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Tips to choose the best engagement ring for your budget

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Your love for each other is priceless, but the ring that signifies it can be pricey. Engagement rings are expensive, there is no doubt about that. So, you need to make sure that the money you spend on it is worth every dime. Here are some tips to help you make sure you get the most for your money when you choose an engagement ring.

Find the right metal for your budget

Engagement rings are usually more about the stone, than the metal it is set in. So, save your money for the stone, and go for gold instead of platinum. Platinum may be the best choice in metals, but it is several times more expensive than gold. For the same effect, you can opt for white gold. Yellow gold is stunning too, when you choose a design that looks good in it. So, make your choice wisely, and you won’t have to break the bank buying your engagement ring. Now, if you choose platinum, you can still save some cash by choosing to have the stone set in a prong setting which requires minimum metal.

Choose a ring that can create an impact without a bigger stone

A design which has a circle of smaller stones around the main stone in the center will enhance the overall size of the stone setting and make the center stone stand out vividly. This is called a “halo setting”. Not only will your ring look beautiful with the added design elements, it will turn out to be less expensive too. If the bigger stone is placed within an arrangement of small tiny diamonds, the ring will still sparkle, and you will have a beautiful design that will cost much lesser than a solitaire.

Choose the cut and carat to fit your budget

Anyone who knows diamonds will tell you that the more cuts a diamond has the more expensive it will be. It is these cuts that make a diamond sparkle. Ones with less cuts cost less. These reflect less light, but the stone will look larger. So, if you choose a bigger one it will be worth its size. Another point to remember is the price of a diamond increases when it covers each carat point. By choosing a ring that is 2 carats, you will have to spend more than if you were to buy a ring that is 1.9 carats. Use this factor to your advantage and buy shy of the carat point.

Diamonds needn’t be your best friend! Be bold and choose different

If your lady love is a girl who loves individuality, you are in luck. Pretty rings are available with various other gem stones, and you can get a much bigger and beautiful stone for your budget if you choose stones other than diamonds. You could go with her birthstone, or choose a stone in a color she loves. For an added effect you could even have a design with a stone set with tiny diamonds around it. There are plenty of choices like emerald, amethyst, saphire or topaz, each of which has its distinct signature.

So, now you know what to look for when choosing an engagement ring. For more tips and advice, visit us on Best for Bride.

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5 things to remember when buying your wedding rings

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Your wedding ring is to be your constant companion from the day you get married, so make sure you choose it well.

Traditionally, wedding rings were simple metal bands, but now the options are more and interesting. You can make your pick from gold, silver or other precious metals, have it embedded with little stones or even personalize it with your initials. As interesting as all these options sound, remember that making a practical and sensible choice will ensure that your wedding ring serves you well for several years.

Here is a guide to the important factors that you should remember when buying your wedding ring.

Choose the right metal

Wedding bands are available in gold, silver and platinum. Yellow gold is the traditional choice, and one thing to remember if you choose gold is higher the carat, the softer it will be. If you choose gold, try to avoid 22 carat and 24 carat rings, as you will be wearing it constantly and it has to be sturdy for constant use.

Platinum is your other option. It is more expensive than gold, but it is also more durable and stronger. Weigh the price against the benefits of opting for this metal, and make your choice accordingly. If you love the color of platinum, but the price is beyond budget, choose white gold for a similar look.

Choose the right size

wedding-rings-575058_1280Most jewelers supply wedding rings in a range of sizes. Before placing your order, check with the seller and find the right size that corresponds to your ring finger. If you have a ring that sits comfortably on your finger, choose your wedding ring in the same size as this ring.

If you can’t locate your size in the standard measurements, consider having your ring custom-made. Since you will be wearing your wedding ring for a long time, finding the right fit is absolutely essential.

Choose classic over trendy

Unlike your wedding dress, which you will only wear on your big day, your wedding ring has to stand the test of time. What is trendy today may be outdated tomorrow. So, your best option is to choose a design that has always been popular and won’t go out of fashion. Should you wish to experiment, do so only after you think clearly about whether you will be comfortable wearing the ring twenty years from now.

Choose it on time

ring-216717_1280Once you choose a wedding ring, the jeweler will take time to make it in your size and deliver it to you. So, don’t put it off till the last minute. If both of you want matching wedding bands, go shopping together, or customize your wedding rings so they look like a pair. Allow sufficient time to place the order and receive it, so you have it in time for your wedding.

Choose to insure it

You will be spending a good amount on your wedding ring, and so it makes sense to have it insured. Do this when you purchase the rings. Although this doesn’t mean you can be careless with your ring, it will at least cover up your expenses, should you lose the ring for some reason.

To view our vast collection of wedding rings, and to make your choice from them, visit us on Best for Bride.