Proposing marriage is one of life's most exciting times.
Along with the nerves associated with popping the question is the stress over getting the right engagement ring at the right price.
If you think that engagement rings have to cost you several months' salary, you'll be happy to know that you can get a ring that reflects all of your partner's beauty for a price that will make your wallet happy.
Shopping for an inexpensive ring starts by taking your search online.
Shopping online is the easiest way to learn about diamonds as well as to compare and bargain hunt without having a salesperson hovering overhead.
A number of different online jewelers await your clicks and many offer extensive information on the process of choosing an engagement ring.
Especially with this important purchase, it's best to stick to online jewelers with the most established reputations.
This is one purchase you don't want to leave to chance.
Now comes the fun part: finding the perfect ring.
Some websites now offer the ability to build your own engagement ring, by choosing your diamond, setting, and price range.
It's a great way to customize her ring without spending a fortune.
Or you can browse all the classic settings available.
You'll find a variety of different styles to choose from, and the cut of the diamond is the most stand-out feature.
Diamonds are cut into different shapes to show off their clarity and quality.
The most popular cut is a round cut, which allows a lot of light to enter in the diamond.
Other cuts include princess, marquise, pear, teardrop and square.
A couple of other important factors in choosing a ring are the clarity and color.
Clarity refers to the brilliance of the diamond.
Diamonds are ranked on their amount of flaws or lack thereof.
The ratings of diamonds range from Flawless, to VVS 1 and 2 (very, very slight), VS 1 and 2 (very slight), Sl 1 and 2 (slight) and I diamonds (imperfect).
To save money, stick with a diamond between S1 1 and VS 2.
This way you'll still get a good quality diamond without having to pay a whole lot.
You can also save money by choosing a diamond with a little bit of color.
Diamonds range in color from completely colorless to yellow.
The color of diamonds is rated from D to Z.
If you want a diamond that is inexpensive, yet still very clear, then you shouldn't go lower than a J-rated diamond.
It's the lowest grade of diamond before they become very yellow.
There are also choices when it comes to the type of gold used in your ring.
14K gold is a bit less expensive than 18K gold, so you can save money there.
14K gold also has the added benefit of being more durable.
The higher gold level in 18K gold makes it softer and therefore more likely to become marred over time.
Once you find the ring you like and purchase it, make sure that you have it appraised.
An appraisal, even though it may cost you some at the outset, can save you a lot of money in the long run.
If you are getting your ring insured, your insurance company may provide an appraisal for free.
Along with the nerves associated with popping the question is the stress over getting the right engagement ring at the right price.
If you think that engagement rings have to cost you several months' salary, you'll be happy to know that you can get a ring that reflects all of your partner's beauty for a price that will make your wallet happy.
Shopping for an inexpensive ring starts by taking your search online.
Shopping online is the easiest way to learn about diamonds as well as to compare and bargain hunt without having a salesperson hovering overhead.
A number of different online jewelers await your clicks and many offer extensive information on the process of choosing an engagement ring.
Especially with this important purchase, it's best to stick to online jewelers with the most established reputations.
This is one purchase you don't want to leave to chance.
Now comes the fun part: finding the perfect ring.
Some websites now offer the ability to build your own engagement ring, by choosing your diamond, setting, and price range.
It's a great way to customize her ring without spending a fortune.
Or you can browse all the classic settings available.
You'll find a variety of different styles to choose from, and the cut of the diamond is the most stand-out feature.
Diamonds are cut into different shapes to show off their clarity and quality.
The most popular cut is a round cut, which allows a lot of light to enter in the diamond.
Other cuts include princess, marquise, pear, teardrop and square.
A couple of other important factors in choosing a ring are the clarity and color.
Clarity refers to the brilliance of the diamond.
Diamonds are ranked on their amount of flaws or lack thereof.
The ratings of diamonds range from Flawless, to VVS 1 and 2 (very, very slight), VS 1 and 2 (very slight), Sl 1 and 2 (slight) and I diamonds (imperfect).
To save money, stick with a diamond between S1 1 and VS 2.
This way you'll still get a good quality diamond without having to pay a whole lot.
You can also save money by choosing a diamond with a little bit of color.
Diamonds range in color from completely colorless to yellow.
The color of diamonds is rated from D to Z.
If you want a diamond that is inexpensive, yet still very clear, then you shouldn't go lower than a J-rated diamond.
It's the lowest grade of diamond before they become very yellow.
There are also choices when it comes to the type of gold used in your ring.
14K gold is a bit less expensive than 18K gold, so you can save money there.
14K gold also has the added benefit of being more durable.
The higher gold level in 18K gold makes it softer and therefore more likely to become marred over time.
Once you find the ring you like and purchase it, make sure that you have it appraised.
An appraisal, even though it may cost you some at the outset, can save you a lot of money in the long run.
If you are getting your ring insured, your insurance company may provide an appraisal for free.