How to Negotiate on an Engagement Ring

Negotiate on a sparkling, exquisite engagement ring.

No matter how skilled you are at bargaining, you may not get a deal on an engagement ring unless you learn the right way to negotiate. Weddings, receptions and honeymoons are expensive, so it is essential to save money by negotiating, especially on a high-priced engagement ring. If you want a glimmering, lovely engagement ring for a discounted price, speaking politely and acting friendly with the jeweler can help you get a deal, but a few other techniques might get you the best discount.

Instructions

1. 

   Know your price range before shopping for an engagement ring.

   Figure out how much you can spend on an engagement ring. Learn about cut, clarity, color and carat of diamonds, all of which can affect the price.

2. 

   Avoid big-name jewelers.

   Look at prices of engagement rings at several jewelers, so you will know the general price range of engagement rings. Shop at independent jewelers, which will be more willing to negotiate prices, rather than big-name jewelers.

3. Tell the jeweler your budget, so he will show you engagement rings in your price range. Go into the discussion believing that discounts are possible.

4. 

   Act friendly with the jeweler.

   Phrase your words politely, and handle negotiations in a calm manner. Avoid acting aggressive.

5. Ask the jeweler about the clarity and cut of the engagement ring of your choice. Request a discount if the diamond has an inadequate cut, or if the clarity is rated below SI1 or SI2 on the clarity scale. "SI" stands for "slightly included," in which inclusions are tiny imperfections that occur in all but the best diamonds. The imperfections usually are microscopic and do not affect the diamond's beauty. A rating of "Slightly Included" means that imperfections are visible under 10 times magnification and may be visible with the unaided eye.

6. Put the engagement ring above a white sheet on paper and observe the color of the diamond. Ask the jeweler about the color of the diamond. Request a discount if you notice the diamond has a yellow tint, or if the color is rated K or below on the color scale. A rating of K through R denotes a light yellow color.

7. Ask the vendor if he accepts payment plans. If you offer to pay in cash, the jeweler may be more willing to offer a discount.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice negotiating with everyday items at flea markets.

• Diamonds with ideal cuts will sparkle and reflect light well, while diamonds with mediocre cuts will appear dull.

• Diamonds rated with a FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1 or VS2 on the clarity scale will have small defects or no inclusions and exceed the SI1 and SI2 rating. Diamonds in the D to J color range are colorless to almost colorless, which is the recommend range to buy. S to Z is a significant yellow appearance.

• Do not buy a diamond if you notice a crack in it, which may cause the diamond to break.

References

• "Brides"; How to Negotiate with Your Wedding Vendors; Kim Forrest
• Brides: How to Save Money
• "Brides"; How to Negotiate with Vendors; Lexi Dwyer
• The Knot: How to Negotiate With Wedding Vendors
• "Money Crashers"; How to Strike a Deal on an Engagement Ring This Holiday Season; Erik Folgate
• Blue Nile: Diamond Clarity
• Blue Nile: Diamond Color

Resources

• "Brides"; Five Tips on How To Negotiate for the Best Deal on Your Wedding; Lexi Dwyer; March 2010