Upgrading an engagement ring is an opportunity to redefine its beauty and significance. Benjamin Khordipour, a GIA-certified gemologist, lecturer, author, and renowned jeweler, shares his expert advice on transforming your ring into a masterpiece that matches your evolving taste and love story.
In this article, we’ll explore the various options for upgrading your engagement ring and explain how to approach the process with confidence and ease. Skip ahead.
What Does “Upgrading an Engagement Ring” Mean?
Upgrading an engagement ring means enhancing or modifying its design to better reflect your preferences, celebrate milestones, or incorporate modern trends. This could involve replacing the center stone with a larger or higher-quality diamond, switching to a different precious metal for the band, or adding intricate details like a halo of smaller diamonds.
In recent years, upgrading has also come to mean starting over entirely, often by trading in the original ring for a new, larger, or more elaborate design. Whether the goal is to enhance its sparkle, increase its value, or modernize its style, upgrading offers endless possibilities for personalization.
Is it Appropriate to Upgrade Your Engagement Ring?
Absolutely! People change, tastes evolve, and lifestyles shift—so why not your engagement ring? Upgrading your ring is a natural way to celebrate these changes and ensure it continues to reflect who you are today.
Your original engagement ring may have been limited by budget constraints at the time, or your style preferences might have evolved. Upgrading doesn’t diminish its original significance; instead, it’s a way to honor your journey by creating a piece that grows with you. Importantly, changing your ring isn’t a reflection on your spouse or your commitment—it’s about enhancing a meaningful symbol to match your current stage in life.
Sentimental Upgrades: Upgrading doesn’t mean losing the emotional value of the original. Many choose to repurpose elements like resetting the diamond into a new design or transforming it into a pendant, preserving the memories while adding new significance.
Practical Needs and Comfort: Sometimes, upgrades are driven by practicality. Designs that feel uncomfortable or metals that show wear over time can be replaced with more ergonomic or durable options. A refreshed design can make your ring both more functional and beautiful.
Common Reasons to Upgrade:
- A bigger or more intricate design to reflect your achievements.
- Evolving style preferences.
- Wear and tear on the original ring.
- A design better suited for comfort and daily wear.
- A more ethical or sustainable choice. (example: a vintage ring)
An engagement ring is a symbol of love, not a static piece. Unlike a wedding band, it’s less tied to legal or traditional permanence, making upgrades a meaningful way to celebrate how far you’ve come together.
7 Ways to Upgrade Your Engagement Ring
As mentioned, there are so many different approaches that one can take when upgrading their engagement ring. Here are all the options, including how to proceed with each plan.
1. Get a Completely New Ring
If you’re ready for a fresh start, getting a completely new engagement ring allows you to embrace a design that aligns with your current style, lifestyle, or preferences. This option lets you preserve the sentimental value of your original ring while investing in a piece that reflects your achievements or evolving tastes.
A new ring can be designed from scratch or selected from an existing collection, giving you complete control over elements like the stone, setting, and metal. Some clients also choose to incorporate accents or motifs that subtly honor the original design. Costs for a new ring vary widely, typically starting at $5,000 for a classic design and reaching six figures for custom creations, with production taking 4–8 weeks.
Pros: This option offers total creative freedom and allows you to keep your original ring intact as a keepsake or heirloom.
Cons: It’s often the most expensive option and can feel like a big departure from the original sentiment.
Example: A client recently opted for a completely new ring featuring an Asscher-cut diamond flanked by baguette side stones in a platinum setting. Their original solitaire ring was repurposed as a pendant to wear on special occasions, preserving its emotional significance.
2. Upgrading the Center Stone
Upgrading the center stone is one of the most dramatic ways to refresh your engagement ring while keeping its original design intact. This involves replacing the current stone with a larger or higher-quality diamond or switching to a colorful gemstone for a bolder statement.
This upgrade can be implemented by resizing the setting to fit the new stone or creating a custom setting to match its proportions. Prices depend on the size and quality of the stone. Most upgrades take 3–6 weeks to complete.
Pros: A larger or more brilliant center stone significantly enhances the ring’s presence and value.
Cons: Adjusting or replacing the setting can add to the cost and time required for the upgrade.
Example: We recently worked with a customer to replace their 1.5-carat brilliant cut diamond with an antique 3.5-carat old-European cut diamond. To accommodate the new size, we rebuilt the basket-gallery, reinforced the original prongs to hold the larger diamond securely, and then secured all the existing accenting diamonds.
Important Note: Upgrading an existing ring is very difficult to do without risking its integrity. Do not use a jeweler unless you’re absolutely certain that they’re extremely skilled and proficient.
