Regardless of your budget, there are a few ways to save money on wedding ring sets without sacrificing quality. One suggestion is to shop around and compare prices at different locations.
Window shopping will also help you establish what you like and don’t like to avoid getting up-sold into something you might not be thrilled about.
Do not Go for a Round Cut Engagement Ring
Purchasing a set of engagement rings and wedding bands is a significant investment. And while it’s suggested that you spend a month’s salary on a diamond ring, you can easily find an affordable ring without sacrificing quality.
It’s always best to have a budget when shopping for a ring. This will help you avoid overspending and get the ring of your dreams.
Also, make sure to shop around and compare prices. This is especially important when it comes to online retailers. The prices may vary significantly from one store to another.
Go for a Halo of Small Stones
Adding a halo of small stones to a ring makes the center diamond seem more significant, decreasing the total carat weight.
Another option is to look for a ring that uses colored gemstones. While these may not be as sparkly as a diamond, they can still look beautiful and add a personal touch to the ring.
Additionally, these stones can be found at a much lower cost. They can be found at pawn shops and other brick-and-mortar jewelry stores or at trunk shows and gem shows, where they are offered for wholesale prices. The best part is that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for a price cut. Many lab-grown sapphires are identical to natural ones, for instance.
Don’t Go Up a Full Carat Mark
The first thing you should do to save money on wedding ring sets Williamsburg VA, is to make sure you set a budget for the entire purchase and stick to it. This will help you sift through all the options without getting distracted by something outside your budget.
Remember that carat weight does not reflect how large a diamond appears from the top, so you can often get away with a minor carat mark and still have a beautiful ring. Also, you can usually find a much cheaper ring setting with 14-karat gold instead of 18-karat gold.
Shop around to compare prices and styles. You may be surprised to find that some online jewelry stores can offer much lower prices than traditional jewelers due to their fewer overhead expenses.
Opt for a Ring with Multiple Small Stones
While getting a ring you love is essential, it is also important to stick to your budget. Ultimately, the wedding ring is an investment in your relationship and future.
Consider opting for a cubic zirconia (CZ) ring or a moissanite ring to save money on your wedding rings. These alternative stones look very similar to a diamond to the naked eye and can be much less expensive.
Additionally, shop around holidays for slashed prices on bridal jewelry. You can also try shopping online, as many reputable jewelers offer a more comprehensive selection and can cost 30%-40% less than your local jeweler. This can help you save a lot of money on your wedding rings that can be put toward other wedding expenses.
Opt for a Center Stone Slightly Below a Full-Carat Weight
Unless you’re shopping for an engagement ring that requires a large center stone, it’s best to avoid going up to the full-carat mark. According to a quirk in diamond pricing, a diamond that is 0.97 or even 0.48 carats can cost much less than a full-carat gem.
Similarly, if you want to save on the ring band, consider a nontraditional material like titanium or tungsten, which looks similar to gold but costs much less. Or opt for a plain band that’s easy to match with a traditional engagement ring.
Additionally, try to pay in cash rather than using a jewelry store credit card. This can help you get a better deal, as the jewelry industry is notorious for high markups. Paying in cash also opens the door for negotiating.