How To Tastefully Change Your Wedding Bands

Wedding bands are a symbol of love, commitment, and devotion. However, there is no rule that says you have to wear the same ring forever. Over time, your style may change, or you may want to celebrate a milestone in your relationship by redesigning your wedding band. There are many reasons why people choose to change their wedding bands, from wanting to modernise the ring to reflect a changed sense of style, to celebrating a special occasion such as an anniversary or the birth of a child. Additionally, your ring size may change over the years, making it necessary to resize or replace your wedding band. Upgrading your wedding band can be a way to reaffirm your commitment to your partner and symbolise the journey you have taken together.

You're bored of your wedding band

It is perfectly normal to get bored with your wedding band. After all, people's tastes change over time. If you are bored with your wedding band, there are several things you can do.

Firstly, you could consider sprucing up a traditional ring with a more modern style. You could also try adding some stones to your wedding band to give it more sparkle. Alternatively, you could change the metal of your ring or the cut of the stone. If you have a simple band, you could try a more intricate design, or if you have an intricate band, you could try a simpler style. You could even have a jewellery set created from your wedding ring, or turn it into a cocktail ring.

If you are worried about the cost of buying a new ring, don't be. Wedding bands for men are relatively affordable, and there are many options available that won't break the bank.

Your body has changed

Our bodies change over time, and it's natural to want our wedding bands to change with us. Weight fluctuations, for instance, can cause a ring that once fit perfectly to become too tight or too loose. This is a common occurrence, especially as our lifestyles and habits change. For instance, a new workout routine may lead to weight loss, or settling into marital bliss may lead to weight gain. In such cases, a new wedding band that fits comfortably is a great option.

Additionally, our hands may change over time, impacting how our wedding bands look and feel. Ageing can cause changes in our skin elasticity and bone structure, which can affect how our rings sit on our fingers. These changes may prompt us to consider resizing or redesigning our wedding bands to suit our current hand shape and size.

Furthermore, our personal style and tastes evolve, and we may find ourselves wanting to update our wedding bands to reflect our current preferences. This could involve changing the design, metal, or adding gemstones to create a ring that aligns with our evolving sense of style.

Redesigning a wedding band can also hold symbolic value. For example, a couple may choose to redesign their rings to commemorate a significant milestone, such as a major anniversary. It can be a way to refresh their vows and celebrate their evolving relationship. Additionally, in the case of divorce or the passing of a spouse, redesigning a wedding ring can help an individual move forward and create a new, positive memory associated with the ring.

Your ring is damaged

If your wedding ring is damaged, you may be able to restore it to its original splendour. If it's made of gold or another precious metal, your chances of restoring it are much higher than if it's made of a contemporary metal.

Daily wear can lead to scratches and scuffs, and diamonds can lose their lustre due to accumulated dirt, soap residue, and oils. You can remove surface tarnishing and brighten the ring by using an impregnated jewellery cloth. To bring life back to diamonds, soak your ring in warm, soapy water and gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush.

If your ring has a fracture in the band, requires resizing, has completely broken, or has loose diamonds, take it to a professional jeweller to be assessed and repaired. If the damage was caused by a notable event, explaining the problem to the jeweller can help them repair the ring and advise on future wear solutions.

If your ring has been damaged beyond repair, you could consider having it redesigned. Redesigning a ring can be done to commemorate an important milestone in your relationship, such as your 25th anniversary, or to change its symbolic meaning after a divorce. You could also have additional stones added, change the metal, or completely reimagine the ring.

Your tastes have changed

Wedding rings are a symbol of love and commitment. However, as time passes, your style and tastes may change, and you may want to redesign your wedding ring to better reflect who you are now. There is no rule that says you have to wear the same ring for your entire married life. In fact, it is quite common for people to change their wedding bands, especially when their tastes change. Here are some ways you can change your wedding band to suit your new tastes:

Upgrade the Stone

If you are looking for a more sophisticated look, consider changing the centre stone to a larger or differently cut diamond or stone of your choice. You can also use the original diamond as a smaller side stone along the girth of your ring.

Switch out the Band

If you are happy with your stone, you could change the band. You can change the metal from gold to silver or platinum, or even choose a wooden wedding band for a unique look. You can also alter the width of your ring, making it wider or slimmer. Additionally, certain band materials, like platinum, are advantageous as they do not need re-plating and have hypoallergenic properties.

Swap Dainty for Durability

If you are leading an active lifestyle, you may want to swap your traditional silver or gold ring for a more durable metal. Tungsten wedding bands, for example, are incredibly resistant to scratching and will retain their luster for decades.

