{"id":23268,"date":"2018-04-19T11:41:55","date_gmt":"2018-04-19T15:41:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/?p=23268"},"modified":"2023-04-17T11:34:07","modified_gmt":"2023-04-17T15:34:07","slug":"heres-how-to-upgrade-your-center-diamond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/heres-how-to-upgrade-your-center-diamond\/","title":{"rendered":"HERE’S HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR CENTER DIAMOND"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Heres<\/div>\n

It’s time for an upgrade!<\/h2>\n

\nAs we go through life, we upgrade everything<\/strong>; our home<\/strong>, our cars<\/strong>, our family<\/strong>, our possessions<\/strong>, our careers<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

\nAnd for most, a bigger diamond!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nIf that’s on your bucket list, you’re not alone<\/strong>. Many women get to the point in their lives when their original diamond just won’t cut it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It isn’t Big Enough!<\/h2>\n

\nMaybe you’d like a diamond that represents your position in life<\/strong> now. Maybe you’d like to upgrade because you have the means (the kids have moved on<\/strong>). Maybe it’s a big mile-stone anniversary<\/strong> coming up…<\/p>\n

\nWhatever it is, it’s time to enlarge!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nSo let’s do that. Let’s go over the 5 basic steps<\/strong> to upgrading the center stone in your engagement ring or wedding set. Because there are plenty of things you should consider…<\/p>\n

1) The Millimeter Size<\/h2>\n

\nThis is one of the biggest concerns<\/strong>. Because if you get this wrong, you’re spending money for nothing<\/strong>. It’s not even worth it!<\/p>\n

\nWhen we’re talking about diamonds and sizes, you have to realize that diamond carat weight<\/strong> and diamond millimeter<\/strong> (mm) are two different things. The carat weight is how much the diamond weighs<\/strong>; i.e. half carat, quarter carat, 1 carat… But diamonds can be like people, some short and fat<\/strong>, some tall and skinny<\/strong>. So putting them side by side could look totally different (and still weigh the same). <\/p>\n

\nCarat weights vary greatly when it comes to how the diamond is proportioned<\/strong>. Take for example two nickles<\/strong> stacked on top of each other. That’s worth 10 cents. But if you put a dime next to them. The dime will appear smaller<\/strong>, yet it’s the same value. So just because two diamonds are the same weight, doesn’t mean they’ll face up the same.<\/p>\n

\nMillimeter on the other hand, is how wide the diamond is<\/strong> (from one side of the girdle to the other). If you measure your diamond with a diamond gauge<\/a>, you’ll get the appearance size from a face up position<\/strong> (which is how you look at the ring). That’s a better indication<\/strong> of size. Because you can tell the difference between a nickle and a dime. One’s bigger<\/strong>. Obviously. It’s quite noticeable. And that’s the goal for today… To get a diamond that’s noticeably different<\/strong> (regardless of actual weight).<\/p>\n

\n\"Measure
\nSome 1 carat diamonds are cut shallow and spread<\/strong> (meaning they look much bigger than they really are). Some 1.25 carats are cut lumpy and deep<\/strong> (meaning they look much smaller than they are). So when put up against each other, these two stones may appear the same<\/strong>… Or very similar, as in this photo below…<\/p>\n

\n\"Two<\/p>\n

All stones have a mm width<\/strong>. That’s what you should use to upgrade (not the carat weight). And all weights have a standard mm width<\/strong> according to industry guidelines (if the stone is cut properly). <\/p>\n

\n\"Standard<\/p>\n

\nKnowing if your diamond is close to standards<\/strong> can help you decide which carat weight<\/strong> is right for you. Because if you spend $3,000<\/strong> for a new diamond, and it doesn’t look any bigger (meaning no one will notice), then it defeats the purpose <\/strong>of an upgrade (unless you only want to upgrade quality<\/strong>). <\/p>\n

\nThe diamond mm can be found on any diamond report<\/strong> (aka certificate<\/strong>)…<\/p>\n

\n\"Diamond<\/p>\n

\nIf your stone isn’t certified, then buy yourself a diamond mm gauge here<\/a>, or just go into a jewelry store<\/strong> and ask them to measure your diamond.<\/p>\n

\nNow that you know how big your diamond mm is<\/strong>, you can now look at a diamond that’ll appear bigger<\/strong> to the eyes. Also note that you don’t always have to stick with the same shape<\/strong> either. You can venture into Princess <\/strong>Cut, Oval <\/strong>Cut, Radiant <\/strong>Cut, Cushion <\/strong>Cut…<\/p>\n

\nGenerally you’ll need to go up about 10% or bigger in mm size<\/strong>, in order to see a visible difference<\/strong>. Otherwise, it may look to similar. See below…<\/p>\n

\n\"Compare<\/p>\n

This chart gives you a better idea of decent step-ups and the prices involved<\/strong> (all diamond prices are an average at the time of this post<\/strong>, and come from James Allen here<\/a>).<\/p>\n

2) Will it Fit?<\/h2>\n

\nYou can’t just pop out one diamond<\/strong> and insert another<\/strong>. It doesn’t work that way. Especially when you’re going mucho grande<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nFor the thing that holds in your stone; the head, basket, or prongs<\/strong>, will have to be upgraded too.<\/p>\n

