By Tess DiNapoli
If this is the year you’re planning to propose, you have a big ring decision ahead of you. Finding the perfect ring within your budget doesn’t have to be stressful, though. There is a wide range of options available in varying monetary brackets.
Whether you’re looking for something simple or complex, small or large, or can’t decide between a diamond and another gemstone, you can find your new ring while saving money. Search for your engagement ring with these four tips in mind, and you will find your love’s most beloved jewelry piece without the hassle of debt.
4 Ways to Save Money on Engagement Rings
1. Cover Your Bases
The first place to start is to find a reputable jeweler. You want to ensure that the jeweler has a history of good customer interactions, return policies, lifetime warranties, and certified stones.
Diamonds and gems should be certified with a quality third-party company that shows the details of your engagement ring are authentic. GIA and AGS are two top-rated certification companies that many jewelers rely upon to give accurate ratings of their stones.
Other certification companies will do similar work, so make sure there is certification completed on your new ring somewhere in the purchase process.
In addition to a jeweler and stone certification, you need to insure your ring with a jewelry insurance plan. You never know when the unfortunate will happen, so having insurance for lost, stolen, or broken jewelry will help keep your mind at ease.
2. Know Where to Give a Little in the Diamond
Here are three areas of the diamond’s makeup that can have a little wiggle room and save you quite a bit of money.
Color – A diamond that grades between D-F on the color scale is considered colorless. However, if you color scale to a grade G, there is very little color difference, and, likely, no one will ever notice the difference between an F color and your G color stone. However, your bottom line will notice the difference — and like it!
Carat – Another easy way to save money is to ask for a little less than the full carat. Having a complete carat is such a popular mind-frame that the price drastically increases because you want an even number. Instead, ask for something slightly less, like 1.8 carats instead of 2.0, and save big on your budget allowance.
Fluorescence – Did you know that the fluorescence, i.e., blue glow, is good to have when you want to counter yellow colors? Fluorescence is also so unrecognizable that most of the time trained professionals can only see it under special lighting. However, since it is considered a defect, it drops the price of the diamond, which is a win for you!
3. Stones and Cuts
There are so many different diamond cuts today. You can think of any shape, and you’ll probably be able to find a stone to match it. However, not all cuts are worth the bang for your buck when you want to save. Here are six tips for managing the price of your diamond cut to keep it in range.
• Round cuts are trending, so right now, they’re going to cost the most. Opt for a different cut style, like princess or diamond, to reduce your price tag.
• Oval rings are right up there with the round diamonds, and the oval cut is an excellent choice for making the carats of the diamond look more than what they amount to on paper.
• The larger the stone, the more expense you will pay. Make your stones smaller and add more to add a little bling to your ring.
• Halo rings are great because you can make the central diamond smaller but add tiny diamonds around it. This effect makes the center diamond look more prominent.
• Avoid three stone rings, as the side stones usually cost more due to unique cut styles. Instead, go with a single diamond.
• Pavé bands cost more because of the diamond detailing for the tiny side diamonds. Save on the cost by opting for a fancy metal band design sans additional diamonds.
4. More than Diamonds
As celebrities and jewelry enthusiasts continue debuting new trends and styles in the world of engagement rings, gemstones are making a big impact.
Instead of a full diamond ring, you may wish to opt for a beautiful gem – like amethyst, pearl, sapphire, quartz, aquamarine, or ruby. Most gemstones cost less than the average diamond, and they can add a unique, individualized look to your ring.
If your spouse-to-be has a favorite color they love to wear 24/7, buy a ring with that color gemstone. Not only will the proposal go well, but the delightful look in your lover’s eyes will shine even brighter with the color that adorns them best.
Gemstone rings are stunning with any type of metal: from classic yellow gold to luminescent platinum. Mix and match your metal with different colored gems, and don’t be afraid to add a little edge to the look of your engagement ring. Your budget will appreciate the adventure, too!
Find Your Perfect Ring On a Budget
No matter what you are looking for in your engagement ring, you can be sure that you will find one in your budget this year! Since you can’t stop your love, make it sparkle a little more with a new engagement ring that brings you and your partner together for a lifetime.
Author Bio: Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but she also enjoys covering the fashion industry and the world of fitness.
What do you think of these tips to save money on engagement rings? Did you (or are you going to) try any of them? Let us know in the comments below!