Have you ever secretly thought about redesigning or upgrading your engagement ring? You’re not the only one. Many women feel like they’ve outgrown their ring and long for one that better reflects their individualism and style.
An engagement ring is one of the most sentimental pieces of jewellery one can own. Some ladies feel guilty for regretting their choice or wanting a change. But it is only natural for your tastes to change and mature over the years.
As a jeweller, gemmologist and self-confessed jewellery addict, I actually have a few ‘engagement rings’ of my own. You see, as my passion for jewellery, style and circumstances have evolved over the years, so too has my jewellery. Each ring is very special and meaningful to me and I feel they really reflect my journey. Some of them feature gemstones that have been gifted to me. Others have been remodelled from sentimental pieces, combining their meaning and magic.
One of my favourite upgrades — my green tourmaline engagement ring.
If a change or an upgrade is what you’ve been longing for, let me help you with your decision by exploring the three main reasons why my customers have taken the plunge…
A change of heart (or taste)
Diamonds have been heavily marketed as the ultimate choice for an engagement ring. Many can feel pressured to purchase the best or biggest diamond they can afford in order for their ring to be worthy or loved.
Some of my customers who have approached me for a remodel absolutely adored their diamond ring when they got engaged. It may have been the first piece of ‘serious’ jewellery they owned. But deep in their heart of hearts, they always wanted to rock a magnificent coloured gemstone. Because unlike diamonds (which are stunning, but neither rare nor unique), coloured gemstones —
- are incredible evocative and rich in history, symbolism and meaning
- can influence mood and emotion
- are bold and sophisticated
- reflect one’s individualism, creativity and personal style
- catch the eye and spark conversation for years to come.
Some of my customers have retained their original ring and acquired a new one more reflective of their current tastes. Like me, they might alternate between wearing the two. Others have chosen to remodel their diamond rings and incorporate their favourite coloured gemstones by —
- retaining a central diamond and surrounding/flanking it with coloured gemstones or
- acquiring a larger coloured gemstone and surrounding/flanking with the original diamonds
Any remaining stones can be used to create another piece to complement their new ring, like a pair of matching earrings or a pendant.
A change in circumstances
Some of my customers married when they had love in their hearts, but little in the bank. They either settled for a modest ring or decided to wait until they could afford the ring they really wanted.
So when the time came, they either remodelled their original ring, adding some larger, more exciting stones, or went for a complete upgrade.
When I got engaged, I was delighted by the small ruby and diamond ring in yellow gold that my husband and I chose. But I had always longed for more ‘bling’. So eventually I repurposed the smaller, princess cut diamonds from my eternity ring into a pair of earrings and sourced a large pink tourmaline stone to create one of my favourite engagement rings.
My sublime pink tourmaline ring with diamonds repurposed from my original engagement ring.
Breathing new life into an old or damaged ring
A family heirloom ring is an especially sentimental piece of jewellery. But while the original owner may have adored and suited the ring, the same might not be true for the current owner. In addition, some of the stones might have suffered damage or the setting may have become fragile.
Remodelling a vintage ring can breathe new life and meaning into it by —
- improving on size, proportion and comfort
- replacing damaged stones
- offering greater durability and security
- integrating the current owner into the history of the ring.
Rock the ring you love while treasuring the relationship you have
Buying jewellery is so often an emotional purchase that reflects sentimental milestones in life. And an engagement ring can be the most sentimental of all. In my case, I see the changes I’ve made to my precious rings as ‘Natalie in progress’. And I am far more sentimental about my husband (who’s very happy that I haven’t had the urge to remodel or upgrade him!).
So my advice is, don’t be afraid of change or feel guilty about wanting to remodel or upgrade your engagement ring. Let it evolve and grow with your tastes, your life and your relationship!
