Things You'll Need:
- Internet access
- Budget
- Local jewelers
- Pawn shops
- Estate sales
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Step 1
Use online resources to learn about judging diamond quality through the four C’s: clarity, cut, color and carat. Understanding how diamonds are graded will help you choose a stone that is beautiful but that fits within your budget.
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Step 2
Establish an engagement ring budget by examining current and future finances, including the costs of planning for a wedding, setting up a home together, debt management, family planning and more. Include emergency money and other necessities, and do not believe the myth that a respectable engagement ring must cost the equivalent of two months’ salary.
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Step 3
Use the Internet to examine different engagement ring designs and learn about current prices for popular styles. Take note of prices for similar rings on different websites and which styles are less expensive.
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Step 4
Visit local jewelers and compare their prices to those researched online. Ask what changes may be made to create a cheap engagement ring, such as removing side accent stones or opting for a less expensive metal. Be clear about your budget to avoid being pressured to consider more expensive engagement rings. Also visit pawn shops, estate sales and other jewelry retailers to look for bargains.
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Step 5
Choose the engagement ring style that best fits the bride-to-be’s preferences and your mutual budget.
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Step 6
Pay for the ring with cash or a no-interest payment plan to avoid increasing the cost with excessive fees and additional charges.








