Top Tips for Buying an Engagement Ring on a Budget

Finding the perfect engagement ring on a budget is no easy task, but it is possible to find a ring worthy for the big occasion without selling an arm and a leg. What’s important to know when looking for budget-friendly engagement rings is where you can and can’t cut corners. 

As a leading online retailer offering affordable engagement rings, Bigger Diamonds 4 Less are here to help! Here are our top tips for buying engagement rings on a budget: 

Our 5 Tips for Buying an Engagement Ring on a Budget

Set Yourself a Realistic Budget

The first and most important step is setting a realistic budget for yourself. The old saying that you should spend at least two months’ salary on an engagement ring is simply outdated.   

Diamond rings are much like cars in the sense that you can buy one for thousands of pounds or you can get one for a few hundred pounds. Of course there will be a difference in the quality and size of the diamond used in a £30,000 ring and one for £1500 but either way is still a ring. 

You shouldn’t have to go into debt to buy an engagement ring, at the same time, however, don’t be tempted to spend too little because you might end up with a fake diamond. For a good quality budget-friendly engagement  ring you should be able to budget at least £1000. 

Select the Setting Before the Stone

While there are different factors that determine the price of a diamond, ring settings normally have a fixed price. If you want to design your own engagement ring on a budget, the smart thing to do is choose your setting before the stone. This way you know exactly how much you can spend on the diamond and you’re less likely to exceed your budget. 

If your budget is really tight opt for a plain solitaire setting. Remember that the more money you save on the setting, the bigger diamond you can afford.  

Understand the Difference Between Metals

Platinum engagement rings are the current trend, however, platinum is a rare metal and is therefore more expensive than gold. If you want a ring that has the look and aesthetic of platinum but without the price tag, opt for white gold. And if that’s not for you there’s always rose gold or the traditional 18K yellow gold. 

Know Your Four Cs

You will probably encounter this term often during your look for the ideal engagement ring. The four Cs are the most important factors that determine the look of a diamond, namely - Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. Normally you would look at all those factors to select the ideal diamond, however, when buying a diamond ring on a budget the most important thing to look at is the Cut. 

While the other factors are still important, you can compromise on the carat weight, clarity or colour and still get a ring that is just as beautiful as one with a bigger, shinier diamond. 

Choose Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

Clarity enhanced diamonds like the ones we work with here at Bigger Diamond 4 Less are your best friend when shopping for a ring on a budget. A clarity enhanced diamond is a natural diamond that undergoes a series of intricate procedures to improve its clarity by removing small imperfections. This significantly reduces the cost of the diamond which means you can get a bigger stone for your budget. 

Shop the Best Budget Engagement Rings

And finally, the best tip we can give you for buying a diamond engagement ring on a budget is - shop with Bigger Diamonds 4 Less! 

We offer a fantastic range of cheap diamond engagement rings in various settings, from the classic solitaire to modern multi stone or halo settings. We also offer a bespoke ring design service, if you wish for your ring to be truly unique. 

Browse our online shop today or contact us to book a visit to our Hatton Gardens jewellery showroom.