gettingmarried

Ok, first things first. Before you even start thinking about planning the wedding, you have to choose the engagement ring. The guy might be choosing it on his own, you may be giving ideas on what styles you like, or you may be choosing it together. Whichever option you choose, engagement rings CAN be expensive. But they don’t have to be. Traditionally an engagement ring has one main diamond and maybe some smaller diamonds surrounding it. However, nowadays, more and more people are opting for a coloured stone, which is now only a more individual option, but also has the potential to be A LOT cheaper.

Personally, my engagement ring comprises of three pink sapphires, surrounded by a number of small diamonds (totalling 0.25ct) set in white gold. This set my fiance back $800, and I LOVE IT.

However, a coloured stone is not for everyone, and I have found a fantastic auction website which has beautiful, expensive, diamond engagement rings for a fraction of the price. For example, I found a $120,000 diamond engagement ring which sold for $5,000. The website is www.bidz.com. It’s an american based website but all items can be sent to various worldwide locations.

 Another suggestion for an individual option, is to trawl through second-hand shops, antiques stores, and possibly even pawn shops. This gives you the chance to see more antique and one-off styles that you’re unlikely to encounter on someone else. You could always have a ring melted down and restyled if you like.

And lastly, try asking older family members if they have any heirloom jewellery that they could pass on to you. This way the ring has a history of sentimental value, is something you could also pass on to future generations, and allows for a lovely story for your children and grandchildren.

Next: A new phenomenon - the engagement ring for men (yes, i’m serious)

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