Your engagement ring collection is one of the most meaningful pieces of jewelry you will ever wear - but that doesn't mean it has to stay the same forever. Whether your original ring was a modest starter stone, a family heirloom that no longer fits your style, or simply a design you've outgrown, upgrading your engagement ring is more common - and more accessible - than most people realize.
Thanks to the rise of lab-grown diamonds, couples across the Greater Toronto Area are discovering that trading up doesn't have to mean trading your savings account. With diamonds that are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined stones, but priced 60-80% lower, the upgrade you've been dreaming about is finally within reach.
At 6ix of Diamonds, we specialize in helping Toronto-area clients navigate this exciting process with confidence. Whether you're envisioning a larger centre stone, a completely new setting, or a one-of-a-kind custom design, this guide will walk you through exactly how to upgrade your engagement ring - trading up to lab-grown diamonds in Toronto - so you can make an informed, emotionally satisfying decision.
Why More Toronto Couples Are Choosing to Upgrade
Life changes. Your taste evolves, your budget grows, and the ring you said "yes" to years ago may no longer reflect who you are today. Ring upgrades - sometimes called "anniversary upgrades" or "trade-up rings" - have become a meaningful tradition for couples at the five, ten, or even twenty-year mark.
But the real game-changer in the last few years? Lab-grown diamonds. These stunning stones have made it possible for couples who once felt priced out of a significant upgrade to finally get the ring of their dreams.
The Lab-Grown Diamond Advantage
Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced technology - either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) - that replicates the natural diamond-forming process. The result is a stone that is:
- Identical in hardness, brilliance, and fire to a mined diamond
- IGI or GIA certified, with full grading reports covering cut, colour, clarity, and carat
- Ethically sourced, with no environmental disruption or conflict concerns
- 60-80% more affordable than an equivalent mined diamond
For context: a 2-carat, VS1, E-colour mined diamond might retail for $25,000 or more. The lab-grown equivalent? Often $5,000-$8,000. That savings can go toward a show-stopping setting, a honeymoon, a home - or all three.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Ring
Before you can plan your upgrade, it helps to understand what you're starting with. Bring your current ring to our Toronto showroom for a professional evaluation. Our gemologists will assess:
- The centre stone: carat weight, cut quality, colour, and clarity grade
- The metal and setting: condition, metal type (white gold, yellow gold, platinum), and whether the setting is reusable or better replaced
- Resale or repurposing options: in some cases, side stones from your original ring can be incorporated into a new design
Many clients are surprised to discover that their existing setting can be repurposed into a meaningful piece - perhaps a [diamond necklace](/category/diamond necklaces) featuring their original stone as a pendant, preserving the sentimental value while giving the original diamond a beautiful new life.
Step 2: Define Your Dream Upgrade
Once you understand your starting point, it's time to dream a little. This is where the fun begins. Ask yourself:
- Do you want a larger centre stone, or is your priority a more dramatic setting?
- Are you drawn to classic solitaires, halo designs, vintage-inspired details, or sleek modern lines?
- Would you prefer a ready-to-wear ring, or does a fully custom piece speak to you more?
- What metal speaks to your lifestyle - the cool elegance of platinum, the warmth of yellow gold, or the versatility of rose gold?
Popular Upgrade Styles at 6ix of Diamonds
Our clients tend to gravitate toward a few standout directions when upgrading:
Going Bigger on the Centre Stone: Many couples choose to double or even triple their original carat weight. Because lab-grown diamonds are so much more accessible in price, upgrading from a 0.75-carat to a 2-carat stone is often financially feasible for the first time.
Halo Settings: A halo of smaller diamonds surrounding the centre stone creates a dramatically larger visual impact - perfect for maximizing brilliance without maximizing budget.
Three-Stone Designs: Representing your past, present, and future, three-stone rings are a deeply symbolic upgrade choice, especially for anniversary milestones.
