For many men they hold that it is dangerous to save money on engagement rings. Nowadays with the standard diamond expectation up to one carat, modern brides are inclined to expect more “bling” on average than before. Moreover, statistics have demonstrated that 28% of women would not accept the proposal if the engagement ring does not meet their requirements.
So, how can you give her what she wants and still not have to sell you car, ride the bus, and take out a second mortgage?
*Know your four Cs: Color, cut, clarity, and carat. You can visit online resources to help you here like the Diamond Buying Guide (thediamondbuyingguide.com/diamondcolor.html). If you know what you’re really looking at when that merchant pulls out that tray, you won’t be fooled. Diamond rings have enormous mark-ups in the retail industry, especially in shopping malls, and some merchants sell a name and a brand more than they do the diamonds.
*More on knowing your Cut: the round, brilliant-cut diamonds are the most popular cuts for engagement rings. I bet you couldn’t guess that they are the most expensive, too. Yet, these aren’t necessary if you can’t afford them. How about the shimmering oval? There are also the marquis and the pear cuts, two that became extremely popular in the 1920s when drama and brilliance were deliberately being coupled with middle-class affordability.
*Why not get a loose diamond and have it set? Even after you pay for the cost of the setting, you’ll still save money and can better afford that full carat she may well be expecting.
*Speaking of the setting…why does that, of all things, have to be pricey? People are going to look at the diamond, not that much at the setting. As long as the setting is a style and color that you know she’ll love, go as cheap as you can with that. Splurge on the center diamond.
*Finally, unless your gal has said so, there is no law that the engagement ring even has to be a diamond. If you’re both Irish, why not get an emerald ring instead of diamond? If she was born in September, why not get her sapphires?