Where Did the Engagement Ring Upgrade Trend Start?
The trend of upgrading engagement rings began as couples started seeing their jewelry as living symbols of their relationship. What starts with a ring often grows, just like the love and partnership it represents. Traditionally, many couples began with modest rings due to financial constraints, with the intention of upgrading later.
Now, with the affordability of lab-grown diamonds, couples can build out their jewelry collection from the start—having both an everyday engagement ring and a statement piece for special moments. This flexibility matches today’s trend of celebrating personal milestones in more meaningful, customized ways. It's no longer just about the proposal—it’s about how your ring can continue to evolve with your story.
When Should You Upgrade an Engagement Ring?
There’s no right or wrong time—if it feels right, do it. Some couples wait until major anniversaries like their 10th or 20th, but many upgrade earlier when their financial situation improves or to celebrate milestones such as the birth of a child or a career achievement. Engagement ring upgrades aren’t just about tradition—they’re about capturing special moments, big or small, and aligning your jewelry with who you are today.
If you have many favorite diamond shapes, you can choose a new shape
for your upgrade and wear it with your original engagement ring for added glamour.
Why Would You Upgrade an Engagement Ring?
There are endless reasons. Some couples upgrade for sentimental purposes, such as adding birthstones or other meaningful stones. Others might want a higher-quality or larger diamond now that it's within reach.
As tastes and lifestyles change, couples may opt for a ring that better reflects their current aesthetic. Lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable and affordable way to make those dreams a reality, allowing couples to upgrade without compromising on luxury or ethics. Plus, they give you the freedom to explore bolder designs or larger carat sizes without the guilt associated with mined diamonds.
Restyling: Transforming Your Current Diamond into Something New
If your original engagement ring holds deep sentimental value, restyling it into something new is a fantastic way to honor the past while embracing the future. Restyling allows you to take the original diamond and use it in a new setting—perhaps one that better fits your taste or lifestyle today.
Many couples choose to reset their original stone into a modern design or combine it with additional lab-grown diamonds for a fresh look. You could also transform your engagement diamond into a pendant, right-hand ring, or even a stacking band. This approach not only preserves the sentimental value of the original piece but also gives it a new life, creating a perfect blend of the old and new.
What Part of the Ring Should You Upgrade?
The most popular upgrade involves swapping the center stone for a larger, more brilliant diamond. Others opt for a new band or change the entire setting to reflect their evolving style. Adding pavé diamonds or accent stones can also give your ring extra sparkle while maintaining its original essence.
A trend we love? Stacking your original engagement ring with your upgraded ring. This lets you keep the emotional significance of your first ring while adding something new to reflect your growth. Stacking offers versatility, giving you a layered look that can be customized for different moods and occasions.
Where to Start If You’re Considering an Upgrade
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with the meaning behind the upgrade. Are you looking for more sparkle with a larger diamond? A new setting that better suits your lifestyle? Or perhaps you want to add a complementary band to stack with your original ring?
Working with a jeweler who understands your style and story is key to ensuring the upgrade feels personal and intentional. If you’re not ready for a full redesign, consider smaller changes like resetting your original stone or adding a new band. Restyling offers a beautiful way to blend the old with the new—keeping the sentimental value intact while creating a modern piece you’ll love wearing every day.
Pro-Tip: Custom Design Your Ring
MiaDonna shopper Samantha needed style advice for her engagement ring and wedding band upgrade for her 15th wedding anniversary, but doesn’t live near MiaDonna’s store, so she took advantage of our virtual appointments to get customized shopping advice right in her living room.
Who Pays for the Upgrade?
There’s no set rule. Some partners choose to surprise their significant other with an upgrade, while others make the decision together and share the cost. In recent years, self-purchasing has become a popular option, with many women choosing to upgrade their engagement rings to celebrate personal achievements or milestones.
Whether the cost is shared, gifted, or self-funded, the focus is on creating a piece that reflects your journey and future together.
Make the Most of Your Engagement Ring Upgrade
With lab-grown diamonds, there’s no need to wait for the “perfect time” to upgrade your engagement ring. Whether you want to add a new ring to your collection, restyle your original stone, or design something entirely new, the possibilities are endless.
And don’t forget: You don’t have to say goodbye to your original engagement ring. Stack it with your new one for a chic, modern look that combines the sentiment of the past with the excitement of the future. At MiaDonna, we’re here to help you explore all the ways your engagement ring can evolve with your love story.
Ready to Upgrade or Restyle?
Explore our sustainable lab-grown diamonds and custom design options to create the engagement ring of your dreams. Whether you’re upgrading, restyling, or stacking, MiaDonna makes it easy to celebrate every chapter of your journey.
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