Deborah Chan
There are many reasons why someone might want to upgrade their wedding ring. Styles evolve, budgets change, and personal tastes shift over time. Upgrading a wedding ring can be a way to adapt to life changes, such as a new job or hobby, or simply to celebrate a milestone or anniversary. Some couples choose to upgrade their rings by changing the setting or centre stone, adding more diamonds or coloured gemstones, or opting for a different metal. Others may choose to completely redesign their rings or add a second wedding band. While some may view upgrading a wedding ring as a way to celebrate their relationship's evolution, others may want to preserve the sentimental value of their original ring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for upgrading | Change of personal style or taste, celebrating a life milestone or anniversary, adapting to life changes, celebrating a marriage milestone, change of budget, change of finger size, change of job, moving to a new place, starting a family, change of metal choice, change of setting, shape or diamond size, adding more stones, upgrading the ring's quality, adding a pop of colour, change of lifestyle, change of weight, arthritis, change of career, new hobbies, nickel allergy, change of address, change of financial flexibility |
| Ring upgrade options | Resetting the original gemstone in a lower profile setting, adding a second wedding band, resizing the ring, adding more diamonds, adding accent stones, changing the metal colour, swapping the diamond for a unique coloured stone, adding sapphires, rubies or coloured diamonds, creating a custom design, adding contour bands, engraving the ring, changing the ring's shape, adding baguettes, changing the ring's quality, adding a halo setting, transforming the old ring into a new piece of jewellery, melting down the original ring's metal, using the original ring's gems as side stones in the new ring, trading in the original ring for credit towards a new one |
| Considerations | Discuss the upgrade with your partner, preserve the sentimental value of the original ring, allow enough time for the upgrade process |
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What You'll Learn
Adding a second wedding band
Upgrading your wedding ring is a widely accepted custom. Styles evolve, budgets change, and tastes shift over time. Couples may choose to upgrade their rings to celebrate life milestones or adapt to life changes. There is no one correct way to approach an upgrade, and it is a personal decision.
When adding a second wedding band, you can choose to match the style of your existing ring or opt for a contrasting design. Stackable wedding rings offer versatility and customisation, allowing you to mix and match different designs, gemstones, and textures. You can also choose to mix metals strategically to create a stunning two-tone effect. For example, pairing a classic white gold engagement ring with a rose gold wedding band.
If you plan to wear multiple rings, consider choosing a notched band or a contoured band. Notched bands have a small groove or cutout, allowing them to sit perfectly alongside your engagement ring or another band. Contoured bands are designed to match the curvature of your engagement ring, creating a modern and unique look.
Ultimately, the decision to add a second wedding band is a personal one, and there are no rules that you need to follow. You can choose to wear your rings in a way that reflects your style and preferences.
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Upgrading the centre diamond
If you are considering upgrading to a larger diamond, it is recommended that you shop around to get the best prices. The price of the diamond will depend on its desired carat size and other quality characteristics. The heavier the diamond, the more expensive it will be. Upgrading to a larger stone can be more affordable if you consider a lab-grown diamond.
If you do not have the budget for a larger centre diamond, you can modify the ring by changing the style of the band, such as making it wider or adding an engraving. Another option is to replace the current band with a side stone band, which will allow you to add more gems to the ring.
When upgrading the centre diamond, it is important to consider the type of setting on the ring in terms of technical aesthetics. For example, if your ring has a bezel setting, the jeweller will need to deconstruct the metallic frame and build a wider one to host the new diamond. On the other hand, a prong setting may be simpler as the "claws" holding the centre stone can be easily removed.
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Resetting the gemstone
Resetting a gemstone is a popular way to update vintage jewellery or family heirlooms. It involves removing the gemstone from its original setting and placing it in a new setting. This can be done to preserve the memory of a loved one while showcasing your unique style. Resetting a gemstone can also be a way to move on from a previous relationship, allowing you to continue enjoying the beauty of the gemstone without the attached memories.
