Six Tips for Getting a Killer Engagement Ring For the Right Price

Getting that perfect engagement ring can be a tricky business. Especially if finances are hanging over your head. But you still want to please the woman who will one day become your wife. So how does one navigate this maze, where you buy that special ring? One which is valuable, affordable and is able to make her say ‘Yes.

No fear. We’re here to break down key points that you must consider before parting with your hard-earned treasure.

1. The Price Matters (If you want it to)

A year ago, former American baseball player, Alex Rodriguez proposed to his girlfriend, the pop sensation Jennifer Lopez. Quite the combination one could say. And the combination was sealed with a precious ring. Alex Rodriguez’s engagement ring cost an estimated $1-$5 million dollars. Quite the price one could say.

Of course, not too many of us are going to fall into that category of income earners. But there is a message here for us men, with prospective partners. If you’re going to ask the big question. The price of your engagement ring ought not to be an obstacle.

Let’s forget the two-month rule shall we (unless you’re Alex Rodriguez). The price of your ring could be $3000 or it could be $50000. And depending on your choice of precious stone, it could even drop below $ 2000. Look, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity (if things work out). If she means a lot to you, it is only right that you seal it with a precious ring. Don’t hold back if you could!

2. If it is a Diamond Engagement Ring, bear in Mind the 4Cs

If you (like most people) are going for the classic diamond, to feature in your engagement ring. Then it is vital that you consider the 4Cs. That would determine the quality of the centre diamond of your engagement ring.

Colour: 

The absence of the colour the better the diamond. Colourless diamonds are a rarity. Colour is graded from D to Z. Starting from Colourless diamonds the spectrum goes as Near Colourless, Faint, Very Light, and Light.

Cut:

A range of characteristics such as the surface polish, the accuracy of the cutting, the sharpness of the facet edges and meeting points, and the accuracy of the cutting proportions determine the cut of a diamond. The standard cut gradings are Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor.

Clarity: 

No diamond is perfect. All diamond surfaces carry small imperfections. These “inclusions” as they are known, and their absence, determines the grade of the diamond. Often these inclusions are not visible without specialized equipment. So if you’re going for a pricey engagement ring, the stone with higher clarity is what you would want.

Carat: 

The carat of a diamond is used in reference to its weight. One carat is equal to one-fifth of a gram. The heavier the better, when it comes to diamonds, so be ready to spend, when you’re going pricey engagement ring. When the weight increases the size of the diamond increases, hence the visual beauty, and it looks bigger on her finger. 

3. Think about coloured stones, Sapphires, Rubies etc.

Whilst diamonds are the natural choice for many of those who are ready to buy an engagement ring, there are excellent options for you to consider. Sapphires, Rubies, and emeralds along with other precious stones make up the list of top alternatives for your engagement ring. White sapphires are a great alternative for diamonds as you can get a much bigger centre stone for the same price. Check our diamond and white sapphire comparison guide. In the world of sapphires, an increasingly popular variant is the pink and yellow sapphire types, which combine well with a variety of metal types. In addition to the distinct sparkle that is marked by their distinct hues. Also, why not look for a combination, with smaller diamonds. Or those that come with a diamond accent., from the standpoint of cost, accent diamonds combine well with sapphires as a centre stone. This is a great cost-saving option. 

4. Go out of the Box On price, Design and Metal Type

Engagement rings come in many shapes and sizes. Besides diamonds and other precious stone options, such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds, there are other, less known, but attractive and durable options.

Communication is important here. Know what your partner wants. Maybe it's all about the price. Or maybe diamonds are not her best friend. One need not necessarily break the bank for a platinum ring with a brilliant-cut diamond. Maybe a precious stone like aquamarine gives a gorgeous look. Some believe they are better looking than diamonds with light blueish shades. If your budget is in the $ 2000 – $ 2500 range, there are options for you to consider. A good choice is the popular rose gold engagement ring variety: with its distinct pink + gold colour, carries a distinct feel, and is a colour that combines well with a variety of skin types. And depending on the gemstone of choice, you can find a number affordable options. 

Of course, if you’re willing to spend big on your engagement stone, finding the right value should be the next question. When it comes to engagement rings, the more options the better. The question is, who can deliver?

5. Find the right Jeweller for Your Engagement Ring

You have thousands of options here. With online stores getting more popular it is tough to find the right jeweller. Well established big names charge a fortune just to deliver the same exact ring. Another jeweller may be able to make it for half of the price. Whilst going for the big names, is always a tempting option. But if the wide range of designs, value for money, quality of the final product, and customer support and repairs when needed, is what you’re looking for, then a local online store would be preferable.

6. Go for Custom Engagement Ring Designs

Custom design has become a buzzword these days. Everyone is offering a custom design engagement ring. Showing a few basic ring designs and giving you the option to pick a diamond from a third party diamond inventory with thousands of diamonds is not true customisation. True customisation is starting a conversation with you, and then choosing or creating a brand new design for you, select the right diamond or sapphire, or even cut a new stone from a rough stone. Only very few companies are able to do the complete process for you. Call them and ask about what they can do for you.