Switching Wedding Rings: Is It Okay To Change?

Wedding rings are often loaded with emotion and sentimentality, but that doesn't mean you can't change them. Whether you're bored of the design, want to mark a special occasion, or your budget has increased since you first got engaged, there are many reasons why you might want to change your wedding ring.

If you're thinking of changing your wedding ring, you could consider adding more stones, changing the band, or even buying a new ring altogether.

Changing your wedding ring is common to celebrate milestones, successes, or a change in preferences

Changing your wedding ring is a great way to celebrate milestones, successes, or a change in preferences. It is becoming more common to upgrade your ring, and there are many ways to do so.

Firstly, there is no stigma around upgrading your ring. It is not an insult to your original ring or the partner who chose it. Instead, it is a celebration of your journey together and how far you have come. It is a way to mark a new chapter in your lives and celebrate new beginnings.

There are many reasons why people choose to upgrade their wedding rings. One of the most common reasons is to celebrate a milestone, such as a ten or twenty-year anniversary. Other milestones can include the birth of a child or a vow renewal ceremony. Upgrading your ring can also be a way to celebrate a success, such as a new job.

Another reason to upgrade your ring is a change in personal style or taste. Styles and tastes change over time, and a ring that suited you years ago may not be your style anymore. Upgrading your ring can be a way to reflect your current tastes and preferences. This could be a change in the type of stone, the cut of the stone, or the band. For example, you could add more stones, swap the centre stone for a larger or higher-quality one, change the band, or get an entirely new ring. You can also repurpose your original ring by resetting the stones in a new piece of jewellery, such as a pendant necklace.

Upgrading your ring can also be a way to reflect a change in your budget. Perhaps when you first got married, your budget was smaller, and now you are in a position to splurge on a new ring.

There are many ways to upgrade your ring. You can add more stones, swap the centre stone for a larger or higher-quality one, change the band, or get an entirely new ring. You can also repurpose your original ring by resetting the stones in a new piece of jewellery, such as a pendant necklace.

Upgrading your wedding ring is a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong time to do so. It is a way to celebrate your love and the milestones you have achieved together.

You can change the cut of your diamond

When upgrading your diamond, you can either swap in a new stone or start from scratch. If you want to keep your original diamond, you can have it reset in a different metal color or even repurpose it into a new piece of jewelry, such as a pendant necklace. If you choose to swap in a new stone, you can select a larger center stone or add more stones to your ring. You can also upgrade to a different type of diamond, such as a lab-grown diamond or a colored diamond.

If you decide to start from scratch, you can work with a jeweler to create a custom design that reflects your current style and preferences. This process is similar to creating a custom engagement ring, and you'll have the opportunity to select new stones, metals, and other materials. Keep in mind that modifying your original ring or creating a custom design can take several months, so plan ahead if you're upgrading your ring for a special occasion.

Upgrading your wedding ring is a personal decision and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Whether you choose to change the cut of your diamond or explore other options, the most important thing is that you feel happy and proud to wear your ring every day.

You can add more stones to your ring

Adding more stones to your wedding ring is a great way to celebrate milestones in your relationship, such as an anniversary or the birth of twins. It can also be a fun way to simply celebrate your relationship and add some flair to your ring.

There are a few ways to go about adding stones to your ring. One option is to add a second diamond or gemstone to your existing ring. This can be done by adding prong settings or building a bezel using wire. Another option is to create a halo or add extra side stones around the centre stone. This can be done through a process called flush setting, where the stone is set directly into the metal, requiring the jeweller to create a hole in the ring. This method works well for plain bands.

If you have a more complex ring design, you may be limited to only changing the centre stone to a new stone of the same shape and dimensions. However, the cut and colour can be different, allowing for some customisation.

It's important to consult with a jeweller to determine if your desired modifications are possible, as certain designs cannot be altered without compromising the structural integrity of the ring. For example, rings with elaborate centre stone settings may not accommodate a new stone of a different shape and size.

If your ring cannot be modified, you can always opt for a custom ring replication, where the jeweller creates a 3D design based on your original ring and makes the desired changes.

Keep in mind that the process of adding stones to your ring will involve sourcing new gemstones, which can take some time, especially if the stones need to be sourced from overseas. Additionally, the process of setting the stones can vary depending on the method chosen, so be sure to discuss the options with your jeweller.

You can change the metal of your band

Changing the metal of your wedding band is a great way to upgrade your ring. It is a natural step to take, especially if you want to add more sparkle to your band. You can change the metal of your band for longevity purposes, for example, by changing it from gold to platinum. Gold, a naturally yellow metal, will need to be replated to maintain its white hue, whereas platinum is a naturally white metal and does not need replating. Platinum is also a good option for people with sensitive skin who might be allergic to the other metals found in gold.

You can also change the metal of your band to add a pop of colour to your ring. For instance, you can trade your white gold band for a rose gold one. This is a great way to make your ring unique and brightly coloured.

If you are thinking of changing the metal of your wedding band, it is important to consider how different metals wear over time. For example, white gold and platinum might look the same when you first get them, but over time, the rhodium plating on white gold wears down, and you may need to get it re-plated by a jeweller every couple of years.

Another thing to keep in mind is the difference in hardness between metals. Platinum is more durable and dense than gold. When gold is scratched, a little sliver of the gold is lost, whereas platinum, when scratched, becomes displaced and actually becomes harder and more durable.

Changing the metal of your wedding band is a great way to upgrade your ring and make it more long-lasting, add a pop of colour, or simply change its look.

You can sell your original ring and use the money to fund a new design

There are many reasons why you might want to change your wedding ring. Perhaps your tastes have changed, or you want to celebrate a milestone or anniversary. Maybe you want to upgrade your ring to match your current preferences, or you're simply not happy with the original design. Whatever the reason, selling your original ring and using the money to fund a new design is a great option.

Firstly, you'll need to consider where to sell your wedding ring. There are a few different options, each with its own pros and cons. You could try a pawn shop, which offers immediate payment but is unlikely to give you a high price. Consignment stores and local jewelers are other options, but you may not receive the true market value for your ring. Online diamond buyers are a better choice than pawn shops, but they only provide one offer and don't require third-party evaluation.

If you want to get the most money for your ring, consider selling it through a luxury auction platform like Worthy. Auction platforms allow you to receive multiple offers, and you can set a minimum selling price. Additionally, auction platforms often provide services such as secure shipping, cleaning, and grading, which can be costly if done separately. When deciding where to sell your ring, it's important to keep in mind that you are unlikely to receive the original price you paid for it.

The amount of money you'll get for your ring depends on two main factors: the properties of the center stone and where you sell it. If your ring has a diamond, its value will be influenced by the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. It's also worth noting that diamond shape can affect the value, as shapes that are currently trending will be in higher demand.

When selling your wedding ring, you can also increase its value by providing information about its history and any unique design details. This information can help attract buyers who are interested in the story behind the ring, as well as those who appreciate one-of-a-kind pieces.

Once you've sold your original ring and have the funds to create a new design, you can work with a jeweler to bring your vision to life. You might choose to completely change the ring to match your current preferences, or you may want to incorporate elements of the original design, such as using the same metal or resetting the stones in a new setting.

Frequently asked questions