It was the happiest day of your life.

The day you and your partner both said, "I do."

Now, many years later, you look back on that day and your heart swells. It was a magical day, filled with love and laughter and endless smiles.

You look down at your left hand and stare at your wedding band. Something's not quite right anymore. Nothing has changed about the way you feel in your relationship—if anything, the bond with your spouse has gotten even stronger.

You're not, however, feeling quite as loving towards your wedding band. In fact, you're thinking of upgrading to an affordable tungsten ring.

But, does that make you a bad person? Of course not. Does it mean you don't love your spouse? Absolutely not.

It means you have grown, and you want a ring to better reflect that growth. There are just a few things you should know before upgrading your wedding ring. Read on to find out how to get rid of that guilt and just go for it.

Why You Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Upgrading Your Wedding Ring

There are plenty of reasons you might want a wedding ring upgrade that don't make you the worst spouse ever. They don't even make you a bad spouse. They just make you human.

Let's face it. Nice weddings don't come cheap. It's entirely possible that when you first bought your wedding ring, your budget was much lower than it is now.

Maybe you opted for a wedding ring without diamonds and now you're looking for something a little more eye-catching.

Maybe you chose something with rocks so small you need a magnifying glass to see them. Why shouldn't you be allowed a diamond upgrade?

You might have also decided that you want to wear something that is more in line with your current ethical and ecological views and boundaries.

It could be something as simple as a change in taste or lifestyle, or the fact that your current ring is falling apart.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to upgrade your wedding ring. It isn't a reflection of how you feel about your partner, it's about finding a piece of jewelry that you want to wear every single day.

How to Do It and What to Consider

Renew and Refurbish

The very first step in a wedding ring upgrade is deciding exactly what it is about your current ring you'd like to change.

If the changes you'd like to make are relatively small, you may not have to buy a whole new ring. 

If your budget is significantly higher than it was the first time around, look into the cost of resetting the diamonds (or adding diamonds if you didn't have any to begin with).

If you're happy with the rocks that you've got but you're on the hunt for a new style, think about changing the band. Swap out your plain gold band for a stronger metal, like titanium, or a more contemporary style.

You'll get that fresh, new look you're looking for without the pain of having to part with something that holds such great sentimental value. Sometimes all it takes is a few simple tweaks to turn your wedding ring into something brand new.

Happy Anniversary

Your old and new wedding rings are not mutually exclusive. If you're looking for an upgrade but can't bear to part with your original wedding ring, that's okay!

In this case, an anniversary band might be the right choice for you. Anniversary bands are essentially the same as wedding bands—just given on an anniversary instead of your wedding day.

Thanks to their versatility, they're the perfect option when you're reluctant to give up your old ring entirely.

You can wear the anniversary band alongside your wedding ring (either stacked or on your right hand) so it's not a replacement, just a happy addition to your jewelry collection.

Otherwise, if you're feeling ready to let go, you can treat the anniversary band as a replacement for your current ring and just wear it on its own.

Either way, with an anniversary band, you get the benefit of an upgrade without the emotional turmoil of losing your current ring.

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

If a few simple tweaks aren't enough or an anniversary band isn't your style, that's okay, too! Treat yourself to something completely new and find a ring that suits your new lifestyle.

If you've chosen a classic metal band and are looking to mix it up, you might want to look into options with a more unique style or material, like wooden wedding rings for guys.

Even though you're choosing to replace your current ring, you should still use your current ring as a guide to help you find the perfect new ring.

Just as you would if you were only making minor improvements to your ring, focus on the individual aspects of the ring that you'd like to be different.

Is the style too plain or outdated? Are you looking for bigger and better precious stones for a ring that sings in the sunlight? Knowing what you don't want anymore will help you focus your search to find something you do.

It's also worth getting your current ring appraised, especially if you're planning on a complete replacement.

This way, no matter what your new budget may be, you've got an additional chunk of change to put towards your new ring!

Put a (New) Ring on It

Don't let guilt or the overwhelming choice prevent you from upgrading your wedding ring.

A wedding ring is one of the most important pieces of jewelry a person can own, and you deserve to find one that fills you with joy whenever you catch a glimpse of it.

So, take a look around and find the men's ring that's right for you!