Need advice...Is it cheaper to buy an engagement ring first?

Question

Cheaper to buy engagement ring first and then buy the band or buy both at same time? ..and what is the cheapest place to buy a nice 1/2 carat diamond ring?..

Answer 1

It depends...most places will offer some sort of discount if you buy both with them whether it is at the sametime or not. The saftest way to go about it is to go to a jewler you know and trust or go to someone who can refer you to a good one. PLaces with big names will always charge oyu more and only for their name. Shop around thats the best thing you can do!
Good Luck!

Answer 2

Neither. Very few places give you a discount for buying 2 rings or a bridal set. Usually unless you are talking a very expensive set, they don't negotiate much more. If you are getting just a plain band, there is little to no difference. But if you are getting a diamond eternity band--yes since the cost is so elevated, it is cheaper to buy both.

For a ring--do a lot of comparison shopping. Of course you could buy a cheap ring in the classifieds (broken engagements or divorces) and of course pawn shops. However, if you are wanting a guarantee, some type of proof that the diamond is certified and real--consider small jewelry stores. They don't have as much markup but be aware that b/c of that, you can't negotiate the same percentage off at a small store.

Also look at setting shows. They have hundreds of arrangements at one giant trunk show that you can can look at all at once. Also depending on what 4cs you are looking for, trunk shows have a larger arrangement--especially of more "perfect" stones.

Just take the time to look around so that you can find the exact ring that symbolizes your relationship and that she will love for the rest of your lives together.

Answer 3

Price it out both ways. It may be cheaper to buy the engagment ring now and wait until a holiday sale to buy the wedding band or the discount when you buy them together may be best.

You can cut out what I consider unneccesary extras. Things like diamonds on the inside of the ring where they aren't seen or on the bottom of the ring where they also aren't seen and more likely to get damaged.

Before you buy an eternity ring with diamonds all around you should also consider that they are very exspensive if not impossible to get resized and 90% of people have to get rings resized at least once in their lifetime.

Answer 4

I think that is a good price range. It will let you get a good diamond, nice band, quality ring that will be beautiful. At the same time. if she say, loses it in the ocean (like my friend did) it won't put you out of a year's salary. That much money shows that you saved intentionally for it, which is important. No girl wants a cracker jack ring. Also, I highly recommend Robbins Brothers. They have many locations, including Fullerton and Glendale. My ring is from Robbins Brothers, and they have a lifetime guarantee on all diamond rings, if you bring it in every 6 months to get checked on. (Costco won't do that.) They also clean it for free anytime you come in. They have nice lounges that you wait in with free coffee and soda, bridal magazines, etc and so I like to go there just to relax!! Also, the people there are so nice! (I go to the San Diego one.) You would think they wouldn't be as excited about people's weddings working around people getting married every day, but they truly take an interest in you and want to make everything perfect. They can even help you plan the proposal! Every experience I have had with them has been 100% positive. (PS My ring is in that price range, my fiance helped design it and it is the most perfect amazing ring I have ever seen in my life. I loved that it was custom made for me too!) Good luck! I hope she says yes!

Answer 5

It depends on the jewelry store. Sometimes they will have bargain deals where you can buy the engagement ring and wedding ring as a pair for ___ price. My fiancee bought just my engagement ring at Rogers & Hollands, and it is .61 carats and exceptional quality. I think it cost around $2,600 dollars. Check out all the main jewelers- Kay, Rogers & Hollands, Zales, JB Robinson, etc. and check prices. They all have websites so it's easy to comparison shop.

Answer 6

It shouldn't matter unless you want the engagement ring and the wedding band to be a set.

Take a look online at

www.bluenile.com and/or
www.uniondiamond.com

You can choose the exact diamond and put it into any of the setting they have. This way you can decide on the quality of the diamond, cut, color and clarity.

Answer 7

id say getting the engagement ring first. my fiancee got my engagement ring before christmas before he proposed, and they gave him marry money. these are coupons that allow him to take half off of his next purchase. so we can buy our wedding bands and get 50% off for our next purchase. the only thing is they expire like 6 months after you get them, so you have to use it quick.

you can get a cheap .5 carat ring anywhere, it just depends on the quality. mine is .61 carats, but was expensive because of the clarity and color, and all the other Cs of diamonds.

Answer 8

It really doesn't matter. Just go with what your boyfriend chooses to do and can comfortably afford. He'll find out once he's shopping that some rings come in sets - others you can purchase separately. Just trust him and be surprised!