How to Buy a Cheap Engagement Ring
The average cost of an engagement ring may be thousands of dollars, but knowing how to buy a cheap engagement ring can save couples a lot of money without sacrificing quality, beauty or style for this symbol of their relationship. There are many stunning discount engagement rings available if couples know how to shop for them.
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Instructions
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Learn about diamond quality. Understand the four C's: clarity, cut, color and carat. All of these things combine to make up the diamond's value.
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Research settings and the shape of the diamond. Know what you want before your go shopping. Check out different settings and shapes online to get a good idea of what your soon-to-be fiancee likes.
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Consider buying a smaller stone. You can buy a 1.8 carat stone for much less than you can buy a 2 carat stone, but the size difference isn't noticeable to the naked eye.
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Ask family members if there is any family jewelry that can be used as an engagement ring. Even if your fiancee doesn't like the setting, you could always have the stone reset.
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Check estate sales and pawn shops for a good deal on diamond rings. The selection may not be as great as at a jeweler, but the price may be right. At estate sales, you may find a great deal on a vintage piece of jewelry.
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Consider stones other diamonds. Traditionally, engagement rings contain diamonds, but if your fiancee is willing to think out of the box, you can get a bigger ring with a different stone for less money than a smaller diamond. Another option is to use diamonds only as accents to a gemstone ring, such as birthstone engagement ring or other pretty semi precious gem that will be a much cheaper but still beautiful engagement ring.
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Compare prices between online and brick and mortar stores. Many jewelers will be willing to bargain over the price with you, so ask if the price can be lowered.
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Pay for the ring with cash or a no-interest payment plan to avoid increasing the cost with excessive fees and additional charges.
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Tips & Warnings
Diamond quality is crucial to a ring's beauty and its price. When you are learning about the quality characteristics of diamonds, be aware that lowering the stone's clarity or color ratings by one or two steps is not usually visible to the naked eye but can make a significant impact on the price.
Remember that the thoughtfulness behind the engagement ring is more important than its cost. Even a cheap engagement ring represents the love and commitment a couple shares, and the ring -- not the price -- should be chosen to reflect that.
Avoid too good to be true offers on very elaborate rings or large diamonds. These may be fake stones or plain glass or crystal rather than real gems. If an offer is appealing, insist on an independent appraisal to determine the ring's quality and value.
References
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