There comes a moment in many relationships when the desire to upgrade an engagement ring surfaces. Perhaps it's a milestone anniversary, a significant life change, or simply the evolution of personal taste. Upgrading your engagement ring allows you to honor the original sentiment while sustainably embracing change.

Many people debate upgrading their engagement ring but are unsure how to navigate the process. In this article, we'll cover how to responsibly upgrade your engagement ring. From considering when to make the change, to what details can be upgraded and how, you’ll find everything you need to know below.

To upgrade your engagement ring with VRAI created diamonds, book an appointment with a VRAI diamond expert.

When to Consider an Engagement Ring Upgrade

Deciding when to upgrade your ring can feel confusing, as many shoppers think they need a specific reason. While you can upgrade your ring whenever you want, here are some popular reasons people consider an engagement ring upgrade:

• Significant Anniversaries: Whether it's your 5th, 10th, or 25th year together, marking these milestones with an upgraded ring can be incredibly symbolic.
• Vow Renewals: Upgrading your old ring for a vow renewal, instead of buying a new ring, lets your ring evolve along with your love.
• Style Evolution: Over the years, your taste might shift from classic to contemporary, or vice versa. Many people choose to upgrade their rings to match their current style and to better represent them.
• Financial Changes: Perhaps you're at a point in your life where you're more financially stable, and you weren’t previously able to invest in your dream ring. Upgrading your ring to reflect your true desires is a common decision for couples later on in life.

Upgrade Engagement Ring Options

There are endless options for upgrading engagement rings. Each upgrade option carries its own set of considerations, from budget to design complexity. Let's dive into some common upgrades.

Center Diamond Upgrades

Consider replacing the center diamond with a new center stone. Some people want a higher quality, larger, or different stone. Other people now prefer different diamond shapes. Maybe you want to transition from a classic Round to a trendy Oval, or a striking Marquise, so that the new stone better reflects you today.

If you’re attached to your original center stone, you can incorporate it into a new design, such as part of a Toi et Moi or Three Stone ring. You can also have it set into another piece of jewelry, or even as part of your wedding band.

Setting Alterations

Changing the ring's setting can dramatically alter the appearance of your original engagement ring. Upgrading a Solitaire setting to a Halo setting, for instance, can make your center stone appear larger and more brilliant.

Adding Accent Diamonds

Consider the addition of side stones or pavé settings for added brilliance, glamor, or a vintage-inspired feel. Adding more diamonds is an extremely popular way to revamp your current engagement ring while keeping the original design and center diamond.

Band Upgrades

You can also have your center diamond reset into a new ring. If you’re designing a ring stack with your wedding ring, or another favorite ring, changing the metal type or setting may make it easier to stack.

Switching from a simple ring band to a more intricate or thicker design can make a significant difference in style.

Changing the metal type will also give your old ring a new style. Yellow gold is perfect for a traditional ring, but maybe it no longer suits you. Perhaps you now prefer to trade in your former band for romantic rose gold.

For other people, simply adding an engraving to your existing ring is the perfect upgrade.

Sustainable Considerations

Upgrading your current engagement ring, instead of replacing it, is a sustainable option. Choosing certain ethical details for the upgrade will make your revamped ring even more responsible.

Here's how you can upgrade your ring to reflect your love and your values.

• Opting for lab-grown diamonds over mined diamonds is an ethical and often more sustainable choice.
• When upgrading the band or setting, consider recycled metals. This reduces the environmental impact while still providing a beautiful, quality precious metal.
• If you can’t find a way to revamp your original ring or diamonds into a new design that you love, then consider repurposing it. Work with an expert craftsman to transform your current ring into a new piece of jewelry. You could set the existing diamond into a pendant or a pair of earrings. Add new details to your former ring setting to create an entirely new ring design. This way, you can create several heirloom pieces that you love, instead of having your former treasure go to waste.

The Emotional Impact of Upgrading

Upgrading an engagement ring can be an emotional journey as the original ring holds deep sentimental value and memories. It's important to acknowledge and honor these emotions throughout the process.

When deciding how to upgrade your ring while honoring its emotional significance, consider the following tips.

• Preserve Memories: Find ways to maintain a connection with your original ring and any particularly precious design elements. This might mean using the original diamond in a new setting, or transforming it into another piece of jewelry.
• Collaborate: Involve your partner in the process. This can be a beautiful way to reaffirm your commitment and make new memories together. Choose details that are symbolic of your love and future.
• Celebrate Growth: Upgrading your current ring symbolizes growth in your relationship. Updating the former design can honor the beginning of a new era in your relationship, a special event, or additional family members.

How to Upgrade Your Engagement Ring

A ring upgrade is a personal decision, but if you're ready to take the leap, use the following steps to seamlessly upgrade your ring.

1. Define Your Vision: Get a clear idea of what you want from the upgrade. Are you looking for a larger center diamond, a modern design, or perhaps a new ring that fits better with your current lifestyle?
2. Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend. This will guide your decisions, and keep your expectations realistic.
3. Consult a Professional: Work with the right jeweler who can provide valuable insights and help translate your vision into reality.
4. Timing: Before beginning the upgrade process, ensure that the provided production timeline meets any personal timelines, such as a holiday, special occasion, or anniversary.
5. Update Insurance: Once you’ve upgraded your ring, update your insurance to reflect its new value.

Responsibly Upgrade Your Ring With VRAI

Let VRAI bring your engagement ring vision to life. Dive into our world of exquisite, contemporary designs and Carbon-Neutral Certified lab-grown diamonds. With unmatched standards in quality and origin, upgrading your ring with VRAI means you’re not just investing in a piece of jewelry, you’re also investing in a brighter future.

Through the power of 100% renewable, our diamonds are grown in the world’s first zero-emission foundry. Each VRAI created diamond is then cut and polished to the highest standards in the industry by our expert craftspeople.

If you’d like to upgrade your VRAI engagement ring, book an appointment with a VRAI diamond expert. For diamond upgrades, VRAI credits the full value of your original VRAI created diamond so that you can upgrade to a new one that’s 50% greater in value. Your perfect ring upgrade is just a conversation away.