Makeover Your Engagement Ring

Beth Bernstein

By Beth Bernstein | Jun 5th, 2016

Did you know that two style icons, Jackie Kennedy and the Duchess of Windsor, both reset their engagement rings? The First Lady added more diamonds and the Duchess of Windsor went for a more current shank than her original one. Although they both had emerald engagement rings, these legendary women proved that change can be for the better when it comes to your ring, diamonds or other precious gems.
Although a ring change can be rejuvenating for any happily married woman, it’s especially uplifting after a break-up, separation, or a divorce. Why not go for a little makeover? You can keep the stone and upgrade the setting or, better yet, sell your diamond and start fresh.

Here are some ideas for a new diamond that will transform the style of your ring and some suggestions should you love your original stone cut but want to go bigger or bolder in an entirely new style:

1. Trade Up to a Cushion Cut

Maybe your engagement ring of 10 years ago was inspired by Edwardian style with a round European cut diamond, engraving work and millegrain in a platinum setting. But today you love a cushion cut and want a ring to reflect who you are now—less encumbered, more lightweight and warm, attracted to the glow and character of gold. May we recommend this Penny Preville diamond halo ring with melee diamonds on the shank? This ring will allow you to shine like you should.

Penny Preville cushion cut halo ring.
Penny Preville cushion cut halo ring.

2. Go Delicate with a Rose Cut

If you have a traditional diamond in a cathedral setting that rises high off the finger and you long for something that’s lower profile with more individuality, you should consider a rose cut diamond in a ring that evokes earlier times, yet shows a mix of vintage and modern details. Trade up your plain round diamond ring for this style by Sofia Kaman with a pear-shape rose cut. It is a mix of intricate gold work and diamonds surrounding it in a matte finish. It is the type of ring that will never go out of style and can be an heirloom for the next generation.

Sofia Kaman pear-shape rose cut diamond ring.
Sofia Kaman pear-shape rose cut diamond ring.

3. Supersize Your Round

If you want to keep your round diamond brilliant cut but would like a bigger stone and more extravagant setting than your classic prongs, there are many rings to choose from which you will only have to go slightly larger on the central diamond. For this type of look we recommend Erica Courtney’s ring of prong set halo of melee diamonds surrounded by a cluster of bezel set diamonds, with a diamond shank. This offers a much larger look, yet your desire to stay brilliant will sparkle brightly.

Erica Courtney diamond ring
Erica Courtney ring of prong set halo of melee diamonds surrounded by a cluster of bezel set diamonds.

Beth Bernstein

Beth Bernstein


Beth is an author and journalist whose articles have appeared in The Jewellery Editor, Four Seasons Magazine, Accent, InDesign, Departures, Elite Traveler, Lustre, and The Huffington Post.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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