1. Invest Time in Learning About Diamonds
A diamond upgrade is in many ways similar to buying a new
gem. Thus, it pays to get it right from the get-go. Remember the factors you
considered when buying the stone for the first time?
You probably began with some research on the 4Cs. Afterward,
you sought a reliable dealer. While trying to find one, you invest time in
checking out their collection of diamonds in terms of the designs and brands they
offer(ed). Finally, you compared prices before ordering the gemstone.
As we shall discover, upgrading a diamond is nearly the
same as buying a new one, so jewelry experts recommend investing in a diamond-buying first. Doing so will remind you of
the fundamental things to remember when upgrading a gemstone.
2. Is the Diamond Being
Upgraded or the Ring?
Choosing what to upgrade between the gemstone and the ring
can be challenging. In the case of a loose diamond, this agony will not prove
bothersome. But for ring-mounted diamonds, this is a necessary step. As
mentioned, diamond rings generally wear off faster than the diamond itself.
Therefore, they are often prime candidates for upgrades, although some people
may choose to upgrade the gemstone and keep their ring. It all comes down to
the sentiments attached to either of the two things concerned.
Expectedly, upgrading the ring is less rigorous than
upgrading the diamond. For ring upgrades, visiting a jewelry store and choosing
the perfect size and style will suffice. Afterward, the diamond will be
dismounted and cleaned before entering the new ring. In some cases, sprucing
the present one alone will do the job.
After you plan to upgrade your diamond, you may buy a new
stone, however unwillingly so. Therefore, you should locate a dealer that
offers favorable trade-in policies. Such caution guarantees you sell off the
original gemstone and possibly use the proceeds to pay for the new one.
In rare cases, some people may upgrade the stone and the
ring. It is a decision that will require a substantial financial investment on
their part compared to the two cases mentioned above.
3. Choose the Diamond that You Desire to Upgrade
Upgrading a diamond's cut, color, or carat weight is
comparatively easy due to the limited options. But when it comes to clarity,
you will need more time to locate a diamond with the desired clarity rating. It
is so because an old gemstone will likely contain internal and external flaws.
Also, most diamonds nowadays are so polished that they only feature internal
inclusions. Consequently, if you are careless, a dealer might use the external
flaws to their advantage.
4. For the Most Dazzling
Appearance, Upgrade the Cut or Carat Weight of the Diamond
A diamond’s cut and carat weight significantly impact the
overall brilliance of the stone. Therefore, these are the two crucial elements
of the Four Cs that you should always consider if you desire to enhance your
diamond’s glitter. But even then, experts recommend striking the right balance
between the carat weight and cut because some cuts give more brilliance than
others, regardless of their similarities in carat weights.
Insist on cuts with more facets; the higher the number of
angles in a diamond, the more sparkle the stone will give. This factor explains
why marquise, pear, and oval cuts give
exceptional brilliance compared to Asscher, emerald, and radiant cuts.
The round cut is
the most brilliant, considering it has infinite facets.
Consider upgrading the cut first for diamonds with a cut
grade of Good or below. Cut grades of Very Good, Excellent, or Ideal are great
places to start. Afterward, depending on your budget, you will determine
whether increasing the carat weight is worth it.
5. Consider Color and
Clarity Upgrades
Clarity and color impact the brilliance of a diamond less
than its cut and carat do. However, they still contribute to the overall
sparkle of the stone.
Remember that some diamond colors are rarer than others,
hence more expensive. For instance, among the colored diamonds, purple and red
colors come with heftier price tags than their yellow or brown counterparts—generally,
the fancier the color, the costlier the diamond. Colorless diamonds are
an exception to this rule and are the most expensive. Similarly, flawless
diamonds are costlier than those with external and internal blemishes.
Upgrading a diamond based on color and clarity is primarily
a budget-driven decision. A diamond with a clarity score of IF would be ideal
if affordable. But being the most internally flawless, such diamonds can be
considerably pricey. Thus, if your budget does not allow it, contemplate upgrading
to the VVS1 or VVS2 clarity grades. A diamond with a clarity grade of
VVS1 or VVS2 contains minimal flaws. It will look eye-clean to most people and is
cheaper than IF diamonds.
In terms of color, we recommend an upgrade to a color range
closest to D on the diamond color scale because
such diamonds tend to appear colorless even under magnification. Consider upgrading to G, H, and I colors for more budget flexibility. Diamonds within this
range look colorless to the naked eye and are comparatively cheaper.
The color of the ring also comes in handy here. Rings of
colored metals, such as rose gold, absorb the yellow tint in most diamonds. If
you are on a budget and can afford an upgrade to a diamond with visible yellow
tints, such rings can be ideal.
6. What If You Are
Upgrading Your Setting?
As stated, upgrading a diamond ring setting is reasonably
easier and cheaper than upgrading the diamond. But this does not imply throwing
caution to the wind. You must define the ideal ring setting before beginning
with the upgrade, during which process you will realize that numerous ways are
available. It all depends on what these tastes are and what the budget allows.
Consider upgrading a solitaire ring to a 3-stone engagement
ring, otherwise an excellent symbol of the past, present, and future. The
additional diamonds should be smaller to help accentuate the center stone.
Also, the stones should be set on all sides of the first diamond.
Another option for upgrading the ring setting is to enhance
the solitaire instead of replacing it with a 3-stone ring. It especially
applies to people who cherish the simplicity of solitaire rings.
You can use extra stones to enhance the color of a ring.
The good news is that these stones need not necessarily be other diamonds. How
about experimenting with sapphires, emeralds, or rubies? Such stones will add
more sparkle to an old ring, making the diamond appear more brilliant.
Changing the color of a diamond ring is yet another
ingenious way of upgrading the ring. Here, we recommend Gold and platinum
rings. Gold and platinum glitter and increase the sparkle of a diamond.
Besides, a ring made of either of these metals will absorb flaws and unpleasant
color hues. Experts strongly recommend platinum since it does not require
replating and is hypoallergenic.
Lastly, you can deliberate doubling the halo. Halo ring
settings are as elegant as they are popular. Not only do they look stylish, but
they also feature a touch of classic. As such, they help preserve a timeless
attachment to the diamond. So, instead of replacing the halo ring with a new
one, consider adding a new ring to the older one.
7. Choose a Jeweler Wisely
After you choose which aspects of your diamonds you want to
upgrade, choose the right vendor. At the very least, insist on a dealer with an
elaborate diamond upgrade program.
While looking for a reliable dealer, do not
overemphasize the price of a diamond upgrade.
Much as you desire a seller who charges competitive rates, you should not seek
the bargain of the century.
Also, expect the process to be handled slowly. A diamond
upgrade is an intricate procedure that requires expert hands. If possible,
upgrade the diamond where you bought the initial stone since this will allow
you to leverage the gem’s warranty and return policy.
