Here's Everything You Need to Know to Upgrade Your Engagement Ring

Something old is made new again.
Woman trying on different engagement rings
Photo: Serhii Bobyk | Shutterstock
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by
Carli Brennan
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Carli Brennan
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Carli writes freelance fashion articles for The Knot.
  • Prior to The Knot, she was the style section editor at Her Campus Media and launched the Fashion Institute of Technology chapter of Her Campus.
  • Carli’s passion for the wedding industry stems from her time as a bridal consultant and her previous internship in a bridal showroom.
Updated Jan 20, 2025

While by no means a requirement, many couples choose to upgrade their engagement ring as a special way to commemorate an anniversary milestone or simply as a way to update their ring to reflect their current style. Just as trends change, your personal style changes over the years, so it's okay if you don't necessarily resonate with the style of your engagement ring anymore. There are plenty of ways to hold on to the sentimental value of your ring while making room for something new. Whether this means modifying the original ring or choosing an entirely new ring, the options are endless. If you're not sure where to start, The Knot Vendor Marketplace is an amazing resource to find local jewelers to help guide the process.

In this article:

Is It Okay to Upgrade Your Engagement Ring?

The short answer is yes! While it's entirely a matter of personal preference, it is totally acceptable to upgrade your engagement ring. If you love your ring, then there's no reason to upgrade. However, just as trends change, your style changes over time and it's okay if your ring simply doesn't feel like "you" anymore. Whether you opted for a trendy ring that no longer resonates with you or just prefer a different style, upgrading your engagement ring from the one you originally received doesn't devalue its meaning. Many couples may also choose to upgrade their engagement ring if their financial situation has changed and they want to splurge on a ring that may not have initially been in their budget. No matter the reason, your engagement ring is yours and you get to decide whether or not you want to upgrade it.

When to Upgrade Your Engagement Ring

While you can choose to upgrade your engagement ring at any time, it is common to do so for certain milestone occasions, such as a big anniversary or vow renewal. Another time to upgrade your engagement ring is for a milestone birthday or for the birth of a child.

Ideas for How to Upgrade Your Engagement Ring

There are countless ways, big and small, to upgrade your engagement ring. From changing out the stones to entirely buying a new ring, the choice is yours!

1. Adding Additional Stones

If you want to upgrade your solitaire engagement ring, adding stones on either side will add extra sparkle. You can opt for diamonds or even unique gemstones if you'd prefer a pop of color. A three-stone engagement ring is said to symbolize a couple's past, present and future, so this is especially meaningful for a milestone anniversary.

2. Change the Setting

A new engagement ring setting will make your ring look brand new. Many families pass down engagement rings through generations, so it is a common practice to keep the heirloom diamond but in a new setting as styles change over the years. This engagement ring upgrade idea allows you to keep the sentimental value of your original diamond while getting a stylish update.

3. Change the Center Stone

If you would prefer to keep your original setting, you can also swap out the center stone for a new one. Change the size of the stone, the shape of the stone or even what kind of stone you use altogether. If you opt for a new center stone for your engagement ring upgrade, you can still hold on to your original diamond and bring it to your jeweler to create something entirely new, like a necklace or bracelet, so you can carry its memories with you in a new way.

4. Add a Ring Enhancer

Ring enhancers allow you to keep the original ring entirely intact while a new ring sits flush around it to give the illusion of a new ring. You can visit a local jeweler and try on ring enhancer options until you find one that matches your ring or have one custom-made. The important part is to make sure your ring enhancer goes with the style and metal color of your original ring so that it looks like one cohesive piece.

5. Choose a New Ring

If you're not feeling inspired to make any modifications to your ring, you may want to consider upgrading to an entirely new ring. While you may be hesitant to let go of your original ring, think of this as a new chapter for you and your spouse. It's okay if your style has changed over the years and you shouldn't feel guilty about wanting your ring to reflect that. Think of this new ring as the beginning of even more new memories for you and your spouse. While it may not be the original ring they proposed with, your new ring can become an heirloom you'll pass down for generations. You can buy your dream engagement ring from a jeweler or even design a custom engagement ring if you're looking for something entirely unique.

6. Add an Additional Halo

If your ring features a diamond halo, you can upgrade it by adding an additional halo for even more megawatt sparkle. You can even add a hidden halo underneath your ring for a subtle way to enhance your original ring.

7. Add a Pop of Color

Sprinkling in a few colored gemstones is a great way to add a personalized touch to your ring. We love the idea of adding your children's or spouse's birthstones as a sentimental addition to your ring. A colorful halo would also be a beautiful addition to a solitaire engagement ring.

8. Change Your Band Material

You can maintain the design integrity of your ring while swapping out the engagement ring metal used on the band. Typically, engagement rings are made of either gold or platinum. While platinum bands retain a shiny, bright white color, there are three main types of gold: white gold, yellow gold and rose gold.

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