How do I Change a Garnet Ring?

Garnet is the second anniversary stone.

As the official birthstone for the month of January, garnet is an affordable semi-precious stone that comes in many varieties and colors. Garnet is also the official stone for the second wedding anniversary, as well as the zodiac sign Aquarius. Rare garnets such as the Spessartite garnet are extremely valuable, best known for their bright orange color, yet most people believe that garnets are not as valuable as other precious and semi-precious stones. Depending on your budget and the desired outcome, changing a garnet ring may be the best way to update a treasured part of your jewelry collection.

Instructions

1. Pick a new stone. If you received a garnet ring for an anniversary, change the stone to either your birthstone or the stone symbolizing your current anniversary. Blue topaz is the fourth year anniversary stone, sapphire the fifth and amethyst the sixth.

2. 

   Add side stones to a solitaire setting.

   Choose a different setting. If you like the stone but would like to update the style of the ring, look for a modern setting to suit your tastes. Ring settings vary from antique-inspired to pronged and tend to complement the cut of the stone.

3. 

   Replate a gold ring with platinum.

   Decide on a new finish. Replating a metal band can completely change the look of a ring. If your band is gold, try white gold or platinum. Coating a ring with a new finish is also called "dipping" and is relatively inexpensive, compared with buying a new ring or stone.

4. Take your ring to a jeweler, preferably with pictures. Whether you would like a new stone, setting or finish, pictures make it easier for the jeweler to determine the best options. For replating, try a service that specializes in jewelry finishing. In general, thicker plating will last longer and is best for everyday wear.

Tips & Warnings

• To extend the new finish or plating on a band, take your ring off during showers, when swimming or doing the dishes.

References

• Bernadine: Garnet Facts
• Ganoksin: Spessartite Garnet
• Gem Select: Birthstones, Zodiac and Anniversary Stones
• Artisan Plating: White Gold

Resources

• Africa Gems: Learn about Garnet Gemstones
• Love Style: Types of Ring Settings
• Artisan Plating: Plating Services