\nYou’ll need to make sure that your old ring will accommodate that bigger head or basket<\/strong>. If not, you’ll have to upgrade the ring as well<\/strong>. No way around that.<\/p>\n

\nPlus, many rings have the prongs or head built-in<\/strong>. Meaning you can’t pry them open<\/strong> to fit in a bigger diamond. Some mountings are just made to hold one specific size<\/strong>. Look at the examples below, of rings that can’t be upgraded<\/strong>, and rings that can<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\n\"Rings<\/p>\n

\n\"Mountings<\/p>\n

3) Is the Ring Balanced?<\/h2>\n

\nSometimes rings look odd or funny<\/strong> if too big of a stone is placed on top (also realize that bigger stones will set up higher in the mounting<\/strong> too. You’ll bump and hit<\/strong> it more often – so make sure you update your insurance policy<\/strong> as well). It may throw off the balance and symmetry<\/strong> of the entire mounting. Like these exaggerated examples<\/strong> below…<\/p>\n

\n\"Balance<\/p>\n

\nGranted, those are fairly large diamonds<\/strong> I’m showing, but it’s all to make a point<\/strong>. Larger diamonds normally demand a little bit bigger mounting<\/strong> in order for them to look like they belong together<\/strong>. It all comes down to opinion <\/strong>though… If it looks visually good to you, and you don’t mind the size difference, then that’s all that truly matters.<\/p>\n

4) Quality: Color and Clarity<\/h2>\n

\nYou can’t go too extreme<\/strong> with your choice of center diamond quality<\/strong> if you have diamonds in the mounting as well. Most engagement rings or wedding sets do have side stones. Those diamonds have a color and clarity <\/strong>too. So if they’re yellow<\/strong>, or cloudy<\/strong>, or dark<\/strong>, then putting in a much nicer, better color, brighter center stone may look unmatched<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\n\"Try<\/p>\n

\nA good rule of thumb is to try to get a similar quality center stone<\/strong>, so that they compliment each other. Or at the very least, go one step up<\/strong>. One step (one grade<\/strong>) is hard for anyone to notice.<\/p>\n

But… And here’s a BIG BUT…<\/h2>\n

\nWhen you get into bigger diamonds, the stone gets large enough where you can see inclusions and color easier<\/strong>. This is true for all shapes of diamond<\/strong>. Going from a .33 carat<\/strong> to a 1.00 carat<\/strong> will be a big visual difference. You may see flaws in the stone<\/strong>. You may notice the color <\/strong>easier… All good things to consider. You may have no choice but to step up to the next level of color and clarity, just so you don’t see black carbon spots<\/strong> in the stone.<\/p>\n

\nGranted, you can always upgrade the side stones too<\/strong>… Make them better. If you wish<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

5) Cost<\/h2>\n

\nUpgrading isn’t cheap<\/strong> (as you saw above).<\/p>\n

\nSome think turning in a smaller stone for a larger, would only cost them a couple of hundred<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

SURPRISE!!!!<\/h2>\n

\nIt’s usually a couple of thousand<\/strong>. Diamonds and size normally double and triple in price<\/strong> as you go up (regardless of quality). So you may have to pay just as much for a 10% mm upgrade<\/strong>, as you did your entire wedding ring<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It’s Sticker Shock!<\/h2>\n

\nPlus, the price of diamonds now, versus what they were back in 1970<\/strong> are totally different. Day and night<\/strong>. So be prepared for a hefty chunk of change<\/strong> (but really no different than when you upgraded your home, car, or that new jet ski<\/strong> you just bought…)<\/p>\n

\nLook for sales<\/strong>, discounts<\/strong>, and interest free financing<\/strong> to soften the blow.<\/p>\n

\nAnd always check with James Allen<\/a> or Blue Nile<\/a> before you decide to buy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\n\"James<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\"Blue<\/a><\/p>\n

\n(And YES <\/strong>those are affiliate links<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

\nBuying online can actually save you TONS of money<\/strong> (compare their prices with mall stores<\/strong> and you’ll see). So for the same price, you could actually get a much bigger and nicer center stone (and GIA Certified<\/strong>) too.<\/p>\n

I highly advise checking them out.<\/h2>\n

\nAnd I also recommend a decent quality<\/strong> of SI1, G-H+, Ideal Cut<\/a>, just so the stone faces up well (no visible flaws<\/strong>). With their huge inventory, beautiful warranties and low prices<\/strong>, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect stone for you.<\/p>\n

\nIt really is the best way to go when upgrading!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nEnjoy your BIGGER <\/strong>diamond, and if you have any questions<\/strong>, or need some help deciding on a stone<\/strong>, drop me a line<\/a> and let me know.<\/p>\n

\nCheers! :)<\/strong> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It’s time for an upgrade! As we go through life, we upgrade everything; our home, our cars, our family, our possessions, our careers… And for most, a bigger diamond! If that’s on your bucket list, [Read More…]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":23274,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,9,7,6,5,29,3,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23268","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carat-weight","category-certification","category-clarity","category-color","category-cut","category-diamond-guide","category-diamonds","category-engagement"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23268"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23268"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23268\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23268"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23268"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23268"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}