Get The Bling Without The Sting - Affordable Engagement Rings

Just because you don't have a lot of money doesn't mean you can't find an affordable engagement ring that looks like it cost a fortune.

Tips on getting more diamond for your dollar when choosing an affordable engagement ring.

First, the diamond shape you choose can help make your ring look like it's worth a lot more than you really paid. A marquise-shaped diamond, for example, looks larger than a round diamond. Pear-shaped and oval-shaped diamonds are also good choices for diamond engagement rings because they look larger than their round counterpart.

The setting you choose can also make your engagement ring look very glitzy and expensive. In particular, an Illusion setting. The diamond is mounted on a metal plate similar to a mirror, which makes the diamond appear bigger and more brilliant.

The quality of the diamond you choose is also important if you want an affordable engagement ring. Your personal preference will prevail, but it's possible to sacrifice quality for size. Colored diamonds are a popular choice, so one possibility is to opt for a lower grade color to get more diamond for your dollar.

Where to look for an affordable engagement ring.

Why go past the World Wide Web? Crank up the computer and browse online, it's the easiest, most pain-free way to find a great affordable engagement ring that's not going to break the bank.

Of course, who can go past e-Bay for a bargain-priced affordable engagement ring? Another good value online jewelry auction site is Bidz.com. But a word of advice - make sure you do your homework before placing a bid. Get a handle on the various grades of diamonds available and the type of metal you fancy - be it yellow gold, white gold or platinum.

Check out your local pawnshops too, they usually have terrific bargains on affordable engagement rings. And if it makes you feel a bit, well, icky, owning a pawnshop engagement ring, just remember that antique and vintage engagement rings are all the rage - and they have a history too.

Finding a bargain-price affordable engagement ring makes sense. It leaves you plenty of money to spend on other things you may need for your new life together. Like a ride-on mower, perhaps?

Alex Miller has been involved in the jewelry industry for more years than she cares to remember! She lists her passions as "diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds" and has turned her passion into an informative website. You can find more great articles about diamonds, engagement rings, bridal jewelry, honeymoons and more at http://www.Engagement-Rings-Guide.com - The place to go BEFORE you shop for jewelry online!

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Tips For Picking Out an Engagement Ring Without Her Input

An engagement ring is like a promise. When a man offers a woman an engagement ring, the woman wears the ring as a symbol that there will be a wedding in the future. Many people choose the ring together, but there may be reasons why a man would like to choose it alone and surprise his loved one. This can be risky because she will wear the ring every day, and it must be comfortable as well as beautiful. With a little care, it's not difficult to choose the right engagement ring even without her input.

Because of a huge advertising campaign in the 1940s by De Beers, the solitaire diamond engagement ring has become the most popular in the United States. However, there are other options and other countries use different precious stones and designs for engagement rings. The man should not feel bound to purchase a diamond ring especially if he knows she is not that thrilled by diamonds. Precious gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are also good choices. Color enhanced diamonds are also an option and offer a unique look rather than the traditional white diamond.

Consider her personality. Is she dainty and feminine? Is she a tomboy that loves hiking and camping? Is she a painter? A teacher? Her choice of lifestyle will give a clue as to what type of engagement ring she will like. She may enjoy a delicate diamond setting that sparkles every time she moves her hand. However, a tall setting also has a tendency to snag clothing and people. Even if she would like a diamond, she may want a setting that is more solid, so she doesn't have to worry about it when she is working.

The size of her hand should also be considered. Women who have long, slender fingers can wear more bold settings with wide bands. A very delicate setting will not suit a large hand; it will get lost and look even smaller than it is. For short fingers, an oval or marquise cut stone will make them look longer, but the ring shouldn't be too big or it will defeat the purpose.

Pay close attention to the type of jewelry she wears. Notice if she wears yellow gold or silver. She may prefer platinum or white gold. Also, notice the style of jewelry she wears. Is it contemporary or vintage? Does she love old fashioned jewelry? If she hasn't given any hints, it's easy to find out. She may have a pair of earrings or a ring that she wears most of the time and only changes for special occasions. Go with the style she wears often.

Ask her friends or family if they know what her jewelry tastes are. She may have discussed it with them or they can cleverly create a situation where they find out what type of engagement ring she would like. Just make sure that they can keep a secret.

One alternative is to view the selection of rings at a local jewelry store or jewelry section of a department store. This will guarantee that it can be exchanged if your choice isn't perfect. This is a good idea if the ring is presented only as a token, and after the surprise you plan to return it to select a ring together as a couple.

Another option for choosing an engagement ring without her input is to have a discussion with the jewelry sales associates. Talk to the sales people in several jewelry stores to feel comfortable and not pressured to buy the most expensive ring. Describe your loved one, talk about her personality and style when you ask the attendant to suggest a ring. If they know your budget they may be able to help you choose the ideal ring. They are professionals and very knowledgeable in the business.

Lastly, shopping online to gain ideas for the perfect style, design, and size, as well as availability, is a convenient way to search for the perfect ring. You can save on time by visiting multiple locations rather than driving through traffic. Often, you can bargain shop once you have decided on the ring just right for her.

When a man proposes marriage, the woman interprets her engagement ring as a representation of their love. Special care and attention must be taken when selecting the ring without her participation. When you consider the before mentioned guidelines, it will offer valuable insight when searching for her perfect engagement ring that she will cherish forever.

Joe Habbit is an article contributor for a Fine Jewelry website that sells engagement rings and Fine Jewelry blog where the latest jewelry and related fashion information is posted.

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