Ask The Experts: 5 Ways To Stay On Budget While Engagement Ring Shopping

Getting engaged is such an exciting time. I meet many of you when you have just been proposed to and I love to hear all about your wedding day ideas and of course all about your wedding planning journey. The first stop though is that all important proposal and of course the engagement ring. So much advice is given out about wedding planning, but what about actually choosing the engagement ring? Today I have invited wedding expert James back to the blog, as he gives us his 5 tips on engagement ring shopping and how to stay on budget while you make that all important life purchase.

5 Ways To Stay On Budget While Engagement Ring Shopping

More couples are trimming down their engagement ring budgets to funnel their savings toward their wedding and honeymoon. Diamonds are the traditional option for a ring but there are lots of other options out there as well. Some couples are even tightening up their spending to save for their first home. Keeping your engagement ring budget reasonable is not a statement on your love but rather a wise way to look at your overall spending.

Spending a fortune on an engagement ring can rob you of the opportunity to get everything you dreamed of for your big day. After all, your marriage isn’t about the ring but the bond that you share.

Having a realistic and clear idea of what you want when you are shopping for engagement ring settings and designs is a great way to find what you want without breaking the bank. Let’s discuss a few tips to help you find the perfect engagement ring for less.

Shop Around

photo by Courtney Looney Photography

There are thousands of rings out there, so you shouldn’t rush to buy the first ring that makes your heart flutter. It’s essential to understand the four C’s of diamond buying: cut, carat, clarity, and colour. When you know what to look for, you are more likely to get a high-quality ring at the best price.

It’s also a good idea to expand your shopping efforts beyond the local mall. Make sure to check out online sales, wholesale diamond dealers, and private artisans to help you design a unique ring on your budget.

Avoid Holidays

photo by  This and That Photography

Christmas and Valentine’s Day are the most popular time for people to get engaged. Retailers take advantage of this traditional flux to inflate their prices in the months before each holiday.

If you want to save money, start your shopping early and avoid buying anything close to either of these holidays.

Lab-Created

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Efforts have been made for many years to improve the ethical issues within the mined diamond industry. However, many couples still want to find an entirely conflict-free diamond.

Lab-created diamonds are grown using the same principles in nature to produce stunning authentic stones for a fraction of the price. You can find a much larger stone for your ring by considering a lab-grown diamond..​​​If you’re interested in knowing more about lab-grown diamonds, you can learn more here.

Heirlooms and Estate Engagement Rings

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When you know that it’s time to propose, talk to your family members about using heirloom jewellery to pop the question. Your mother, grandmother, or aunts may be willing to donate a charming vintage ring to give to your beloved. There is nothing quite so special as passing along a family ring to help express your love and hopes for the future.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want one that’s authentic, beautiful, and won’t break the bank, consider a second-hand engagement ring. You can find estate or preowned engagement rings through consignment stores online and locally. Most of these rings have a vintage look, so they’re almost always timeless and are cheaper than brand-new ones in the market. Just be sure to choose a store that will provide certification of their rings’ authenticity.

Custom Design

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If you want a unique engagement ring, you might want to consider working with a private jewelry maker. These craftspeople can help you design and create a one-of-a-kind ring that perfectly fits your fiance’s taste and style.

Getting engaged is an exciting time that holds the promise of the commitments to come. If you are looking to stay on budget while engagement ring shopping, follow some of these tips: know the industry, shop around and consider alternatives like an heirloom or a lab-created ring that will help you make your proposal an event you will cherish forever.

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