I have a ring like that, although not nearly as valuable, that I bought upon my first real promotion a year after I started with this company I work for.... 26 years ago. It is a gold ring with a blue topaz that has been laser treated on the top so that it has a multicolored, iridescent sparkle when the light hits it. I wore it a lot for years, but have not now for years more, but I can't imagine letting it go on purpose.
Funny how we do such things.
It's funny indeed, the way we attach meaning to these things but I think it's ok too. I have some furniture that's been in my family for 125 years, other items too, and they have meaning far beyond the item or items purpose itself. I like that you have that ring and I can tell it's meaningful.