There are many reasons for wanting to reset a diamond ring, such as getting a larger center stone, switching to a different style, or upgrading the quality of the setting.
Selecting The Best Ring Setting
A ring setting showcases the diamond and enhances its look and size. When you're looking for a new setting, you'll want to keep in mind the shape and size of the diamond.
For instance, a halo setting tends to enhance the size of an existing diamond, making it appear larger. In contrast, a simple solitaire setting can highlight a beautiful, flawless diamond without distractions.
The type and color of the metal are another consideration. White gold or platinum is best for a colorless or near-colorless diamond. In comparison, yellow gold will be reflected in the stone, taking away from the colorless aspect of the diamond.
For more information on settings, check out our Guide To Ring Settings. Or, for ideas on different types of settings, browse our finished custom rings gallery.
Having A Ring Reset Safely
When removing the center stone from a prior ring setting, here a few best practices to take into consideration before starting the process:
Have The Stone Examined First
If the diamond engagement ring is going to be reset, it should be examined first by a professional jeweler. If the stone has been in the ring for a long time (such as a family heirloom), there could be damage to the stone that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Some of the most common examples include chips or cracks.
While the diamond is being examined, the jeweler will also be able to determine whether or not it is safe to switch the stone to a new setting. In some situations, there could be cracks so deep that it would be unsafe to try to remove the stone and mount it in a different setting.
Finally, if there are chips in the diamond ring, it might be a good idea to try to switch the stone to a different setting to hide the chips.
Purchase Insurance For The Ring
An appraisal can also correctly value the original engagement ring for insurance purposes while providing authenticity. The appraisal or diamond report should provide all of the information required to get an insurance policy from an insurance company. Typically, a rider can be placed on either a homeowners' insurance policy or a renter's insurance policy. It is a good idea to get a diamond engagement ring appraised every 3-5 years. Then, the insurance policy can be updated to provide accurate coverage of the engagement ring.
Work with a Reputable Jeweler
Having a diamond ring reset doesn't come without risks. For this reason, it's critical to find a reputable jeweler carefully when resetting diamonds.
For example, some unscrupulous jewelers have reset a diamond ring with a smaller or lower quality diamonds compared to the center. Work with someone you TRUST and has an excellent reputation. You can use Google Reviews and Yelp Reviews to determine how trustworthy a store is.
Vanessa Nicole, custom ring designer
How Much Does It Cost to Reset a Diamond Ring?
Reset engagement rings will vary in cost depending on a variety of factors. Settings with additional stones, like a halo setting or thick diamond band, will cost more than a simple, petite cathedral setting.
If you want to set your stone in an entirely different setting and have your ring redesigned, several factors will influence the cost:
- The type of metal used in the setting: Platinum vs. Gold
- The quality of the diamonds used in the setting (what diamond color we need to match to the center for seamless sparkle)
- How far the diamonds extend down the band (1/2 or 3/4)
- The quality, craftsmanship and detail of the setting
- Special features that add more diamonds such as a double-edge halo
The custom setting starts at $5,500 depending on the new design's complexity, along with the size & matching quality of the side diamonds.
What Does Resetting A Diamond Ring Mean?
When someone uses the term 'reset a ring', this means taking the main stone and creating an entirely new ring design for it. Over time, people may want to change how the stones are set in the diamond ring. For example, flaws might need to be covered, or you want to match a more contemporary style.
The style of the existing ring might not be suitable, but the center stone may have sentimental value, so we take great care to honor the sentiment of the original diamond while updating the features around it.
How Long Does It Take To Reset Diamond Rings?
The process of resetting a diamond ring depends on the jeweler and could take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. The exact length of time will depend on how many stones are being reset, the design of the new setting, and the design. It will speed up the process if you have a good idea of the general style of the new setting you want.
Resetting After Divorce
If you're divorced but were able to keep your wedding ring in the settlement, you may want to reset it to give it a new look and create new memories with the diamond for the future. Instead of putting it in another ring setting, it could be mounted as a pendant, or you could purchase a matching stone and create earrings with it. There are many ways to repurpose an engagement ring.
Want Vanessa to reset a ring or create the diamond ring of your dreams?
