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“How can I save money on an engagement ring?” is a question we hear frequently. Indeed, an engagement ring is a significant commitment, both emotionally and financially. The best advice we can give is to decide on a budget and adhere to it strictly.
Online jeweler Trumpet and Horn offers some useful tips to get more sparkle for your dollar:
1. Flexibility on the 4 C’s is Key
- Color: The color grading scale ranges from D (completely colorless) to Z (yellow-hued). An H-graded stone, nearly colorless, is a good choice instead of going for an absolutely colorless one.
- Clarity: Inclusions, or flaws inside the stone, affect the price. If on a budget, don’t spend more for something you can’t see. SI-graded diamonds are as beautiful as VS-graded ones, provided the inclusions don’t threaten the diamond’s structure.
- Carat: Avoid paying extra for size. Buy a slightly smaller diamond, such as .85-.95 carat instead of a full carat. The difference is barely noticeable.
- Cut: This has the biggest impact on a diamond’s quality. Antique diamonds, like rose-cut or old mine-cut, are about 30% cheaper than modern types. The cost savings come from avoiding the labor costs of cutting modern diamonds with laser precision.
2. Consider Colorful Gemstones
If you’re non-traditional, rings with colored stones like opals, amethysts, garnets, pearls, emeralds, sapphires, and tanzanite could be for you. They’re usually less expensive, and you can often go bigger on the size of the stone.
3. Opt for Multiple Stones
Cluster and halo rings look much larger than a solitaire, and they are usually less pricey. A ring made up of several smaller stones can make a big impression without draining your wallet!
4. Select a Ring with Fancy Metalwork
Another cost-saving tactic is to choose a ring with intricate settings. Not only do they add to the ring’s beauty, but they also create the illusion of a larger stone.
5. Go Vintage
A great reason to choose a vintage engagement ring is that the diamonds were mined long ago, reducing labor costs. Plus, vintage rings avoid the typical 40-50% markup that retail stores often add to new engagement rings.
