How To Replace A Diamond On Your Wife's Ring

Losing a diamond from your wife's wedding ring can be upsetting, but it's an opportunity to redesign the ring or buy a new one as a gift for your wife. You could simply replace the diamond, or you could add some flair by adding additional diamonds or a coloured gemstone. If you want to keep the original ring as a keepsake, you could buy a new ring with a larger centre stone or add a halo of diamonds around the centre stone. You could also upgrade the setting or add coloured gemstones to the setting.

Replace the diamond with a larger one

Yes, you can replace a diamond on your wife's old wedding ring with a larger one. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Finding a Reputable Jeweller

It is important to find a reputable jeweller who will do a good job. A trained jeweller will carefully evaluate your ring before providing a quote, as diamonds are unique gems with their own special grading scale for colour and clarity. They will also take into account the quality of the other stones in the ring to ensure the new diamond matches. Be cautious of jewellers who use low-quality diamonds for replacement work, as the new diamond may not match the original in terms of whiteness and clarity.

Determining the Cost

The cost of replacing a diamond varies depending on the size, quality, colour, and clarity of the stone. Larger centre stones tend to be more expensive, and prices can jump drastically by even a quarter or half-carat difference. If you are on a budget, consider sourcing a marginally smaller stone to fit into your setting, as this can help keep costs down. The setting type will also affect the cost, with invisible settings being the most expensive due to the specialised cutting and setting required.

Timing

The time it takes to replace a diamond depends on the size and availability of the stone. Small side stones can usually be replaced within 1-2 days, while invisible-set stones may take about a week. Larger stones can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on availability and shipping. If the stone needs to be recut, allow for additional time.

Insurance

Before making any changes to your wife's wedding ring, it is important to check if you have adequate jewellery insurance in place. This will provide peace of mind and financial protection in case anything goes wrong during the replacement process or if the ring is lost or stolen.

Add a gemstone

Adding a gemstone to your wife's old wedding ring is a great way to give it a new lease of life and create a unique piece of jewellery. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of going down this route:

Choosing a Gemstone

Firstly, you'll need to decide on the type of gemstone you want to add. This could be a coloured gemstone or a diamond, depending on your preference and budget. Consider the colour, size, and shape of the gemstone, as well as the overall design of the ring. Do you want to replace the centre stone, or add additional stones around it?

Consulting a Jeweller

Once you have an idea of what you want, it's time to consult a professional jeweller. They will be able to advise you on the feasibility of your desired modifications and source the appropriate gemstone(s) for you. Keep in mind that certain ring designs may not be suitable for modification, especially if the changes would affect the structural integrity of the ring. For example, a ring with an elaborate centre stone setting may not be able to accommodate a new stone of a different shape and size.

Setting the Gemstone

If the modification is possible, the jeweller will then set the gemstone into the ring. This can be done in several ways, including:

• Head replacement: The original head of the ring is removed, and a new setting is placed to accommodate the new gemstone.
• Additional settings: This method involves adding prong settings or building a bezel using wire to set additional gemstones around the centre stone.
• Flush setting: This process involves setting the gemstone directly into the metal of the ring, requiring the jeweller to create a hole. This is typically used for plain bands and adding side stones.

Custom Ring Replication

If, for some reason, your ring cannot be modified, you can always request a custom ring replication. This involves creating a 3D design based on the original ring, but with your desired modifications. From this design, a completely new ring is created.

Remember, adding or replacing a gemstone in your wife's old wedding ring can be a wonderful way to give it a fresh look while still retaining its sentimental value.

Replace the entire ring

If you're looking to replace your wife's entire wedding ring, you have a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to remember that rings can always be replaced, and losing one is not the end of the world. It might even be a good opportunity to buy a new one as an anniversary or birthday gift. Your wife can always keep the original ring as a keepsake.

When replacing the entire ring, you can choose to get a new ring altogether. This could be the perfect chance to design the ring of your wife's dreams, choosing a different setting, a new shape, or an upgraded diamond. You can start from scratch and explore endless options to create something truly special.

Another option is to contact the original retailer or jeweller. They may have another ring in the same style or be able to recreate a similar ring for you. This can be a convenient way to replace the ring without having to design something entirely new.

If you're looking for a temporary solution, you could consider purchasing a simple gold band or choosing another ring from your wife's jewellery box to wear until the new ring is ready. This can be a cost-effective option and ensure that your wife still has a ring to wear on her finger.

When replacing the entire ring, it's also essential to consider insurance. Make sure to file an insurance claim as soon as possible, even if you're still searching for the lost ring. This will ensure that you're covered in case of any unforeseen issues.

Get a new setting

Getting a new setting for your wife's wedding ring is a great way to upgrade her ring while retaining the sentimental value of the original diamond. It is also a more affordable option than buying a new ring.

When getting a new setting, you can either choose a new setting from a jeweller's showcase or customise the setting to your liking. Customising the setting gives you the freedom to design a ring that aligns with your wife's current style preferences. You can opt for a more modern setting, a different metal, or a design that complements her other jewellery.

If you want to retain the original design, you can simply have the diamond reset into a new setting. This option is ideal if the existing setting is damaged or if you want to change the metal, such as from yellow gold to white gold. Replating the ring in a new metal colour is generally an affordable option, costing a few hundred dollars.

When upgrading the setting, you can also opt to add more diamonds or gemstones to create a halo around the centre stone, adding extra sparkle and opulence. Alternatively, you can switch the centre stone for a larger diamond or a coloured gemstone, such as a blue sapphire, ruby, emerald, or even a black diamond. These changes can be made to almost any ring type and will make your wife's ring feel brand new again.

Remember to choose a reputable jeweller who can guide you through the process and ensure the protection of your diamond during the resetting.

Repair a chipped diamond

Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, but they can still chip and crack. If your wife's diamond is chipped, there are several options for repairing or replacing it. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate this process:

Assess the Damage:

Firstly, evaluate the size of the diamond, the size of the chip, the diamond's quality, age, cut, and sentimental value. These factors will influence the repair options and their cost.

Consult a Jeweller:

Discuss the available options with a trusted jeweller. They can advise on the best course of action based on the specific characteristics of the diamond. Be cautious and seek multiple opinions if needed.

Recutting:

For larger diamonds, especially those with sentimental value, recutting can be an option. However, this process carries a risk as the chip may extend and fracture the diamond further. Ask your jeweller about the possibility and potential outcomes of recutting.

Replacement:

If the diamond is small or the chip is significant, replacement may be the best option. You can choose to replace it with a new diamond of similar characteristics or opt for a larger, cleaner, or brighter stone.

Design Modifications:

In some cases, you may be able to cover the chip with a design element, such as adjusting a prong to hide the chip. Alternatively, you can reset the diamond in a different piece of jewellery, such as a pendant or earrings, where the chip is less noticeable and less likely to be stressed.

Insurance Claims:

If your diamond is insured, consider filing a claim. Submit a detailed claim with photographs and descriptions of the damage. This option may allow you to recoup some of the costs associated with repairing or replacing the diamond.

Prevent Future Damage:

To prevent further chipping or damage, avoid wearing the ring during rigorous activities such as sports, exercising, gardening, or rock climbing. Remove the ring before any activity that could potentially damage the diamond.

Frequently asked questions