How To Find an Affordable Engagement Ring
Nov 29th, 2008 by Greg McNaughton
If you’re intimidated by the process of engagement ring shopping, you’re not alone. Most of us are worried about this large, important purchase. However, there are some ways you can save a lot of money and make the whole process much simpler.
First, here’s something you probably already know: big diamonds are the most popular. This is one of the things that puts so much stress on ring shopping - we’re afraid we’ll have to spend more than we can afford. After all, larger diamonds come with a larger price tag.
There’s good news too, though. There are a number of ways you can find larger diamonds for only a small fraction of what you initially thought you’d pay. It’s all about getting the most out of your purchase.
Here’s an example that’ll tell you more.
Diamonds are graded using four major characteristics - cut, carat, clarity and color. We’ll check out color to see how you can get a larger diamond for less.
Color grading is done on a scale ranging from D to Z - D is the best of the grades and Z is the worst. Color grades for each diamond are performed by inspecting the diamond under high magnification on a white background in a lab.
What’s the catch? Diamonds that are D grade won’t look differently from one that’s four grades lower in quality - an H.
Unless you look at the diamonds beside one another, on a white background, and under close magnification, you’ll never notice the difference. The naked eye just can’t see that level of detail. You might spot a difference between D and I if you know what you’re doing, but even grades I and J are hard to see a difference in.
So what’s the point? Why pay more for diamonds graded higher when you can’t tell the difference between them and one that’s graded lower.
After all, there’s a big difference in price, even if there’s not one in appearance. You could pay thousands of dollars less. Most jewelery stores try to encourage customers to buy higher grades, since they’re technically better quality, and most people listen - paying a lot more than they should.
This is only one example of a way to save when you buy an engagement ring. Pick a diamond with a lower grade in color, and you’ll be able to buy one that’s a lot bigger for the same money.