The process of resetting a gemstone can range from simple to extremely intricate, depending on the type of setting and the level of damage. For example, a simple four-pronged ring might only require repairing or tightening the prongs, while a more complex setting may involve invisible setting work or a full head replacement. It is important to work with an experienced jeweller who can handle the gemstone with precision and care.
Before resetting a gemstone, a thorough evaluation should be done to identify any flaws or imperfections that may weaken the stone. It is also recommended to have the gemstone repolished or recut by a lapidary to remove any scratches or chips and restore its original lustre. Additionally, you can have the original ring's metal melted down or use its gems as side stones in your new ring.
Resetting a gemstone can be a cost-effective way to give new life to your jewellery. It allows you to wear sentimental gemstones in a contemporary style that is more flattering and suitable for your current lifestyle. It can also be a way to adapt family heirlooms to your personal style or to celebrate life milestones and anniversaries.
Overall, resetting a gemstone is a transformative process that can restore brilliance to your jewellery and ensure that it continues to be cherished for years to come.
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Changing the metal
When it comes to changing the metal, you have a few options. If you're looking for durability and a hypoallergenic option, platinum is a great choice. It's a naturally white metal that doesn't require replating, and it's ideal for those with metal sensitivities or allergies. Another popular option is to switch to a rose gold ring, which adds a fun pop of colour. If you're looking for a more subtle change, you can explore other gold alloys, such as white gold or yellow gold.
You can also get creative with the new metal. Consider adding contour bands to your ring, which will give you multiple aesthetic options that you can switch up whenever you like. If you're looking for something more personalised, you can embed a secret diamond or add a meaningful inscription.
If you're not ready to part with your original ring, you can preserve it by melting down the metal and using it in your new ring. This way, you can retain the sentimental value while still enjoying an upgraded piece.
Upgrading your wedding ring is a personal decision, and there are endless possibilities to explore. Whether you're changing the metal, adding new stones, or completely redesigning the ring, the process is similar to creating a custom piece. You'll work closely with a jeweller to sketch out options, select metals and stones, and bring your upgraded vision to life.
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Custom design
One option for customising your wedding ring is to reset the original gemstone in a new setting. You could choose a lower profile setting or a different metal colour. If you're happy with your original stone, you can keep it as the centrepiece and add accent stones, such as diamonds or coloured gemstones, to create a halo setting for a sparkly, eye-catching effect.
If you want to retain the sentimental value of your original ring, you can incorporate elements of it into your new design. For example, you could use the original metal or gems as side stones in your new ring. You could also add a personal touch by engraving your wedding vows or a meaningful message on the band. Just make sure the band is at least 2mm thick to accommodate the engraving, with 3mm being ideal.
Another option is to completely redesign your ring to match your current style and personality. You can start from scratch and choose a different setting, shape, or larger diamond. If you're not ready to part with your original ring, you can keep it and wear it on your right hand, or transform it into a new piece of jewellery, such as a pendant necklace.
Whatever changes you decide to make, customising your wedding ring is a wonderful way to celebrate your relationship and the milestones you've reached together. It's a chance to create something unique that reflects your personal style and journey as a couple.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no specific name for an upgraded wedding ring. Upgrading a wedding ring is a common practice and can be done for various reasons, such as adapting to life changes, celebrating milestones, or simply wanting a change in style.
There is no right or wrong time to upgrade your wedding ring. It is a highly personal decision that you should make together with your spouse. Some common reasons for upgrading include celebrating a milestone anniversary, adapting to lifestyle changes, or wanting a ring that better reflects your current style and personality.
There are endless ways to upgrade your wedding ring, ranging from simple updates to complete redesigns. You can upgrade the center diamond or stone, change the setting, add accent stones or a halo setting for more sparkle, or choose a different metal type or colour. You can also preserve the sentimental value of your original ring by incorporating its metal or gemstones into the new design or transforming it into a new piece of jewellery, such as a pendant necklace.
