You might be ready to make the commitment of a lifetime by marrying your perfect partner. That doesn’t mean that you have to have a long term commitment with monthly payments on an expensive engagement ring.
The old standby rule with regards to spending on an engagement ring doesn’t have to apply to you. Two to three months salary may not be manageable, and that’s ok. There is no rule written in stone that says that you have to go into debt just to make your new fiancee happy.
With inflated prices, fluctuating quality and the power of commercialism working against you, it can be tough to buy the perfect ring and still stay on budget. Just remember to work within a budget that you can afford. Even if your love has been looking at halo diamond rings, you can still find exactly the ring that she will love without breaking the bank.
Take a look at some of the creative alternatives and buying tips that we have gathered to help you get through the ring buying process on budget, and on to the important part of making the commitment of a lifetime.
Ignore Any Traditional Budgeting Rules
Don’t be bullied by tradition into spending more money than you can afford on a ring. With upcoming expenses like the wedding itself and setting up a home with your fiancee looming, it doesn’t make sense to put yourself into debt. Set a realistic budget for yourself based on not only your income but your existing expenses.
Have an honest and forthright conversation with your partner about her expectations. Remind her that bigger is not always better, especially in jewelry. Quality, beauty and uniqueness are the things that will keep her loving her ring for a lifetime. Remember that your relationship is not about the size of the stone, and if that is something that is primarily a concern for your love, you may have reason to worry.
Gemstones
Not every engagement ring needs to be a white diamond. In fact, diamond central rings have only become popular in recent years. In the past, a quality gemstone ring with accent diamonds was much more common. The Princess Diana ring captured the attention of brides around the world with its sapphire and diamond design.
Consider a ring that features a colored diamond, a ruby or sapphire stone or even an opal that can be customized into an affordable ring that is stunning and unique. Comparatively, you can find a one-carat gemstone for a fraction of the price of the same sized diamond.
Wholesale
If your intended has her heart set on a white diamond, you can start looking at wholesalers to help you cut down on costs. Choose a stone that is loose and not already in a setting to save a bit of money. Then you can have your diamond placed in a specially designed setting to create a one of a kind ring that she will love.
Lab Created
Diamonds can now be created by powerful technology right in a lab. Genuine diamonds can be made without the costs of mining and trade hikes, helping to keep the costs down. You may not think that these are “genuine” diamonds, but you would be wrong. The process of creation is the same that is found in nature but sped up by over a thousand times in an artificial setting. You can get a genuine lab created diamond, with nearly no flaws for just a fraction of the price of a mined stone.
