“Spend two months’ pay on a ring” is commonly-heard advice, and some people take it as sacred law. However, the advice stems from an impressive marketing campaign by the De Beers diamond company. There are Platinum & Gold Jewelry options to fit any couple’s budget, and it’s possible to get a gorgeous ring by learning where to make trade-offs. Diamonds are forever, just like love-; and with the tips below, couples can find the right ring for the right price.
The History of the Diamond Engagement Ring
The guideline given above first arose in the 1940s, but it doesn’t consider how life has evolved. Back then, people got married younger and often went straight from living at home to living with a spouse. Women viewed marriage as a time to put career aspirations to rest, and men were the main breadwinners. Today, the average marriage age is higher, and most people live together before they get married. Since most people already share household expenses, there’s no need to spend three months’ salary on a ring-; unless it’s what the couple really wants.
Setting the Budget
Before shopping for Diamond Rings, it’s a good idea to have a budget in mind. To avoid unpleasant surprises, do a bit of research first. Online photos often don’t accurately represent what a ring looks like, and it can be easy to get distracted by the sparkle once the ring is seen in the store.
Metal: It Matters
Gold comes in multiple colors and alloys. Pure gold (24 karats) is too soft to use for jewelry, so it is blended with other metals for durability. As gold percentage goes down, so does the price Diamond Rings. Couples will see 18K, 14K and 10K gold options, each with its own benefits. Because of the alloying process, gold comes in many colors, but white and gold are most commonly used in diamond engagement rings.
The excitement of proposing, picking a ring and planning a wedding can make anyone a little confused and overwhelmed. When a couple is truly in love, the ring they pick out says a lot about their plans for the future. Part of building a solid future means being responsible with money, but that doesn’t mean that the couple has to give up on finding a beautiful ring. You can like them on Facebook.