3. Add Accenting Stones
Adding accent stones is a subtle yet effective way to elevate your engagement ring’s sparkle and complexity. This involves incorporating smaller diamonds or gemstones around the center stone or along the band to create a more intricate design.
Accent stones can be arranged as a halo around the center stone, as side stones for extra width, or set along the band for added brilliance. Depending on the number, size, and quality of the stones, this upgrade can range from $1,000 to $10,000 and typically takes 2–3 weeks to complete.
Pros: Accent stones can transform the look of your ring without requiring major changes to the original design.
Cons: Adding stones can make the ring more fragile or harder to maintain, depending on the setting.
Example: A client chose to add diamonds on the shoulders of their solitaire engagement ring, amplifying its brilliance while preserving the original center stone’s timeless elegance. It was a very simple upgrade to the ring, but it gave so much new life to it.
4. Switching the Metal
Switching the metal of your ring is a great way to refresh its appearance or make it more durable. This upgrade can also reflect your evolving style, such as moving from yellow gold to a modern platinum finish.
The process involves resetting the existing stones into a new band made from the desired metal. The cost depends on the metal and design but generally starts at $3,000 for gold or platinum upgrades and will take 2–4 weeks.
The jeweler will typically remove all the gemstones, create a copy of the ring, and then reset the gemstones into the new setting.
Pros: Switching metals can improve durability and elevate the overall aesthetic of your ring.
Cons: It’s a lot of work and not much of an update.
Example: We recently helped a couple upgrade their white gold ring to platinum for increased durability and a brighter, polished look while preserving their original three-stone design. Additionally, because platinum is hypoallergenic, they wanted to eliminate the gold.
5. Redesign the Band
Redesigning the band offers a complete overhaul of the ring’s style while keeping the center stone and accents intact. This upgrade can modernize the look, add unique details, or improve comfort.
Options include adding engraving, adjusting the band’s thickness, or choosing a twisted or split-shank design. The cost typically starts at $1,500 and can go up based on complexity, with a timeline of 2–8 weeks.
Pros: Redesigning the band enhances both the aesthetic and comfort of the ring.
Cons: Significant alterations might make the ring feel very different from its original design.
6. Switch to a New Setting
Upgrading the setting involves replacing the original design with one that better suits your style or enhances the stone. This could mean switching to a halo, bezel, or prong setting for a more secure or striking appearance.
The process requires resetting only the main diamond into the new design. Costs will range from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on the cost of the new mounting, with an average timeline of 1–2 weeks.
Pros: A new setting can dramatically change the ring’s appearance and highlight the center stone. Because there isn’t much jewelry work, the integrity of the ring will be very high.
Cons: Resetting stones always carries a slight risk of damage.
Example: We recently upgraded a client’s engagement ring by switching from a prong setting to a sleek bezel setting, giving it a modern, secure look. We took the round diamond out of the original engagement ring, placed it into the upgraded ring, and then gave them back their original diamond-less ring to keep as an heirloom.
7. Personalize with Meaningful Details
Personalizing your ring with meaningful details adds a deeply sentimental touch. This could involve engraving special dates, initials, or phrases on the band.
These upgrades can include subtle additions like hidden gemstones or symbols representing milestones or loved ones. Costs start at around $500 for simple engravings and take a few days.
Pros: Personalization makes your ring truly one-of-a-kind and rich in emotional value.
Cons: Certain designs may limit the space available for personalization without compromising the ring.
Example: A couple engraved their wedding date and initials inside their band, adding a hidden blue sapphire underneath the center stone for a private sentimental touch.
Tips and Tricks for Upgrading Your Engagement Ring
- Set a Clear Budget: Decide on a comfortable budget before exploring options to ensure you stay within your financial means.
- Consider Long-Term Wear: Choose designs and materials that are durable and practical for everyday use.
- Research Stone and Metal Options: Understand the pros and cons of different gemstones and metals to make an informed decision.
- Work with a Trusted Jeweler: Collaborate with an experienced jeweler who specializes in upgrades and custom designs.
- Preserve Sentimental Elements: If possible, incorporate parts of your original ring, such as the center stone, into the new design.
- Think About Future Trends: Opt for timeless styles or versatile designs that won’t feel outdated over time.
- Prioritize Comfort: Ensure the upgraded ring fits well and feels comfortable for everyday wear.
- Plan the Timeline: Allow ample time for design, customization, and adjustments, especially if the upgrade is for a special occasion.
- Insure Your Ring: Update your jewelry insurance to reflect the new design’s value after the upgrade.
- Explore Trade-In Programs: Check if your jeweler offers trade-in deals for your existing ring to offset costs.
Talk to an Expert Jeweler
Do you have questions about upgrading your engagement ring? Drop us a message. We will respond within one business hour.