cheap engagement rings?

Question

My boyfriend and I have started talking about getting engaged, but he doesn't want to propose until he can "do it right" in his words with a ring. He is working 2 jobs and going to school right now (we're not wanting to actually get married for at least another year and a half) so he is kinda tight on cash, but is always talking about how he wants to get my ring... I really want a princess cut silver/ white gold ring. Where can he find one for a deal?

Answer 1

I don't normally do this, but that is bad advice. Don't wait just because you are struggling financially. Its not like he's a deadbeat! 2 jobs and in school! Wow.

I don't know about a princess cut.. diamonds are insanely expensive.

I found something else that I loved, and my wife loves it too. Side benefit is A) far less expensive) and B) More unique and C)(even though this might clash with B) it is an older tradition.

The diamond industry has convinced us that a man is supposed to spend 2 months salary (!!!) on an engagement ring. When you are broke, wanting to buy a house, in school, that's just silly.

A Sapphire engagement ring. I got mine from Hamilton Jewelers (in NJ), emerald cut sapphire with two trillion cut diamonds. Its beautiful. There are some others on Blue Nile (at least there were). Some people do birthstones as well.

**If that doesn't suit your style, get a CZ, replace it sometime in the future when Mr. Hardwork strikes it rich. Are your friends gemologists? Nobody has to know...

Good luck!!

Answer 2

From my personal experence, don't spend too much on the engagement ring. Buy an expensive diamond ring would only make the jeweler happy. Cost the margin of the diamond ring is about 60% to 70%. They are cheap at the wholesale price.

Answer 3

Remember-- You will wear this ring for a very long time. There probably won't come a time when you suddenly get new wedding rings. So think about it. Go to blue nile. They have better diamonds than most jewelry stores. They also give good deals. You need to study on diamonds first. Buy a book. Cut is one of the most important things. Learn and then buy. Good luck! Don't buy someone elses used, cursed engagement ring!!

Answer 4

I think too many people get caught up in the ring. It is a status symbol and a source of pride. He doesn't want to look cheap and you want to feel "loved" (Look how much he loves this, this is 240 carats!!)

Personally, I think you both need to examine this and decide what is important. I do have a nice ring, but we were married later in life and better established. If I were marrying in my 20's, I would have been ok with a moderate ring with a plan to upgrade at milestone anniversaries.

Answer 5

http://www.czjewels.com/SearchResults.cfm?subcatID=23&CFID=2740328&CFTOKEN=f5d7f65764101852-D909670A-E441-223F-DFE1F5E8CEA789A7

try this site. They have real gold bands (white and yellow) and good quality CZ. I bought a three stone ring for myself a few years ago for around $250. (i know it is real gold because I am allergic to the cheap stuff)

I wore my cz ring to my sister's wedding four years ago and at least three of her super snotty rich friends exclaimed over it sincerely.

When I got married six years before, my husband and I decided not to get an expensive engagement ring because we were renovating a house and that was way more important. So we chose matching heavy gold bands.

I advise you to consider a cz now, and do not tell anyone it is a cz. Later, as your financial picture improves you may choose to buy a "real" diamond, or you may have other priorities then too.

Best wishes to you both.

Answer 6

How about going to James Allen – previously known as ‘Dirt Cheap Diamonds’. They should be able to help you out = they have a great reputation for really cheap prices. Good luck!

Answer 7

I am going through the same thing. We have set the date and everything but we are still trying to save some money for the ring and fix the house up. The house was damaged in Hurricane Katrina and we are still trying to get it fixed back up. Good luck!!!

Answer 8

Maybe instead of being set on the ring, you can be set on the guy and have him be what you want. What happens if you're so set on getting the "right" ring that this guy waits till he can give it to you so he can "do it right" and it's months or years down the line, before he can afford it?

Maybe you should forget about the ring, go for a simple band and be happy that you're in love with a guy you want to marry, instead of worrying about the ring. And yes I know they're pretty (even though they have icky diamonds), but marriage isn't about what stuff can be given to you. I hope you realize what's important, and don't miss this opportunity. Good luck.

Answer 9

Try antique shows and pawn shops. Sometimes you can find a great piece of jewelry (i.e., rings!) that are unique/classy and very affordable. This does take time and tons of browsing before you find that "perfect" one. I don't usually have too much luck with ebay. When you are purchasing jewelry, I suggest looking at it in person. You need to inspect the color and material.

Answer 10

Shop around for the best prices and put one on a layway plan and once it's time to get married maybe it will be paid off for you to have the ring you want.