Shields helm etc what's upping an item do to the item what all does it change/effect on the item?

It will typically upgrade the defense/level requirement and stat requirements get higher.

Moves the item up in class, exceptional to elite kinda thing. When doing it, it increases defense and affects level req. the stat implications usually get higher. It’s a recipe in the cube with the item to do it. Gore riders go from battle boots or whatever they are to myrmidon greaves. Some items like magefists can be double upped, normal to exceptional then exceptional to elite.

Ok thank you