Thursday, February 14, 2008

Cheaper Engagement Rings

Cheaper engagement rings are not necessarily less attractive or less meaningful. Online jewelers are able to offer quality engagement rings for less expense because they do not need to maintain store facilities or large numbers of employees While you may not be able to customize the ring as much as you could with a traditional jeweler you can find many classic elegant designs for significantly less than many stores Many men cringe at the thought of a diamond engagement ring because they automatically associate it with a high price tag but it is possible to purchase a cheap engagement ring without sacrificing quality or beauty.Purchasing an engagement ring online is risky because you cannot physically inspect the ring before you buy it In order to protect yourself it is important to consider the following questions. Is this business recognized by the Better Business Bureau and how does it rate.If you do purchase an online ring and decide it doesnt meet your expectations be sure to insure it properly before returning it to avoid postal loss or damage that the vendor will not cover.Another way to cut corners for cheap engagement rings is to consider the type of metal for the ring Platinum engagement rings are the most expensive but you wont be sacrificing quality or style if you stick to silver or white or yellow gold Lower karat values are also less expensive such as a 12 or 14karat ring instead of an eighteen carat ring Generally twotone rings and those with extensive filigree patterns or etching on the metal are also more expensive.Cheap rings can still be beautiful If you prefer a diamond engagement ring be sure you understand the four Cs cut clarity color and carat Judging diamond quality can be tricky because each of these factors greatly influences the price but selecting a lessthanperfect stone does not mean it is inferior Most diamonds are graded on elaborate scales and dropping a grade or two can reduce the price without being immediately visible to the casual observer.Engagement rings do not have to be diamonds however Many brides enjoy breaking away from the classic diamond ring choosing instead to wear emeralds sapphires rubies or other semiprecious stones While a high quality colored gemstone may be more expensive than a low quality diamond in general gemstones are a bit cheaper.You may also want to consider synthetic stones While not real as in formed through geology these stones are far less expensive and just as beautiful as natural diamonds A word of warning however do not try to fool your fiance by passing off an imitation stone as real That dishonesty and deception is not the foundation on which you want to build a life together For many budgetconscious women however the ring is a symbol and the dollar value or quality of the stone is not as important a factor in their feelings as the thought behind it and the relationship it represents. If your sweetheart is more interested in a oneofakind diamond you may be able to find the deal of a lifetime with estate engagement rings at auctions or estate sales The problem with this however is you may not be able to ascertain the exact worth of the antique or vintage ring that you want to purchase. Be sure you purchase a ring from an established and reputable dealer If possible inspect the ring before the auction begins and ask to see a current appraisal Always investigate return options as well in case the ring does not meet your expectations if you have it appraised immediately after purchasing it

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