Real life MMD: Should she sell a family heirloom?

Former_MSE_Penelope

Money Moral Dilemma: Should she sell a family heirloom?

My friend was left in debt after a messy divorce and children to provide for. Her house desperately needs work and though she's been saving hard, it's a struggle. 20 years ago, her grandmother passed down her engagement, wedding & eternity rings. My friend never wears them, just keeps them in her wardrobe and is thinking of selling them to help the repairs but is worried about feeling guilty after.

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CSandL

I think she should - I would like to think I would be able to help my grandchildren out if they needed it, even if I wasn't around any more.

antk4

Definitely. If there is no other way, I am sure her Grandmother would rather she was comfortable rather than struggling.

Barneysmom

Has this one been on before?

Sell it I'd say, it's just a lump of rock otherwise going to waste.

chirpychick

memories are what count in this world and if she has lots of memories of granny and pictures thats more important.

lizardking

I'd probably check with any other close relatives that might have an attachment to the rings and sell if they did not object.

AuntyVi

I agree that granny would probably want to help out. But if she is still uncertain, why not sell two of them but keep the remaining one as a memento, so that at least some of the debt can be cleared?

bogwart

If they've been sat in a wardrobe for 20 years they're no use to man nor beast. Sell them and do what needs to be done with the proceeds. You can't eat rings.

wisemark

It's not really a moral dilemma because it is not a question of morality as no-one else is involved. It just depends how your friend feels about them, but perhaps she should try to keep them in the family by selling to relatives giving her the option to possibly buy them back when hopefully her financial situation improves.

vixen1500

Looking at this from another point of view.

My mothers rings went to her eldest of 3 daughters, who has one daughter which she then gave them to. And the daughter then promptly sold them and spent the money.

This upset both my sister and myself as to us the rings had more value than just pure money.

So it really depends on whether she puts money first - once sold they are gone forever. The debt will get sorted - even if it takes a little longer.

Ebenezer_Screwj

I am sure that your friend's grandmother is saying to her that she should put the rings to work by reducing her debt and that she's very pleased to oversee this from the other side.