Wedding Ring Upgrade Guide: Tips, Trends & Smart Ideas

Thinking about a wedding ring upgrade?

Whether it’s for an anniversary, a new milestone, or simply a fresh start, upgrading your ring is easier (and more meaningful) than you might think.

Here are the key things to know:

• You don’t have to replace your ring, you can reset your diamond or add to it
• Lab-grown diamonds make larger center stones more affordable than ever
• Style upgrades like halos, hidden halos, and new metals can transform your look
• Trade-ins aren’t always the best deal, get an independent appraisal first
• Custom designs often cost less than big-box “designer” rings and give you full control

At Mikado Diamonds, we specialize in wedding ring upgrades that honor your story while bringing it into this chapter of your life. From larger lab-grown diamonds to custom settings, we’ll guide you through every step without pressure, gimmicks, or overpriced trade-in traps.

Keep reading to discover your upgrade options, and how to fall in love with your ring all over again.

Your Options for a Wedding Ring Upgrade

When couples first start thinking about a wedding ring upgrade, the biggest question is: where do we begin? The good news is, you don’t have to replace your ring entirely unless you want to.

There are multiple upgrade paths, each with its own benefits depending on your budget, lifestyle, and sentimentality.

Resetting Your Original Diamond

For many, the diamond itself holds deep meaning; it’s the stone you proposed with, the one that started your story. But that doesn’t mean the setting can’t evolve. Resetting lets you keep the original diamond while giving it a fresh new stage to shine on.

Some of the most popular reset options include:

• Halo or hidden halo settings for added sparkle and the illusion of a larger center stone.
• Pavé bands that create extra brilliance and a more modern feel.
• Side-stone enhancers to elevate the look without losing the integrity of your original diamond.

Adding to Your Current Ring

Sometimes the upgrade isn’t about changing your engagement ring at all. It’s about adding to it. Stackable bands are one of the most versatile ways to evolve your wedding set. Whether you choose a complementary band in the same metal or mix metals for contrast, stacking creates a contemporary, layered look.

Other meaningful additions include:

• Eternity or anniversary bands to mark milestones.
• Engraving with vows, dates, or even a shared inside joke to personalize your ring without altering its original design.

This approach is ideal for couples who want to celebrate their journey while keeping the foundation of their original ring intact.

Trading In or Selling Your Old Ring

Trade-ins can feel tempting, especially when jewelers advertise “full credit” toward your next purchase.

But here’s the catch: most big-box jewelers require you to spend double your original purchase to access that credit. That leaves many couples feeling trapped in overpriced designs.

A smarter path is getting an independent appraisal before committing to any trade-in offer. Too often, stones are undervalued by retailers, counting on customers not knowing their market worth.

Buying an Entirely New Ring

For some, a fresh start feels right. Maybe your style has changed so dramatically that a reset won’t cut it. Or maybe you want to design something bold and new while keeping your original ring as a treasured keepsake.

Options here include:

• Creating a new custom ring that reflects your current style, career, or milestone.
• Repurposing your old ring into a pendant or earrings so it continues to be worn with pride.
• Heirloom planning, some couples choose to keep both rings so each child can inherit one later, turning the upgrade into a legacy.

Popular Wedding Ring Upgrade Styles & Trends

When it comes to wedding ring upgrades, style isn’t just about fashion; it’s about finding a design that reflects who you are today. Over the years, I’ve seen clear trends emerge, especially as lab-grown diamonds and custom design have made once “unreachable” options accessible.

Bigger Center Stones

One of the most noticeable shifts in recent years is the move toward larger diamonds. Couples who may have started with a modest stone now find themselves dreaming of a 2, 3, or even 4-carat upgrade.

The rise of lab-grown diamonds has fueled this trend, making larger stones more affordable without sacrificing quality. I’ve seen average carat sizes steadily increase year after year, proof that couples want “wow factor” without the weight of outdated price rules like the old “three months’ salary” guideline.

Fancy Diamond Shapes

If round was once king, today’s upgrades show a much more diverse taste. Ovals and radiants remain favorites because of their elongated brilliance, while emerald cuts are loved for their clean, timeless elegance. 

Pears add romantic flair, and more adventurous clients are falling for rare shapes like kite, lozenge, and hexagonal cuts.

What’s powerful about changing the shape of your center stone is how dramatically it transforms the entire look of the ring, even without increasing size. The same carat weight in an oval or radiant can look far larger than a round, which makes shape a smart upgrade decision.

Halo & Hidden Halo Settings

Halos remain one of the most requested upgrades, and for good reason: they instantly amplify the size of your center diamond while adding extra sparkle from every angle.

Hidden halos are another rising trend. They tuck a delicate ring of diamonds just beneath the center stone’s basket, adding brilliance when viewed from the side. It’s a subtle, elegant way to make your ring feel more luxurious without overwhelming the main diamond.

Many of Mikado’s most popular upgrade designs include halos or hidden halos because they strike the perfect balance between size illusion and sophistication.

Metals in Demand

Metal choice can completely redefine the look of a ring. For years, white gold dominated the upgrade space. But lately, yellow gold has made a strong resurgence, loved for its warmth and vintage-inspired appeal.

Two-tone designs are also gaining popularity, allowing couples to blend white and yellow gold or platinum for versatility. It’s a practical trend too, two-tone rings pair well with a wider range of jewelry, watches, and daily wear.

