to find even with the scope the jewelers use, so I would be able to tell if it was the same diamond or not. Maybe this is an option for you to do too? Or, just get really comfortable with your diamond's imperfections and know where they are and what they look like so you could look it over before and after getting it reset to make sure you were getting the same one. My certification included a "map" imperfections that are in the diamond which makes them easier to locate.

Is the ring insured? If not, first thing you should do is insure the stone. If the diamond has a serial number, write that down and keep it somewhere safe.

Next I would do some research on reputable jewelers in your area to inquire about the cost of resetting the stone in your current setting vs creating a custom setting.

I have no idea what it costs to have a custom setting created, or what it costs to swap out stones but a jeweler would be able to tell you, no problem.

You should also ask whether they will ship the stone somewhere else, and what protections you have against loss or theft on their end. If you end up having your work done with them, before you pay and leave, you should check your diamond under a microscope to verify the serial number. I would think that any reputable jeweler will allow you to do this, no questions asked.

ETA: and do you have pics of this beauty? I adore vintage rings!

Definitely have the ring insured and take it to a trusted jeweler that does repairs on-site.

I had an aquamarine ring of my grandmothers and some earrings with small diamonds that belonged to my great-grandmother. I took them to a local jeweler, had two small diamonds set on either side of the aquamarine, and had them use the gold from the earrings to build up the shank a little bit. They charged me about $125 for labor since they had all of the materials. It came out great and I've been wearing it daily for about 8 years!

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Thanks for the advice! We definitely need to look into getting insurance on the ring. I didn't know anything about serial numbers on diamonds, so this was really helpful.

Pictures of the ring - super pretty, just not me. Plus, my grandma had inhumanly thin fingers.

Sorry for the terrible picture of the top, but you get the idea.

Get the ring appraised, then send the appraisal to get it insured. Go to a local jeweler you can trust and discuss the options. The setting amount will depend on the metal used and any additional stones you add. You might be able to use the metal in the heirloom for a new ring, your jeweler can go over the options with you.

That should be very easy to do If they are about the same size. But an antique ring will have more value in its entirety than taken apart. Not that you should sell it, I certainly don't recommend that but just a thought. I say keep both rings as is. And get them insured!

I don't have any advice beyond what the other ladies have said but I LOVE LOVE LOVE the setting! (not trying to say you should, just complimenting it)