How Much Should You Realistically Spend On An Engagement Ring?
A proposal is a crucial event in an individual’s life. You promise to live and love someone till your last breath. However, such special occasions are made more special with beautiful rings, especially diamond rings.
If you add affordable vintage engagement rings to your proposal, your loved one won’t be able to say no. The best part, it will become one of the most beautiful memories of your relationship. Most people think diamond rings and wedding sets would cost a fortune, but you can find affordable engagement rings near you.
What Budget Should You Set For Affordable Engagement Rings For Women?
Engagement rings can cost you anything from a few thousand dollars to millions. At times, your wedding bands cost more than a luxury car.
However, buying something expensive isn’t always recommended. There are affordable engagement rings for women that will impress your soon-to-be bride and won’t be a burden on your pocket.
After all, it’s about showing your love, and it’s possible with any ring. As long as you opt for an affordable unique engagement ring, your partner won’t be disappointed.
Here is how you should spend on an engagement ring:
1. Use Three Months’ Salary
A ring is affordable if it costs you around three months of your salary. Most experts recommend buyers make it a rule of thumb. Spending three months’ salary won’t be harmful if you’re earning a handsome sum of money and have the necessary savings.
However, if your job is temporary or there isn’t any security, you can scale back. Maybe you might think it’s not the best option and there is nothing wrong with it. Sometimes, what suits everyone doesn’t suit you.
The same goes for the three-month rule. There is no pressure on you. If you can accumulate the money, go for it. Otherwise, there are other alternatives.
2. Use One Month’s Salary
Another way to buy affordable wedding jewelry is by setting a budget equivalent to one month’s salary. It’s a more economical approach and helps you save money. You might think a month’s salary could only get you cheap engagement rings for women, but that’s not true.
Cheap simple engagement rings are still original and look elegant on every finger. Spending one month’s salary isn’t much. Still, if you have higher expenses, you can find cheaper options.
3. Split the Difference
Sometimes, spending three months or one month’s salary on engagement rings doesn’t seem right. Don’t worry, you can settle for something in between. For example, you could use two months’ salary on a diamond ring or maybe a little more.
So you can find affordable moissanite engagement rings without negatively impacting your bank balance.
It’s easy to calculate the money to spare for your ring with a two-month salary system. For example, people earning 60,000 dollars each month will have a budget of $10,000.
Multiple people follow this system, making it a traditional one.
4. Spend an Average Sum of Money
Lastly, there is another way to figure out if an engagement ring is affordable. That is by finding the average sum of money spent on these rings. According to experts, people spend around four to five thousand dollars on diamond rings. So, you could also spend anywhere near it.
Even though the value might change, you could always Google and find the actual range online. Knowing everyone is spending the same amount, you feel more confident. The best part, there isn’t a chance of being ripped off.
However, it still doesn’t mean you go beyond your limit and become indebted to someone. Keep your financial situation in mind and spend accordingly. Several people have lesser resources than the average value of a diamond engagement ring. There is nothing wrong with it. Don’t limit yourself to the national average budget.
What Do Experts Buyers Say About Affordable Engagement Rings Spending?
The jewelry budget is entirely up to your requirements and standards. However, there is nothing wrong with choosing an affordable option. Wedding bands are an expensive investment and should be managed carefully.
Affordable jewels are as beautiful as expensive ones. Honestly, rings should be an investment with some sentimental value but not a burden on your account. To get the best item for your money, be precise about the 4Cs of diamonds.
The first C is the color of the diamond. You can pick anywhere between the icy white colorless to light yellow color. The second standard is diamond cut. A well-cut diamond will definitely cost more.
The third consideration on the list is clarity. Flawless diamonds are the most expensive ones. Finally, we have carat weight. If you choose a smaller carat weight, the cost will come down.
Having an idea about these standards helps buyers find quality rings.
What Diamond Size Is Ideal For Your Affordable Unique Engagement Rings?
Calculating your engagement ring cost based on the size of the diamond is an accurate method. Jewelers mostly charge for the center diamond. Even though the metal band has a significant cost, it’s much less than that of a diamond.
So, one should think about what size of a diamond is ideal for their ring. On average 1.10-carat size is considered perfect for diamonds in the USA. However, it varies for other countries.
How To Save Your Valuable Money?
There are effective ways to save money, especially when buying diamond engagement rings. For example, you could:
1. Choose a Lighter Weight Diamond
If you want to save a significant chunk of money, go for a lighter-weight diamond. The weight of the diamond adds to the cost of a wedding band. Your bride will look equally good in a smaller diamond.