Go for Coloured Stones

Adding a pop of colour to your wedding band is becoming increasingly popular. You can choose from gemstones, sapphires, and emeralds. Lab-generated gemstones are also an affordable option that looks much like the real thing. Coloured stones allow you to personalize your ring and showcase your personality.

Get Creative with Cuts

If you love your stone, but want a different look, you can have it cut or polished differently. Your jeweller can advise on what designs are achievable based on the shape and size of your current stone.

Get a Diamond Ring Enhancer

If you like the simplicity of a diamond ring but want to add some sparkle, consider a diamond enhancer. These rings are designed to sandwich your original wedding band, giving you a completely different look.

Infuse Coloured Gemstones

You can infuse your ring with coloured stones by surrounding the centre stone with your favourite coloured stone. This makes the centre stone stand out more and can also make it look larger. Ensure that the coloured stone you choose blends well with the centre stone so that the new ring looks cohesive.

Remember, there is no need to feel guilty about changing your wedding band. It is okay for your wedding band to change along with you. You can redesign your ring to suit your current tastes, lifestyle, and budget.

You're celebrating an anniversary

Wedding rings are a symbol of love and commitment, but your style may change, or you might want to breathe new life into a treasured piece. Here are some reasons why you might want to change your wedding band to celebrate an anniversary:

Renewing Vows

The act of renewing wedding vows symbolises a couple's rededication to each other and the celebration of their marriage, and a new wedding ring reaffirms that intent. Couples may choose to have their original wedding ring refashioned or updated to symbolise their new commitment.

Special Occasions

Anniversaries, holidays, and other meaningful milestones in a marriage are another reason to upgrade a wedding ring. These special days are ideal opportunities to express love and appreciation for a spouse, and an upgraded wedding band conveys that message well.

Style Changes

Over time, your sense of style and lifestyle may change, and you may want your wedding band to reflect that. For example, you may no longer love a modern, minimal look and prefer a vintage or antique style. Or perhaps you want a wedding band that better reflects your career or achievements.

Passing on Heirlooms

The practice of passing on heirloom jewellery as a wedding ring is another reason couples decide to upgrade. When this custom is honoured, the new bride or groom wears an heirloom ring, and the person passing it on may want to replace their ring with one that reflects their personal style.

Wear and Tear

Jewellery can suffer from wear and tear or damage, and this is a common reason to upgrade. One popular option is to recreate a new wedding band with elements of the original, incorporating the original ring's gemstone(s) or metal.

Improved Finances

Some couples bought their first ring with the idea of it being a "starter ring". Now, they may be in a better financial situation and want to reinvest in a new ring.

Boredom

You may have been wearing the same ring for years and are ready for a fresh design. It is common for women to make additions and modifications to their bands, so why not join in the fun? With two rings, you can mix and match depending on your mood or activity.

Body Changes

Your body may change over time, and your wedding ring may no longer fit as perfectly as it once did. While some rings can be resized, others cannot. This is a good opportunity to choose a new ring that suits your current lifestyle.

Damage

Some rings are more durable than others, but even the most durable wedding bands will undergo some wear and tear over the years. If your ring is made from gold or another precious metal, your chances of restoring it are much higher than if you have a contemporary metal wedding band.

Practical Reasons

You may want to pass your wedding ring to your children, but they may not like the style. Updating the design can make the ring feel fresh and relevant while still carrying the legacy of your family.

Control Over Design

Redesigning your wedding ring can be exciting, especially if you weren't involved in the original design. A good jeweller will discuss your ideas and create a design that suits your vision and budget.

Adding Gemstones

If your wedding ring has a solitary diamond, you can add smaller gemstones to update its look and give it more sparkle.

Changing the Ring Setting

If you have a simple ring setting, you can make alterations to make it more modern.

Changing the Stone Cut

If you don't like the shape of the stone on your wedding ring, you can have it cut or replaced with a new stone.

Creating a Jewellery Set

If your wedding ring has several stones, you can have the centre diamond made into a necklace and smaller gemstones turned into earrings.

Updating the Band

You can update the design of the band, changing it from a simple solid gold band to a twisted band, or change the material from gold to platinum.

Adding an Engraving

You can have a message engraved on your wedding band, such as your beloved's initials, a personal message, or a line from a meaningful poem.

Adding a Complementary Ring

Adding a complementary, matching ring is a lovely way to upgrade your wedding band while still keeping the original as it is.

Complete Overhaul

You can choose to replace your wedding band entirely or create a new ring using parts of the original, such as the stone(s) or metal. This option honours both the couple's history and their future together.

Frequently asked questions