Upgrading Stones Or Wedding Band: Which Comes First?

There are many reasons why someone might want to upgrade their wedding band. It could be to renew their vows, to celebrate a special occasion or milestone in their marriage, or simply because their sense of style has changed. Upgrading a wedding band is also a great way to modernise the ring or to reflect a changed sense of style.

There are endless ways to upgrade a wedding band. One popular way is to upgrade the stone. Whether you want something bigger, better quality, or a different colour, upgrading the centre stone can make a big difference to the ring's overall appearance. Another option is to add more stones, such as diamonds or coloured gemstones, to either side of the centre stone or to mark important anniversaries.

If you're looking to change the metal of your band, consider a contrasting metal such as titanium or platinum, which are hypoallergenic and durable. You could also add an engraving of a noteworthy catchword or phrase that is significant to the married couple.

Ultimately, the decision of when and how to upgrade a wedding band is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer.

Upgrading the stone

If you're considering upgrading the stone on your wedding ring, here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Swap in a larger stone: If your original ring featured a smaller stone, you may want to replace it with a larger one. This is a great way to mark a milestone, such as a promotion or a significant anniversary.
• Opt for a higher-quality stone: Instead of going bigger, you could choose to upgrade to a higher-quality stone. This could mean selecting a diamond with better colour, clarity, or cut grades.
• Change the colour: Adding a pop of colour to your ring is a fun way to upgrade. Consider swapping your clear diamond for a coloured gemstone, such as a sapphire, ruby, emerald, or a coloured diamond.
• Create a colour combination: If you still want the sparkle of a clear diamond, you can create a unique colour combination by adding gemstone accents. For example, you could accent your diamond with sapphires or other coloured stones.
• Add more stones: Another option is to keep your original centre stone but add more stones to the ring. You can add diamonds to either side of the centre stone or opt for a halo setting, making the centre stone appear larger and creating more sparkle.
• Change the cut: Changing the cut of your stone is another way to upgrade your ring. A new cut can make your stone appear larger and enhance its brilliance.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to upgrading your wedding ring. You can modify it however you like to reflect your current style and taste. Whether you choose to upgrade the stone, the band, or both, the most important thing is that your ring continues to be a symbol of your love and commitment to your partner.

Adding more stones

Firstly, you could add a second diamond to your ring to commemorate an anniversary or the birth of a child. You could also add coloured stones, such as sapphires, rubies, or coloured diamonds, to add a pop of colour and create a unique look. If you want to keep your original centre stone, you can add diamonds to either side or opt for a halo setting, which will make the centre stone appear larger and create more sparkle.

Another option is to add complementary stackable rings to your existing wedding band. This allows you to keep the original ring as it is while enhancing it with a new ring that complements the design and gives it a fresh look.

If you're feeling creative, you could even design a completely new ring with a different setting, shape, and larger or better-quality stones. This option gives you endless possibilities to create the ring of your dreams.

When upgrading your ring by adding more stones, it's important to consult with a jeweller to ensure that the modifications are feasible and won't compromise the structural integrity of the ring. They can guide you through the process and help you choose the best method for setting the new stones, such as prong settings, bezel settings, or flush settings.

Upgrading your wedding band or engagement ring by adding more stones is a wonderful way to celebrate your journey and milestones as a couple, and with so many options available, you can create a ring that truly reflects your style and personality.

Replacing the band

Renewing Vows

Renewing wedding vows symbolises a couple's rededication to each other and their marriage. A new wedding ring can reaffirm this intent. Some couples choose to have their original wedding ring refashioned or updated, while others opt for brand new wedding bands. These new rings often symbolise what the couple has experienced together throughout their marriage.

Special Occasions

Anniversaries, holidays, and other meaningful milestones in a marriage are also reasons to upgrade a wedding ring. These occasions provide an opportunity to express love and appreciation for your spouse, and an upgraded wedding band can convey this message, especially when it includes special touches like a birthstone or a gemstone that holds a particular significance.

Change in Style

Over time, your sense of style may evolve, and you may want your wedding band to reflect these changes. For example, you might prefer a vintage or antique style over a modern, minimal look. Or perhaps you want a wedding band that better aligns with your career or the position you've achieved.

