Upgrading Wedding Bands: A Guide

There are many reasons why a couple might want to upgrade their wedding bands. It could be to mark a special occasion, such as an anniversary or vow renewal, or to symbolise a change in their lives, such as a new job or a milestone in their marriage. It's also common for couples to upgrade their wedding bands to reflect a change in their sense of style or to replace a ring that is worn down or missing gemstones. Upgrading a wedding band can be as simple as resizing the ring or refinishing and polishing it to restore its original lustre. Couples may also choose to embed precious stones, add stackable rings, or have a message engraved on the band.

Add precious stones

Adding precious stones to a wedding band is a great way to upgrade your ring while still honouring the original. Here are some ideas to consider:

Choose the Right Stone

The addition of precious stones to a plain band creates a beautiful contrast between a shiny surface and the allure of sparkling stones. The cost of customisation will depend on the number, size, and quality of the stones added. For a more affordable option, consider lab-generated gemstones that look like the real thing. You can also reuse a different stone, such as a family heirloom, to add significance to your new piece.

Mark Special Occasions

Plain bands can be upgraded with a few small, precious stones to mark important anniversaries. For example, a sapphire can commemorate the fifth year of marriage, a diamond the tenth, and a ruby the fifteenth. This creates a meaningful and classy timeline on your finger. Alternatively, you can add your birthstone to your wedding ring to inject a unique colour.

Enhance the Sparkle

Adding extra diamonds to an otherwise plain band gives your ring a magical, dazzling effect. You can also try a diamond ring enhancer, which is designed to fit around the original ring and transform it into something entirely new, adding an extra level of sophistication.

Add a Pop of Colour

Diamonds are the most popular stone for any wedding ring, but you may want to add some extra colour. You can add extra stones or exchange old settings with new ones, such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, which come in vivid hues. Changing the metal of your band can also add colour, such as swapping a white gold band for rose gold.

Create a Unique Design

Consider the various cuts and settings of precious stones to create a unique design. For example, channel-set diamonds laid edge-to-edge provide a textured effect and a continuous flow of stones, especially with Princess cuts that leave no gaps between stones. You can also try a halo setting, which makes the stone look larger and brighter, or a tension setting for a modern, floating look.

Engrave a meaningful message

Engraving a wedding band is a beautiful way to make it more unique and personal. It can be a short and sweet message, a funny inside joke, or a romantic saying. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Traditional and Romantic Ideas:

• Your names, initials, or a monogram of your new initials.
• The date of your engagement or the date you first said "I love you".
• A significant location, such as where you first met or your favourite holiday spot.
• Your nicknames for each other.
• "To My Wife" or "To My Husband".
• "Written in the Stars".
• "Forever Begins" followed by the date.
• "Always" followed by your initials.

Religious and Spiritual Ideas:

• "Do Everything in Love" (Corinthians 16:14).
• "God Bless This Marriage".
• "Where You Go I Will Go" (Ruth 1:16).
• "Love is Patient, Love is Kind" (1 Corinthians 13:4).
• "Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li" (Song of Solomon 2:16).
• "Thy Love is Better Than Wine" (Song of Solomon 1:2).

Fun and Humorous Ideas:

• "Alarm Will Sound If Removed".
• "Resistance Is Futile".
• "You're Stuck With Me".
• "I Love You More Than Coffee".
• "Little Spoon / Big Spoon".
• "Love Is Patient / Love Is Kind".
• "I Am My Beloved's / My Beloved Is Mine".

Ideas in Other Languages:

• "Je T'aime" (French for "I Love You").
• "Mon Amour" (French for "My Love").
• "Amore Mio" (Italian for "My Love").
• "Semper Fidelis" (Latin for "Always Faithful").
• "Mo Anam Cara" (Gaelic for "My Soulmate").
• "Grá go Deo" (Gaelic for "Forever Love").

Remember, when engraving a meaningful message, it's best to keep it short and sweet. You can always add extra symbolism by including coordinates, dates, or even a mix of languages.

