Adding Diamonds To Your Husband's Wedding Band: Is It Possible?

There are many ways to add diamonds to a wedding band, and it is becoming an increasingly popular choice for men's wedding bands. Diamonds can be added to a wedding band to improve its appearance, adding a touch of sparkle and glamour to a simple ring. However, it is best to get this done professionally to maintain the ring's elegance. The process can be costly and may weaken the ring, so it is important to consider the ring's design, style, and your budget before making any changes.

Adding diamonds to a wedding band

One option is to put a larger diamond on the wedding band by changing the setting and prongs to accommodate a new, larger stone or by adding a raised bezel to increase the room for the new stone. This option is suitable if you want to replace the centre stone with a larger diamond of a different shape and cut.

Another option is to add diamonds to a solitaire wedding ring, which can transform a simple, bland-looking ring into sparkling jewellery. This can be achieved by having a design wrapped around the side of the centre jewel, with new diamonds attached to each side of the precious stone.

In addition to diamonds, you can also incorporate birthstones into your wedding ring to add taste, colour, and sentimental value.

While it is possible to add diamonds to a wedding band, it is important to consider the practicalities and potential challenges. Some jewellers might advise creating a new ring from scratch or using the existing gold in the ring to make the desired changes. This is because adding diamonds to an existing ring can involve cutting, soldering, and resizing the band, which can weaken the structure and make it more challenging to work on in the future.

Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a professional jeweller to discuss the best approach for adding diamonds to your husband's wedding band, taking into account the specific design and your budget.

Exchanging the centre stone for a larger diamond

Upgrading your wedding band or engagement ring is a great way to commemorate a milestone in your marriage. Exchanging the centre stone for a larger diamond is a popular choice for couples looking to upgrade their rings. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of going down this route:

Choosing the Right Diamond

When selecting a larger diamond, it's important to consider the cut. A well-cut diamond will reflect light better and appear larger. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond cuts as excellent, very good, good, or fair. Aim for an “excellent” cut grade for round diamonds, as this shape looks larger for its carat weight. For other shapes, consult a trained gemologist since there isn't a standard cut grade.

Settings and Bands

To make your new centre stone the star of the show, consider choosing a setting that enhances its appearance. A halo setting, for example, features a centre stone surrounded by smaller pavé stones, giving the impression of a larger diamond. You can also opt for a delicate, thin band, which will make the centre stone appear more prominent.

Budgeting

Upgrading your ring can be a significant investment, so it's essential to establish a budget. If you're on a budget, consider keeping the original setting and band and only replacing the centre stone with a larger diamond. You can also get your current ring appraised by a reputable buyer to get the highest value, which you can then put towards your new ring.

Sentimental Value

Before making any changes to your wedding band or your spouse's ring, it's important to involve them in the decision-making process. Your original rings hold sentimental value, so be sure to discuss your reasons for wanting to upgrade and explain how much you still appreciate the original ring.

Customisation Options

In addition to choosing a larger centre stone, you can also consider customising your ring in other ways. You might add some colour with gemstones like emeralds, rubies, or sapphires, or opt for a pavé band for extra sparkle. These enhancements can make your upgraded ring even more special and unique.

