The more brides I meet, the more stories I hear about the adventures of finding the "perfect ring". Often, these adventures include dragging the future groom from store to store, several weeks before he actually pops the question.
While some gals are happy with whatever their sweetheart surprises them with, most of us would rather have a hand in picking out the bling. Let's face it - we can be pretty picky. With ring-hunting in mind, I thought that I would introduce a few money saving ideas to the equation...
1. Diamonds are not always a girl's best friend.
You must think I'm crazy, but hear me out. I'm sure that we are all aware of the beautifully colored stones and the timelessness of pearls but today, I'm shifting focus.
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral found in very limited quantities or as minute particles in the earth. Because of its natural rarity, the stone is limited however, jewelers now carry lab-made Moissanite. Yes, lab-made....Don't turn off your brains just yet.
As a result of blood-diamonds, women all over the world are turning to Moissanite as an alternative. The stone looks like a diamond, is strong like a diamond but does not come with the price tag of a diamond. And most importantly, lives are spared. For more information, check out this site: www.whatismoissanite.com
Cubic Zirnonia is also a lab-made, budget-friendly stone. Although some may turn their noses up to the stone, it has actually earned an outstanding reputation. The stone is durable and can be ordered in any color or cut, making it more desirable.
The CZ is a great way for the bride and groom to compromise. If the bride wants a larger ring, but a large diamond is not feasible, it is common that the couple will opt for a CZ stone and later replace it with a diamond (usually on one-year anniversary).
2. Dainty is in!
Perhaps you are a gal similar to my own taste - the ring doesn't make the marriage. It is important that every bride recognize the importance of the commitment that her man is making. When you think of his love and devotion, it makes the importance of the ring seem like a silly subject when compared to his everlasting love. And if you've been blessed with a man like my own, you know fully well that he would break the bank to give you everything your heart desires...be nice ladies!
I've always loved the look of older, vintage rings and after researching estate jewelry, I realized that I wanted a new ring with an older look. I thought I was in for a world of frustration but I was wrong. The first ring I found was the one that is now on my finger. It is dainty, vintage-inspired and most importantly, it was AFFORDABLE!
Smaller rings usually have matching bands so if you're looking for a little more bulk, you can add a band on your wedding day.
3. Family Jewels
Many of my friends have been blessed with their precious family jewels. Grandmothers and great grandmothers are often eager to pass down their wedding rings, providing a very inexpensive way to get blinged while honoring your family and the generations before you.
Wearing a relative's ring often allows room in the budget for a bigger diamond. Make sure to factor in the cost of sizing and cleaning - older rings are often tarnished.
4. Band Together
If you want to focus on a large diamond, be willing to compromise on the band. Fewer embellishments on the band help to lower the cost. If you're looking for a silver hue, forgo platinum and opt for white gold - it will cost about 45% less.
Buying in sets also helps lower the cost. Remember, your salesman wants to meet his quota and if you're ready to look at groom rings, you might find yourself saving a bundle. Buying the rings in a set also guarantees that you are matchy, matchy...if that's what you're going for.
If you don't get a deal for buying the rings together, just think of the gas money you will save...getting everything done in one trip means that you have an extra $20-something to put towards the wedding, or a night out on the town.
5. Let's Make a Deal
Although big corporations and companies offer a wide variety of rings, their prices are usually set in stone (no pun intended). If you are the haggling type, I recommend that you try your hand at a smaller store that is locally owned. The jeweler will be more likely to lower the price of your ring AND if they don't have exactly what you are looking for, they have plenty of catalogs that you can flip through.
It's important that when making a deal, you do your homework first. Know what you want and research the value. Don't get emotional while trying to make a deal - it needs to remain professional. If you can't keep your emotions under control, send your honey to do the talking while you read your bridal magazines in the car.
Use your connections. If you are from a small town like myself, connections almost always work. Don't be afraid to drop names - it isn't tacky, it's resourceful. And most importantly, always be willing to walk away. Don't make a deal in haste.
Last but not least...
The most important aspect of ring shopping is setting your budget. Respect and honor your man's hard-earned dollar by keeping within the budget. If you can't afford Hearts on Fire, you have no business looking in that case. Don't allow yourself the room to be tempted....trust me, it's dangerous and brings out a very ugly, whinny side of you.
With the five tips in mind, I was able to find my dream ring. Our budget was $5,500 and my ring (band included) started at $4,000. Although we were under budget, I caught the money-saving bug and found myself determined to lower the price. It took several visits to the jeweler and lots of self control - we had to walk away many times. After making a few more compromises (which I am very happy with), our final cost was a little over $3,000,whch made my fiance a very happy man.
Happy Bling-Shopping!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment