How to Price a Wedding Ring
Buying a wedding band or engagement ring can be a daunting task. This ring is a symbol of your love and one of the most important purchases you'll ever make. The marriage may last forever, but paying for the ring shouldn't. Set yourself a budget, keep your mate's tastes in mind, and do some research before purchasing the wedding ring. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Do your homework when buying diamonds. If you're buying an engagement ring or a wedding band with diamonds, price is directly related to the four C's: carat, color, clarity and cut. How big the diamond is, how pure it is and how brilliant it shines, are all a scale of aesthetics that you must personalize. If a large diamond is important to you, you could get one that is slightly flawed with inclusions, or that is off in color. Adversely, you could pick a perfect, quality diamond that is very small. The most important thing is to shop around and look at diamonds in your price range.
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Pick a heavy metal. The metal of the ring will directly affect the cost. Gold bands go by weight, with 14 karat (58 percent gold) less expensive than 18 (75 percent gold), or 24 karat (100 percent gold). Platinum rings are the most expensive metal, but are highest in quality and the strongest, as it is twice as heavy as 14 karat gold. If you are buying a band that is to hold diamonds or expensive stones, it is recommended to get at least 14 karat gold. If price is a huge concern in a band, you can get a silver wedding band for as little as $20. The price of the ring is not as important as the symbolism behind it.
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Go vintage. Buying an antique wedding ring might be more your style; however, it may be more costly as well. You could also get a very good deal on a used or "pre-owned" ring. Karma aside, if you're on a budget, check out pawn shops and online auctions for people who no longer need or want their wedding rings.
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Make it yourself. Many jewelry stores will let you design your own ring or wedding ring set. You pick out a band and stone separately and have the jeweler design it for you. You will pay more for a custom design; however, you will get a ring that is completely unique.
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Shop around for deals. Where you purchase your ring will impact the cost. While some high-end jewelry stores offer a reputation of high quality, in addition to benefits such as free ring cleanings and the ability to trade up your ring in the future, you will pay a premium for it. Neighborhood jewelry stores, online jewelry stores and warehouse stores, such as Costco also sell wedding and engagement rings at a much lower cost. Make sure you get a guarantee and certification of authenticity from any stores you make your purchase at.
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Tips & Warnings
Know your mate. Don't get an ornately stoned band for someone who has tastes for clothes and jewelry that run more clean and simple.
Go together to buy wedding bands. While the engagement ring might have been a solo surprise purchase, wedding bands traditionally are picked out together.
If buying a ring with diamonds, make sure that the diamonds come with a certificate from the Gemology Institute of America or American Gem Society.
Make sure that the stores you buy the ring from have a written cash refund policy.
References
Resources
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