back to Engagement

Second Time Around: Second Marriage Engagement Rings

by Haley Anhut
Last updated on August 22, 2023
second engagement rings

Shopping for second marriage engagement rings can sometimes seem tricky. Many women don’t want their next ring to be too flashy, or even to make a big deal about the diamond. There’s also a possibility that their budget is now much larger than what was available during their first engagement. However, they still want something simple and sophisticated.

We’re here to tell you to knock all of those preconceived notions out of your head. An engagement ring is a universal sign of love, a lab grown diamond engagement ring shows that you love the planet as well. No matter how many times you’ve been married, you should feel just as excited (or even more excited) to receive your second marriage engagement ring as you were when you accepted your first one.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! From new styles, settings, and even colors, a lot of things might have changed since you were last ring shopping.

Even if you loved the style of a previous ring, new diamond technology is making waves in the industry. These changes give couples a modern option for their engagement rings. So, read through our helpful resource for the time you’ll say, ‘yes!’ to your second marriage engagement ring.

Second Marriage Engagement Rings Etiquette

As previously stated, you may be going into this new engagement with some preconceptions regarding second marriage engagement rings. That’s normal, but don’t let those notions spoil your fun. After all, this is your engagement. And whether you’ve been married once (or ten) times before, you have the right to treat this new union as something special, personal, and beautiful — because that’s exactly what it is!

So, don’t get too hung up on the “rules” and “etiquette” of second marriage engagement rings. Follow your heart, play to your and your fiance’s tastes, and don’t be afraid to go all out.

That said, there is one rule that is worth calling attention to: Once you’ve got your new engagement ring, don’t keep wearing any previous engagement rings (or wedding rings) you might still have. It’s your choice, of course, but putting away your old rings can show your new spouse that your heart belongs only to them. 

Trending Styles

three stone engagement rings
About three stone engagement rings.

Let’s be honest. A lot has changed in the engagement ring industry over the years.

Just like handbags and shoes, certain styles remain timeless, while others go in and out of style. A gorgeous solitaire ring is still wildly popular because of its classic look and how well it pairs with just about anything.

Over the past few years, rings with multiple diamonds, halos, or accent diamonds have made their way onto the scene. Whether they’re lining the band of the ring or encircling the center diamond, these extra stones leave a ring finger with even more sparkle and a glamorous look. The two stone engagement ring is one of these, offering a unique and stunning option for any bride.

Additional diamonds aren’t the only change we’ve seen. A trend that’s been just as popular is switching up the color of the setting. In the past few years, white gold or platinum have both been extremely sought after. This color looks beautiful next to the shimmer of a diamond and pairs nicely with other popular jewelry, such as silver.

2018 brought a new color: rose gold engagement rings. This breathtaking shade of pink puts a modern twist on any classic engagement ring. Rose gold also matches with just about everything. Due to this popularity, we’ve made sure all Clean Origin rings are available in white, yellow, and rose gold.

Can’t decide between two colors? We’ve got yet another trend for you: stackable rings. An engagement ring plus a wedding band no longer equals a completely decorated finger. Women are now adding more bands to their ring fingers to give the appearance of a stack instead of just a pair.

Not everyone sticks with the same monochromatic color scheme. Throwing a rose gold band into a mainly white gold stack is a fun way to switch things up and add a pop of color. These additional rings make a great anniversary gift, so keep them in mind even after the wedding day!

Lab-Grown Diamonds

In 2006, the world was exposed to the dark side of diamond mining with the film ‘Blood Diamond’ featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. After the movie brought light to the negative implications of this industry, there still wasn’t a diamond alternative for women who wanted to remain socially conscious.

Motivated by this hole in the industry, individuals such as Alexander Weindling (founder of Clean Origin) vowed to bring couples the same gorgeous diamonds with a new origin.

Thanks to technology and science, lab-grown diamonds are taking the industry by storm and finally giving individuals an ethical, eco-friendly option. By replicating the growing process, scientists have figured out a way to create a stone with the same chemical, physical and optical make-up as a diamond found in the earth.

But, the sustainable practice of lab-created diamonds isn’t the only reason that couples are so excited about this new technology. Similar to companies such as Warby Parker, lab-grown diamonds have reduced the supply chain and therefore can price their diamonds much more competitively. As a result, man-made diamonds can be anywhere from 20-50% less expensive than mined diamonds.

And while the question of “how much to spend on an engagement ring for a second marriage” is one that really shouldn’t be any different then “how much to spend on an engagement ring for a first marriage,” saving a significant amount of money on a new diamond is still a nice way to start a life together.

So, this time around, you can opt for a diamond that doesn’t come with a ton of negative baggage.

Refurbishing An Old Ring

Lab-grown diamonds are also the perfect way to modernize an old ring. Maybe you’re hoping to use a family heirloom or you found a gorgeous vintage ring at your local pawn shop. By replacing the current stone with a lab-grown diamond, you’re not only updating the ring, but you’re making the statement that mined diamonds are no longer an acceptable option.

This is also great for couples that have decided to renew their vows! Upgrading your current ring with a bigger lab-grown diamond is a symbolic representation of a new beginning — not just for your relationship, but for our earth.

No matter the circumstances, feeling confident about your engagement ring choice is our #1 priority. Whether you’re open to a new ring style, or you’re sticking with a classic look that you know works for you, buying a ring made with a lab-grown diamond is the perfect way to add a contemporary touch. No matter your preference, we will do everything we can to help you find a second marriage engagement ring that gives you butterflies every time you look down at your hand!