| If you are getting engaged in these tough times, | | | | people who want dazzling engagement rings on a |
| you might well need some tips to help you make | | | | budget. The success of this setting lies in the |
| the best of your shrinking budget. | | | | mirror plate on which the mounting is made. The |
| Every girl wants her diamond engagement ring to | | | | mirror reflects light, making diamonds look larger |
| be big, bright and brilliant. In short, expensive! But | | | | and brighter. But, there is a downside to this |
| there are some clever ways in which you can | | | | setting. Such diamond engagement rings are |
| give your lady love big, bright and brilliant - on a | | | | difficult to repair, and when you consider the fact |
| budget. Here's how. | | | | that these rings are cherished over a lifetime, the |
| A clever setting can make the diamond appear | | | | investment may not be worth it in the long run. |
| bigger and costlier. One of the best settings that | | | | Much of the perception of size depends on the |
| you can choose is the Bezel setting, particularly in | | | | shape of the diamond. Traditionally, people prefer |
| white gold. In this setting, a rim of white gold | | | | round diamonds. But fancy shaped diamonds look |
| encases the stone. Since the whiteness of gold | | | | larger than round diamonds. Elongated shapes like |
| enhances the brilliance of the diamond, the result | | | | marquise, pear and oval make the rock look |
| is a brilliance that looks stunning. Diamond | | | | bigger than it actually is. |
| engagements rings in the bezel setting are quite | | | | One of the best ways to save money is to |
| popular and easily available too, making your | | | | custom design your engagement ring. You may |
| search for the perfect ring that much easier! | | | | buy loose diamonds and have them placed in a |
| Another setting that can make engagement rings | | | | setting of your own design. Custom designs also |
| look very expensive is the Pave setting. In this | | | | have an edge because these are unique and they |
| setting, small diamonds are inserted into little holes | | | | speak volumes about the depth of your affection. |
| in the body of the ring in a continuous row. The | | | | A good number of people go to brick and mortar |
| surrounding metal is crafted to look like tiny beads | | | | stores when shopping for diamond engagement |
| to hold the diamond securely. There are several | | | | rings. But, such shops pass on their high overhead |
| advantages here. First of all, the row of diamonds | | | | costs to the customers. They spend money on |
| makes the ring glitter more. Since these diamonds | | | | floor space, customer service and security |
| are small, they cost less than a single big diamond. | | | | systems. A small amount of this is shared by the |
| Secondly, the surrounding beads add to the | | | | customers who shop there. That is why you can |
| brilliance of the diamond and the dimensions of the | | | | get a good discount if you shop online. Online |
| diamond are not immediately apparent. | | | | jewelers may be able to offer you a generous |
| Some jewelers recommend the illusion setting for | | | | discount of up to 30% or more. |