How To Restore Your Wedding Ring To Its Former Glory

Wedding rings are a symbol of love and commitment, but over time, you may want to redesign your ring to reflect your evolving personal taste or to mark a new chapter in your life. Redesigning your wedding ring can be an exciting activity, especially if you weren't involved in the original design process or if you want to commemorate an important milestone in your relationship. There are endless options for redesigning your wedding ring, from adding more stones or changing the ring setting to updating the band or even creating a jewellery set from a single ring. The cost of redesigning a wedding ring depends on the type of ring, the jewels involved, and the materials used.

Add more stones

Adding stones to a wedding ring is a great way to bring it back to its original look or give it a new look for a special occasion. Here are some things to consider if you want to add more stones to your wedding ring:

Type of Stones

You can choose from a variety of stones to add to your ring, including diamonds, sapphires, birthstones, or other gemstones. Diamonds are a popular choice for adding sparkle and bling to a wedding ring. Sapphires, on the other hand, offer a unique colour to your ring. You can also consider adding your birthstone to give your ring a personal touch and a unique colour.

Number and Size of Stones

The number and size of stones you add will depend on your preference and the design of the ring. If you want to add multiple stones, consider spacing them out at intervals or using channel-set diamonds for a continuous flow. The size of the stones will depend on the depth of the ring band; larger stones will require a deeper band.

Setting Style

There are several setting styles to choose from when adding stones to your ring. Popular choices include prong settings, bezel settings, and flush settings. A prong setting uses small metal claws to hold the stone in place, while a bezel setting uses a strip of metal to surround and secure the stone. A flush setting involves setting the stone directly into the metal, creating a seamless look.

Cost

The cost of adding stones to your wedding ring will depend on the number, size, and quality of the stones, as well as the labour required to perform the work. Since you already own the ring, you only need to consider the cost of the gemstones and the jeweller's labour.

Jeweller

When adding stones to your wedding ring, it is important to consult with a professional jeweller who can evaluate your ring and determine the best way to modify it. They will also be able to source the stones and perform the setting. Some jewellers may have restrictions on the types of modifications they can make, so be sure to discuss your specific requirements with them.

Change the ring setting

Changing the setting of your wedding ring is a great way to give it a new look and feel, especially if you are celebrating a milestone or want to modernise the style. Here are some ways you can change the setting:

Resetting the Diamond

Resetting the diamond in your ring can be a great way to give it a new look. You can opt for a larger centre stone or a different shape or colour of gemstone. You could also add a halo of diamonds or other stones around the centre stone to make it look bigger and sparkle more.

Changing the Band

Swapping the band is another way to dramatically change the look of your ring. You could change the metal, for example, from yellow gold to platinum or white gold. You can also change the size of the band, making it thicker or thinner, or opt for a different design, such as a split shank or a pavé band for extra sparkle.

Adding Accents

If you want to keep your original diamond, consider adding diamond accents on the side of the centre stone. This will give your ring a subtle upgrade and extra sparkle without making any drastic changes. You could also add coloured gemstones like sapphires, rubies or emeralds for a unique twist.

Three-Stone Ring

You can also reset your ring to a three-stone design by adding medium to small-sized diamonds or coloured gemstones. This will give your ring a bigger look and is a great way to celebrate a special milestone.

Upgrade the Setting

If your diamond is damaged, or you want to prevent damage, you can upgrade the setting. For example, you could change from a cathedral setting to a bezel set, which surrounds the stone and protects it from damage on the sides.

Remember, when changing the setting of your wedding ring, it's important to carefully plan any modifications with a trusted jeweller to ensure the process is done correctly and the ring continues to hold its sentimental value.

Change the cut of the stone

Wedding rings can be reset and upgraded to achieve a new look. One way to do this is by changing the cut of the stone. The cut of a diamond or gemstone is one of the most important factors in determining its value. A well-cut stone will reflect light beautifully and give the ring a brilliant sparkle.

