A wedding ring represents an unalterable commitment, but that doesn’t mean the ring itself can’t alter over time. Your love remains steadfast, but other changes in your life — from finger size to financial flexibility — might have you mulling over a jewelry upgrade. Maybe the proposal set you up with a family heirloom that you hope to adapt to your own personal style. Perhaps you knew you didn’t want to wait on your forever ring before you moved forward with your forever partner. Or maybe you’re just drooling over an engagement ring that’s a bit fancier than your original one. Whatever the case may be, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a ring upgrade.
Now that you are out of your starter home and on your third set of cookware, however, you feel more comfortable slipping into a new piece of jewelry. Not only can wedding ring sets evolve with your relationship, but they can celebrate your milestones as you further invest in the symbol of your marriage.
Even if you opted for something classic up front like a classic yellow gold solitaire ring, tastes do change. Does that ring still look good? Of course it does! Even so, maybe you want to try out something different from your original engagement ring. Maybe you’re eyeing a rose gold ring for a fun pop of color. Maybe you have a daughter getting married and you want her to have your wedding ring for the sentimental value of it. Of course, you don’t have to completely switch out your old ring for a new design. There are some other options.
Add a Second Wedding Band
The most routine post-wedding addition to wedding jewelry is likely the second wedding band, which slides neatly on the other side of the engagement ring. Some couples wait for milestone anniversaries like the 10-year mark. Other brides make the call as soon as they decide that they’ve enjoyed the first wedding band well enough to double down on a second one. The two wedding bands can also be worn as a ring stack without the engagement ring for a simpler jewelry option that still has plenty of shine.
If you know that you are going to be rocking stacked wedding rings quite a bit, you can pick a second wedding band that zigs where the first band zags. Or you can opt for the balanced symmetry of a matching pair.
Shop All Stackable Wedding RingsWhen adding to your wedding band collection, think about mixing metals strategically. While your original engagement ring might be classic white gold, pairing it with a rose gold wedding band can create a stunning two-tone effect. The most important thing is ensuring your new ring complements rather than competes with your existing pieces. Many couples find that mixing metals adds visual interest and allows them to coordinate with different jewelry pieces or watches. Remember that your center stone will appear slightly different against various metal colors. For example, a diamond solitaire may look warmer against yellow gold and cooler against white gold.
Make a More Practical Choice
But sometimes even a stack of wedding bands and diamond engagement rings doesn’t suit professional or recreational activities. If you work in a hospital that mandates regular ring removal and cleaning, then you might want to consider a sleeker, more replaceable option to wear on the job. A silicone wedding ring would be the perfect option in this case! This automatically bumps the original ring up to first class, where it can stay fresh and sparkling for special occasions.
Maybe you realized you have a slight nickel allergy that is aggravated by the heirloom ring and, while you will obviously continue to wear that priceless bit of family history around the in-laws, you need hypoallergenic jewelry for daily use.
Maybe you loved the prong setting when it was new and exciting, but now that it’s been your current engagement ring for years, you realize that the setting just doesn’t fit your changing life. If that happens, no worries. You can definitely go full engagement ring upgrade, even if it’s been a few years since your engagement.
Consider How Your Lifestyle Has Changed
Your original engagement ring may have been perfect for your office job, but perhaps you’ve changed careers or taken up new hobbies that make certain settings impractical. A high-profile center gemstone that once seemed glamorous might now catch on equipment or require frequent cleaning.
Many couples find that a ring upgrade isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about adapting to life changes. Some choose to have their original gemstone reset in a lower profile setting, while others choose a completely new ring for everyday wear. There’s no rule that says you can’t have different rings for different occasions, so be sure to keep all parts of your lifestyle in mind when upgrading your ring.
Engrave the Band
If a phrase from your wedding vows has only become more true over the years, consider further customizing your ring by engraving it. Do you know your partner’s favorite gas station snacks and all of their childhood vacation spots, but can’t remember your own anniversary? Sounds like you might want to write that down on something you literally keep close at hand. Just remember that the band width should clear the 2mm engraving threshold, with 3mm thickness being ideal. Otherwise, it looks a little less like an engraving and more like fine print.
Modify the Existing Ring
To celebrate those years of heavenly bliss, add a halo around the center stone — or replace the center stone itself. Change the setting while you are at it! A new stone can breathe life into an old ring, especially if the band itself fits you perfectly. There are all sorts of ways a skilled jeweler can freshen up your bridal jewelry.
If you have only grown more attached to the original diamond anchoring your vintage ring, but the band itself is irritating your skin, you can have the band replated with rhodium or replaced altogether.
If you want something a bit more subtle, consider adding some side stones as enhancers. They can add just a little more character to the ring without having to do any major ring surgery to swap out center stones or bands.
Get an Entirely New Ring
Tastes change. Maybe it's time for a trade in. It might be that you weren’t sure exactly what you wanted at the time of the engagement (in terms of jewelry — the marriage is working out exceedingly well, thank you very much). Maybe you were pressured into a passing trend, or maybe you didn’t want to take a chance on something quirky or extravagant in the midst of all the other wedding expenses, but now you want something of a higher quality. Well, now you do have that chance.
You can keep your original ring as a spare or repurpose it as a necklace pendant. Hand it down, even if it’s still in good condition but just no longer your style. That’s why Modern Gents creates beautiful rings at affordable prices, so you can easily upgrade to a brand new ring without having to worry about an expensive price tag!
Understanding Ring Value Over Time
When planning a wedding ring upgrade, remember that the true value of your ring isn’t just about the price tag. While your original engagement ring might have been chosen within the constraints of an entry-level salary, your new ring should reflect your current budget and refined tastes. Many couples find that upgrading to a larger center stone or adding intricate details to their wedding band becomes a meaningful way to mark career milestones or significant anniversaries.
Shop Smart to Find the Perfect Upgrade
Take time to research current trends and timeless styles before committing to your new ring. What seems fashionable now might not fit your taste in five years. Consider how your new ring will pair with your existing wedding band and whether you want to keep your original solitaire as an accent piece. Also, consider how different gemstone cuts could complement your hand shape. Emerald cut gems, for example, have an elongating effect on the fingers.
An Upgrade That Has a Nice Ring to It
Whether your wedding ring upgrade is the result of immediate dissatisfaction with your initial wedding jewelry selection or the unfolding of a plan for anniversary gifts decades in the making, don’t hesitate to draw on your experience. Don’t accidentally downgrade your ring because you haven’t bothered to think through your preferences or explore your options in greater detail than the first time around. You’ve been together for years at this point. What’s the harm in taking a few extra weeks to make sure your new ring (or upgrade of your current ring) is to your exact specifications? If you want to have this new version for years as well, you ought to be choosy about it. Who’s gonna stop you?
And make sure that your partner is involved in the decision. Of course, you want to both be on the same page about the upgrade so no feelings get hurt. Before you replace the ring they gave you (or that you gave them), have a sense for how they will interpret the symbolism of the gesture!
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