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Ways to Save - How to Buy Wedding and Engagement Rings for Less
These tips will help you score a stylish ring on a budget
1) Lose the Embellishments
Plain and simple always costs less. Any embellishments increase the price.
2) Forego Platinum
If you’re on a budget and want a silver hue, skip platinum and opt for white gold – it costs about 45% less.
3) Just Short of a Carat
For diamonds, always buy just short of the next carat level. So if you’ve got your eye on a two carat stone, swap it out with a 1.8 carat. You’ll save almost 20%, and the size difference is negligible.
4) Get a Set
Buy a matching or coordinating set (engagement and wedding ring) – and you can save as much as 50%. You’ll save even more if you buy a three piece set (engagement ring plus his and hers wedding rings)
5) Go Local
Good at haggling? Skip the national chains and test your bargaining skills at a local jeweler. You’re more likely to successfully negotiate prices at a privately owned jewelry store.
6) Upgrade Later
If you’ve got your heart set on a ring that’s out of your budget, consider purchasing a “starter ring,” and upgrade on a future anniversary.