There are various diamond cuts to choose from, each with its own unique style and appeal. One of the most popular cuts is the round cut, which is a classic and timeless choice. Round cut diamonds have excellent brilliance and sparkle due to their circular shape and multiple facets. Another popular option is the princess cut, which is a square-shaped diamond with pointed corners. This cut is modern and elegant, and its sharp lines create a stunning visual effect.

If you're looking for something more unique, consider an oval cut diamond. This cut has a similar brilliance to the round cut but with a more distinctive shape. Cushion cut diamonds are another option, which have a soft, romantic look with rounded corners and larger facets. Emerald cuts are also a unique choice, featuring a rectangular shape with cut corners and stepped sides, creating a hall-of-mirrors effect.

When changing the cut of the stone, it's important to consider the size and quality of the diamond, as well as the setting. A larger stone with a higher clarity will be more expensive, and certain settings, such as channel or invisible settings, may cost more due to the difficulty of labor involved. It's also worth noting that the cut of a diamond can impact its value, so be sure to get an accurate valuation if you're planning to sell your ring or trade it in.

Consulting with an expert jeweler is essential when making changes to your ring. They will be able to advise you on the best cut to suit your taste and budget, and ensure that your ring is handled with care.

Create a jewellery set from one ring

It is possible to restore a wedding ring to its original look, but it can be costly. The cost of restoring a ring depends on the type of ring, the design, the cost of the precious metals and gemstones used, and the amount of work involved. If you are looking to create a jewellery set from a single wedding ring, there are a few options to consider:

Remodelling

Remodelling involves changing certain elements of the ring's design. For example, adding a halo of diamonds around a solitaire engagement ring. This option allows you to keep the original band of the ring while enhancing its appearance.

Recycling

Recycling involves taking the original ring and reusing the materials, including gemstones and precious metals, to create a new ring design. This option is ideal if you want to preserve the sentimental value of the original ring while creating something new.

Melting

If you have access to goldsmithing or silversmithing equipment, you can melt down the wedding ring and use the molten metal to create new jewellery pieces. This option may be more cost-effective than remodelling or recycling, but it requires specialised knowledge and equipment.

Bespoke Jewellery Kits

Another option is to purchase a jewellery-making kit that allows you to create custom jewellery pieces. These kits typically include wax starting shapes, carving knives, shaping tools, sandpaper, and other supplies. You can use the kit to design your own jewellery set, including rings, necklaces, and earrings. Once you're happy with your wax designs, you can send them to a silversmith or jeweller to be cast and finished in the metal of your choice.

Creating a jewellery set from a single wedding ring gives you the opportunity to preserve the sentimental value of the original ring while expressing your creativity and personal style. Whether you choose to remodel, recycle, melt down, or create new designs, there are options available to suit your needs and budget.

Update the band

There are many ways to update the look of your wedding ring. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Change the Stone

If you have a traditional, round stone, you may want to switch to something more modern. Changing the centre stone can be expensive, but it can also have the most impact while preserving part of the original ring.

Change the Setting

If you want to keep your original stone, you can change the setting. For example, if you have a prong setting, try a halo setting, which can make a stone look larger and brighter. A tension setting is a good choice for a modern look, as it can make your stone appear as though it is floating.

Change the Metal

Changing the metal of your ring while using your original stone and setting can give your ring an update without a drastic change. For instance, you could change a gold ring to platinum, or opt for a rose gold metal to be on-trend.

Add an Engraving

If you and your spouse have matching wedding bands, you could add an engraving as a special surprise or anniversary gift. Choose something meaningful to you both, and keep the message short and small, depending on the size of the bands.

Add Some Colour

Try adding some sapphires or rubies on either side of the original stone for a pop of colour. Some people also like to add the birthstones of their children to personalise their ring.

Try a Different Shape

Sometimes, trying a different shape is all you need to update your ring. For example, if you have a princess cut ring, try an asymmetrical cut. If you have a thin or delicate ring, you could switch to a thicker or more substantial band.

Frequently asked questions