06/28/2010

Budgeting for Your Engagement Ring & Doing What’s Right for You

We love rings. Obviously. We started a blog about it. Pink diamonds, princess cut, vintage settings, three-stone rocks, micro-pave – those words are music to our ears. The engagement is the beginning of an exciting, yet challenging life-long partnership. We know how easy it is to get caught up in the fantasy and forget about that fact that with marriage comes many changes – with one of the biggest ones (and the most common cause for argument) revolving around money.

 

As a future bride, it is your responsibility to not only drop hints about the type of ring you want (the fun part, naturally), but also participate from a financial perspective (the hard part) because very soon, ‘his’ money and ‘your’ money will become ‘our’ money. It means that you first have to have a shared understanding of how much you are able and willing to spend on an engagement ring in addition to your other investments – your house, your car, your retirement etc., come up with a budget and stick to it! And if you can pay cash for it, even better.

 

Next step – research and educate. Know how the stone, shape, cut, clarity and color influence the price of the engagement ring and give your future fiance a few ideas. Here are a few tips if you are price conscious:

 

• - Assuming you want a diamond, Carat size has the largest impact on price. Remember that the heavier the diamond, the rarer it is, and the more expensive it will be. You can play around with shapes and cut to give the illusion of a larger diamond, but actually pay for a smaller stone.

• - Pick another stone! Emeralds, rubies, sapphires, or even moissanite rings can make for exquisite rings at a fraction of the price.

• - Go vintage. Does your family have an heirloom ring? Visit an antique store, estate sale or look at jewelry auctions. You might be surprised.

 

Finally, put everything in his hands and wait for the perfect proposal with the perfect (for you!) ring.