Darn,  I tried to quote it in from pg 4, but it's not having any of it.

Thanks, Sparkly!  Yes, that is a fairy princess ring that D got from the designer.  I'm hoping she has some thoughts about what to do with the band to make it a set and D just hasn't been able to upload pictures any better than we have. 

I know that my DH would acquiesce to a different wedding band and not using mum's band if I begged, but this is something we've agreed on for almost as long as we've been back together. 
One has to understand,  he doesn't care about diamonds; he got me Li'l BLOOO because she meant so much to me, not because he understoond how rare she is, how beautifully she's cut .  There is no way I would ask him to not use the wedding band he wants me to wear, especially since it is his Mum's. 

Think a minute.  I'm wife #3- and he's never asked the others to wear his Mama's ring.  That's special to me.  Of the three, I'm also the only one who actually knew his mother, if only a little.  So I'm hoping there's a part 2 to the design, and we just haven't seen it yet.

It's a single band, about 7-8mm wide, DL.  I know D said the mountings for the 3 stones could be removed, but I don't know about the ribbons or the thin white gold half band soldered on the front next to where the stones were mounted.  We'll just have to wait and see.

Jeez, DJM!  What are you trying to do, give GIAGirl a heart attack?  

I'm more likely to go back to the original 3 stone or maybe a 5 stone band if the ribbons can be pulled off.   But wouldn't that be spectacular for the chunky pink monkey?  

But let's wait.  Could be the designer can find a way to make everybody happy.  Yep, me, myself, and I all have to love the idea.  That's a rough crowd.

Solution found!  And all because of your suggestions.  Thank you, thank you CDIer's!  
It took a couple of nights of hard cogitation  - but all problems resolved.  I just couldn't tell my left hand from my right!  Here's the plan - we're going to build Li'L BLOOO into her pink tutu by the white of 2 silvery moons, just as the designer planned. AND we're going to have the designer come up with the wedding band for the set.

Mom's setting?  I'm taking that on as a separate project.   She'll be restored to her original glory, but we're going to thin the back down (I was wrong - the band is not 7-8, but 9MM wide!) to a more comfortable width for my poor arthritic knuckle, and she'll be my RHR.  But my DH doesn't know this yet.  I'll spring it on him   when I thank him for having my dream wedding set built.  

For now, he gets to feel all noble and self-sacrificing, which he has been for telling me if mum's setting doesn't work to build a different one.  And I get to feel good about honoring his Mom by wearing her ring every day, as I had always intended.  Plus he gets a bonus since I won't be wearing my last wedding ring (2KJ) as a RHR any more.

Looks like I'll eventually have to call D about another project or two.  With Mum's ring as my RHR, looks like 2KJ needs to turn into a pendant, especially if I'm having my .5 RBC turned into my DSS's engagement ring.  But that's for a couple of months down the road.  Mums' ring comes first.

   I like this plan.  So are we going to pave your mum's ring?  Just kidding.   

I'm a hopeless case.  Can't keep even my own secrets!  My darling mathematucian was a little disappointed that we couldn't reconcile BLOOO MOON with mum's setting.  Well, we could have, but then it a) wouldn't look like his Mom's band, and b) would have cost more than it's worth to redo it.  And if there is one thing he hates to do, it's spend money unnecessarily.

But he was delighted that I intend to restore her and wear her every day in his Mom's memory.  And he likes the idea of using her ring in the family ceremony when we get around to it.

I know what you mean, GG.  I keep thinking the chunky pink monkey would be perfect as the center stone, but then.... it's a LOT more expensive than a .25 white, but..... it would tie the rings together - a pink bond, so to speak, but...... we're saving for a house and I haven't sold mine yet    
and   for scoping out bridal gowns out for me, GG    Like Trink, this isn't my first, nor his.  Also I'm not a spring chicken - I've got 2 grandsons; I'm 20 lbs overweight but I hope to be in better shape when the time comes.  Unfortunately, old lady arms and legs are old lady arms and legs  I'm short and curvy, so thin girl dresses aren't good. sigh.  nothing is easy, is it?   But it will give you the honest ability to righteously declare you're just doing this for a friend   should the BF make comment.  

http://www.neimanmar...cat9360734cat9360737

Let me keep looking.  I am on it!!!!!!

Just a little word of advice re your outfit colour. I have the same colouring as you and also have some experience in colour analysis regarding skin tones.

I look like DEATH in pale/ice blue! In fact, most pastels and also white & black. Before you choose your outfit, go to a fabric store and drape some colours around you. A darkish cream/beige should be good for you.

I know they may not be considered suitable for your needs but you'll look fabulous in golds, browns, orange (not peach) and greens. Maybe a gold gown?

I know you have plenty of time to find the perfect outfit and I wish you all the luck in the world for your future.

You've got it!!!! I am on it!  It does sound like we have some time, but that is better anyway.

I like the pink for your ring as well...but then again I know what it is like to save for a house.  Hmmm....I am afraid to say anything because I might not be a good influence.   

   Ever have one of those years where you're just stuck on stupid?    I think 2009 is mine.

Sure, I don't have any real girlfriends out here yet to go shopping with; but I have a MIL and a SIL both within an hour's drive I could ask to go with me.  Both are local gals, so they know all the right places within their own areas.  My SIL is a little too busy right now.  Her house, barns, and stable are overflowing with neighbors and their animals from the fires that raged out in the SB area a couple of weeks ago.

But I can ask my MIL next time we do dinner.  If anyone would know a good dressmaker, Jen, she probably would.  Like me, she has no kids of her own, and by the time she married my FIL, the only girl in the family had been married for years.  Perhaps she'd enjoy being a part of the planning whirl.  We were considering getting married in their town anyway, in the same chapel that she and my FIL were married.

So, if you don't mind GG, stay on the gown watch.  Look for tea-length gowns or evening suits in the ivory, candlelight, blush, or gold, with a neckline good for the pearls.  Since it's Southern California, it will probably need to be fairly lightweight with a jacket, or at least 3/4 sleeves.  I can start a book of the ones you find that really hit me - and it will help define what I'm truly after.  (I'll know it when I see it? ) 

You guys are great!  I really appreiciate all the suggestions! 

We have time and I hate shopping.  Plus I hope to see a little more change in the next 6-12 months with my exercise program and dietary changes.