Frugal Engagement Ring Options?

[amyschiff]

Originally Posted by lucille

There was an article in the NY Times about how rich people are quietly pawning their jewelry because they are getting financially strapped trying to keep up their image while their income is going down. They were selling off jewelry because people wouldn't notice it gone vs. if they sold their Bentley or summer house.

Very interesting.... sorta sad, but still interesting.

[hollyvangogh]

Ahhh! Don't buy a diamond! I told my husband when we were engaged that I'd kill him if he got a diamond. First off...there are a LOT of better ways I can think to spend that much money than on some status symbol. Second, even when buying from places like Costco there is no way to know for sure your diamond is conflict free. Buy a different gemstone or a CZ (like we did-very happy with it, sparkly and pretty!). That way it won't cost a figurative OR literal arm and a leg.

[amyschiff]

Yep I'm thinking a gemstone with maybe some very small side diamonds or something. White topaz stones are also really pretty. Or even CZ! I agree, there are WAY better ways to spend the money. A modest ring would show he loves me just as much as a big, gaudy one.

[Leofair]

Try searching etsy.com or just browse their ring category under jewelry. Many of them are inexpensive, and since all of the items are handmade or vintage they're usually unique.

On the same note, have you considered making one yourself?

[amyschiff]

It never really occurred to me to try and make one. I'm not sure if I have the time or talent for that hehe. Etsy does have some nice ones I've seen so far.

[purplefdu]

Lab created diamonds are absolutely beautiful and can be had at a fraction of the price even for a larger stone in a nice platinum setting. CZ aren't too bad either.

Haunt Craigslist, Ebay, etc for rings.

When my husband lost his first ring ($40 gold band) I spent 6 months searching and ended up with a 3mm two-tone gold band worth $550 for $52 including shipping. Lots of people sell off rings from failed marriages or canceled weddings for less than 1/4 their price.

Pawn shops can be a great place to look as can estate sales or jewelry shows. My set was bought for $150 from a jewelry show and sized for free.

[KevinW]

My wife and I found her engagement ring at an antique store specializing in jewelry. Her preference was for vintage styles, and we found the real thing to be more satisfying and less expensive than reproductions. We were happy to buy used and support a local small business. It helped to buy from a knowledgeable and reputable salesperson, and to be able to see a lot of choices all at once. We looked in some general antique stores and pawn shops and were concerned that we'd get ripped off since we don't know very much about jewelry. We had the same concern with eBay and Craigslist. This is something one intends to keep their whole life, so we were happy to pay a little bit more in exchange for feeling secure in our purchase.

For wedding bands you might look at "alternative" materials. I ended up with a stainless steel band, which looks very similar to white gold, but is lighter and more resistant to corrosion and scratching. And a lot cheaper to boot.

[mandarin.mint]

You don't have to get a white stone for an engagement ring. . .after seeing Nicole Ritchie's pink sapphire engagement ring. . .I thought, why not?
Pearls aren't too costly and you don't have to get a fake one . . .CZ I find turns cloudy after time. Even with cleaning, it doesn't capture the first brilliance of when it was first purchased.

True, the ring is just a symbol, but to me, it's supposed to represent and reflect the longevity and life of the marriage, so if you're thinking about getting a ring, I'd get something that lasts. If you aren't superstitious or adverse to this. . .a lot of people are also selling engagement rings on craigslist at heavily discounted prices. . .whether you care if they're stolen or not or the ring stands as an omen of a broken marriage . . . if you're looking for a deal, then craigslist can be your friend!! I find that it's better than buying jewelry online because you can meet with the seller and see the ring in person. . .because frankly, sometimes the sizes aren't right or it looks different on the computer than in person. And I find returning/exchanging things online is a hassle and a waste of shipping materials.

But White Topaz is a great choice. . .very similar to a diamond and it isn't synthetic!