Post # 1
Member
25 posts
Newbee
Hello Bees!
I have a question for all of you in regards to replacing the center stone in an engagement ring.
My fiance proposed to me just over a year ago with a ring I truly love, however the only pitfall is that I wish the center diamond were bigger as it’s only 3/8 carat. I started having major reservations about it when friends of mine began getting engaged and they have 1 carat rings (I know, I know, I shouldn’t care, but I do). So, I’ve been talking to my fiance about replacing the center diamond (because I love the band) with a larger moissanite stone. I’m a geologist and have a love for many minerals, but love the durability and price of moissanite.
Below is a picture of my engagement ring. Would it look ridiculous to have a 1 to 2 carat moissanite stone in that setting? Also, do you think it would be able to be done and how? I love the band and setting; my fiance specifically chose it based on my job since I’m outdoors constantly working with my hands.
Thank you everyone for your comments! I honestly really appreciate how awesome and helpful all of you are on here!!! 
Post # 2
Member
3611 posts
Sugar bee
The pic shows up funny on my screen (kind of stretched out), so it’s a little hard to tell what your ring looks like, but I don’t think a 1-carat center would look bad on that setting at all. I have a thin pave band with a decent size center stone and I love the way it looks.
Post # 3
Member
25 posts
Newbee
Wow, that picture got warped! Here’s a better one haha!
Post # 4
Member
1167 posts
Bumble bee
The first is logistics. The way your setting is made, redoing the whole basket (area that cradles the stone) will not be easy or possible with A 2ct, or even a 1 carat. The restructuring alone will probably cost a lot and it would be much easier and maybe even cost effective to just change the setting.
Post # 5
Member
25 posts
Newbee
FantasticFawn: I added another photo onto the thread, I didn’t realize how skewed it was until it posted haha! Thanks for the reply!
Post # 6
Member
25 posts
Newbee
swirlyclover86: That’s what I’m afraid of 🙁 I just love the band so much.
Post # 7
Member
661 posts
Busy bee
I think the setting would look good with a one carat but I’d check with a jewelr and make sure it can be done before buying a Moissanite stone. I’m not sure how your diamond is set but it looks to me like there aren’t any prongs holding it in place so they might have to change the structure of the ring.
Post # 8
Member
1898 posts
Buzzing bee
JosieR: You could take it to a local jeweler and ask them to give you an estimate, or to ask them if it’s even possible. That way you’ll know for sure!
Post # 9
Member
14 posts
Newbee
You should get the size your heart desires. Don’t worry about others as your the one who will wear it everyday. To answer your question yes you should get an enhanced moissanite if you can. You. May have to get a new setting though.
Post # 10
Member
3682 posts
Sugar bee
You’ll need to talk to a jeweler, but I think it will be very difficult with your setting to increase the size of the center stone that much.
Post # 11
Member
1909 posts
Buzzing bee
The center setting doesn’t have enough room to hold a 1 carat stone, so a jeweler would have to make changes to your ring to accommodate a stone that size. It may change the design a bit. I think you should enjoy the beauty of your ring and not compare it to your friends. You loved it before looking at everyone else’s new rings. “Comparison is the thief of joy”.
Also, I just don’t understand justifying replacing something with an item of lesser value just because it’s bigger. To me that’s like trading in a smaller Louis Vuitton bag for a bigger knock off LV bag. I’d rather have the smaller, authentic one with more value.
Post # 12
Member
10573 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
Sorry but with the semi bezel/tension setting, there’s no way it could accommodate a 1 carat stone. Can you post a pic from the side? It may be possible to just have the head replaced with a larger one if it’s a peg head and not intragraded into the shank.
Post # 13
Member
25 posts
Newbee
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MrsSparkleBee13: Here are two pictures of the side of the ring. It’s pretty dirty at the moment. Thanks for your help! I really, really don’t want to have to replace the band but would like an upgrade at some point for the diamond :/
Post # 14
Member
2001 posts
Buzzing bee
JosieR: Not going to lie, your ring is beautiful., Comparison is the thief of joy. I wouldn’t replace your diamond. Moissanite doesn’t look or sparkle exactly like a diamond, noone will ask you but they may figure out is a simulant. It’s unlikely anyone will be rude to say it or ask! A 2 carat eqiv moissy will cost you $600 maybe, or you can get a more colored one on EBay for $50′ lots of us have done that. I would put that amt in savings toward a real diamond upgrade on an anniversary.
Post # 15
Member
25 posts
Newbee
stefzbee: Thanks for the reply! Honestly, I’m not too crazy about diamonds. Before we got engaged I was looking on my own time at what type of ring I’d want and I absolutely loved the moissanite stone. To me, diamonds’ only real worth are in an industrial setting.
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