How long to wear "test ring"?

[evergreen]

I have an anniversary coming up, and we have some discretionary budget to put to a new diamond! I have learned so much about what i like since we chose our original engagement diamond over a decade ago.

Like, for one... I like big diamonds. So, I was thinking to go for ~9mm (upper 2's to lower 3's carat), but knowing well that DSS is a thing, I bought a "test ring" with a 9mm something-or-other set in an antique-like low bezel setting (close enough to how I'd set it). My ring size is about 6.25.

I think it's gorgeous (I mean, except for the dead center stone ). I have alternately thought, "Ah, a bit big!" and "Ah, could be bigger!". But I have only been wearing it for about 4 hours.

For those who have experienced DSS or alternatively dissatisfaction about a ring that's too big, how long did that take? How long should I "research" with this test ring, before I should proceed? I figure it's easier/cheaper to patiently collect data than to upgrade from, e.g., 9mm to 10mm in a few years. There is no social pressure to go up in size, just my own inclinations.

 

[Kim N]

For me, it was somewhere between 2 weeks to a month. I'd try to wear it in all of your usual environments (at work, going to the grocery store, out to dinner, etc.).

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I have an anniversary coming up, and we have some discretionary budget to put to a new diamond! I have learned so much about what i like since we chose our original engagement diamond over a decade ago.

Like, for one... I like big diamonds. So, I was thinking to go for ~9mm (upper 2's to lower 3's carat), but knowing well that DSS is a thing, I bought a "test ring" with a 9mm something-or-other set in an antique-like low bezel setting (close enough to how I'd set it). My ring size is about 6.25.

I think it's gorgeous (I mean, except for the dead center stone ). I have alternately thought, "Ah, a bit big!" and "Ah, could be bigger!". But I have only been wearing it for about 4 hours.

For those who have experienced DSS or alternatively dissatisfaction about a ring that's too big, how long did that take? How long should I "research" with this test ring, before I should proceed? I figure it's easier/cheaper to patiently collect data than to upgrade from, e.g., 9mm to 10mm in a few years. There is no social pressure to go up in size, just my own inclinations.

Thst size does look very nice and well propositioned on your hand

 

[AprilBaby]

I had my 2.2 ct for about a week when it started looking small.

 

[anangel]

I have a 2.14 carat solitaire, roughly a 8.35 mm spread, and every time it starts to look small to me, I switch it up for a few days with a small ring. That being said, over 2 carats isn't super common where I am, so any larger would probably be assumed to be costume jewelry.
Is 3 carat pretty common where you are? If so, only your wallet may dictate if you want to go bigger

 

[yssie]

I wore my stone in a temp mount for about a year before having it reset into something permanent.

It's been six years since I got the stone and... I could go bigger. But I could also not. I think I want to go bigger. Eventually. No rush though. Maybe for a big birthday in five years. I'm very happy with my current stone... If going bigger doesn't work out, well, no biggie.

My studs, it's been nearly seven years. Zero angst to upsize. Not one single pang, not one solitary daydream. Turns out there *is* an end to DSS, even for the chronically ill like me

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

I upgraded my 1 carat engagement ring to 2 carats after about two months. Kept the 2 carat for about two years, but then it didn‘t appeal to me anymore. I traded it for a smaller diamond (0.70 ct) with higher quality plus a fancy setting. Lost that ring. Went back to 1 carat for the replacement ring. Four years later, kept my 1 carat but bought another 2 carat, except it’s an asscher so only a little above 7mm. Even that size just isn’t my style for everyday wear. The asscher comes out every few weeks notwithstanding how much I love it. Most of my subsequent purchases are under 6mm.

I just had this dilemma because I was debating getting a 7.5mm-ish LGD. I bought a moissy carat tester and knew right away that if I got another ring at that size it would not get worn. I would happily wear big diamonds every once in a while, but not often enough to sacrifice all the pretty little gems I wear every day.

So… four years?

Anyway, how wonderful to have a choice. Your tester looks great on you. Happy ring shopping. Post lots of pics throughout the process.

 

[evergreen]

@Kim N I wish this stone wasn't so DEAD, hahaha - it is a poorly cut CZ, I think, and the size continues to spark joy while the actual stone... bleh! So far so good with wearing it, though! I like the size on my hand, and I haven't whacked it into anything or been annoyed washing my hands or getting stuck on sweaters or whatever. I do not feel embarassed to wear it because it is too huge, for sure; handling THAT part quite smoothly.

@Daisys and Diamonds Thanks -- I think it "fits" me pretty well, too!

@AprilBaby that's helpful, thanks. (Also... bummer!)

@anangel Nobody I know has a diamond that size, but it's also not uncommon, if that makes sense -- I've definitely seen big rocks walking around! I have a ~8mm diamond set in a calibre-cut ruby halo and it doesn't feel too big to wear.

@yssie I think I might end up in the same camp of, "oh, perhaps in a few years or decade or big birthday or so..." forever and ever in my life. Your studs ARE JUST THAT GOOD so yay for finding an endpoint to "perhaps I could..?"

@oncrutchesrightnow I REFUSE TO WAIT 4 YEARS ...who'm i kidding, i am constitutionally UNABLE to wait 4 years...

But, ya'll, I do have a followup question: my dream would be a 9.5mm K-P color, SI1-2 that I can find the inclusion in but don't HAVE to notice, transitional cut, with table 55-60% and depth 55-60% , and it would have SBF/VSBF. Or, strong/very strong fluorescence of any color. For $15k or less. The first bits, I can probably find in a few weeks/months. The fluorescence? Maybe never, maybe tomorrow, nobody knows because it is going to be totally rare and idiosyncratic.

When you want something which might not exist, how long do you wait to decide to move forward when it isn't perfect? I could stretch the budget for fluorescence. I could give up on fluorescence for a really great deal on the other specs. But I totally worry that THE ONE PERFECT DIAMOND FOR ME will show up the day after I settle.

 

[Mreader]

I wore my stone in a temp mount for about a year before having it reset into something permanent.

It's been six years since I got the stone and... I could go bigger. But I could also not. I think I want to go bigger. Eventually. No rush though. Maybe for a big birthday in five years. I'm very happy with my current stone... If going bigger doesn't work out, well, no biggie.

My studs, it's been nearly seven years. Zero angst to upsize. Not one single pang, not one solitary daydream. Turns out there *is* an end to DSS, even for the chronically ill like me

Well we can see your studs from space @yssie so no surprise you don’t have DSS with those!