When you’re ready to ask for your girlfriend’s hand in marriage, you should already have a ring to give her. You will have several options when choosing an engagement ring, and you can buy one in person at a local jewellery store or online. Engagement rings can be expensive, but these five tips can help you find a great ring at a reasonable price.
Buy Diamonds Online
Almost anything can be bought online, including the diamond for the engagement ring you want to propose with. While you can shop in jewellery stores to find good prices, diamonds, like everything else, are less expensive online. Prices are more competitive online, and you’ll have a wider selection from which to choose. By shopping online for engagement rings in Houston, you can save up to 20% on the diamond of your choice.
Choose Shy of Weights
Diamonds are sold by their weight, which is expressed in carats, and the weight and size of a diamond determines its price. When diamonds are cut, some of them may be just shy of a full carat size, which causes it to be priced lower. You will save a significant amount of money by purchasing diamonds weighing less than the next whole carat size. For instance, instead of choosing a one carat diamond, buy a .97 carat diamond, and rather than buying a two carat diamond, choose a 1.95 carat diamond instead.
Buy During Summer
Most couples get married during the summer months since it is the warmest time of the year, but this is also the slowest time of the year for many jewellery retailers. The summer months can be a great time to save money on diamond engagement rings since most retailers are more flexible on their prices to entice buyers to visit their stores. Also, since people are getting married during the summer, they won’t be in the market for engagement rings, so it can be a great time to save money on them.
Purchase 14K Settings
Even though 18K settings are more common, you can save money by purchasing 14K gold instead. There is very little, if any, extra raw value in 18K gold and, by taking care of the setting, a 14K ring will look new and last just as long as any other gold ring. Gold, especially yellow gold, is a good investment, and it is less expensive than platinum.
Choose GIA Graded Diamonds
Although there are several organisations certifying the quality of gemstones, including diamonds, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is known as one of the most consistent in the world. When you are looking at diamonds, you should always ask to see the grading reports before making a purchase. The report contains information regarding the quality and authenticity of diamonds, which is how prices are determined.
With these tips, you can save significantly on the cost of a diamond engagement ring without sacrificing quality or size, and, based on its appearance, no one will suspect how much you saved on the ring.
