5 Tips for Finding an Engagement Ring That Works With Your Budget

Of course, finding and designing a Pittsburgh wedding band and engagement ring under a budget can still be challenging and stressful. This is because creating a budget-friendly ring that is still high-quality and worth showing off is both an art and a science. Most people aren’t aware of tips and strategies for lowering the cost of an engagement ring while maintaining its style and beauty. That’s why the Pittsburgh wedding band and engagement ring experts at Lisa Marie Kotchey Designs are here to give you five tips on designing the perfect ring that won’t break your budget. 

1. Play Around With the Cut and Shape of the Diamond

The proportion and facets of a diamond are collectively referred to as its “cut.” Facets are surfaces on a diamond that reflect light and make it sparkle. The overall geometric form of a diamond is known as its “shape.” While these terms are typically used together to describe a diamond, they are actually distinct from one another. That being said, both of these factors largely influence a diamond’s price and appearance. 

Experts recommend choosing an emerald shape for those looking to cut costs. This shape has a low number of facets, which in turn gives the diamond a larger surface area than other shapes. While the diamond may not be as shiny as ones with shapes containing more cuts, it will still maintain a chic, timeless style. However, if there is an area that you are willing to splurge on, you will want to do it here, as the cut affects the diamond’s overall sparkle and brilliance.  

2. Look Into Alternative Metal Choices

Platinum is a popular band choice amongst engagement ring shoppers. It is durable, fade-resistant, and gives off a lustrous white shine and polish. Unsurprisingly, it is also the most expensive precious metal for jewelry -- most likely for the aforementioned reasons. This is also partly because platinum is about 30 times more rare than gold. 

That’s why most experts offer white gold as a band alternative to platinum for budget-conscious shoppers. Its stunning appearance and silver color convey the same fashionable look as platinum. Not only that, but white gold is incredibly durable and has a high resistance to scratches and rust. 

3. Adjust the Diamond’s Setting

The mounting on an engagement ring, also known as its setting, can help create the illusion of a larger stone. A halo setting, for instance, wraps around the center gem in a circle of smaller stones. For engagement ring shoppers who wanted a large diamond, but simply couldn’t fit it in the budget, the halo setting is perfect for making the center stone appear larger by creating the illusion of more carats. 

4. Choose a Diamond That Looks Clean to the Naked Eye

The naked eye can’t distinguish the difference between a perfect and near-perfect diamond clarity. So why spend the extra money on a perfectly clean diamond that is only distinguishable from one with slight inclusions through a microscope? It usually takes 10x magnification for someone to spot slight flaws on a diamond. Despite the minute variations between diamonds with perfect clarity and those with slight flaws, there is a large price difference between the two. It is also important to note that certain diamond cuts, such as the round cut, are adept at masking inclusions and flaws. 

This logic can also apply to a diamond’s color grade. A diamond’s color is graded from a D to a Z. A D-graded diamond is colorless and highly desirable, while a Z-graded diamond has a visible yellow tint. Most people can’t tell the difference between a D and an I diamond of the same cut, even though a D diamond can cost twice as much as an I diamond. 

5. Buy Shy

Buying a diamond weighing just shy of a total carat mark can lead to huge savings for customers. This is because diamond prices jump disproportionately between carat and half-carat marks. People who purchase even 0.2 carats shy of a complete mark can save nearly 20%. Since the difference is so short, it will hardly be noticeable to the naked eye, if at all. 

Choosing an engagement ring can be a daunting experience. You want to pick one that your fiancee will love and cherish for the rest of their life. Sometimes this means finding some extra help. Lisa Marie Kotchey, one of the leading experts in Pittsburgh wedding bands and engagement rings is here to help out. Whether you have just started the ring design process or are looking to put the final touches on your ring, Lisa is here to assist you.

Get in touch with Lisa Marie Kotchey today to begin designing the engagement ring of your fiance’s dreams -- without breaking the bank.