Engagement ring - money saving tips?

[Anonymous]

Buy a used stone and reset it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Buy a used stone and reset it?

As explained earlier, unless the stone is damaged, there is no discount for "used". There maybe a chance to save a bit if you buy a certified stone through a private seller, but you'll have to get it authenticated.

[Anonymous]

I haven't read this entire thread, but I'd go to the pricescope forums and educate yourself a bit. There are a number of favored vendors that can help you from there. I recently had to replace my engagement ring after it was lost (using insurance money) and by using a pricescipe vendor and becoming more knowledgeable about what I was looking for I was able to. Get a beautiful new ring (with a bigger and nicer stone than I originally had) within my insurance budget.
Best wishes!

[Anonymous]

I also subscribe to the idea that any diamond is a waste. They do not appreciate in value and are overpriced due to how the market is run and controlled. I had my husband buy me a cubic zirconia set in a white gold band--beautifully made, $500. Nobody can tell it isn't a diamond, but I happily reveal it is a CZ. Never have to worry about it being damaged, stolen or lost, either. Put $7k towards something more worthwhile. But if you have your heart set on the real mccoy, maybe try a jewelry exchange.

[Anonymous]

I would try Craigslist. Yes, you can save money, it just might take some time to find a cut and size that you like.

[Anonymous]

Look at a moissanite. Look identical to diamond to most-fraction of the cost.

[Anonymous]

Quite honestly, 7.5K on an engagement ring if you're not wealthy is not smart in any way, shape, or form. Spend 500-1K. I picked out a white gold band and had a ruby put in it and it was less than 1K and I love it. There is really no reason at all to spend more.

[Anonymous]

OP here: thank you, this is fantastic. We definitely have time, so I'll get on Pricescope and do a bunch of research. This is definitely one of those things that I will "nerd-out" on and get into every nitty gritty detail.
Also, my GF is a total bargain hound - she probably refuse a ring if I paid full retail price for something overpriced at Tiny Jewel Box on CT Avenue

Does anyone have experience with vintage rings? Some of the art deco style rings from the 1930s are fantastic and she would love a unique piece that connotes history.

DH got my ring from the Tiny Jewel Box in DuPont. It's a vintage diamond in a new setting. They had lots of choices and he thought the service was fantastic.
Also, don't forget to build the cost of a wedding band into your ring budget. They cost more than we had anticipated.