Can you imagine? You get down on one knee, pull out the ring, and her face goes from ecstatic to disappointed. It can happen. And when it does, you need to take swift action, and get your girl the ring she actually wants! 

What About the Rejected Ring?

The first thing to do after your future wife has shown her disapproval of the engagement ring is to check the refund policy with the jeweler you bought the ring from. There may be a limited period in which you can swap or get a refund. For this reason, try to buy the ring close to the time you plan on proposing – just in case. If you are within the return policy period, great. Take your fiancé to the store, return the first ring, and let her pick out her dream ring. 

If the Return Date for the Rejected Ring Has Passed

If you can’t return the ring then you’ll have to make a plan with your future wife to get the original ring changed in some way so it will be acceptable to her. If she doesn’t like the setting, a jeweler could change it, and customize it to her liking. If it is the type of metal you chose for the band, that can also be changed for example from silver to gold, or yellow gold to white gold. But when the band metal is changed the setting will probably have to be changed as well so that they match. But it will most likely be the gem, or to be more precise the size of the gem that she rejects. This can also be fixed. You’ll have to sell the original gem back to the jeweler and get it replaced with the gem your fiancé has chosen.

What Are Your Options With An Unloved Engagement Ring

• Return it to the jeweler if it is within the return date
• Get the setting changed
• Get the gem replaced with one your fiancé likes
• Sell the original ring, and use the money on a new ring
• Sell or return the engagement ring, don’t replace it, and focus on fantastic wedding bands
• Ask your fiancé to take the engagement ring for a test run, wear it for a while and see if she grows to love it

And What About the New Ring?

There’s only one rule with getting a replacement ring – let her choose! Take her ring shopping, or consult with her about how she would like the old ring modified. You should be able to discuss the ring respectfully, without hurting anyone’s feelings too much. If you’ve planned to exchange the ring, modify the ring, or get a completely new one, you need to discuss the budget. Politely ask your fiancé to stay within your ring budget when she gets her new ring.

And What About Engagement Ring Insurance?

A man getting married should always take out an insurance policy as soon as he purchases the engagement ring. Jewelry insurance covers loss, theft, or damage. 

If You Return the Ring – If you return the ring to the jeweler and get your money refunded, you simply need to cancel your jewelry insurance policy. 

If You Get Rid of the First Ring and Buy a New Ring – If you return the ring to the jeweler and exchange it for a different ring, then you need to cancel the original insurance policy, get an appraisal for the new ring, and take out a new insurance policy. It is extremely important to have the correct details about the ring, its value, and its description listed on the insurance policy. If you think a ring is a ring, and just leave the policy with the details of the original ring, you would not be eligible for compensation if you made a claim. 

If You Upgrade the Ring – If you take the original ring to be modified to suit your fiancé’s taste, then you can keep the original insurance policy but you will need a new appraisal so that your insurance policy reflects the ring’s current value. And the description of the ring will have to be updated on the policy.

It’s Not You, It’s the Ring

Remember she is rejecting the ring, not you! This doesn’t reflect on your relationship, and it is simply one of the many issues you’ll have to work through together in your future marriage.