Colored Diamonds

For those seeking something truly unique, colored diamonds are becoming a go-to choice. Thanks to lab-grown technology, vibrant pinks, yellows, blues, and even greens are now within reach without the astronomical pricing of mined fancy colors.

Step-by-Step: How to Upgrade Your Wedding Ring

Upgrading your wedding ring doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Breaking it down into clear steps helps you move from “where do I even start?” to confidently holding the ring you’ve been dreaming about.

1. Define Your Goal

Start by asking: What do I want this upgrade to represent?

• A larger center stone for more presence.
• A different metal for a modern refresh.
• A sentimental redesign that honors the original stone.

Clarity on your goal ensures you won’t get swept into trends or pressured into something that doesn’t truly fit your story.

2. Get an Appraisal

Before trading in or redesigning, know exactly what you have. An independent appraisal will reveal your diamond’s current market value, including any value in the setting (gold or platinum). Too many couples walk into trade-in deals blind, only to realize later they were undervalued.

3. Explore Upgrade Paths

With your appraisal in hand, review the main options:

• Resetting your original diamond into a new setting.
• Trading in or selling your current ring.
• Buying a new ring while repurposing the old one into a pendant, earrings, or an heirloom.

Each path has pros and cons, but the right choice will depend on your goal, budget, and sentimental attachment.

4. Choose a Trusted Jeweler

This is where many couples stumble. Big-box jewelers often rely on high-pressure sales tactics and restrictive trade-in policies that push you to spend more than you planned.

A trusted jeweler should offer transparent pricing, open conversation, and guidance that prioritizes beauty and meaning over commission.

5. Involve Your Partner

Unlike the original engagement ring, which may have been a surprise, upgrades are often best done together. 

Having both voices in the decision ensures the upgrade feels like a shared milestone, not a replacement.

6. Finalize Design + Timeline

Once you’ve chosen your upgrade path, confirm the design and ask about production timelines. Some jewelers can turn around a redesign in just a few weeks, while others may take longer, depending on customizations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Upgrading

Upgrading your wedding ring should feel exciting, not like a financial gamble or a decision you’ll second-guess down the road.

After helping countless couples through this process, I’ve noticed the same mistakes come up again and again. Avoiding them will save you stress, money, and regret.

Rushing Into Trendy Cuts

Every few years, a “hot” diamond shape or style makes waves on social media. The problem?

Many of those trends fade quickly, leaving you with a design that feels dated. Instead of chasing what’s popular today, focus on shapes and settings that reflect your personal style and will stand the test of time.

Accepting Trade-In Offers Without Independent Valuation

One of the most costly mistakes is walking into a trade-in without knowing your diamond’s true value. Big-box stores often undervalue stones and use policies that lock you into spending far more than planned.

An independent appraisal gives you leverage and ensures you’re making a fair, informed decision.

Assuming Bigger Is Always Better

Carat weight gets all the attention, but a poorly cut large diamond will never sparkle like a smaller, well-cut stone.

Cut quality directly impacts brilliance, and often delivers more beauty than size alone. Think of it this way: a lively, perfectly cut diamond can outshine a dull, oversized stone every time.

Overlooking Lifestyle

Your daily life should guide your upgrade. If you’re in healthcare, fitness, or hands-on work, a high-prong solitaire may constantly snag or require cleaning.

In these cases, sturdier designs like bezel or flush settings make far more sense. A ring should complement your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Believing “Custom” = Expensive

This is one of the biggest myths in jewelry. Many couples assume that commissioning a custom ring will cost more than buying a designer brand.

The reality? Custom often costs less while giving you total control over design, quality, and meaning. At Mikado, custom upgrades are one of the smartest investments you can make.

Ready to Upgrade Your Ring?

Your wedding ring is more than jewelry, it’s your story. And stories evolve. Whether you’re dreaming of a bigger lab-grown diamond, a fresh setting, or a completely new design, an upgrade is your chance to fall in love with your ring all over again.

At Mikado Diamonds, we make the process clear, pressure-free, and deeply personal. From expert guidance to custom design, you’ll get a ring that feels like you, today, tomorrow, and always.

Book a free consultation today and let’s create an upgrade that celebrates where your love story is headed next.

FAQs About Wedding Ring Upgrades

When couples start exploring wedding ring upgrades, the same questions come up again and again. Here are clear, honest answers to help you feel confident as you decide what’s right for you.

Can I upgrade if I didn’t buy my ring from the same jeweler?

Yes. Many jewelers, including independent specialists like us at Mikado, work with rings purchased elsewhere. Big-box stores often limit trade-in options to rings originally bought with them. But a good jeweler should offer guidance and solutions regardless of where your ring came from.

What happens to the platinum band during trade-in?

Platinum, like gold, holds its own value. In many cases, it can be credited separately during trade-ins or repurposed into your new design. Before you agree to any trade, make sure the jeweler accounts for both the stone and the metal; you don’t want hidden value left on the table.

How do I balance sentimentality vs. wanting something totally new?

This is one of the most common struggles. The truth is, you don’t have to choose one over the other. Many clients keep their original ring intact as a keepsake or heirloom, while creating a completely new ring for daily wear.

Others repurpose the original stone into a pendant or earrings so it stays close without competing with the new ring. Both paths honor your love story.