How to Reset a Diamond Engagement Ring, According to Expert Jewelers

After saying "yes" to your partner's proposal, you may not be able to imagine a scenario in which you want to alter your engagement ring. However, over time, whether due to changing trends or a desire to upgrade your piece in honor of a milestone celebration, you may decide to do just that. Resetting your diamond ring is a cost-effective way to ensure that the piece is conducive to your current style. By simply altering your original diamond (instead of purchasing a new one), you'll be able to maintain the sentimental value of the piece.

"There are plenty of reasons to reset your diamond ring, and each one is personal to the wearer," says Sarah Ortega, the founder of Sarah O. Jewlery. "We absolutely love creating custom designs with an existing diamond because it maintains the sentiment of the stone while reimagining the design into something brand new." In addition to creating your desired transformation, resetting a ring is a relatively easy process, as long as you find a reputable jeweler to assist you.

However, even though this process is fairly simply, there are a few things to keep in mind before approaching a jeweler. Below, Ortega and other experts break down everything you need to know about resetting a diamond ring.

3 Reasons Why You May Decide to Reset a Ring

Curious about the reasons why someone may opt to reset a diamond ring? Below, expert jewelers break down three of the most common motivations people have for doing just that.

A Desire to Modernize It

"One of the most common reasons our clients reset their diamonds is to update the style of the ring to a more modern setting," Ortega says. "Just like anything in fashion, ring trends come and go, and people’s sense of style changes over time. Updating to a more modern setting gives the feel of a brand new ring, without the price tag." Since your engagement ring is something you wear every day, you want to ensure it's something you love, which may prompt you to potentially alter the original design. "As people’s sense of style changes, so does their taste in rings, and in turn, they want a change so it matches their other jewelry," adds Ryan Gozlan, the co-founder of Lisa Gozlan Jewelry.

To Alter an Heirloom Piece

If you come into possession of an heirloom piece, you may want to transform it into something more personal and contemporary. Ortega says altering this type of sparkler is a common request from her clients, with many of them asking her to "update the style, create a more secure setting for the stone, or honor the diamond in a new way." Gozlan often encounters similar inquiries: "Most of the rings 20, 30 years ago were done in standard yellow gold, usually one center stone with maybe a few diamonds on the side in a channel setting of some sort. A lot of people want to upgrade it to something newer."

Wanting an Upgrade for a Milestone Celebration

Instead of adding another ring to your stack, you may decide to upgrade your ring in honor of a milestone celebration, such as an anniversary. "Turn a solitaire into a gorgeous three-stone ring for some extra bling, add another gemstone to create your very own toi et moi, or add a dazzling diamond halo—the opportunities are endless," Ortega says.

How Much Does It Cost to Reset a Diamond Ring?

The price of resetting a ring depends on the work you want done. "It could go from $1,000 up to $4,000 or $5,000," says Eric Razon, the owner of Philadelphia-based jewelry store ER Diamonds. "It really depends on what kind of setting and change you [make] from the original setting." However, know that resetting such a piece is much less expensive than buying an entirely new ring.

How to Reset a Diamond Engagement Ring

Before approaching a jeweler with your request, you'll need to determine what you want your new ring to look like. After describing your preferred look to a jeweler, they'll design the reset either by using CAD (computer-aided design) or by making a handcrafted model from a skilled artisan, Gozlan says. Once that’s complete (and you've given your ring to the jeweler), they'll measure the stone and take out any side diamonds, Razon says. They'll then decide to either cast the ring from scratch or replace the prongs to fit your diamond.

If your changes are minimal, this process can be fairly quick and inexpensive. “[Changing] the setting from yellow gold to white gold [if] you only have one stone could be very simple,” says Razon. In such a case, you wouldn't even need to get a new setting; instead, a jeweler could simply replate the ring in the new color of your choosing, which typically costs just a few hundred dollars. If your setting is damaged or you want to change the look entirely, you should plan to pay a bit more.

5 Ways to Reset Your Engagement Ring

Deciding what you want your ring to look like is an incredibly personal decision. However, there are a number of popular choices to consider, according to Ortega, including:

• Bezel settings
• Solitaires with wider bands
• Three-stone rings
• Toi et mois
• East-west settings

"These are timeless choices that will give your diamond a refreshed look without taking away from the natural beauty of the stone," she adds.

Tips for Resetting a Diamond Engagement Ring

Looking for some expert-backed tips before embarking on this process? Here's what to keep in mind before approaching a jeweler to reset your engagement ring.

Find a Reputable Jeweler

Make sure that you tap a jeweler you trust when it come to resetting your ring. Since it's not practical for you to watch your ring being reset over the course of multiple days, you'll need to be comfortable leaving your ring with the jeweler.

Know Your Jewelry

“You should always know and have your GIA or diamond certificate, so you know all the details about your diamonds,” says Gozlan. “A diamond is a very valuable stone and you don’t want any issues with the stone being damaged or, in some cases, replaced or swapped.”