Most jewelry purchases are final. You buy the ring, you wear the ring, and that is the end of the transaction. At Moissanite Shine, we built a different model — one that treats your first purchase not as a destination, but as a starting point. The Lifetime Upgrade Program is the mechanism that makes that possible. This guide explains exactly how it works, who it is for, and how to use it.
What Is the Lifetime Upgrade Program?
The Lifetime Upgrade Program allows any Moissanite Shine customer to trade in their current moissanite stone at any point in the future and apply its value toward a larger stone, a higher-grade stone, or a finer metal setting. There is no expiration date. There is no minimum waiting period. The program is available to every customer, forever.
Think of it as a jewelry equity model: your stone retains value within our ecosystem, and you can leverage that value whenever your life, your taste, or your budget evolves.
Why We Built This Program
The traditional jewelry industry has a dirty secret: the moment you walk out of a store with a diamond, its resale value drops by 30–50%. You are locked into whatever you bought, at whatever size you could afford at the time. We built the Upgrade Program because we believe your jewelry should grow with you — not trap you.
As we explore in The Moissanite Upgrade Journey, many of our customers start with a plated silver setting and a 1-carat stone, then upgrade to a 14K gold setting and a 2-carat stone within a few years. The program makes that progression financially accessible.
Who Is the Upgrade Program For?
The Couple Who Started Smart
Many couples choose a more modest ring at the time of engagement — because the budget was tight, because they were not sure of her style yet, or because they simply wanted to propose without waiting. The Upgrade Program is designed for exactly this scenario. Start with what makes sense now. Upgrade when the time is right.
The Woman Who Wants More
Tastes evolve. The ring that felt perfect at 25 might feel understated at 35. The Upgrade Program gives you the freedom to grow into a bigger, bolder piece without starting from scratch financially.
The Anniversary Milestone
The 5th, 10th, or 25th anniversary is a natural moment to upgrade. Many couples use the program to mark a major milestone with a significantly larger stone — turning the upgrade itself into a celebration. Read our Anniversary Ring Guide for milestone-specific inspiration.
The Metal Upgrade
The program is not just for stones. If you started with a sterling silver setting with platinum plating and want to move to solid 14K or 18K gold, the Upgrade Program covers that transition too. See our Metal Comparison Guide to understand the differences between your options.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Upgrade Program
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Upgrade To
Before contacting us, have a clear idea of your upgrade goal. Do you want a larger stone? A different shape? A finer metal? A completely new setting design? The more specific you are, the smoother the process. Browse our full collection for inspiration, or explore our Shapes & Cuts Guide if you are considering a different cut.
Step 2: Contact Our Upgrade Team
Reach out through our official contact channel and let us know you want to initiate an upgrade. Include your original order number, the current stone specifications (carat, shape, color grade), and your upgrade goal. Our team will provide a trade-in value assessment and a quote for your upgrade within one to two business days.
Step 3: Review Your Upgrade Quote
We will send you a detailed quote showing your trade-in credit, the cost of your new stone or setting, and the net amount due (if any). There is no pressure and no time limit on the quote — take the time you need to make the right decision.
Step 4: Ship Your Current Stone
Once you accept the quote, we will provide a prepaid, insured shipping label. Pack your stone carefully using the instructions we provide — do not ship the full ring unless the setting is also being replaced. We will confirm receipt and begin processing your upgrade immediately.
Step 5: Receive Your Upgraded Piece
Your new stone or setting will be prepared, quality-inspected, and shipped with a new GRA certificate reflecting the upgraded specifications. Most upgrades are completed within two to three weeks from the time we receive your trade-in.
Upgrade Program FAQs
Is there a minimum trade-in value?
No. Any Moissanite Shine stone qualifies for the program, regardless of its original size or price point.
Can I upgrade more than once?
Yes. The program is truly lifetime — you can upgrade as many times as you like, as long as the stone being traded in was originally purchased from Moissanite Shine.
Does the program cover the setting as well as the stone?
The trade-in value applies to the stone. Setting upgrades are priced separately and can be bundled into the same transaction for convenience.
What if I want a completely different ring design?
Absolutely possible. Many upgrade customers use the opportunity to commission a custom design — a new setting built around their upgraded stone. This is one of our most popular upgrade pathways.
Is the Upgrade Program the same as the Warranty?
No. The Lifetime Gemstone Warranty covers defects in the stone. The Upgrade Program is a voluntary trade-in program for customers who want a larger or finer stone. They are separate programs with separate processes. Read our Warranty Claim Guide if you are dealing with a stone defect.
The Bigger Picture: Jewelry That Grows With You
The Lifetime Upgrade Program is not just a policy — it is a philosophy. We believe that the best jewelry relationship is a long one, and that your ring should be able to evolve as your life does. Whether you are upgrading for an anniversary, a promotion, a milestone birthday, or simply because you are ready for something bigger — the program is there, and it always will be.
Ready to start? Visit the Upgrade Program page or connect with our design team to begin planning your next chapter.
🛡️ Lifetime Gemstone Warranty — Your stones are protected forever.
⬆️ Lifetime Upgrade Program — Upgrade your stones or metal anytime.
✏️ Request a Custom Design — Make it uniquely yours.