Ten years, twenty, twenty-five. Big anniversaries are a natural time to think about the ring. Maybe you bought what you could afford when you were starting out. Maybe the setting has worn thin. Or maybe you simply want something that reflects the life you've built together.
An anniversary upgrade can be wonderful, but only if it's done thoughtfully. Here's what Hemant, with more than 25 years in the diamond trade, wants every couple to know first.
1. Bigger isn't automatically better
The most common upgrade mistake is simply going up in size. A larger stone with a poor cut can look duller than the diamond you already have. Cut is what creates sparkle. If you upgrade, upgrade the beauty, not just the number on the certificate.
2. Consider upgrading the setting instead
Sometimes the diamond is lovely and the setting is what's tired. A new setting, such as a halo, a three-stone design or a fresh band, can transform a ring while keeping the original stone and its meaning.
3. Keep the story if it matters
Some couples move the original diamond into a pendant or a right-hand ring, so the stone from their engagement stays in the family. Others add stones for their children's birth years. There's no right answer, only what feels right to you.
4. Understand trade-in policies
Some jewelers offer credit when you trade in a diamond, and policies vary a lot. Ask exactly how the credit is calculated, whether conditions apply, and get it in writing.
5. Insist on an independent grading report
For any significant new diamond, a report from a respected independent lab is essential. It tells you what you're getting. It doesn't tell you how the stone looks, so compare real stones side by side.
Questions to ask yourselves
- What do we love about the ring we have now?
- Is it the stone, the setting or both we want to change?
- How does the wearer use her hands day to day?
- Would we rather have more sparkle, more size or a different shape?
Learn what experts look for, together
The New York Tour of Diamonds is a lovely anniversary outing in its own right. In 90 minutes on West 47th Street, you'll learn how diamonds form, see how they're cut and polished, hold a real diamond with tweezers and look through a jeweler's loupe. You'll also see how a stone is set into jewelry, which is especially useful if you're thinking about a new setting.
It's an experience, not a sales pitch. If you later want help finding the right stone, our Private Diamond Sourcing service is there when you're ready.
Quick answers
Can I wear my ring on the tour? Please do. Seeing your own diamond through a loupe is often a highlight.
Is it romantic? Couples tell us it's a memorable way to mark an anniversary in New York.
Where is it? On 47th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, a short walk from Rockefeller Center.
Celebrating an anniversary in New York this season?
Book The New York Tour of Diamonds before you travel, and see diamonds the way the experts do, together.