Diamond Rings: Scaling Up An Engagement Ring
There are many reasons that couples upgrade their engagement rings. Perhaps one married young and could not afford a respectable sized diamond. Perhaps the engagement ring was an heirloom, and one wants a change in style. Perhaps the ring was perfect when one got married, but one really would like something more now. Or maybe there’s an important anniversary coming up, and an upgrade would mark the occasion beautifully.
Diamond Rings: Keeping the Setting
The first place to visit would be the same store that the ring came from. Jewellery shops often have an upgrade policy as long as the diamond is not damaged in any way. They will take the gem back – if not at full value, then at least at 75% of its value. If you want to keep the setting for sentimental reasons, the jeweller will have to see if it is possible to fit a larger diamond into the same setting. Often it is not and you will have to have an entirely new ring made, perhaps a copy of the old setting if desired? You could also get an entirely new ring in a different design, and keep the old setting with another gem fitted into it, to wear on your right hand. This works well with an antique ring or an heirloom. The old setting is retained exactly as it was, the diamond gets a beautiful new modern setting and both become heirlooms!
Diamond Rings: Keeping the Diamond
Say you would like to keep the diamond – it marked a very special day in your life and you’re not parting with it. Three stone rings are becoming increasingly popular now, a symbol of the past, present and future. If you would like a larger diamond, then your present one could become the “past” in your new ring. A larger diamond would be in the centre with the old precious one and another of the same size, on both sides of it. If you like the size of your beloved diamond, then two others the same size (or slightly smaller) can be set on either side of it. An entirely new setting could enhance the diamond, maybe a pavé setting, maybe channel set stones on both sides. Just browsing on the Internet will show you the most incredible array of designs available – you then just have to locate the jeweller, try the ring on (does it look as good on your finger as it does in the ad?) and make the decision.
Diamond Rings: Keeping the Ring
And maybe, you just want to keep the ring. It’s beautiful, it means the world to you and you want to wear it always. But you want to add to it in some way, make it more than it is. You will be happy to know that most jewellers keep a variety of “diamond ring enhancers”. These are usually eternity or half eternity bands that will match your ring. Princess cut diamonds to match an emerald or Asscher cut diamond, round diamonds that will usually match any diamond, or even trilliant cut diamonds to match an unusual cut, like a pear cut diamond. These smaller diamonds can be channel set, though the common prong set is prettier. You can have two bands, on either side of your ring or maybe just one band. They usually fit snugly with your ring, literally “enhancing” it.