Recent studies show that the average wedding costs about 30 thousand dollars. Right. I don’t know about you, but I question their mathematics and who their test subjects are! Yes, your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, but you don’t need that chunk of change to make it special. You don’t need to spend all of your hard-earned money on an expensive engagement ring either, especially as of late.
While shopping for your bling, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Consider Current Trends
Luckily, current bridal trends can save you money while also being beautiful and unique.
Colored Stones
Colored gemstones are very popular right now, and a variety of options are available to suit the personality of each and every bride. For the edgy bride, Front Jewelers black engagement rings with both black bands and black diamonds scream chic. Smaller stones can be purchased and accented with smaller diamonds.
Black isn’t the only choice. Right now, colored gemstones, especially rubies and sapphires, are popular thanks to celebrities like Kate Middleton and Jessica Simpson. An alternative to a diamond will cost you less money, but offer you more impact.
Cluster Rings
Cluster rings are also popular, thanks to Bella Swan from Twilight. Rings with a cluster of small diamonds give a popular vintage look while you can also cover more surface area for less money.
Stacked Eternity Bands
Ring stacking is very popular right now and the trend has entered the bridal world. Eternity bands have no center stone and are often bands with smaller diamonds or gemstones, or just plain bands. Smaller stones equal smaller price tag and no stones equal an even smaller price tag! The bands can be stacked and mixed and matched. Often, different metals are selected. You can also add more bands as you reach milestones in your marriage like anniversaries or the birth of a child.
Get Educated About Different Metals!
Different metals cost different prices. Gold is most expensive, but sterling silver can offer the same look as titanium or tungsten, especially in men’s bands. Different metals offer different levels of durability, so make sure you pick one that will work for you and consider your line of work. Different metals also provide different shines. However, a cheaper metal may provide more contrast and let your diamond shine.
Get Educated about Diamonds
Most jewelers will provide classes about diamonds and offer education about the three C’s– color, clarity, and cut. The higher the measurement of these terms, the more expensive the ring, but certain cuts let you get away with more. Take a class and get educated! And just because you take a class it doesn’t mean you have to buy with that specific jeweler. If you do, however, most jewelers offer a discount just for taking their class!
Shop Around
Visit your local jewelers, of course, and consider the best price, but also check online. “Recycled” rings can offer extreme discounts. Don’t consider them bad luck, either. It’s the 21st century. Give those beautiful rings a second chance at happiness!
Also consider something different, like handmade rings! Shops like Etsy can give you a totally unique bridal set, like one made of wood, or one engraved with your fingerprints. How romantic!
