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Maintaining a wedding ring will keep it in excellent shape and regular cleanings and fixes can keep your ring in good condition. But even if you are super careful, time can eventually take its toll, leading to repairs or — worse — the loss of a diamond! So it’s absolutely imperative to visually inspect your ring at home from time to time and make sure it’s secure.
But without a jeweler’s loupe, how can you determine something is wrong with just the naked eye? And more so, when should you be more concerned and seek a professional? Here are three major signs it’s time to upgrade your wedding ring. Plus, some elegant ways to do so.
3 Major Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Wedding Ring
Aside from just wanting a fresh new look to your wedding ring, there are telltale signs that indicate your wedding ring is showing a little wear and tear. If you see any of these signs, take the ring to your jeweler immediately.
#1 Weakened Prongs
The prongs that secure the diamonds in place can weaken over time. However, the last thing you want is to lose the diamonds. To ensure it never comes to that, inspect the prong settings on occasion. If you find prongs that appear on the thinner side or are bent or have a tip missing, keep the ring safe until you can take it to the jeweler. A reputable jeweler will know what to do, tightening or even replacing the prongs to secure the inlaid stone again.
#2 Dullness and Scratches
Gold is a softer metal by comparison, which means that it can eventually show scratches and scuffs, making the ring’s setting appear a bit duller than it did when your partner first proposed. While there are many steps you can take to prevent these microscopic scratches from occurring, polishing and generally maintaining the ring twice a year is a good start.
#3 Loose and Shifting Stones
Be sure to keep an eye on other diamond settings, specifically in the pavé banding or the side stones that lack large prongs. To do so, hold the ring at eye level and make sure the stone isn’t tilted, knocked sideways or loosened in any way. Next, push the stones to see if there is any wiggle. If you feel it moving under slight pressure, it’s a sign to upgrade your wedding ring. In the meantime, stop wearing the ring to ensure you don’t lose any loose stones.
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Elegant and Clever Ways to Upgrade Your Wedding Ring
So now that you know the three major signs, it’s time to upgrade your wedding ring. After all, if you need to make some repairs to your ring, why not give it a fresh look? Here is a list of elegant and clever ways to upgrade your wedding ring.
Swap Out the Inlaid Stones
If any of the stones are loose enough to be replaced, this is the perfect opportunity to swap them out with something new. Maybe you want something colorful like your birthstone gem or even small multicolored diamonds. Make it whatever you want it to be!
Upcycle Your Old Ring
One great thing about diamonds is that they never go out of style. However, certain settings do. Instead of letting an old ring sit in your jewelry box, give it a new life! Gemstone resetting is a service offered by many jewelers and allows you to transfer stones from old, tarnished jewelry to a shiny, new setting. Lots of people choose to have their old wedding ring stones turned into earrings or necklace pendants.
Choose a New Metal
If you want to replace the setting, why not switch up the metal? Was yellow gold in style when you got married and now you’d prefer white gold or rose gold? Update your band with colors that suit your current style! Plus, you can choose a hardier metal that can withstand those scratches and scuffs. For example, Verragio offers a fine collection of platinum wedding bands for women. This update is perfect for men’s wedding rings, too.
Start Fresh With a New Ring
It might just be time to start anew! You may not be renewing your vows just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pick out new jewelry to symbolize your lasting love. Men’s and women’s wedding rings are the ultimate accessory and yours should be one you love to show off. Find an authorized Verragio retailer near you and find your new wedding ring!