Cheap(ish) engagment rings

Kimmie26

I would seriously consider finding out what type of jewellery your girlfriend likes.

My fianc! was going to surprise me with a ring but knowing how fussy I can be decided against it. The day we went ring shopping I had decided before hand that I wanted a sapphire ring as its my birth stone, but every ring I had always liked online just didn't feel right when tried on. I tried on about 14 rings (it took most of the day in various high street and local jewellers) to find the one I really liked and one that he liked too.

It was £750 so not overly expensive but as we went together the day meant so much more as we did end up picking a ring we both agreed on.

I agree on white gold, mine has faded with daily wear on the underside.

ali-t

I have been looking at rings recently and don't want white gold due to having to get it dipped every few years. With this costing up to £100 a time I think it is better value to spend more on platinum or palladium which do not require any special treatment or ongoing maintenance costs.

HPoirot

oliver.smith88 wrote: »

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?

If you would be looking on the high street for this budget then I would recommend Fraser Hart, we got mine from there for around the same budget and it's sparkly and gorgeous 2 years on and it's not been cleaned yet.

We were also looking at Ernest Jones but you don't get your money's worth in gold weight or diamond carat there. Local jewellers have confirmed that when I was trying to sell on some jewellery I had from EJ.

Local jewellers are also a good option, although the end result will depend on their workmanship really.

meritaten

The best value is in secondhand jewellery. If your g/f wont mind that then auctions offer some bargains (but its as well to have some knowledge of prices for gold/diamonds). go 'window shopping' with a notebook and pen and get an idea of the sort of item you can afford on your budget. take notes of the stones carat 'weight' and the gold content 'carat'.
Pawnbrokers can be good value too. and often 'Independent' High Street jewellers sell 'Pre-loved' items.
personally, I wouldn't mind an antique engagement ring - is there one in the family which could be resized for her?

SmallL

I got a ring custom made from Etsy for approx £900.
They do designs from £500-£1200 if your looking at 12k golds and 'normal' stones.
This was the one i got (on a special discount!)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/156069619/nature-classic-14k-two-tone-gold-10-ct?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=alexandrite

mountainofdebt

oliver.smith88 wrote: »

. Aren't you supposed to spend a months wages on the ring?

yes if you are an advertiser's dream

If you are going to spend that sort of money on a ring how confident are you that the ring that you pick is THE ONE?

As has already been said, have a jokey ring ready and then enjoy your shopping trip when she says yes