How to Get a Good Deal on an Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is a symbolic and tangible representation of your love and sends a message of commitment to the outside world. While spending at least two to three months' salary on an engagement ring may be ideal for the diamond industry, you can get a good deal on an engagement ring without sacrificing the "four C's" of diamond quality: cut, color, carat and clarity.

Instructions

1

Research local and online jewelers and compare prices between rings of the same quality. Since a good deal constitutes receiving the lowest market price for the same product, doing your research ensures you pay the least possible for the quality you want. Pay attention to which styles of engagement rings are less expensive, but will still look amazing on your fiance-to-be's finger.

2

Find private-party sales in pawn shops, newspaper and online classifieds, estate sales and more. The private-party value of a diamond is far below the retail price of a comparable diamond. Even pawn shops will sell you a quality engagement ring that, while priced higher than what they paid for it, is still less than retail price.

3

Search online jewelers. Large jewelry stores will sometimes have promotions, specials and online promotional codes to try and lure customers in. Online-only jewelers have lower margins than brick-and-mortar shops and can offer lower prices. Try subscribing to special newsletters to larger jewelry stores to receive emails with special promotions, and ask if the jeweler offers a discount if you pay in cash via wire transfer.

4

If you have bought a secondhand or vintage ring, take it into a jeweler and have them inspect and polish the ring for you to give it a nice shine for your big moment.