Are you looking to find affordable wedding rings but concerned about compromising on quality? Your wedding rings, worn every day, should symbolize a lifetime commitment. Are you still wondering where to buy wedding rings, what questions to ask, and how to ensure you get the right design? This is the ultimate expert guide to purchasing affordable wedding rings.
Amidst all the wedding planning and chaos leading up to your big day, wedding rings often become an afterthought. Buying wedding rings can be overwhelming as you aim for affordability without sacrificing quality.
Here are some quick tips to get you started!
Choosing the Right Jeweler for Affordable Wedding Rings
With the proliferation of online jewelry stores and sellers, finding the right jeweler for your wedding rings can be challenging. Here are some tips to help narrow down your search for a jeweler who offers affordable, trustworthy wedding rings.
Avoid Designer Jewelry Brands
The term “affordable” is seldom associated with designer brands. If anything, their jewelry tends to be much pricier (you’re paying for the name as much as the ring). If you’re looking to save on wedding rings, steer clear of big names like Tiffany, Cartier, and De Beers. On average, wedding rings can range from $300 to $800. However, designer jewelry brands may price wedding rings anywhere from $1,800 to $5,000.
Shop at Online Jewelry Stores
It’s time to support local jewelry stores or small online jewelry brands; these are brands that offer more affordable options without the overhead costs of a brick-and-mortar boutique but still sell jewelry of the same quality as high-end brands. Here, you can find affordable wedding rings priced below the average.
Ask All the Right Questions to Your Jeweler
The next step in ensuring you choose the right jeweler for your purchase is to ask all the right questions. There are several ways to ensure you get the most value for what you pay. It’s also a good way to let the jeweler know you’re a serious buyer who knows exactly what they want.
Question 1: Can I see real-time photos of the ring?
The first thing to ask is whether you can see real-time photos of the wedding ring design you’re considering. Carefully edited or digitally enhanced photos may not accurately represent the product they’re selling. One risk of buying online is being misled by deceptive images. Request real-time photos of the product so you can confirm whether their wedding rings are as good as they appear on the website.
Question 2: Do you offer engraving?
Unless you specifically opt not to, you’ll likely want your wedding rings engraved in the traditional manner. Having the same jeweler engrave your wedding rings, rather than sending them off to someone else, can be advantageous. Ask to see photos of previously engraved rings to ensure you’re satisfied with the quality.
Question 3: Do you offer insurance?
A commonly overlooked factor when purchasing wedding rings is insurance. Affordable wedding rings are still valuable and should be insured. This can be added to your existing home insurance policy. You can also insure both your wedding and engagement rings.
Ask the jeweler what measures they take to help you insure your valuable jewelry. Most reputable jewelers either have their own team to handle this or recommend the right procedures for you to follow.
Question 4: Do you offer financing?
If you want to save money on wedding rings but can’t afford to pay for both in full, feel free to ask the jeweler if they offer financing options. This will help ease the burden of your purchase, and it’s best to know what options you have. This can be especially helpful considering the upcoming wedding expenses. Choose a jeweler who offers financing options that best suit your needs as a customer.
Question 5: Which metal is best for my lifestyle?
Your wedding ring will be an item you wear every day, exposed to everything your hands do. It’s best to ask the jeweler which metal is best suited to your lifestyle.
For example, if you’re in contact with harsh chemicals daily, it’s best to purchase a platinum wedding ring. If you work in high temperatures, it’s best to avoid gold or silver as they are soft metals. If you have very sensitive skin, you might opt for a hypoallergenic metal.
Your jeweler should be able to guide you in making the right choice and help you find the metal that’s best suited to your wedding ring.
Question 6: Do you offer warranties?
Affordable wedding rings are still an investment. You should absolutely ask the jeweler if they offer a warranty and what it covers. In most cases, the best offer is a lifetime warranty, as you’ll be wearing the wedding ring for as long as possible. Understand what’s included in the warranty. Ask if cleaning is part of the deal or if there are any specific circumstances that would void the warranty.
