All You Need to Know About Resetting Your Engagement Ring

Deciding to reset your diamond engagement ring is a personal and often symbolic choice. Your decision in desiring a new design could reflect current life circumstances, changes in your personal style, or relationship milestones. You could modernize an heirloom diamond, enhance your ring’s aesthetic with additional stones, or commemorate a significant event like an anniversary or vow renewal with your new engagement ring reset.

You may want to increase the carat size to a larger diamond because your finances didn’t allow for that when you first received your engagement ring. Maybe you’d like to exchange a lab grown diamond for a natural diamond.

Over time, rings can suffer from wear and tear. Ring resetting can repair damage or reinforce the ring to prevent future issues. It’s possible you need an engagement ring reset because your ring needs to be resized or adjusted for comfort, especially if your finger size changes over time. Resetting an engagement ring and wedding band can address these issues while also updating the style of the wearer.

Ultimately, resetting diamond rings allows you to breathe new life into a cherished piece of jewelry. The process of a ring reset can transform your old ring into a more meaningful and tailored expression of your love story, ensuring it continues to resonate with you for years to come. 

Engagement Ring Reset Ideas

Resetting a diamond ring is the process of changing the ring setting of the diamond or altering the design of the ring. The following are some different ways to alter the design of your ring or reset a diamond ring.

Change the Setting Style

Prong Settings: Prong settings can be switched to a different prong style–-like changing from a four prong to a six prong. It could also be changing the precious metal of the prongs.

Bezel Settings: Using a bezel setting changes the appearance of your ring by surrounding the diamond with a metal rim, offering a sleek and modern look.

Halo Setting: Take a solitaire diamond ring and create a new setting by adding a halo of smaller diamonds around the center stone for added sparkle and a larger appearance. The first ring is a typical halo style and the second ring features a hidden halo.

Tension Setting: The diamond appears to be held in place by the tension of the metal band, giving a floating effect.

Add Accent Stones

Side Stones: Change your engagement ring setting by adding side stones. Smaller diamonds or gemstones can be added on either side of the main diamond.

Below are some examples of changing up your wedding band style. Wedding bands can have accent stones by incorporating a side stone as shown in these eternity bands. Below is a round stone eternity band, a baguette diamond eternity band, and an emerald cut diamond eternity band.

Three Stone Setting: A three stone ring features the central gemstone with two smaller gemstones on either side. Adding the side stones gives extra bling to your original diamond. Colored gemstones are also a great option.

East to West Setting or Toi Et Mois: Give your ring a modern look by having the gemstone set in an East to West setting as seen in the pear cut ring and radiant cut ring. Or you could elect to go with a duo ring which has its own unique personality and style.

Pave Setting: Add a band of small diamonds along the shank of the ring or around the center diamond for extra sparkle.

Change the Band

Change up your engagement ring or wedding ring by changing the precious metal–i.e. from yellow gold to white gold (as seen below), platinum or rose gold. You could add personal engravings or designs to the band for a unique touch.

Modify the shank of the ring by using a twisted or split design.

Change to a statement wide wedding band.

Custom Engagement Ring

One way to reset diamond rings is by having a new design custom engagement ring created by a reputable jeweler. An experienced jeweler can create your own special custom design engagement ring. Your options could include choosing to go with your original diamond, changing to a different shape diamond, using a larger diamond, by adding accents like additional gemstones, or adding an eternity band. 

A custom designed ring will allow you to have a new ring that is a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects the wearer’s style and personality. You can choose every detail, from the type of precious metal to the shape, size and setting of the stones with your custom jewelry.

Change the Diamond Shape

An engagement ring takes on a completely different look just by changing the shape of the diamond. You could choose to update your original diamond with a new diamond by changing it to a round diamond cut, an emerald cut, oval cut, marquise cut diamond, pear cut, etc.

Repurpose the Original Diamond

If you are thinking about not using your original diamond for your new engagement ring, you may want to consider repurposing the diamond into another piece of fine jewelry. For example, you could have the diamond set into a necklace pendant or bracelet design.

Additional Considerations

Here are a few extra considerations to keep in mind when deciding to update your diamond engagement ring.

Condition of the Diamond

Have the diamond inspected by a jeweler to ensure it’s in good condition. The resetting process can expose flaws or damage to your original diamond.

If the original diamond has lost its luster or has visible imperfections, a jeweler may suggest re-polishing it before resetting to enhance its visual appeal in the new design. The jeweler may also recommend a setting that hides or minimizes visible flaws to improve the diamond’s appearance.

The size and shape of the diamond may limit or inspire certain types of setting styles. You may want to consider if you want to use the original diamond or repurpose it and select a new diamond for your new engagement ring.

Design Choices and Cost Considerations

The cost of resetting a diamond can range in price depending on the complexity of the new design and the jeweler's expertise. If you are switching to a more expensive precious metal, adding additional diamonds or gemstones, expect to pay more. 

Not all diamonds are suited for every setting. If choosing to keep your original diamond, the jeweler may need to make adjustments to the setting or design to ensure your gemstone fits securely. The complexity or simplicity of the jewelry design will have an impact on your overall cost with your ring redesign.

The decision to create a custom design ring, or choosing from pre-designed settings offered by the jeweler will impact your budget differently.

Partial Versus Full Reset

Sometimes small adjustments or enhancements can refresh the ring without a full reset. With a partial reset you can elect to change the setting, add accent stones, or modify the band. This will allow the wearer to refresh the look of their jewelry without completely altering its original essence.

A full reset involves completely redesigning the piece. This process may include creating a new design, repurposing the diamond, or starting over. A full reset is suited for those who want to completely transform their jewelry, whether to match new tastes, symbolize a new chapter in life, or create an entirely new custom piece.

Time Frame

Whether you are choosing to do a partial or full reset of your diamond engagement ring will impact the timeline of resetting diamond rings. This process could take several weeks depending on the design and the jeweler’s schedule. Make sure to plan accordingly if the ring is needed for a special occasion.

Jeweler’s Expertise

We highly recommend choosing a jewelry store that has a skilled jeweler. Resetting a diamond is a delicate process. You will want to choose a reputable jeweler that has experience and a good reputation.

Final Thoughts

Resetting a diamond ring is more than just a cosmetic update; it’s an opportunity to infuse new meaning and personal significance into a cherished piece of jewelry. Whether opting for a partial reset to make subtle enhancements or a full reset to completely transform the design, the process allows you to create a ring that better reflects your current style, life milestones or evolving relationship.

By working with a skilled jeweler, you can ensure that the reset not only rejuvenates your ring’s appearance, but also preserves its sentimental value, making it a timeless symbol of your journey together.

At the Estate Watch and Jewelry Company, we have the skill and expertise to help you. Our jewelers have the experience and reputation you need to get your ring reset. We can assist you with a partial or full reset. We can help you create your own custom design. We will guide you with any questions you may have about the process. We love helping our customers create a beautiful and meaningful engagement ring and wedding band! Come see us today!