Replacing a Family Heirloom

Passing on heirloom jewellery as a wedding ring is another reason couples decide to upgrade. In some cases, the person who originally wore the heirloom ring chooses to replace it with a new band that better reflects their personal style. Others may wish to retain the heirloom while updating it to have a more modern appearance.

Wear and Tear

Jewellery can suffer from wear and tear or damage over time. If your wedding band is worn down or missing gemstones, you may want to consider recreating a new wedding band that incorporates elements of the original, such as the gemstone(s) or metal. If you've lost your wedding ring, you can have a new one recreated to match the original design.

Improved Financial Situation

Some couples initially purchase a "starter ring" with the intention of upgrading when they are in a better financial position. These starter rings are typically smaller and less costly, with the understanding that a more expensive ring will be purchased in the future.

Maintaining Sentimental Value

When upgrading your wedding band, you may want to consider options that maintain or enhance the sentimental value of the original ring. Here are some ideas:

• Refinishing, polishing, and securing stone settings: This is a simple type of upgrade that restores the ring's original luster without altering its design.
• Resizing: Over time, your ring size may change, making it uncomfortable or difficult to wear. Resizing your ring solves this problem and can be a great way to upgrade.
• Engraving: Adding a personal touch, such as a beloved's initials, a meaningful message, or a line from a special poem, can make your wedding band even more significant.
• Stackable rings: Adding a complementary, matching ring is a way to enhance your original wedding band while still keeping it as is.
• Complete overhaul: If you want a more significant change, you can opt for a complete overhaul, using parts of the original ring, such as the stone(s) or metal, to create a new wedding band. This option allows you to honour both your past and future together as a couple.

Changing the setting

Update the Stone Setting

Changing the stone setting can make a significant difference to the appearance of your ring. Most engagement rings are made with a diamond stone set in a pointed or cathedral setting. You can easily upgrade this by changing it to a bezel setting, which will enhance the look of the diamond and prevent it from getting damaged. Other diamond setting options include prong, channel, bar, gypsy, tension, and cluster settings.

Upgrade the Centre Stone

Upgrading the centre stone is a popular way to enhance the ring's overall appearance. You can opt for a larger stone or one with better quality, choosing from different types of gems, cuts, and sizes. If you're on a budget, shop around to get the best prices, and consider the 4 Cs of diamonds, which will influence the price and duration of the modification work.

Modify the Ring Band

If you don't want to change the centre stone, you can modify the ring by changing the style of the band. This could mean making it wider, adding an engraving, or changing the metal. For example, switching from yellow gold to platinum or white gold can modernise the style of your ring. You could also change the size of the band, opt for a different design such as a split shank, or add extra sparkle with a pavé band.

Add More Stones

Another way to upgrade your ring is to add more stones. You can add diamonds to either side of the centre stone or create a halo setting to make the centre stone appear larger and create more sparkle. You can also add colourful gemstones, such as sapphires, rubies, or coloured diamonds, to infuse your ring with a pop of colour.

Create a Stacked Band

If you want to enhance your wedding ring without totally replacing it, consider the stacked band trend. You can add another band of the precious metal, design, and gemstone of your choice above or below your original wedding band. This is a great option if you want to match your current preferences without losing the sentiment of the original ring.

Remember, when changing the setting of your ring, it's important to carefully plan any modifications with your jeweller to ensure the process is done correctly, and the resulting ring continues to be cherished.

Getting a new ring

If you're celebrating a milestone, such as a 10th or 15th anniversary, a new ring can be a great way to mark the occasion. You could even add a second diamond to your ring or upgrade from a solitaire to a three-stone setting if you've had twins. Adding a pop of colour to your ring is another way to celebrate a special occasion, such as a new job.

If your financial situation has improved since you first got married, you might want to upgrade your wedding band to a larger or higher-quality diamond. This is a popular choice for couples who got married young and had a smaller budget for their first wedding bands.

You might also want to get a new ring if your original wedding band has been damaged or worn down. In this case, you could recreate your wedding band with elements of the original, such as the gemstone or metal. If you've lost your wedding ring, you can also have it recreated from pictures or photos.

Another reason to get a new ring is if you're renewing your vows. A new wedding band can symbolise your renewed commitment to each other and celebrate your marriage.

When getting a new ring, you can choose to start from scratch with a new setting, shape, or diamond. Or, you can make modifications to your original ring, such as adding a wedding band or changing the metal type.

Frequently asked questions