Frugal Engagement Ring Options?

amyschiff · 06-04-2008, 06:25 PM

Well, it appears to be wedding season once again. In addition to being IN two weddings, my boyfriend and I are talking about our own (though still well in the future). Basically, the topic of a ring has come up, and I've made it clear that I don't need (or want) anything big or expensive. He's glad to oblige, but we're not sure where we'd find such a ring.

So my question is: has anyone found any frugal ways to score an engagement ring? I've looked a bit on overstock.com. Thanks!

72Tiger · 06-04-2008, 06:41 PM

Congrats! Find somebody who knows diamonds, and have your boyfriend go to a pawn shop with them. You will be able to save a small fortune that way, even if you want/have to get the stone reset into a ring you like. If you can get over the 'stigma' of a pawn shop ring, it is the best way to go. Used (or unused/meant to be used) engagement rings are generally pawned out of desperation, spite, anger, etc.

Considering that diamonds are probably the most marked up retail item in all of history, their resale value is pretty minimal. You just need to have someone that knows what they are looking at to help you.

Looby · 06-04-2008, 08:02 PM

Ooh congrats! Do you have any favourite stones other than diamonds that would be a good alternative?
I got a beautiful sapphire ring from etsy, it's not an engagement ring but I know that they have sold them as engagement rings. If you see something nice you can usually pm the jeweler to see if they can make one to your specifications, so it could be completely unique.
A friend of mine had some diamond studs reset with an additional stone for her engagement ring, so if you didn't want a second hand engagement ring you could look at other jewelery and consider that option.
Hope you find exactly what you want!

amyschiff · 06-05-2008, 04:24 AM

Good thinking on the pawn shop Tiger, I'll have to see if there are any around here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Looby

Ooh congrats! Do you have any favourite stones other than diamonds that would be a good alternative?

Thanks

I have actually been considering other stones... diamonds don't really make me swoon or anything. The ones I have been looking at online aren't actually in the "wedding" category but are still gorgeous. I actually like things more unique than a traditional stone anyway.

I'll definitely have to take a look at etsy, I never thought of that!

khorrell · 06-05-2008, 10:10 AM

Another couple of options to consider:

- Family jewelry...often there are grandmothers that would LOVE to share their things. Plus then you get the nice sentimental value.

- CZ (or similar) stones set in real metal

- Estate sales or auctions

I'm sure you can find something that is pretty, frugal and that you both love.

Megan · 06-05-2008, 11:54 AM

I also agree with the CZ option. I know a couple who took that route after seeing Blood Diamond and they couldn't be happier with the decision.

lucille · 06-05-2008, 01:21 PM

I know the question was about frugal engagement rings but have you considered not getting one? When I stopped and actually thought about it I could not come up with one reason I needed one. It served no purpose in my life and I could think of hundreds of things I would rather see the money spent on. My boyfriend was rather relieved.

Have you looked into manufactured diamonds? I heard they are cheaper and supposedly more perfect. I think they are different than CZ

amyschiff · 06-05-2008, 05:28 PM

I've considered not getting one. I like the idea that it represents, unity and such. I just don't like spending ridiculous sums of money on them (i.e. a cheap ring has the same meaning to me as an expensive one). I also don't think I'd be able to sell the no ring idea to the boyfriend.

Dani · 06-05-2008, 07:06 PM

Try Craigslist.org. We sold a ring via the site - he picked the jeweler and paid a very small fee for an appraisal with both parties present, then we sealed the deal on the spot.

You might even want to try pawn shops in nicer areas near you. I hate to say it, but drug addicts steal and pawn some really nice jewelry!

I've seen a few women's rings without stones, just the bands, and those are much more affordable.

lucille · 06-06-2008, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dani

Try Craigslist.org. We sold a ring via the site - he picked the jeweler and paid a very small fee for an appraisal with both parties present, then we sealed the deal on the spot.

You might even want to try pawn shops in nicer areas near you. I hate to say it, but drug addicts steal and pawn some really nice jewelry!

I've seen a few women's rings without stones, just the bands, and those are much more affordable.

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.

06-04-2008, 06:25 PM	#1
amyschiff Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 308 Reputation: (44)	Frugal Engagement Ring Options? Well, it appears to be wedding season once again. In addition to being IN two weddings, my boyfriend and I are talking about our own (though still well in the future). Basically, the topic of a ring has come up, and I've made it clear that I don't need (or want) anything big or expensive. He's glad to oblige, but we're not sure where we'd find such a ring. So my question is: has anyone found any frugal ways to score an engagement ring? I've looked a bit on overstock.com. Thanks!

06-05-2008, 11:54 AM	#6
Megan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 308 Reputation: (63)	I also agree with the CZ option. I know a couple who took that route after seeing Blood Diamond and they couldn't be happier with the decision. __________________ Counting My Pennies

06-05-2008, 01:21 PM	#7
lucille Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 511 Reputation: (33)	I know the question was about frugal engagement rings but have you considered not getting one? When I stopped and actually thought about it I could not come up with one reason I needed one. It served no purpose in my life and I could think of hundreds of things I would rather see the money spent on. My boyfriend was rather relieved. Have you looked into manufactured diamonds? I heard they are cheaper and supposedly more perfect. I think they are different than CZ __________________ Dark Style Blog http://darkstyleblog.blogspot.com/

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06-04-2008, 06:41 PM	#2
72Tiger Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 297 Reputation: (38)	Congrats! Find somebody who knows diamonds, and have your boyfriend go to a pawn shop with them. You will be able to save a small fortune that way, even if you want/have to get the stone reset into a ring you like. If you can get over the 'stigma' of a pawn shop ring, it is the best way to go. Used (or unused/meant to be used) engagement rings are generally pawned out of desperation, spite, anger, etc. Considering that diamonds are probably the most marked up retail item in all of history, their resale value is pretty minimal. You just need to have someone that knows what they are looking at to help you.

06-04-2008, 08:02 PM	#3
Looby Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 74 Reputation: (14)	Ooh congrats! Do you have any favourite stones other than diamonds that would be a good alternative? I got a beautiful sapphire ring from etsy, it's not an engagement ring but I know that they have sold them as engagement rings. If you see something nice you can usually pm the jeweler to see if they can make one to your specifications, so it could be completely unique. A friend of mine had some diamond studs reset with an additional stone for her engagement ring, so if you didn't want a second hand engagement ring you could look at other jewelery and consider that option. Hope you find exactly what you want!

06-05-2008, 10:10 AM	#5
khorrell Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 439 Reputation: (60)	Another couple of options to consider: - Family jewelry...often there are grandmothers that would LOVE to share their things. Plus then you get the nice sentimental value. - CZ (or similar) stones set in real metal - Estate sales or auctions I'm sure you can find something that is pretty, frugal and that you both love.

06-05-2008, 05:28 PM	#8
amyschiff Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 308 Reputation: (44)	I've considered not getting one. I like the idea that it represents, unity and such. I just don't like spending ridiculous sums of money on them (i.e. a cheap ring has the same meaning to me as an expensive one). I also don't think I'd be able to sell the no ring idea to the boyfriend.

06-05-2008, 07:06 PM	#9
Dani Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 38 Reputation: (10)	Try Craigslist.org. We sold a ring via the site - he picked the jeweler and paid a very small fee for an appraisal with both parties present, then we sealed the deal on the spot. You might even want to try pawn shops in nicer areas near you. I hate to say it, but drug addicts steal and pawn some really nice jewelry! I've seen a few women's rings without stones, just the bands, and those are much more affordable.