Adding diamonds to a solitaire ring

• Consult a Professional Jeweler: Seek advice from an experienced jeweler who can assess the existing ring and provide recommendations. They will consider the ring's structure, metal type, and any potential challenges in adding diamonds.
• Design Options: Discuss design possibilities with the jeweler. Adding diamonds to a solitaire ring can be done in various ways, such as adding them to the band, creating a halo around the center stone, or incorporating them into the setting. Decide on the number, size, and placement of the diamonds to achieve the desired look.
• Metal Type and Band Width: The type of metal used in the solitaire ring, such as gold or platinum, will impact the process of adding diamonds. Additionally, the width of the band will determine how many diamonds can be added and their arrangement. Wider bands may accommodate more diamonds or allow for creative settings.
• Diamond Selection: Choose the diamonds you want to add to the ring. Consider the size, shape, color, clarity, and cut of the diamonds to ensure they complement the existing center stone. The diamonds should be of similar or matching quality to the original stone to maintain the ring's overall aesthetic.
• Setting Technique: The jeweler will use techniques like prong settings, bezel settings, or channel settings to secure the additional diamonds. They will carefully cut the band, solder new settings, and ensure the diamonds are securely gripped in place.
• Stability and Maintenance: Adding diamonds to the ring may impact its stability, especially if it involves significant modifications. Discuss with the jeweler any potential weaknesses introduced by the alterations and how to maintain the ring's integrity. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure the security of the diamonds.
• Cost Considerations: Adding diamonds to a solitaire ring can vary in cost depending on the number and quality of the diamonds, the complexity of the setting, and the labor involved. Obtain estimates from the jeweler to understand the financial implications before proceeding.
• Sentimental Value: If the solitaire ring holds sentimental value, communicate this to the jeweler. They may suggest techniques to preserve the original structure as much as possible while incorporating the new diamonds. However, it's important to understand that extensive modifications may affect the ring's structural integrity.
• New Ring Creation: In some cases, it might be more practical and cost-effective to create a new ring that incorporates the original solitaire diamond and the additional diamonds. This option allows for a fresh design while preserving the sentimental value of the original stone.

Remember, altering a solitaire ring by adding diamonds is a intricate process that requires skilled craftsmanship. Always consult with a trusted and experienced jeweler who can guide you through the process and ensure the best outcome for your cherished piece of jewelry.

Integrating birthstones into a wedding ring

There are a few ways to go about including birthstones in your wedding ring. Firstly, you could opt for a birthstone centre stone. Most engagement rings feature a single gemstone, so if your birthstone is a diamond, you're in luck! For other birthstones, you may need to discuss options with your jeweller, as some stones are softer and require more protection, while others are more durable. For instance, diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are the most scratch-resistant and durable, followed by emeralds and aquamarines. If your birthstone is a softer stone, consider a bezel setting for more protection. The colour of your stone is also important to consider, as some colours look better with certain metals. For example, peridot is perfect with soft rose or yellow gold, but less striking with white gold.

Secondly, you could include birthstone accents. This is a good option if you want to include the birthstone concept without making it the central feature. You could choose a diamond as the centrepiece and add your birthstone to the sides, or even include both your and your partner's birthstones on either side of the main stone. You could also have your main stone surrounded by small alternating birthstones or choose a pave, split shank, or double shank setting with birthstones embellishing the sides of the ring.

Thirdly, you could opt for a dual birthstone ring, featuring just yours and your partner's birthstones as a symbol of equality, harmony, and unity. This option works best if your stones match well together, as some colours may not work side by side.

Finally, if you can't find the perfect ring, you could always create a custom piece. Many jewellers are happy to help you design a unique ring, and you can start by finding a ring you love as a base and switching out some of the stones for birthstones, or sketching out your idea and having a master craftsman bring it to life.

Cost and practicality of adding diamonds

Adding diamonds to a wedding band can be costly and impractical, especially if the band is thin or delicate. The cost of adding diamonds to a wedding band will depend on several factors, including the number, size, and quality of the diamonds, as well as the labour required to set them into the band.

If you already have a plain wedding band and want to add diamonds, the cost will primarily be for the diamonds themselves and the labour to set them. The depth of the band will limit the size of the diamonds that can be added, with thinner bands only suitable for smaller diamonds. Therefore, larger diamonds will require a deeper band and a more complex setting, increasing the cost. Additionally, the quality of the diamonds will impact the price, with higher-quality diamonds costing more.

In some cases, it may be necessary to cut and solder the band to create a new setting for the diamonds, especially if you want to add multiple stones or larger diamonds. This process can weaken the band and make it more prone to damage. It is also a complex and time-consuming task, requiring a skilled jeweller, which will increase the overall cost.

If you are considering adding diamonds to a wedding band, it is essential to get multiple estimates from jewellers, as the cost and practicality can vary depending on the specific band and the type of diamonds you want to add. It may be more cost-effective to purchase a new diamond wedding band or have a new one made to your specifications.

Frequently asked questions