6 Ways to Afford a Great Engagement Ring

You’ve finally found the right girl, and now it’s time to find the right engagement ring. Even after you’ve found the ideal ring, though, you might think you can’t afford it. Luckily, there are ways to pay for the perfect engagement ring even if you’re on a tight budget.
Get Creative

Although diamonds are classic, other stones are gaining in popularity and are much more affordable. However, beautiful though gemstones can be, they’re probably not something you should spring on your bride-to-be without talking to her first. Discuss with your future wife what she wants, and see whether she is open to gems such as opal, morganite, or aquamarine for the center stone. By using a more affordable middle stone, you can spend a little more money on the setting.

Go Vintage

If your girlfriend is into vintage rings, consider heading to an antique store to pick out her ring. These rings have plenty of character and are typically more affordable than brand new rings. It’s possible to find classic rings, but if your companion is quirky, you can find something to fit her personality as well. Since picking out a vintage ring can be tricky, consider finding a store with plenty of choices, and either propose near the store, or do some window shopping with her to gauge the type of ring she may want.

Buy Online

People are often afraid of buying online because they can’t see the ring and feel it’s risky. However, buying your ring online can save you up to 50 percent over purchasing it in a jewelry store. Spend some time looking at rings in person so that you can get a feel for the sizing of the stones. Then carefully look at all the specs of the rings at the online store. Make sure you find a store with good reviews, positive customer service, and a return policy.

By carefully studying the store first, you can cut most of the risk and still benefit from the savings. Keep in mind that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Although you can expect the ring to be less expensive online, if it’s incredibly inexpensive, then watch out for a scam. Unless you’re feeling brave, never buy from a store that doesn’t offer a return policy. If possible, pay with your credit card in case you need to dispute the charge.

Consider Your Carats

Diamonds are typically cut at specific popular weights. You often hear that someone’s diamond is precisely a carat or two carats. Since many people want that exact size, you can save a lot of money buying a diamond that’s just under the common size. Shop for rings that are .90 carats instead of 1 carat exactly. You won’t be able to tell the difference, and you can save a lot of money by picking something that is not exactly the traditional size.

Shop During the Summer

Wedding invitations start rolling in during the spring, and for some, it seems like every weekend in the summer is booked with weddings. It may seem surprising that wedding season is a relatively slow time for jewelers, but that’s because people don’t get engaged during the summer as often as the rest of the year — they’re getting married, and they already have their rings! Consider heading to the jewelry store during the summer, when you can find better deals or negotiate one during this slower season.

Earn Extra Cash

Finding a good price on an engagement ring doesn’t mean much if you don’t have the cash to make that purchase. Consider doing extra work to save up for the ring. Working from home with Amway, the world’s number one direct selling company, is a great way to make extra money.

Alternatively, if you have a skill, consider signing up with Fiverr or a similar website to connect with people who are looking for that skill. There’s a lot of potential there for earning extra money to save up for a ring purchase.

Your engagement is an exciting time in your life, but extra expenses can make it stressful as well. By picking up a little extra work and being thrifty, you can get her the engagement ring of her dreams and still have money left over for the wedding.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON

in

Relationships

Photo of author

Emma

Emma covers dating and relationships for Unfinished Man, bringing a witty woman's perspective to her writing. She empowers independent women to pursue fulfillment in life and love. Emma draws on her adventures in modern romance and passion for self-improvement to deliver relatable advice.

1 thought on “6 Ways to Afford a Great Engagement Ring”

  1. You want the engagement ring you present her with to be great, but it can be discouraging when you can’t afford what you really want! Aside from saving your money well in advance, there are other tips you can use. For instance, there are plenty of vintage rings out there that are both beautiful and affordable!

    Reply

Leave a Comment