If you have decided to propose to your sweetheart, you are surely facing an uphill battle. It's not just about wedding preparations and the wedding itself, after all, you have to hear the most important yes in your life first. And so, the engagement awaits you as the first point. For the engagement alone, you have a number of things to consider. You don't just kneel down in front of her while walking the dog or while chilling in front of the TV in the evening. And apart from the circumstances, you also need to think properly about the engagement ring.
An engagement ring is a symbol of love and commitment, so you need to choose the right one to represent your feelings and relationship. However, choosing a quality engagement ring can be very expensive and put a considerable strain on your wallet. A lot of gentlemen who want to propose to their loved one are, besides other things, worried about this. Therefore, we bring you unique tips that will help you choose the perfect engagement ring that won't break your wallet so much.
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Always set a budget first
Establishing a clear budget before choosing an engagement ring is the first step to saving money. Work out what you can afford to spend on an engagement ring and stick to that budget. According to this, simply determine what type of stone or material you will choose and you have limits to stick to. It is said that an engagement ring should be worth three months' income. However, this may not be true by any means and you certainly shouldn't take this rule too seriously. So you don't have to save for years or take out loans. Engagement is about love and a promise, not the amount of money you spend on a ring. Although it is an important piece of jewellery for a woman to wear for the rest of her life, there are high quality and durable materials that will not break you financially and at the same time will dazzle a woman with their shine.
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You don't have to only go for the diamond
Diamond engagement rings are the most popular, but usually the most expensive. Consider other types of stones such as sapphires, rubies or emeralds, which are much cheaper but still very high quality and gorgeous. A great advantage of these stones can also be that they often carry with them a beautiful colour, which in itself means something and can communicate your feelings along with the jewellery. In addition, most women like colour. So you can choose a stone in her favorite colour. This will show her that you really know her and know what she cares about and likes.
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Ring made of yellow 14K gold - round red garnet between clear arcs
add_shopping_cart Add to cart$210.03
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Ring in yellow 14K gold - violet amethyst square, clear zircons
add_shopping_cart Add to cart$202.30
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14K White gold ring – a round citrine with two zircons on sides
add_shopping_cart Add to cart$310.88
Zircon indistinguishable from diamond
If you do want a non-coloured stone, a zircon can be a great way to solve that. It carries a similar reflection of light as a diamond, and if you choose a good quality zircon in the right cut, it will be indistinguishable to the eye from the diamond itself. This makes the ring look really beautiful, unique and yet really affordable.
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Even a small stone can start big things
A smaller diamond or stone can still look very gorgeous and elegant, while costing less. Try to imagine what a ring with a smaller diamond would look like and compare it to a larger stone. A smaller diamond doesn't mean the ring will be less effective. In many cases, a woman professes minimalism and a beautifully shaped ring with a small diamond or other stone may appeal to her much more. So, feel free to reach for a more subtle piece of jewellery that can catch the attention with its minimalistic and elegant design.
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Same stone - different quality and price
When choosing a stone, you also need to focus on its quality. Before the actual purchase, it is a good idea to learn the basic information about the stones and their quality. For example, diamonds of different colours come in different quality grades. The quality grades are determined by the so-called 4C criteria - cut, clarity, colour and carat. All these parameters together determine the price. So you can easily be assured that it is not always the case that the bigger, the more expensive!
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Smaller seller - better price
Shops selling engagement rings and jewellery in shopping malls often offer the most expensive engagement rings. Look for more discreet sources, such as small independent jewellery shops or online stores, where you can find equally high quality and unique engagement rings. The difference won't be in the quality of the jewellery, but in the price. Also, the approach of such smaller establishments is often more personal and friendly. If you opt for jewellery from an e-shop, you will often have a much wider choice and will often come across a pleasantly surprising discount or discount code.
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Choose the right metal
The most popular metal used in engagement rings is definitely gold. We choose it for its hallmark of luxury, durability and quality. However, gold is also one of the most expensive metals after platinum. If the ring you have chosen seems too expensive, try to find an alternative in a lower carat gold or try to find a similar alternative in another metal. In recent years, white gold has certainly become more popular. So you don't have to be afraid to reach for a silver or titanium ring as well. These metals are also durable, but more common and therefore more affordable.
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Something less traditional, which can still be perfect
The most common and popular, and therefore the most expensive, type of engagement ring is the classic round ring shape with a single diamond in the centre. Try to consider a variety of other ring shapes and designs that may be less traditional but still very elegant and original. These are often less popular, so the price is not as high and you can get a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery in great quality for a much better price than its more traditional brother would cost.
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Consider alternatives
If you want to avoid the cost of an engagement ring altogether, try considering alternatives such as necklaces or bracelets. These can be more affordable but still very romantic and personal. Moreover, you'll definitely get extra points for originality. Alternatively, make a direct agreement with your other half to buy the ring together when you do better at work or when the first promotion and pay rise comes along. Despite all that is said, women are not always demanding of expensive pieces, but they value honesty and straight forwardness more, which is a much more important value for a marriage.
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Buy a ring from someone else
Second-hand engagement rings can be cheaper but still very high quality and beautiful. Of course, if someone hasn't gone through with the ring in question and you're a superstitious type of person, this route can seem daunting. However, there are other reasons for people to decide to sell their engagement ring. Many times they have no other way out of a difficult life situation, but it's much more common that the gentleman didn't hit the right size and instead of replacing that ring, they decided to sell the ring to the next lucky couple and provide themselves with a new one that fits.
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Use your own materials
Many of us have a lot of old jewellery at home that we no longer wear. A skilled jeweller can re-craft this jewellery, melt it down and make it into a new and beautiful piece of jewellery. This can be much cheaper than buying a brand new ring, and it will also be of great personal value to both of you. In addition, a ring like this will hold a lot of memories that you wouldn't normally be able to count on.
Extra tip: And don't forget the ring inherited from your grandmother
Another great alternative that can save you from an empty wallet is to ask your grandmother or grandfather about their engagement ring. In many families, rings are passed down the generations this way, and it's said that if they've brought good luck for one generation, they'll bring it for the next. It's a beautiful custom that will save you a lot of money on top of that.
Whatever engagement ring you choose, never forget one important thing. Engagement is about both people and their love, not about the engagement ring and its price. That is why you better focus on what your partner deserves and what makes your relationship unique and special.