Upgrade to stackable rings

Upgrading your wedding band is a great way to celebrate a milestone or life moment. Stackable rings are a trendy choice for couples who want to enhance their wedding rings. Here are some tips for upgrading to stackable rings:

Choose the Right Number of Rings

A classic stack usually consists of two to three rings, depending on the thickness of the bands and your comfort. However, you can add more rings to express your personal style or mark special occasions. Just make sure to leave enough room between your hand and your knuckle when stacking multiple rings.

Mix and Match Metals and Stones

Feel free to mix and match different metal colours and stones to create a unique and personalised stack. You can experiment with different combinations, such as rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, or silver. Adding coloured stones can also be a great way to express your style and make your stack stand out.

Choose the Right Silhouettes

When selecting your stackable wedding bands, consider choosing smoother silhouettes that pair well with your engagement ring. Classic pavé, bezel-set, and baguette bands are great options that usually go well with various engagement ring styles.

Take Your Time

You don't have to buy your entire stack all at once. Building your stack over time can take the pressure off finding the perfect combination right away. This also gives you the flexibility to mix and match, upgrade, and wear different combinations of bands with or without your engagement ring.

Pay Attention to Your Engagement Ring Setting

If you want a bold and sparkly look, opt for an engagement ring with a raised mounting. This will showcase the centre stone's brilliance while also allowing for a flush stack. If you prefer a more understated look, consider contoured bands that fit snugly against your engagement ring's setting.

Swap in a larger stone

Swapping in a larger stone is a great way to upgrade your wedding band, and there are several ways to go about it. Firstly, consider the overall style of your ring. If you're updating your ring due to a change in your personal style, opt for a band or stone shape that aligns with your current tastes. For instance, swap a solid band for a pavé one if you want something more glamorous, or replace a round stone with an emerald cut if you prefer a fashion-forward look.

If you're happy with the style of your ring and simply want to increase the size of the stone, consider upgrading the centre stone to a larger carat diamond. You could also swap your current stone for a different shape, such as an oval or cushion-cut diamond, which are currently in high demand. If you're on a budget, you might want to keep the centre stone and change the setting, which can significantly alter the ring's appearance without costing as much.

If you're looking to add more sparkle to your ring, consider adding accent stones to the band or creating a halo setting around the centre stone. You could also add a surprise diamond by hiding an extra stone underneath the centre stone, visible only from an angle. Alternatively, if your ring is a family heirloom and you want to preserve the stone, you can change the setting to give it a modern update while retaining its sentimental value.

When upgrading your wedding band, it's important to involve your partner in the decision-making process, as it's a joint celebration of your journey together.

Change the metal

Changing the metal of your wedding band is a great way to upgrade your ring without completely replacing it. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including improving the ring's durability, changing its style, or simply refreshing its look.

One option for changing the metal of your wedding band is to consider getting it inlaid onto a sturdier precious metal. For example, if your old band is made of a softer metal that is prone to nicks, scratches, or dents, you can inlay it onto a more durable metal such as titanium or platinum. These metals are not only durable but also hypoallergenic and can provide a more comfortable fit. Additionally, they can create a striking contrast with shinier metals, resulting in a beautiful and unique design.

Another option is to switch out the band entirely. You can change the metal from gold to silver or platinum, or even opt for a wooden wedding band for a truly unique look. Some metals, like platinum, have the added benefit of not requiring re-plating, making them a low-maintenance choice. If you decide to stick with a gold ring, it is recommended to have it occasionally dipped to maintain its appearance.

For those who prioritise durability, alternative metals like tungsten offer excellent resistance to scratching and will retain their luster for decades. This option is particularly popular among men who are looking for a wedding band that better fits their lifestyle.

When changing the metal of your wedding band, you can also take the opportunity to alter the width of the ring, going for a wider or slimmer design to suit your preferences.

Upgrading your wedding band by changing the metal is a great way to refresh your ring's appearance, improve its durability, or simply change its style to match your current tastes. By choosing a different metal or combining contrasting metals, you can create a unique and meaningful piece of jewellery that symbolises your eternal love.

Frequently asked questions