An engagement ring is a symbol of love and commitment between a couple. It is the start of a journey of settling down and living as a man and wife. There is the myth that you should spend three months of your salary on an engagement ring, but the truth is, it all depends on how much you can afford.
Don’t worry, many beautiful affordable engagement rings suit every pocket. This is possible with the help of various designs and the use of design elements.
If you are looking for affordable engagement rings, you should first visit a jewelry shop with your parents or friends to see which options you have within your budget.
Remember, your soon-to-be fiancé will wear this daily, so make sure you do not overindulge as you also have other expenses to look into, especially your marriage and honeymoon.
When Are You Planning To Propose?
If you have ample time to choose the right affordable diamond engagement rings, you should first arrange for the finances while taking time to zero down on the ring that fits your budget.
On the other hand, if you are planning to propose within a few days or weeks, it is best to arrange for finance before zeroing on the right engagement ring. You can dip into your savings for a down payment and pay the rest in simple installments.
Ensure The Ring You Choose Is Liked By Your To-Be-Fiancé
Of course, you can’t ask her directly on her face. Instead, you can make up a story about how a colleague at work splurged $1000 on a ring with a certain design only to be scolded by his fiancé about the high price. Sneakily ask your to-be-fiancé about her opinion.
If this seems out of your comfort zone, you can ask her friends and family about her likes and dislikes. Whatever you do, you will need to indirectly ask her about her engagement ring preferences. You wouldn’t want to be in the situation where you’ve spent thousands of dollars only to know your girlfriend wants to exchange it as she dislikes the design.
Consult A Professional To Help You Make The Right Decision
Buying an engagement ring might be the first (and probably last) time you visit a jeweler. As you are spending quite a lot, it makes perfect sense to look into the suggestions given by the jeweler for a ring based on your requirements. There are many factors to consider when buying an engagement ring- you can get one in your budget by choosing which metal to use, which diamond to use (based on the 4C’s of the diamond) and others which is explained below.
Factors to keep in mind before buying an engagement ring
Design
As mentioned before, if you aren’t sure which design to choose, you will have to take help. You could take your mom, sister or friend to the jeweler and take their inputs before zeroing on a design. Remember, the design is just one component of the engagement ring, choose one that will last. It shouldn’t be over-the-top or unusual. Choose a ring that will actually enhance your to-be-fiance’s beauty-it should earn her a lot of compliments.
Diamond
For the ring, you will have to choose a diamond that suits your budget. Look up current diamond prices and the options you have- you can choose from high-budget natural diamonds or man-made diamonds (these are diamonds made in a lab setting, but are physically and chemically similar to natural diamonds). Ask your jeweler which diamond to choose, he will help you choose one based on the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat) of the diamond that suits the design. It is okay if the diamond has some inclusions or is a little off-color, the design will enhance the beauty of the diamond.
Metal
Do you want your ring in gold, silver, or platinum? Based on the design you have chosen, you can choose the metal based on your budget. Do remember that the main cost of the ring is of the diamond and the metal used, do not go overboard and calculate the final cost of each option before zeroing on one that you prefer.
Ring Size
Just as you sneakily tried to know your to-be-fiance’s tastes for the ring design, you can also get her ring size in the same way. Ask one of her friends to take her to a jeweler’s and get the ring size or borrow one of her rings under some pretext and get the ring made in that size.
Based on your budget, an experienced jeweler like Bruce Chase would be able to help you choose the right engagement ring even if it means making one from scratch or customizing an existing design. Whatever you do, do not let your emotions and impulses cloud your decision.