When it comes to engagement rings, budgets aren’t the most romantic thing to be thinking about, but like it or not, costs are all part of choosing the perfect ring. There is a lot of confusion surrounding costs, from the 3 months salary rule to whether or not you should be spending more than you can afford and how you can save while still getting a ring you love. It may not be the most glamorous part of buying an engagement ring, but failing to consider costs can ruin the process of choosing a ring and planning your future together.
One of the things that can trip up a lot of couples is the lure of specials and sales. In theory, the idea is great. Getting a ring on special means saving money. Saving money means getting the best ring without having to spend more. In reality, although there are certainly ways you can save on your ring price, falling for the idea that specials are the way to go can end up leaving you with a ring that is far from perfect.
The Problem With Engagement Ring Specials
As with any high-value item, you get what you pay for, and engagement rings are no exception. This doesn’t mean you should ever get into debt or spend more than you can afford, of course. What it does mean is planning ahead, saving and looking for ways to save without compromising quality. Here are a few reasons to be wary of any specials or offers that sound too good to be true.
Specials can mean stock clearance
If you’re browsing at a retail jewellery store and see a big sign advertising specials, it may be due to rings being sold to make way for new stock. This could be due to styles of rings that haven’t been selling well, rings that haven’t gotten great reviews or rings that were going through a style craze and are now no longer in high demand. That’s not to say you won’t find anything in these sales – it simply means that you may not find the right ring.
Specials can mean poor quality
Be very wary of discount sites and other stores that specialise in marked-down products. Large specials and sales on rings made from precious materials such as diamonds and gold or platinum can indicate a poor level of quality. You may find that the rings have a big mark down because the stones have a lower clarity or the metal has a lower carat. You may find that the rings scratch easily or that they have impractical settings that catch on clothing and will need to be replaced to prevent loose stones.
Specials may mean generic styles
In a lot of cases, it is the generic, pre-made styles that go on special. This is not a problem if you have a clear idea of the ring you want and it happens to fall within a specific style, such as a traditional halo, a simple solitaire or a timeless three-stone ring. If you’re looking for a more unique ring or you want to add your own details to make the ring unique, you will want to avoid generic styles. Custom rings don’t have a set price. Instead, they are priced according to the overall design, the stones you choose, the metal you choose, the number of stones, and numerous other factors.
Specials can mean potential scams
The most important concern of all is the risk of scams. Be extremely cautious if you are offered a ring at a very low price and it is not made by a reputable jeweller. Scammers play on your hopes to save on your ring and they will try and exploit this by charging what seems to be a lower amount for a fake diamond. There is an increased risk of gold-plated bands instead of genuine gold. There’s also no certification, which can make insurance impossible. Then there’s the risk of conflict diamonds if the diamonds are genuine but not ethically sourced.
At Cape Diamonds, we aim to make finding your dream ring accessible, without compromising on quality. Working with an experienced jeweller is the best way to get the ring you want, at a price you can realistically afford. By getting advice on choosing diamonds, metals and designs, you can start planning a ring that is just right. Contact us today and let us help you start planning your dream ring now.