Save on THE ring

You’ve found your perfect match, now it’s time to find the perfect ring. Finding a flawless, beautiful ring while on a budget is no easy feat, but possible. In fact, there are many ways to not only prepare for the expense but also to save money on engagement and wedding rings. 

It’s never too early to start saving for engagement or wedding rings.  Even if the person you thought was “the one” doesn’t end up being “the one,” having a savings account will never do any harm.  Always save 10% of your income, and if you’re saving for a ring, set aside some additional money each month until you have a down payment or the amount in full. Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to buying jewelry that will last a lifetime. Some experts recommend spending three months of your salary on a ring, but even that may not be feasible or something you want to do. There are plenty of ways to go about buying an engagement ring without having to spend one-quarter of your annual salary.  

Shop around Never walk into one jewelry store and purchase a ring immediately. Do your homework and research shops that offer the best deal. Websites such as BlueNile and Union Diamond offer beautiful rings at more affordable prices.

Consider financing it The key to financing a ring is knowing what you can afford to pay per month and understanding the terms and conditions fully. Most stores offer 0% interest for 6 or 12 months if paid in full. But! If you miss a payment or do not have the ring paid in full by then, you end up paying a fortune in interest.

Buy cheap and plan future upgrade In order for this to work, you’ll need to have a conversation with your future spouse about ring expectations. Make sure she is OK with receiving a less expensive ring now with the intent of getting an upgrade at some point in the future. Be honest; her reaction may surprise you!

Negotiate Ring shopping is like car or furniture shopping—the sticker price isn’t necessarily what the item will go for. Find a ring you love, offer cash (if possible) for less than the sticker price and see what the salesperson says. If they aren’t willing to negotiate with you, stand firm and walk away.

Look on Ebay or Craigslist Yes, the rings are used, so you’ll have to think long and hard if that’s something you and your future spouse are OK with. If so, you won’t find better deals than Ebay and Craigslist. Both sites list rings that people are looking to get rid of, not necessarily looking to make a profit on. Negotiating is also always acceptable, so when push comes to shove this is a great way to save a fortune on a ring.

About the Author: Sarah Brooks is a freelance writer living in Glendale, AZ. She covers topics on invoices, travel and saving money.