Revisiting Wedding Vows: Time For A New Ring?

There are many reasons why someone may want to get a new wedding ring. It could be that their tastes have changed, or that they want to celebrate a milestone or anniversary. Some people may want to upgrade their ring to include a larger stone or add more stones, while others may want to change the metal or include coloured stones. For some, the original ring may no longer suit their lifestyle or career, for example, those who work with their hands may opt for a simple band or silicone ring for practicality. Others may have inherited rings from family members that they wish to incorporate into their wedding set. Some couples may also choose to upgrade their rings together as a matching set. Ultimately, the decision to get a new wedding ring is a personal one and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Upgrading your wedding ring: swapping in a larger stone or starting from scratch

Upgrading your wedding ring is a stellar way to celebrate a milestone or life change. There are many reasons to upgrade your wedding ring, and there is no one correct way to approach it. It is a personal aesthetic decision, just like choosing your wedding gown or tuxedo.

Reasons to Upgrade

There are countless reasons people opt for a ring upgrade. A change of personal style or celebrating a milestone or anniversary are some of the top reasons. For couples who get married young, budgets are smaller, and it is more common than you'd think to opt for a smaller ring with the promise of an upgrade later on. As circumstances change and you decide to go bigger, you have a few options.

Swapping in a Larger Stone

You can keep your original setting but swap in a larger centre stone; this works particularly well for solitaires. You could also add more stones, such as adding a second diamond for an anniversary or upgrading to a three-stone ring with the birth of twins. You could also infuse some colour to celebrate a new job or other special occasion.

Starting from Scratch

You can also start from scratch with a new ring. Some jewellers may buy back the original diamond and offer a credit toward a new, larger one. You could also recycle the gold from your old ring for credit, or melt it down and recast it if you're keeping the same metal.

Customisation

Customising your ring is another option. You can make modifications and upgrades to the original setting or stone. This could be completely changing the structure or adding some contour bands to allow for multiple looks within the set.

Timing

Milestone anniversaries are an ideal time to upgrade your wedding ring. "10 and 15 years are popular ones," says Lauren Forbes Cameron, director of diamonds and gemstones at Valerie Madison. However, keep in mind that the timing might depend on your budget. Upgrading your centre stone could cost two times the cost of your original ring.

Reasons for upgrading: celebrating a milestone or a change in personal style

There are many reasons to upgrade your wedding ring, and celebrating milestones or changes in personal style are two of the most common.

Celebrating Milestones

Celebrating a milestone anniversary is one of the most popular reasons for upgrading a wedding ring. For the fifth anniversary of their marriage, couples often choose to get a second wedding band to "jacket" the engagement ring. At ten and twenty-five years, stone upgrades and shape changes are common. Adding more stones is another way to celebrate milestones. For example, you could add a second diamond for an anniversary, upgrade to a three-stone ring with the birth of twins, or add some colour to celebrate a new job. You could also build a bold stack by adding a diamond infinity band for each significant life milestone. Couples renewing their vows might also upgrade their rings as a symbolic fresh start for their union.

Changes in Personal Style

As the years go by, your style and preferences will likely change. You might decide to upgrade your wedding ring to match your current tastes. This could be as simple as resetting the ring in a different metal colour or swapping the stone for a unique coloured gemstone. Alternatively, you could start fresh with an entirely different ring.

When to upgrade: milestone anniversaries are an ideal time

Wedding rings are often imbued with sentimentality, but that doesn't mean they can't be replaced or upgraded. In fact, milestone anniversaries are an ideal time to upgrade your wedding ring.

Upgrading your wedding ring can be a wonderful way to celebrate your relationship and the milestones you've achieved together. It's not about replacing the old ring, but rather about honouring and celebrating the changes you've gone through as a couple. Your tastes may have evolved, your budget may have increased, or you may simply want to commemorate a special occasion.

When considering an upgrade, it's essential to involve your partner in the conversation. It's not just about the ring; it's about the symbolism of your union and the journey you've taken together. If your partner has any reservations, assure them that it's not about replacing the old ring but about celebrating your love in a new way.

If you're thinking of upgrading your wedding ring, it's best to start planning a few months in advance, especially if you're considering a custom design. Consult with a trusted jeweler who can guide you through the process and sketch out options or create 3D renderings. You'll have the opportunity to select new stones, metals, and other elements to create a ring that truly reflects your current tastes and preferences.

Upgrading your wedding ring is a personal decision that can bring new life to your jewellery while still cherishing the memories and love that your original ring symbolised.

What to do with your old wedding ring

There are many options for what to do with your old wedding ring. Firstly, you could remodel it into an updated version, perhaps adding extra diamonds or changing the setting to achieve a more modern look. Alternatively, you could trade it in against the purchase of a new ring, or sell it to a jeweller or pawn shop.

If you want to keep the ring but not wear it, you could repurpose it into a different piece of jewellery, such as a necklace, bracelet, anklet, or earrings. You could also melt the metal down and use it to create a new piece of jewellery. If you have children, you could hold on to the ring as a gift for the next generation.

If you would prefer to get rid of the ring, you could donate it to a less fortunate couple in your community or a charity. You could also give it to a museum if it is a vintage piece.

How to approach the conversation about upgrading with your partner

Wedding rings are a symbol of your relationship and stand for your union. However, it is not uncommon for people to want to upgrade their wedding rings. There are many reasons why you may want a new ring, and it is important to remember that doing so is not an insult to your partner or your relationship. Upgrading your ring is a celebration of how far you have come together.

• Choose an appropriate time: It is important to pick the right moment to bring up the topic of upgrading your wedding ring. Avoid bringing it up during stressful or emotional times, as this may make your partner feel defensive or caught off guard. Instead, choose a calm and relaxed moment when you are both in a good frame of mind.
• Express your reasons: Explain to your partner why you would like to upgrade your wedding ring. Be honest and open about your reasons, whether it is a change in personal style, a milestone celebration, or simply because you want something new. Help them understand that this is not a reflection of your relationship but rather a way to honour and celebrate your journey together.
• Involve your partner in the process: Upgrading your wedding ring can be a joint decision and activity. Discuss with your partner what changes or additions they would like to see in their ring as well. This can turn the process into a fun and exciting project for both of you, and it will also ensure that the new ring suits both of your tastes and lifestyles.
• Be mindful of your partner's feelings: While it is important to be honest about your desires, it is also crucial to be sensitive to your partner's feelings. If they are hesitant or unsure about the idea of upgrading, take the time to listen to their concerns and address them together. Remember, this is a conversation, not an ultimatum. Work together to find a solution that makes you both happy.
• Consider the timing and budget: Upgrading your wedding ring can be a significant expense, so it is essential to consider the timing and budget involved. Discuss with your partner whether this is a financially feasible option at the moment, and if not, work together to create a plan or save up for it. Milestone anniversaries or special occasions can be a great time to upgrade, as it adds symbolic value to the new ring.
• Seek professional help if needed: If you are unsure about how to approach the conversation or if you are facing resistance from your partner, consider seeking the help of a jeweller or jewellery designer. They can provide expert advice and guidance on the process of upgrading wedding rings and can offer creative solutions that may ease your partner's concerns.

Remember, upgrading your wedding ring should be a positive and exciting experience for both you and your partner. By approaching the conversation with openness, sensitivity, and a spirit of collaboration, you can ensure that the process is a joyful one that strengthens your bond even further.

Frequently asked questions