when approaching the costs associated with marriage, an engagement ring, so very small, can become a looming threat to a restricted budget. finding an affordable option that allows a couple a ring can become a major issue. there are options, but they should be considered carefully by both partners.

the first, and best choice is to accept a diamond substitute rather than a true diamond. although marriage has been around for a rings jewelry long time, the tradition of diamond engagement rings has not. at the beginning of the last century, the de beers diamond company, faced with an oversupply of quality diamonds in the market, created the "diamond engagement ring" as part of an advertising campaign to increase demands for diamonds, and therefore, their profits.

the modern diamond is overpriced, and sells primarily because of the mystique created and perpetuated by de beers and other diamond merchants. the symbolism inside, of beauty, clarity, and durability, can be used in many other stones and to diamond substitutes without losing meaning.

a genuine diamond comes in a variety of designs. the first is indeed many a times overlooked: resetting a stone already there in either of the two families. purchasing a used diamond will generally be less expensive than a new one, and the new ring may have added significance if it's from a family member. your budget won't be dimmed by a diamond if you offer the ring as an outright gift and place the diamond in an attractive setting.

if that does not work, you should try speaking to a jeweler with a long-standing reputation for quality work, and see if he or she can locate a reasonably priced stone of high quality for you. your idea and the jeweler's may not agree, but a proper jeweler will not cheat you like a fly by night fellow.

there are a number of ways you can find the stone you love and not break your budget and a good jeweler can help locate that stone either through estate sales, putting you in contact with other dealers or finding a stone that may have a small imperfection but otherwise is beautiful.

a reputable jeweler will be able to inform and educate jewelry watches you about diamonds more than any other source you can find. diamonds are an expensive item to purchase. the prices are often inflated according to market demand. to bypass this price increase, you should find a jeweler willing to suggest a substitute. their suggestion is often based on their knowledge of both quality and affordability. just think of these varieties of zirconium, moissanite, and white topaz.

if you approach some experts, they will recommend some strong, fine unexpected alternatives. hear them out, and think about their suggestions. jewelers are not happy to sell diamonds at extreme prices to people who will never have the training to love them for more than their shine and their value as "traditional stones." for a lot of people in this business who charge a markup, there is a tendency to feel they are guilty of gouging; however, one must charge enough to make a profit for what they themselves have paid out. they will be glad to give you a hand in helping you find a better selection that still makes them money without taking away your satisfaction or their reputation.

a final, long-shot option, not recommended but certainly possible, is to take advantage of chopard watches pawn shops and such bidding venues as ebay. quality control and a lack of quality assurances can be a serious problem.

even a dealer in good faith, can "cheat" you simply because you are not knowledgeable in jewelery and the buyer has little ability to assess the value before purchase. there are many things to gamble on in life. your engagement ring ought not be one of them.