With so many ring settings and designs to choose from, it can be quite overwhelming to figure out how to choose the engagement ring which looks great, but is of good quality. After all, buying an engagement will be one of your biggest purchases, which is why you need to make sure that it is done right. However, once you’ve embarked on your search for the perfect representation of your love and commitment, you quickly realize that these dazzling pieces are quite expensive. Let alone saving money on the ring, it is not common to see people take out loans to sponsor their purchase.
While there can be a considerable cost to accompany this big purchase, you will also want to make sure that your partner loves the piece just as much as you do. But don’t worry! We are here to guide you on how you can find the perfect engagement ring of your dreams while not causing a hole in your pocket.
Set a budget
Before buying an engagement ring, the most important step is to set the ceiling for the maximum amount you can spend as it is too easy to get carried away by the glamorous designs, which might prompt you to spend a huge part of your life’s savings on a single piece.
14 or 18 karat Gold over Platinum
The stone’s colour and appearance are greatly affected by the metal you choose for the engagement ring. To achieve a clear and more colorless sparkle, it is best to go with white metal. While you may be familiar that many jewellers use platinum, it is actually a more expensive option. Luckily, you can easily save some cash without compromising on the quality and shine of your metal by opting for bands sculpted in 18 karat white gold. This gives you the same effect as platinum and it also serves as a more viable alternative as the prices of gold only tend to shoot up. Additionally, white gold is durable and does not rust, tarnish or corrode.
With gold, you can also go for brighter metals such as 18 karat yellow and rose gold to bring out the diamond’s fire without overpowering the hue. Interestingly, two-tone bands have also been one of the hottest trends among contemporary brides as they perfectly wrap up the entire idea of an engagement ring with its dual tones.
Alternatively, certain jewellers also offer a 14 karat gold option which essentially has a higher percentage of metals mixed in the alloy with a lower percentage of pure gold. If you choose for 14k over 18k, you will end up saving more, but if you opt for the latter, you will get a brighter and vivid appearance apart from paying slightly more.
Opt for Halos for a larger appearance
Once you have decided on the metal, the next step is to choose a ring setting. While there are plenty to choose from, the halo remains one of the highly sought-after settings amongst women, second only to the classic solitaire setting. One of the biggest reasons behind its popularity is because the smaller round pave optically enlarges the focal solitaire, making the jewellery look rich, while saving you money on the ring.
More diamonds
Halo is a favoured setting as it uses multiple stones to beautify the central gem. Similarly, you can add more depth and grandeur to the halo setting by pairing it with other styles. A halo ring style pairs gorgeously with a pave-set band. The smaller stones used in these designs give the ring a larger appearance without having to spend a huge sum on a bigger centre diamond.
Choose Sustainable for less
If you are really keen on buying the perfect diamond ring without breaking the bank, it is highly suggested that you choose sustainable diamonds. These are gemstones that are grown above the earth in advanced labs instead of being mined, thus leaving the earth free of mining manipulations. Since there’s no mining involved, these diamonds save up on the mining costs, and the resulting lab-grown diamonds are at least 30% to 50% cheaper than their mined counterparts. This price benefit is then passed on to the consumers.
These diamonds not only have a greater purity over traditionally mined diamonds, they are also sustainable to the earth, something your future fiancé will surely appreciate. For those looking to openly declare their love, they should note that the question of sustainable practices is high on the list of considerations now more than ever. You can do your bit while saving money on your ring at the same time.