The current programs
Compare eligibility before comparing percentages.
Start with the diamond you want to buy next. Does it qualify? We checked these published upgrade terms on October 15, 2026. These are program rules, not current diamond prices. Your original purchase documents and the seller's written upgrade quote tell you what you can actually use.
| Retailer and source | Eligible starting point and replacement minimum | Credit and restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying A CUT ABOVE to one A CUT ABOVE diamond at least 50 percent greater in value. | Original price or current market normalization, less shipping and applied discounts. Other named categories are excluded; upgrade purchases are not refundable. | |
| Listed eligible Signature and in house natural categories. Replacement costs at least 50 percent more. | Credit excludes shipping and tax. Market value adjustment reserved. Jewelry and melee excluded; confirm exact collection. | |
| Eligible colorless diamonds bought there, on a like for like origin basis. New purchase at least twice the original price. | Credit up to original price after review. Condition, report, geographic, and promotion restrictions apply. | |
| Eligible loose natural diamond to a new natural diamond at least 1.5 times the original value. | Original price credit, excluding duty and tax. Documentation and saleable condition required. Program purchases are final sale. |
Fifty percent more means 1.5 times the original value. Twice the original price means a 100 percent increase. Neither number tells you your final credit or what changing the setting will cost. Get those answers separately.
Natural and lab are different lanes
Do not carry a natural diamond rule into a lab purchase.
| Retailer | Published distinction |
|---|---|
| Lab diamonds are outside the A CUT ABOVE trade up program described above. | |
| BG Premium Lab trade in uses current market pricing. BG Deluxe and Select Lab do not qualify under the published program. | |
| Like for like lab upgrades have the same twice original price minimum, subject to the program’s eligibility review. | |
| Eligible loose lab diamond to a new lab diamond at least twice the original value. Other exclusions still apply. |
For a natural diamond, start with GIA. Then ask whether both your old diamond and the replacement qualify for the upgrade. A logo, a lifetime promise, or another buyer's old terms won't answer that for you.
The spending requirement
A replacement minimum and a credit are separate numbers.
Say your original diamond value is $6,000. A 1.5 times rule puts the replacement minimum at $9,000. A twice value rule puts it at $12,000. If you receive the full $6,000 credit, you'd add $3,000 or $6,000 before tax and other costs. That's an example, not a retailer quote.
A market adjustment can change your credit. Tax and setting work change the bill too. Our upgrade policy value guide explains that money decision. Here, we're checking which retailer program your purchase qualifies for.
The exclusions
Keep the setting and the refund question in view.
The credit is for the diamond. Don't assume it pays for your setting, side stones, or bench work. A larger diamond can need a new head or a whole new ring. Ask for one written total showing the replacement price, credit, tax, shipping, insurance, and setting work.
The replacement still has to fit.
The seat and prongs have to fit the replacement diamond. Ask your jeweler whether your existing head works, then get any setting changes quoted separately from the diamond credit. This GIA setting illustration explains fit, not a retailer's upgrade terms.
Illustration: GIA Quality Assurance Benchmarks.
Blue Nile describes reusing a setting when it still fits and can be reused. Brilliant Earth describes a possible precious metal credit when the old setting can't take the new stone. That isn't a refund of the setting's original retail price. Check the program before counting on that money.
Whiteflash upgrade diamonds are not eligible for money back under its program. Brilliant Earth states upgrade purchases are final sale. Blue Nile excludes upgrade purchases from standard returns. Brian Gavin excludes bezel set diamonds from return, upgrade, and buyback in its inspection FAQ. Ask about any planned bezel or custom work before authorizing it.
Your decision
Buy a diamond you want to keep today.
Buy a diamond you like now. An upgrade program can help later, but it isn't cash resale value or an investment return. Your budget and the diamonds you'll actually be allowed to choose matter more than the word lifetime.
For a close look at cut, compare Whiteflash’s selection with Brian Gavin’s selection. Ask for the upgrade terms for the exact stone you're considering. Our Whiteflash vs Brian Gavin comparison helps you check the diamonds and the purchase terms together.
If you are weighing two offers, bring both quotes to your free consultation. Rob or I can help separate a useful benefit from a promise you are unlikely to use.
Buyer questions
Your questions, answered
Does full upgrade credit mean my diamond holds its value?
No. It's a benefit you use when buying again from that seller. It isn't an offer to hand you that amount in cash, and some programs allow market adjustments to the credit.
What does 50 percent greater value mean?
If your original diamond value is $6,000, the replacement must cost at least $9,000. That still leaves two questions: how much credit will you receive, and what else will you pay? Get the quote.
Can I upgrade a lab diamond into a natural diamond?
Do not assume so. Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth describe like origin routes. Brian Gavin describes a specific BG Premium Lab route with current market pricing. Confirm the exact program before buying.
Can I return the upgraded diamond if I change my mind?
Don't count on the usual return window. Several upgrade programs exclude refunds. Ask about refunds and exchanges for this purchase before you agree to it.