Upgrade Engagement Ring: Before & After Inspiration

Thinking about upgrading your engagement ring?

You’re evolving. And your ring can, too. Whether you’re craving more sparkle, better durability, or something that finally feels like you, an upgrade is a chance to honor your story, not rewrite it.

I’ve worked with hundreds of couples at every stage, from just engaged to 20th anniversaries. 

And here’s what I know. Your ring should grow with you. This guide isn’t about trends or pressure. It’s about showing what’s possible, with zero guilt and all the glow.

Let’s talk about what really happens when you upgrade your engagement ring. The emotions, the options, the “before and after” inspiration. And how to make the process feel meaningful instead of overwhelming.

Why People Upgrade Their Engagement Rings

Your ring tells a story, but stories evolve.

For some, the original ring was chosen quickly, during a time of tighter budgets or limited options. Others picked something that felt “right at the time” but doesn’t quite match who they are now.

Styles change. Lives change. It’s okay for your ring to reflect that.

Maybe you’ve celebrated ten years of marriage. Maybe you’ve weathered something big, starting a family, beating cancer, or hitting a new career high. An upgraded ring can symbolize that strength, that growth, that next chapter.

I’ve worked with couples who finally had the freedom to choose what they really wanted, not just what they could afford back then.

For them, the upgrade wasn’t about excess. It was about expression.

And yet, one of the most common things I hear is:

“Should I feel guilty for wanting something different?”

No. You’re not replacing the love or the moment. You’re adding to it. Honoring it. You don’t need permission to want something that feels more you.

Think of it this way. Just because the story started with one chapter doesn’t mean it has to end there.

What Happens to the Original Ring?

One of the biggest questions people ask is: “What do I do with the original ring?” And right behind it.

“What if I still love it?”

Here’s the truth. It’s not an either/or decision. You can love your original ring and still be ready for something new. The two aren’t in competition. They represent different versions of the same story.

Many of our clients keep the original as-is and upgrade separately. Some wear the old one on their right hand, creating what we affectionately call the “married me twice” look. 

Others pass it down, turning it into a future heirloom for a daughter or son.

If the diamond still holds deep sentimental value but the setting doesn’t fit your style or lifestyle anymore, repurposing it into a necklace or pair of earrings is a beautiful way to keep it close without forcing it to fit.

Of course, trading in or selling is also an option. 

Just know: resale value isn’t usually high, especially for older mined stones or mass-market settings. But if that helps fund the ring you’ve always dreamed of? It can still be a meaningful decision.

The point is, there’s no single “right” path. What matters is honoring what the ring meant then, while embracing what you want now.

The Before & After: Real Upgrade Stories

One of the first things people ask is:

“Do you have before and after pictures?”

You don’t need a photo gallery to imagine what’s possible. I’ve helped hundreds of couples upgrade their rings, and while every story is different, the feeling at the end is always the same: “Now it feels like me.”

There’s the woman who kept her original diamond but reset it into a hidden halo; suddenly, the same stone shimmered like never before.

Or the couple who turned an inherited marquise ring into a sleek platinum bezel setting, transforming an heirloom into something durable enough for daily life.

Another client had always wanted a radiant cut, but settled for a round due to budget. When she saw the size and sparkle she could get with a lab-grown radiant, she said it felt like reclaiming a piece of herself.

And then there’s the client who split her original ring into a pendant and a new engagement set, giving her daughter a keepsake and herself a fresh start.

These upgrades weren’t just cosmetic. They were affirming. Whether it was about comfort, symbolism, or style, each transformation told a richer story, without erasing the one that came before.

How to Upgrade Your Engagement Ring: Options Explained

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to upgrading your engagement ring.

Some people want to preserve the emotional core of their original piece. Others are ready for a clean slate. Most fall somewhere in between.

At Mikado, I walk clients through three main paths. No pressure, just possibilities.

1. Resetting the Stone

This is one of the most popular choices for sentimental reasons. You keep your original diamond but give it a brand-new home.

That might mean:

• Switching from prongs to a bezel for more security

• Changing the band to a different metal, like upgrading from white gold to platinum or rose gold

• Adding a halo or pavé side stones to boost sparkle and presence

It’s a powerful way to honor the past while embracing a style that fits who you are now.

2. Swapping the Stone

Sometimes, it’s time for something entirely new.

Maybe you started with a 1ct round because that’s what fit the budget. Today? A 3–5ct lab-grown radiant or emerald-cut diamond is within reach, and it can feel like a whole new chapter.

And let’s be honest.

Fancy shapes are booming thanks to lab-grown diamonds.

With better access to larger, more affordable stones, people are trading up not just in size, but in personality. They are opting for ovals, radiants, and elongated cuts that feel more modern and expressive.

3. Creating a Whole New Ring

Yes, you can start from scratch.

