How to Spend $500 or Less for an Engagement Ring
While many couples feel that the more expensive an engagement ring is, the better it is, that is simply not the case. A ring is a symbolic representation of the relationship, but the relationship itself and the emotions behind it are the most important thing.
If you cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on an engagement ring ring, there are ways you can purchase a beautiful engagement ring ring to symbolize your relationship for $500 or less.
The Average Cost of an Engagement Ring
These days, the average engagement ring can cost upwards of $3,000. Unfortunately, this price range is usually beyond the reach of many couples, especially when you factor in the cost of a wedding and starting a new life together.
Even if you cannot afford this price range, engagement rings are more about what they symbolize than how much you spend on them. If you are more concerned about the price of the ring, you may not be ready to get married for the right reasons.
What does a $500 Engagement Ring Look Like?
True, you may not be able to buy a super high quality engagement ring for $500 or less, but it can still be a beautiful symbol of your love for one another. $500 engagement rings share a few qualities that will be helpful to learn when shopping for the perfect ring that fits your budget.
For one, the metal may be silver, titanium, tungsten or another less expensive metal or combination of metals. You won’t find a platinum band for this price, though, so keep that in mind when ring shopping.
Additionally, gemstones other than diamonds can often be found in this price range. Tiny diamonds may be used as accents. Furthermore, the quality of the stones you use will be lower than with more expensive rings. Flaws or imperfections are likely to be more visible with a $500 engagement ring than with a ring that’s more expensive.
The overall carat weight of an engagement ring in the $500 price range is likely to be about 1/4 carat or less, as well. Even if diamonds are used as accent stones, the bulk of the weight will be concentrated within the central gemstone.
Finally, you are likely to have a standard setting, such as a prong setting, because they are cheaper to make and widely available.
Of course, even if there are flaws in your ring, you are less likely to notice them with smaller stones. What’s more, most people are unable to distinguish when certain imperfections may be present.
Engagement ring prices vary widely, but it is possible to have a gorgeous token of your relationship for $500 or less. As long as you keep in mind the sentiment and symbolism behind the ring rather than how much you spent on it, you can have a gorgeous symbol of your relationship that will continue to be meaningful for the rest of your lives together.
11:14 AM UTC February 08, 2012