DEAR ABBY: I broke my engagement to my fiancee, "Shirley," recently. I am sad, but I know it's better to have ended it now, rather than have a divorce down the road.
The engagement ring and wedding bands are back in my possession, and I would like to "dispose" of them because they are painful reminders of our failed relationship. How can I salvage some of my investment? It is no longer possible to return them to the jeweler, and a pawn shop will never give me their full value. Any suggestions? -- TRYING TO MOVE ON IN CHICAGO
DEAR TRYING TO MOVE ON: Have the rings appraised. Get the appraisal in writing. Take it to your accountant and discuss donating them to a charity. You may take a loss, but consider it "tuition" in the school of experience.