Engagement ring - advice?

davemere

Hi there. I'm going on holiday with my girlfriend soon and I intend to propose to her...so I need a ring. I've shopped around a bit and have seen roughly what's out there.

The thing is, I'm still several thousand quid in debt. My partner knows about the debt and supports me wonderfully in my efforts to clear it, which is going well. So I can't justify getting into further debt just to purchase a shiny rock, much as I would like to.

I can raise a few hundred quid. Does anyone have any advice on buying rings worth hundreds rather than thousands of pounds? I go on holiday in 5 days so online isn't really an option. Where can I shop? What should I look for? I live in south west London.

Anyone been through a similar experience and want to share experiences?

daivid

1st check out the main engagement ring thread, https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/192077
Lots of good tips including posters who have bought less expensive rings.

2nd consider alternatives to gold/platinum and diamond, these will eat into your budget very fast. There are many other metals and stones that can make an equally beautiful ring. Also second hand could bag a bargain. Again see the aforementioned thread.

3rd do you need to buy a ring? Is there an heirloom that could be re-used or could you simply do without? My parents are still married after 37 years, mum never had an engagement ring.

Finally good luck, and ignore any 1st time posters linking to an obscure website where they bought the best ring ever for the most amazing price ever, in fact I'm surprised one hasn't been along already...

lb364

As you don't have time to get one online and unless you want to get a temporary ring/go without, I'd suggest one of the high street shops.

Sounds like you've found a lovely, supportive partner and I'm sure she'd be more than happy with the proposal without an expensive ring

How about something like this:

http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/6851924/9ct+white+gold+12+pt+diamond+ring/

http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/9607129/9ct+white+gold+cubic+zirconia+trilogy+ring/

or go for an alternative like her birthstone?

firebird082

I've posted my thoughts on the thread linked above already (currently wearing an engagement ring that cost £22.50 ). The proposal is far more important than the ring. You don't need it to ask her (you can go shopping for one together once she's said yes!). Definitely don't spend masses if you are still in debt, and even more definitely not when she's supporting you getting out of debt.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

Gloomendoom

davemere wrote: »

Anyone been through a similar experience and want to share experiences?

You could try looking second hand. Rings are worth a fraction of what they cost new.

It's quite possible to pick up a platinum engagement ring with a good quality stone for a couple of hundred pounds.

harrietjane

Here are a few ideas:

- Go for a diamond simulant (moissanite, cz etc.)
- Or a lab diamond - they are significantly cheaper than mined diamonds, and just as real
- Or perhaps consider a different gemstone altogether - there are some beautiful alternatives out there (ruby, sapphire, morganite...) at a fraction of the cost of diamonds
- Buy a stone you like, but put it in a temporary silver setting to be upgraded later
- Or even buy just the stone for now, and use it for the proposal - the setting can come later
- If your girlfriend likes elaborate rings, start with a solitaire in a simple setting, which can be reset with more stones when budget allows
- Go for a halo or cluster setting, with lots of smaller stones to add to the overall sparkle of the ring

I hope the above ideas helps and good luck! At the end of the day the ring is only a symbol

arbrighton

Really revolutionary suggestion: Propose, without a ring. Not essential surely.

I'd have been happy if he'd just asked without a ring but as it happens, he put a lot of thought into it and got what he knew I'd like

goggle

Buy either one of those sweetie rings, or a cheapy one from the high street like http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2313623.htm and when she's accepted the proposal, tell her you'll go shopping for the "real ring"
You never know, she may get all sentimental and insist on keeping the £10 cheapy as it's the one you proposed with!

southoftheriver

My fiance didn't propose with a ring (used a shell with a hole in it). The proposal itself is much more important.

27col

The logic of proposing with a ring at the same time escapes me. In theory the proposal might be refused and you're left with an unwanted item. When I proposed (in 1959) I was accepted and then we went out buy a ring.
Or, of course she might hate the design and you then have the hassle of having to exchange it.
I'm ignoring the fact that you cannot afford an expensive ring anyway.

rdone

I know I'm late to the party here but I told my fiance not to spend a penny on a ring for me.
So he got me the most beautiful ring I've ever seen, which totally suits my style and was his grandmothers.
Not a penny spent and hugely sentimental.
We just had to pay for it to be resized as I have child sized fingers!