Looking for advice on diamond upgrade

[Septemberwedding]

Hi guys,

I’m new to this forum. I have a 0.5 ct solitaire engagement ring which my husband purchased as an upgrade to a 0.25 ct ring.
We are now talking about upgrading to 1ct and just wondered if you think it is possible to change the stone to a bigger size? Or would we have to get a completely new ring? I am quite attached to this ring and would prefer to modify it rather than purchase a new one as I don’t want the cost of this one to completely go to waste. Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[distracts]

You would have to get a new setting to change to a 1 ct. There is a possibility that a jeweler could add on to the prongs enough so that a 1 ct would fit, but it would probably end up looking weird due to the style. Fortunately a setting like that is not very expensive so it’s not a big cost. I would ask several local jewelers if they can do it.

If you think you may upgrade again and don’t want to change settings again, look into a peg head style. They’re not the favorite on here because they are never the most refined, but you can swap the part that holds the stone out for a different one if you change sizes or even shapes.

 

[Septemberwedding]

You would have to get a new setting to change to a 1 ct. There is a possibility that a jeweler could add on to the prongs enough so that a 1 ct would fit, but it would probably end up looking weird due to the style. Fortunately a setting like that is not very expensive so it’s not a big cost. I would ask several local jewelers if they can do it.

If you think you may upgrade again and don’t want to change settings again, look into a peg head style. They’re not the favorite on here because they are never the most refined, but you can swap the part that holds the stone out for a different one if you change sizes or even shapes.

Thank you so much for your response. I’ve inserted a picture of my other ring(0.25 ct). Does this setting have a peg head? Would they be be able to put a 1ct into that one? Or would it also look strange?

 

[sledge]

I really like your first setting alot. The way you have a lower bridge that swoops up for the prongs is a nice design. It works nice with the cathedral style shank.

Although it may be difficult to reuse, the good news is this design is available and fairly common so not overly expensive.

You mentioned the setting had meaning to you, so would it be worth the effort to have one or both your existing settings melted down and build a larger custom ring using the old metal?

The second setting won't work either. Even if you could swap the head, the larger diameter of the 1 carat stone will interfere with the shoulders. Below is a very crude sketch.

 

[sledge]

Some alternates if you buy new....

14K Gold Two-Tone 1.8mm Comfort Fit Modern Twisted Solitaire Engagement Ring

Represent the unifying love of marriage in this modern twisted design. The inner yellow gold band twists around itself to create a stunning base for a dazzling center stone, and provides a gorgeous contrast against the white gold outer band. The matching wedding band incorporates the same modern...

www.jamesallen.com

Vatche Venus Solitaire Engagement Ring | 2378

Elevate your proposal with the stunning Vatche Venus Solitaire Engagement Ring, featuring a brilliant diamond set in a sleek and timeless design. | 2378

www.whiteflash.com

X-Prong Trellis Solitaire Engagement Ring | 764

X-Prong Trellis Solitaire Engagement Ring. A piece that beautifully intertwines love and commitment. | 764

www.whiteflash.com

Royal Crown Solitaire Engagement Ring By Vatche | 347

Indulge in the Royal Crown Solitaire by Vatche. A majestic piece that embodies the essence of royal elegance and love. | 347

www.whiteflash.com

"Sisley" Solitaire Engagement Ring by Vatche | 1359

Sisley Solitaire Engagement Ring by Vatche. A solitaire ring that captures Vatche's elegance in the Sisley design. | 1359

www.whiteflash.com

14K Yellow 6.5 mm Round Solitaire Engagement Ring Mounting

122440 / Engagement Ring / 14K Yellow / Unset / Round / 6.5 mm / Polished / Solitaire Engagement Ring Mounting

www.stuller.com

 

[sledge]

Also, let us know if you need any help with finalizing your diamond decision.

Even if upgrading through a local store, you can snap pics of the certs, etc and we can help guide you to ensure you find a stone with the best cut/sparkle.

 

[Septemberwedding]

Also, let us know if you need any help with finalizing your diamond decision.

Even if upgrading through a local store, you can snap pics of the certs, etc and we can help guide you to ensure you find a stone with the best cut/sparkle.

Thank you so much for your help.
Do you think it would be more realistic to be able to fit perhaps 0.75ct into the first setting? I’m not completely obsessed with it being 1ct it was just a thought as so far the sizes have been doubling with each upgrade.

yes you’re right the settings mean a lot to me and I don’t like being wasteful and having several rings there not being used.

Unfortunately my finger is a size UK N US 6.75 and I’m London based so started to get“ring shrinkage” comparing others rings on my commute . If anyone has any ideas on how to appreciate what you have that would be great too! (Haha)

 

[distracts]

You can sell your settings for scrap metal price - I know that is not terribly sentimental, but at least you will get some money back. If you are keeping both or either diamond, perhaps you would like to put them in a simple pendant to wear, so they won't be sitting around unused.

 

[new-beginning]

please give up the idea of using your existing settings for a new diamong-better to use the setting for a colored stone/birthstone. Unless you would pick an emerald or sapphire, many beautiful colored stones are fairly inexpensive If you don't trade in your diamonds, simply leave them in the settings and have a jeweler add a few colored stones to the existing diamond rings. Now you have two right hand rings. Or have a pendant created to use the metal and the existing stones

 

[Septemberwedding]

Ok guys thank you for the help. @new-beginning that’s a great idea!