Cheap(ish) engagment rings

oliver.smith88

Hi,

I've decided it's time to pop the question to my better half. The only problem is I know nothing of Karats, diamonds, gold or platinum. I want to buy her a nice ring but I don't want to get ripped off does anyone know any good websites that sell engagement rings? I don't even know where to start!

Oliver

fabforty

oliver.smith88 wrote: »

Hi,

I've decided it's time to pop the question to my better half. The only problem is I know nothing of Karats, diamonds, gold or platinum. I want to buy her a nice ring but I don't want to get ripped off does anyone know any good websites that sell engagement rings? I don't even know where to start!

Oliver

If you really have absolutely no idea where to start, I would suggest going into one of the high street chains (H Samuel etc.) for advice, not necessarily to buy. They won't do the hard sell (no commission) and should be able to explain the basics. I wouldn't advise buying online if you are a complete novice when it comes to jewellery, at least not until you have brushed up on the facts.

sulphate

I know nothing about diamonds/carats etc but hopefully someone else will be along soon who is more knowledgeable about that.

I think the first question is, what kind of jewellery does she like/wear? You don't want to get her a platinum one if she likes gold

Personally, I would not recommend white gold. Husband and I got married this year and all our rings (our wedding rings and my engagement ring) are white gold. The thing about white gold is that its not 'real' gold so it fades over time, but my husband's ring noticeably faded only a few months after

double_mummy

silver with white topaz unless she knows stuff about jewllery she wont know the difference between that and a diamond

i also love diamonique by qvc and have loads of their pieces and no one can spot the difference http://www.qvcuk.com/Epiphany-Platinum-Clad-Diamonique--SS-0.5ct-Solitaire-Ring.product.609054.html?sc=609054-DRIL&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-4-_-609054

very believable but only £20 and its platinum clad

LEJC

there are plenty of ongoing threads on engagement rings and quite a large one that appears periodically on the weddings board,so you might want to have a bit of a read up on there about your 4cs...

However as someone who does know about the carats and clarity etc my advice to you would be dont get too hung up on them....

choose a budget and work to that...

your ring doesnt need to be diamond it can be a whole host of stones, but it might help if you know the sort of style your OH might like

Plenty of places to buy on line and yes there are some good deals around but initially if you have no idea of sizes of stones etc go and have a look on the high street for inspiration and a general look at what sort of thing you get for your money!
lots of online places will not show you the actual size of the stones until you receive them,and I have known people who thought that the stone they would get in their ring would be bigger...so it is important to look how big a stone is as the magnifications can be very inflated online

Heres the main thread very big but there is some good suggestions and advice buried within it...and after reading some of it I think you might have a bit more of an idea about what you want.....and where to look

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/192077

Scrapaholic

sulphate wrote: »

I know nothing about diamonds/carats etc but hopefully someone else will be along soon who is more knowledgeable about that.

I think the first question is, what kind of jewellery does she like/wear? You don't want to get her a platinum one if she likes gold

Personally, I would not recommend white gold. Husband and I got married this year and all our rings (our wedding rings and my engagement ring) are white gold. The thing about white gold is that its not 'real' gold so it fades over time, but my husband's ring noticeably faded only a few months after

I believe white gold jewellery is yellow gold with a white gold plating . It does fade worn every day but you can get it replated in white gold . Prices vary from place to place though but looks as good as new when it's done .
Anyway , see if she likes vintage styles as they can be a reasonable price in jewellers that sell pre loved rings etc . Pre loved sounds so much nicer than second hand ! Of course , modern styles can be bought pre owned as well . Depends what your budget is . You can buy gemstone rings, for just a few pounds . Will she choose her own style or will you choose alone ? Happy engagement .

sassyblue

oliver.smith88 wrote: »

Hi,

I've decided it's time to pop the question to my better half. The only problem is I know nothing of Karats, diamonds, gold or platinum. I want to buy her a nice ring but I don't want to get ripped off does anyone know any good websites that sell engagement rings? I don't even know where to start!

Oliver

What do you really want OP? Your title says cheap but you describe getting value for money with the ring, two different things...

Unless you both have no money and you both know that, l wouldn't advise getting a cheap ring, sorry. Unless its just to pop the question with and you both go shopping for the real engagement ring.

Hope it all goes well, good luck!

maman

I'd recommend you get a really cheap OTT ring (from Primark or out of a cracker!) and give her that when you propose.

Then when you've had time to talk it over you can go together and choose one that she'd really like. She'll keep the 'fun' ring as a momento anyway.

Pre-loved/vintage will be the best value for money but it really does depend on her tastes.

southoftheriver

Whats your budget? Would she mind you proposing with a dummy ring and then choosing one together?

oliver.smith88

My budget is about £800-1000. I am not in any debt and I can afford this amount and I love the girl so why not! With that I should be able to buy something decent, right? I just don't want to go to the highstreet any buy something that I could've got online for cheaper. My dad has recommended going to a local jewelers with a design and asking them to make it as they can be a lot cheaper than some of the highstreet jewelers. Aren't you supposed to spend a months wages on the ring?

Stephb1986_2

Oliver, it's piffle about spending a months wages on the ring you spend what you can afford. I can thoroughly recommend Samara James http://www.samarajames.com/ my engagement ring came from here in 2009 I've never had it re coated since then I think it cost £510 back then it's worth over £1200.

Good luck
Steph x