And no, it doesn’t mean throwing away the past. Many clients design an entirely new ring while keeping their original one intact, sometimes to wear on special occasions, other times to pass down.

Or you might ask,

“Can I keep the same band and just upgrade the stone?”

Absolutely. If your band still feels right, we can fit it with a new center stone that aligns with your current style and goals.

Whether you’re upgrading one piece or redesigning the whole set, the point isn’t perfection; it’s personalization.

Designing an Upgrade That Still Feels Meaningful

Many of the most powerful upgrades I’ve worked on start with preserving the symbolism. Maybe you keep the original diamond or echo the shape and silhouette in the new design.

Maybe you carry over a detail from the original setting, a hidden halo, an engraving, or a vintage-style prong, into a fresh interpretation.

Other clients choose to personalize their new ring with subtle, secret details:

• A partner’s birthstone tucked into the gallery

• An engraved message only visible to the wearer

• The original wedding date etched inside the band

Some women describe their first ring as a “starter ring”, chosen during a younger, more budget-conscious chapter.

They’re not erasing that memory; they’re adding to it with something that feels earned, evolved, and emotionally aligned with where they are now.

That’s what makes a meaningful upgrade. Not just what it looks like, but what it represents.

What No One Tells You About Ring Upgrades

Let me say something upfront.

You don’t need to earn the right to upgrade your engagement ring.

You don’t have to wait for a milestone, a certain number of years, or some external validation. If your ring no longer feels like a reflection of who you are, or if it never really did, you’re allowed to want something different.

Now, here’s what I wish more people knew going into the process:

1. Not All Jewelers Are Transparent

Be wary of inflated “trade-in” values or vague pricing on custom work. Some jewelers use upgrades as an excuse to upsell, not to serve.

Look for clear communication, direct-to-consumer pricing, and someone willing to explain the why behind every quote.

2. Durability Matters More Than Daintiness

Many people upgrade not just for sparkle, but for strength. Delicate, high-prong settings can snag or bend. If you wear your ring daily (and most of us do), prioritize a design that holds up, like a low-profile setting or bezel. You can still have elegance without fragility.

And here’s the big one:

Questions You Should Ask Before Upgrading

Upgrading your engagement ring isn’t just about picking a new design; it’s about making informed, confident choices.

Here are a few key questions to bring to your consultation (or start asking yourself right now):

How long will the upgrade take?

Most custom resets take 4–6 weeks from concept to finished ring. If you have a specific date in mind, like an anniversary or vow renewal, let your jeweler know early. At Mikado, we’ll always give you an upfront timeline and stay in close touch along the way.

Can I see renderings or mockups first?

Absolutely, and you should insist on it. Visualizing the design is critical. We provide sketches and 3D renderings before anything is made, so you can feel confident the final ring will match your vision.

What’s the difference between resetting and remounting?

Resetting means placing your existing stone into a completely new setting. Remounting usually refers to structural changes, like replacing the head, prongs, or shank, without overhauling the full ring. Both are great options depending on your goals.

What setting suits my lifestyle?

If you’re active, travel a lot, or work with your hands, a low-profile or bezel setting is often a safer bet. High-prong styles are beautiful, but they can snag on sweaters and other objects. Think about your daily routine before finalizing your design.

And finally, the quiet fear many won’t say aloud.

How to Find a Jeweler You Can Trust

Let’s be honest, choosing someone to redesign your engagement ring can feel just as nerve-wracking as picking the ring itself. You’re handing over something with emotional weight and trusting someone to bring your next chapter to life.

So how do you make sure it’s in good hands?

Start with how it feels.

You want pressure-free consultations, not showroom theatrics. A good jeweler won’t push you toward the most expensive option or bury you in jargon. They’ll listen.

Ask questions. Understand your lifestyle, your taste, and your emotional connection to the original ring.

Ask about their experience.

Have they worked on custom resets before?

Do they show you previous transformations, not just generic styles?

Here, redesigns and upgrades are a major part of what we do. Whether it’s a subtle reset or a full overhaul, we treat every piece with the respect it deserves.

And prioritize someone who explains, not just sells.

You should understand why a certain setting is recommended, how different stones compare, and what’s involved in the design process. If you feel talked over or confused? Walk away.

Ready to Upgrade? Here’s Your Next Step

Upgrading your engagement ring isn’t about forgetting the past; it’s about honoring how far you’ve come.

It’s about celebrating the life you’ve built, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the person you’ve grown into.

Whether that means more sparkle, more comfort, or just a style that finally feels like you, your ring should reflect your story, not freeze it in time.

We understand how personal this process is. That’s why every upgrade starts with a conversation, not a pitch. We’ll walk you through your options, show you sketches and renderings, and work together to create something meaningful, beautiful, and truly yours.

When you're ready to take that next step:

🔗 Explore custom upgrades with Mikado Diamonds
🔗 Book a no-pressure consultation

Because every great love story deserves a ring that keeps up.