There is no need to choose a rock that costs more than your budget.
2. Choose a Ring with Rubies and Emeralds
Although diamonds have always been very expensive, couples still choose to make them a part of their wedding as a sign of their mutual commitment. These traditional stones might look mesmerizing but are costlier to buy, especially on a budget. Well, there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to gifting rings to your fiancée.
Instead of diamonds, choose emeralds or rubies. These are equally ravishing stones and save you money. In fact, you can get a bigger gemstone for the same money if you opt for something other than a diamond.
3. Choose a Cheaper Metal
In terms of metal bands, you get a lot of variety. There are gold bands, silver bands, and even options in platinum. Each one has a different price range. However, platinum is the most expensive one. So if your fiancée hasn’t given you any specific instructions, you could choose an alternative.
Choosing white gold would be much better. It would look similar to platinum and cost you much less. The best part is that it could be polished over the years, making it look brand new.
4. Opt for Lab Grown Engagement Rings
Lastly, there is the option of buying lab-grown engagement rings. In terms of color and finish, these rings look fabulous. They look almost the same as the original and cost half the value of real diamonds. There is no better alternative than lab-grown diamonds.
For someone who has a smaller budget, lab-grown rings are a blessing. You can even get lab-grown diamond studs, pendants, or any other piece of jewelry. The concept of lab-grown diamonds is rather new but popular.
If you wish to remain within budget and impress your partner, these rings are an ideal option.
5. Think of Temporary Rings if Possible
A new concept that has become popular over time is that of temporary rings. You could get a proposal ring to pop the question in front of your loved one and afterward replace it with a real engagement ring.
That way, you could get valuable input from your partner. They could help you find a good ring that fits your budget and choice. Maybe you spend thousands on a ring only to find out that your partner wanted a lavish honeymoon or a massive wedding. So, don’t spend blindly on the first ring you see.
Offer a temporary ring and replace it with a new one after getting input from your partner.
Which Engagement Ring Designs To Consider For Your Proposal?
Your proposal day is no doubt one of the most special times in your life. It’s going to be a memory. So along with the budget, you must manage to wow your partner. That can be done only when you pick a chic style. Yes, it’s possible to purchase a beautiful ring within your budget.
Here are some famous styles that will make your proposal even better.
A. Round Designs
For optimal sparkle and brilliance, opt for round diamond designs. These look good on every hand and suit every theme. You can easily carry them around and no matter how you wear them, these designs shine all the time.
A round cut achieved the most amount of sparkle given it is cut well. Unlike other options, all the shine of a round diamond depends on its cut. Better the cut, better the shine.
B. Pear Shaped Designs
If you want something less expensive but equally shiny, there are pear-shaped diamonds. They are 15-30% less expensive but look more elegant. The best part, a pear-shaped diamond makes your fingers look slimmer.
Once you see a pear-shaped engagement ring, you won’t be able to take your eyes off it.
C. Halo Rings
Another way to enhance your center stone is by using the halo style. It will sparkle in your bride’s fingers and provide you with multiple setting options. Depending on your budget and style, you can customize it according to your taste.
D. Solitaires
Solitaires have always remained a personal favorite of every bride. No matter how many designs come and go, no one can compete with a diamond solitaire. That is why it is still considered a popular option. When you pop the question with a solitaire to offer, no woman can say no.
E. Three Stone Rings
Another classic and timeless choice is the three-stone setting. It provides a crazy amount of versatility and shines more due to the presence of three diamonds. You might think that three diamonds would cost you more, but that isn’t true.
You can get a three-stone setting ring for the same price and it will look grander.
Has The Recent Pandemic Changed Everyone’s Mindset About Engagement Rings?
When it comes to jewelry and weddings, people have always followed a more traditional approach. However, with the recent pandemic, most individuals have started to change their thinking. Instead of bigger weddings, people are starting to settle for intimate ceremonies with just close family members.
It helps save a massive sum of money which they put into wedding rings. That way, they make their partners much happier and more content. After all, it’s originally about two people coming together. If your spouse feels happier with a bigger wedding band on her fingers, that is what you should prefer.
Conclusion
Deciding on an engagement ring can be tough, especially in today’s time when daily expenses are difficult to manage. However, with some careful planning and thinking, one can afford a diamond engagement ring.
You could follow the three-month or one-month salary rule to get your loved one something special. However, the only important thing is to spend realistically. Don’t blow all your savings on one ring. It would be disastrous for you and your partner.
Instead of spending carelessly, make a budget. See if a ring is in your affordability range. If someone lacks the resources, there are economic alternatives. So, think carefully and choose wisely.
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