8 hacks to get the best bargain engagement ring
Buying an engagement ring is a big commitment, and for most couples, it’ll be the most expensive piece of jewellery they’ll own. So, it’s only natural to want to get the best engagement ring that you can afford.
To help you get the best value engagement ring within your budget, here are some hacks from our diamond experts.
Hack #1: Don’t choose a critical carat weight
Carat weight is one of the most important factors determining the price of an engagement ring. Instead of choosing a 1.00ct diamond, look for a stone slightly smaller—critical weights like 1.00ct are often more expensive than 0.95ct or 0.90ct. Technically, there is a difference, but to the naked eye, 0.95ct and 1.00ct look very similar, unless viewed through a jeweller’s loupe. Choosing just under a critical weight can unlock excellent value.
Hack #2: Consider the cut of the diamond
Consider an elongated diamond shape like an oval-cut or marquise diamond ring, which gives the illusion of a larger, longer diamond compared with traditional round brilliant, princess (square) and emerald cuts. Oval-cut and marquise engagement rings are trending and are typically less expensive than round brilliant cut diamonds, while offering that flattering elongated look. Explore our oval-cut and marquise engagement ring collection now!
Hack #3: Choose more than one stone
Solitaire diamond rings are timeless, but other designs can be more of a unique choice. Alternatives such as three-stone (trilogy), halo, and toi et moi designs could potentially cost less. Choosing a trilogy diamond ring can bring the cost down because diamond prices increase exponentially with size—for example, a 0.75ct solitaire is often far more expensive than three 0.25ct stones combined.
Hack #4: Consider the colour
Choosing diamond colour within a budget can be confusing. To save money, select a colour grade between H and F rather than E and above, especially if the carat size is under 0.60ct—the difference is barely noticeable to the naked eye. If budget isn’t a constraint, or you’re happy to compromise on carat size, we recommend F and above for colour.
Hack #5: Diamond Clarity
Clarity refers to how many inclusions can be seen in a diamond. Industry clarity grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), and price varies significantly with grade. We recommend SI2 or SI1 for stones under 0.60ct, and VS2 or VS1 for stones over 0.60ct, rather than VVS2/VVS1—within the SI2–VS1 range, inclusions are typically not visible to the naked eye and usually require a jeweller’s loupe to detect.
Hack #6: Buy Diamonds Online
Buying diamond jewellery online is often cheaper. High-street brands and independent local jewellers have higher overheads, which are reflected in their prices, whereas most online retailers minimise these costs and pass the savings on to customers, bringing down the overall cost to you. At Shining Diamonds, you can book an appointment at any one of our stores to view any styles in person before you buy.
Hack#7: Consider 9k Instead of 18k Gold
If you’re on a budget, why not choose 9ct gold instead of 18ct gold, especially if your partner isn’t heavily involved in manual work, sports or similar activities? 18ct contains more pure gold and offers a richer colour; 9ct contains more alloy metals, making it more affordable and generally harder. The price difference between 9ct and 18ct is significant, so choose the option that best suits your budget and lifestyle.
Hack #8: Timing is key
As many proposals happen over Christmas and the festive period, sometimes this can work in your favour if you want to buy an engagement ring during black friday, or the January sales. It’s important to remember that some retailers, especially high-street jewellers, often raise prices due to demand, gold price volatility and other market factors. In summer, when engagement ring sales are typically slower, jewellers may be more flexible on price to move inventory. It might sound obvious, but check when there’s a sale before you buy something full price.
Ready to start shopping?
Our expert team here at Shining Diamonds are always on hand to help you choose the perfect engagement ring to suit your budget, style and tastes. We have stores across the country, in London, Brighton and Birmingham, book an appointment today.
