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Basic Budgeting Tips for Engagement Rings

Engagement Rings

An engagement ring is a big commitment, both practically and financially. Many of us have to budget for a large expense like this, and at AAA Jewelers, we’re here to help with this process.

Beyond proper saving and responsible spending limits, are there ways to help keep things reasonable for folks on a budget while looking for custom engagement rings? Absolutely. Here are a few tips we can offer for getting that beautiful stone without breaking the bank.

Setting

Everyone wants a large stone, but in many ways, this is perception-driven. Friends and family aren’t going to spend hours poring over the ring with a microscope – you’re mostly worried about how a stone looks to the naked eye.

With this in mind, those on a budget can consider a halo setting, or a circle of smaller stones around the center stone. This option makes the stone in the middle look bigger, and can give the diamond a vintage look that will stand out. Best of all, it’s affordable.

Buy “Shy”

Carat size is always one of the most important diamond considerations, but pricing within the carat spectrum is a bit strange. Prices jump significantly at round numbers – carat and half-carat marks like 1.5 or 2.0. Looking to buy just shy of one of these benchmarks, say 1.8 carats instead of 2, can get you a better deal for a stone that looks very similar in many cases.

Eye Clean

Color and clarity are also vital, but again, know that the levels of perfection some people pay for here often can’t be seen with the naked eye. Rather, the differentiator here is “eye clean” – a stone that looks perfect to the unaided eye but also offers savings compared to a truly perfect stone.

Buy as a Set

This will only work if you and your soon-to-be fiancé agree to research and shop rings together rather than surprise each other, but in these cases, an engagement set is a great idea. You’ll often be able to get a better deal on these kind of sets than you would by buying each ring individually, and you can often include wedding bands here as well. Plus, this allows both halves of the couple to match these lifelong pieces of jewelry.

 

Want to learn more about budgeting for engagement rings, or interested in any of our other products or services? The experts at AAA Jewelers are standing by to assist you.