Here’s What to Do If You Don’t Like Your Engagement Ring

If you don’t like your engagement ring, here’s how to handle this (common) dilemma gracefully- and get the piece of your dreams.

1. Take a Moment (or Two) to Breathe

Engagement ring shock is real, and initial dislike of the engagement ring could very well just be nerves or surprise.

Don’t fret!- this is a very common reaction.

Sleep on it. Give it a couple of days. Who knows after a few wears sometimes these things just work.

2. Have The Talk (Gently!)

If you’ve slept on it and still don’t feel like your engagement ring is “the one,” it’s time for a chat. Be kind. Remember, your partner probably spent hours (or more likely weeks) agonizing over this choice and deserves to be appreciated for finding this first ring. Emphasize your appreciation for their thoughtfulness and be clear with what you like about their initial choice.

BUT don’t be afraid to be truthful!

Be specific and say what features you don’t like about the engagement ring. Express your preferences without assigning blame (to you or them)- make it an “us”/”we” conversation. This helps begin the process of changing the ring to fit your taste as a pair. (Plus, it makes it obvious this is a taste issue and nothing deeper).

Ask what your partner liked about the engagement ring, and why they thought it suited you. Once you know what they like about it and they know what you dislike about it, you can find that perfect middle ground. Maybe he went classic and chose a diamond, whilst you prefer coloured gemstones like sapphire or emerald but you both like a cluster setting, or Art Deco designs.

From here, you can discuss what fixes are the best fit -together.

3. The Fixes

Design Tweaks

Hate the setting? Switch it up. Want more sparkle? Add a halo. Visit a jeweler to discuss modifications or exchanges. You can look at re-designs that remove what you don’t like about the engagement ring. Instead, incorporating both your preferences, collaborating on a redesign in a joint effort.

Resizing

Maybe it’s not that you don’t like your engagement ring but that it doesn’t “feel” right. This could be because it doesn’t fit you properly- it’s a little snug, or slipping off. Lucky for you, this problem has an easy solution as resizing is usually quick and simple.

In fact, at The AJC we’re pleased to offer a Complimentary Sizing on all first ring purchases (undertaken by one of the best jewellers in the business). For all the details on our free resizing policy click here.

Exchanging

You’ve talked it through and figure it’s best to start anew. No panic needed! Many jewellers have a return policy because, guess what? This happens more than you think.

At The AJC our Returns & Exchanges policy is built with changes of taste in mind. We offer a 30-day, Full Money-Back Guarantee on all purchases, and 60 days for exchanges/part exchanges.

Upgrading Later:

If budget constraints influenced the original design, consider wearing the ring as-is and upgrading to your dream ring later. Anniversaries and milestones are perfect opportunities for upgrades.

Even princesses and politicians’ wives don’t love their engagement rings and opt for a later upgrade; Jackie Kennedy refurbished her ring almost a decade after her engagement, while Meghan Markle waited til the birth of their first son to revamp hers.

Shop Together

If a new ring is the best solution then, fabulous! Now you can enjoy the experience of selecting a ring together. This way, the process can become another exciting chapter in your engagement journey.

Why not visit us at our London showroom? Come together, get comfortable, and our team will take the time to help you choose the perfect ring as a unit. After all, two heads are always better than one.

Find a ring that will have you both jumping for joy

– Happy Hunting!