There’s something truly special about an engagement ring. It’s a symbol of love, commitment, and a shared future. But as life evolves, so do our tastes, styles, and circumstances. Whether you’ve celebrated a big anniversary, reached a financial milestone, or simply fallen in love with a new design, upgrading your ring is a meaningful way to reflect on how far you’ve come. It’s not always about replacing the past, but about building on it. It’s a way to reflect on how far you’ve come together and how your story continues to unfold.
If you’ve been thinking about giving your ring a refresh but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will explain everything you need to know before upgrading. We’ll walk through how to approach the process, what to consider, and how to ensure your new ring tells your story beautifully.
Thinking of upgrading your engagement ring?
If you’re dreaming of a fresh new ring, you’re not alone. Choosing a new engagement ring is a powerful way to acknowledge a new chapter in your love story. Maybe you’ve celebrated a major milestone or just feel like your ring no longer reflects your style. Whatever the reason, a new ring can feel like a natural extension of everything you’ve built together.
Modern rings offer more choice than ever before. From lab-grown diamond solitaires to vintage-inspired clusters and three-stone designs, there’s something to suit every aesthetic. You can opt for a style that feels more like you today; something that matches the way you dress, the way you live, and the way your love has grown.
Some couples keep their original ring as a keepsake, or transform it into another piece of jewellery like a pendant or a right hand ring. Others keep it tucked away as a memento while enjoying a new everyday ring. You could also get it remodeled to create a stunning pair of solitaire earrings, a diamond necklace or an eternity pendant. No matter what you choose to do with it, upgrading your ring is about evolving your story, not replacing it.
How to choose your new engagement ring
Now for the fun part: finding your new engagement ring. Here’s some things to keep in mind that might influence your choice:
Style
Style has a big impact on the type of engagement ring you’ll want to upgrade to. Your new ring doesn't have to be the same style as your original ring. An engagement ring is something you’ll wear every day, so it should reflect your personal style.
If you lean towards classic elegance, you might love a solitaire or three-stone design. For a more modern twist, consider a fancy cut diamond or a lab-grown centre stone with a unique halo. If colour is more your thing, a gemstone ring with opal, emerald or ruby could be a perfect match. It helps to look at your wardrobe and existing jewellery to see what complements your everyday aesthetic.
Budget
Budget is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing your new ring. It is also one of the reasons most people choose to upgrade their ring, as it was purchased early into their careers and when money was low. Now, there's room to upgrade to a ring that you might've dreamed about owning. Whether you’re working with $1,000 or $10,000, there are stunning rings at every price point. Lab grown diamonds are a great option if you want maximum size and sparkle without stretching the budget.
The general rule of thumb is to spend two to three months’ salary on an engagement ring, but ultimately, the budget should reflect what you’re comfortable spending.
At Shiels’ we offer a wide range of engagement rings to suit every style and spend, from beautifully simple solitaires to elaborate halo and cluster settings.
Lifestyle
Your ring needs to fit your lifestyle. If your day-to-day involves being hands on, look for lower set stones, smooth bands and secure settings that won’t catch or scratch easily. Comfort is key too. Consider band width, setting height, and how the ring will feel with your wedding band or other jewellery.
Sentiment
An engagement ring is not just a piece of jewellery, it’s a symbol of love and commitment. Your new ring can still be filled with sentiment, representing the growth of your relationship and honouring the past, present and the future. It doesn’t have to be a copy of your original ring, it can signify where you are in your life now while still paying homage to the ring that started it all.
Updating your current ring
If your engagement ring could do with a refresh but you don't want a new ring altogether, there are some options to update your current ring. One good option is remodeling your ring setting, which involves keeping your original diamond and placing it in a new design. If you've outgrown your band or it's showing its wear, you could take the original stone and get it placed on a new band. If you want to add an heirloom stone to your ring, you could do that as well. Maybe you just want to add a couple of new diamonds? The options are endless, and they allow you to keep the sentimentality and original elements of the ring while ensuring it will last for years to down the track.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a new engagement ring is a beautiful way to reflect your ongoing love story. It is about celebrating your growth, both together and individually, and finding a piece that makes you feel just as excited as you did the first time.
Whether you want something classic, contemporary or completely one of a kind, upgrading to a new ring is a chance to wear your love in a way that feels perfectly you.
Visit Shiels online or in store to explore our full collection of engagement rings. From sparkling solitaire to standout settings, we’re here to help you find a ring that feels like your next chapter.
