Everyone’s heard the belief that an engagement ring should cost at least two to three month’s salary. But what does that mean for the average ring buyer? Some people make as little as $2,000 a month, while others make upwards of $10,000 or more. Does this mean the person with the higher income really needs to spend $30,000 on an engagement ring or that the person with the lower salary shouldn’t look at rings worth more than $6,000? The answer is actually quite simple. You should look at rings you can afford and that appeal to your style and tastes. This means that shopping for diamond engagement rings doesn’t have to be all about the cost. There are plenty of ways to get a beautiful ring without going into massive debt.
Know What You Want
When shopping for diamond engagement rings, it’s important to understand the four C’s of diamonds. You don’t need to become an expert, but you should understand how diamonds are graded and how the price of a diamond should reflect the quality of its cut, color, clarity, and carat. You also need to know which aspect of the four C’s is most important to you. Are you looking for a big diamond, even if it’s flawed? Do you want a near perfect diamond, even if that means it will be less than a carat? Once you know which features are the most important in your ring, you can begin narrowing down your choices.
Shop Wholesale
With online retailers now offering items that were once reserved for jewelers, you can find beautiful diamond engagement rings at wholesale prices. Online retailers offer the same large selection and prices as brick and mortar stores, and you may even be able to find online only pricing that’s five to ten percent off the in-store price. Many online retailers even allow you to custom design a ring using an online selection tool. You don’t lack quality or service when shopping online, and it’s a great way to browse a large selection of rings at one time. You can even use your online research to get a better price at a retail store by negotiating with the jeweler.
Planning to wed is an exciting time. Don’t let the excitement of getting married, or the pressure of having to have a gigantic engagement ring, make you lose focus on what’s really important. Search for a ring you can afford and that matches the style and taste of your future fiancée and you’ll have a successful proposal.
