How to Save Money on Wedding Rings

Your options on your wedding bands are as varied as the people that buy them. Wedding rings are the symbolic representations of the bond of your union, so you want to choose wisely without breaking yourself financially. Here are some steps that will help you to save money on your wedding rings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• computer

1. Purchase a ring that is 14k gold rather than one with a higher gold composition. True, it is less gold, but the lower the gold content, the harder the metal will be. A 14k band will be stronger and more durable than an 18k or 24k ring.
2. Shop at pawn shops or antique stores. It will be a used ring, but you can find some unique and unusual rings at a fraction of the cost. Have a jeweler size and polish the ring to look like new.
3. Look at online retailers. You could find closeouts and other discounts by eliminating the middleman by purchasing online.
4. Check out the online auctions. In the unfortunate event that a wedding got canceled, the couple would like to sell their rings. You could get the rings at a good discount so that the couple can recoup some of their expenses.
5. Shop for synthetics or other stones. If a diamond is not in your budget, you could shop for stones that are a diamond synthetic. You will be able to get a diamond look for a fraction of the cost. Or look into buying a ring that has a different precious stone and is only accented by diamonds. Is her favorite stone a sapphire? Look for a beautiful sapphire ring that she will love.
6. Comparison shop. Look at different retailers. Many of the chain jewelry stores carry rings that are similar. Find a style that you wish to purchase and shop clearance and closeout sales.

Tips & Warnings

• When purchasing any kind of jewelry, be sure to confirm its quality. Get a written appraisal. This will also be good for your homeowner’s policy if something happens to it.
• If buying a large stone, buy it loose. Sometimes the setting will distract from any flaws that may be in the stone.
• If purchasing a synthetic diamond, be truthful with your spouse. This would be quite embarrassing for them to find out when getting an appraisal on their stone.
• Avoid rings that are 10k. Though it seems that they would be stronger, they sometimes snap during the resizing process.