Bespoke Custom Creations: For clients who want something truly one-of-a-kind, our custom jewelry design service allows you to collaborate with our designers from concept to completion - sketches, 3D renderings, and all.
Step 3: Choose Your Lab-Grown Diamond
Selecting your centre stone is the heart of the upgrade experience, and at 6ix of Diamonds, we make it an education, not just a transaction. Here's what to focus on:
The 4 Cs - What Matters Most for Upgrades
- Cut: The most important factor for brilliance. Always prioritize an Excellent or Ideal cut grade.
- Colour: For white gold or platinum settings, aim for D-F colour. For yellow or rose gold, G-I colour faces up beautifully and saves significantly.
- Clarity: VS1-VS2 is the sweet spot - eye-clean with no visible inclusions, but without the premium of flawless grades.
- Carat: With lab-grown pricing, you can often afford to go up a full carat or more compared to what you'd spend on a mined diamond.
Certification Matters
Every diamond we offer at 6ix of Diamonds comes with an IGI or GIA grading report - the industry's most trusted certification bodies. This ensures complete transparency about your stone's quality and gives you confidence in your investment.
Step 4: Select or Design Your Setting
Your diamond deserves a setting that honours it. Whether you browse our curated collection of engagement rings or work with our team to design something entirely bespoke, the setting is where your personal style truly comes to life.
For those who want full creative control, our build your own ring tool lets you pair your chosen diamond with a setting that suits your vision - metal type, prong style, band width, and more. It's one of the most satisfying parts of the upgrade journey.
Matching Your New Ring with a Complete Look
Many clients use their ring upgrade as an opportunity to refresh their entire jewelry wardrobe. A new solitaire pairs beautifully with delicate [diamond earrings](/category/diamond earrings) - think classic studs in a matching metal and stone grade. Or consider a slim, elegant [diamond bracelet](/category/diamond bracelets) as a stacking piece that complements your upgraded ring for special occasions.
Step 5: Visit Our Toronto Showroom
Photos and websites can only tell you so much. The true magic of a diamond - its fire, its scintillation, the way it catches light from across a room - is something you experience in person.
At our Toronto showroom, you'll have the opportunity to:
- View diamonds under professional lighting and magnification
- Compare stones side by side across different carat weights, cuts, and colours
- Try on different settings and styles to see what resonates
- Speak one-on-one with a gemologist who will answer every question without pressure
We believe the upgrade process should feel as special as the ring itself. That's why we invite you to book a consultation - a dedicated, private appointment designed entirely around your vision, your timeline, and your budget.
What to Expect: Timeline and Investment
For in-stock rings with available diamonds, the process from selection to delivery can be as quick as 1-2 weeks. Custom designs typically take 4-6 weeks, depending on complexity.
As for investment, the combination of lab-grown diamond savings and our transparent pricing means most clients achieve their dream upgrade for a fraction of what they expected. To give you a ballpark:
- Entry-level upgrades (1-1.5 carat, classic solitaire): Starting around $2,500-$4,500
- Mid-range upgrades (1.5-2.5 carat, halo or three-stone): $4,500-$10,000
- Luxury upgrades (3+ carats, custom bespoke design): $10,000 and up
Every budget is welcome, and every client receives the same level of care and expertise.
Conclusion: Your Next Chapter Deserves a Diamond That Reflects It
Upgrading your engagement ring isn't about being dissatisfied with the past - it's about celebrating how far you've come. It's a declaration of continued commitment, evolving style, and the exciting chapter ahead. And with lab-grown diamonds making extraordinary quality accessible to more couples than ever before, there has never been a better time to make the upgrade you've always imagined.
At 6ix of Diamonds, we're proud to guide Toronto-area couples through this journey with expertise, transparency, and genuine excitement for what you're creating together. Your dream ring is closer than you think - and we'd love to help you find it.
Ready to start? Book a consultation with our team today and take the first step toward the ring you deserve.