| It is said that a diamond engagement ring should | | | | they do not have the sparkle that a better |
| cost the groom between one and two months' | | | | diamond has. Instead, change the setting a little |
| salary, or even as much as six months' wages! | | | | and flank the small central gemstone with some |
| Saving up for an engagement ring can take a long | | | | tiny baguettes. These are relatively inexpensive |
| time because you still have to pay for all your | | | | but when set into the shoulders of the ring will |
| living, travel and housing expenses etc, each | | | | add a large amount of sparkle and make the ring |
| month. Even then, your budget might still not be | | | | look more special. |
| enough for the diamond ring you would like. | | | | 4. Do Not Buy Top Quality |
| Here are five top tips to make your budget | | | | If you cannot appreciate the subtleties between |
| stretch a bit further when buying a diamond | | | | top graded diamonds and those that are next tier |
| engagement ring. | | | | down, why pay top dollar for the best? Premium |
| 1. Plan to Buy in a Sale | | | | D, E and F grade white diamonds are rare and |
| Most jewelers slash prices periodically during the | | | | expensive and can usually only be distinguished by |
| year either when sales are slow, e.g. just after | | | | professional jewelers. Choosing a G, H or I grade |
| Valentines Day, or when they are making room | | | | white diamond is a cost effective choice because, |
| for new inventory, e.g. just ahead of Christmas. | | | | to the untrained eye, they are virtually |
| Plan to buy your engagement ring when a sale is | | | | indistinguishable from the very expensive D, E, F |
| on. | | | | white grades. |
| 2. Buy White Gold Instead of Platinum | | | | In the same way, choosing a "good" or "very |
| If your lady prefers the look of white metal, | | | | good" cut diamond, rather than the top priced |
| choose an engagement ring in white gold rather | | | | "ideal" cut, will make your budget go further since |
| than the more expensive platinum. Although most | | | | the differences in sparkle are only apparent when |
| of the cost of an engagement ring is in the price | | | | the various cut qualities are compared alongside |
| of the diamond, choosing white gold over platinum | | | | each other. |
| will still make a noticeable difference to the price. | | | | 5. Buy Online |
| 3. Add Baguettes | | | | Many jewelers use online stores to showcase old |
| If a small good quality diamond does not give the | | | | stock and are able to offer special discounts |
| impact you want in a solitaire, do NOT buy a | | | | because of their lower overheads. So your budget |
| larger poorer quality diamond. Poor grade | | | | will go further and you will find the best bargains |
| diamonds do not suit solitaire settings because | | | | when you buy your engagement ring online. |