Getting engaged is such an exciting time! But then comes the ring shopping, and suddenly it can feel overwhelming. I remember when my partner and I started looking for engagement rings and wedding bands. We quickly realized there were so many options and price points. I want to share my experience and some things I learned along the way to hopefully make your journey a little easier.
When we first started looking, I was completely lost. Diamonds, gold, platinum, settings... it was all a blur. I knew I wanted something beautiful and durable, but I also didn't want to break the bank. The first thing we did was set a realistic budget. It's easy to get caught up in the hype and feel pressured to spend a fortune, but remember, the ring is a symbol of your love and commitment, not a measure of it.
One thing I learned early on is that all gold isn't created equal. I initially thought any gold ring would be fine, but I quickly discovered that the karat weight affects its durability. I found out that 14k gold is generally more durable than higher karat options like 18k or 24k. The higher the karat, the softer the gold, making it more prone to scratches and dents. This was important to me because I wanted a ring that could withstand daily wear and tear. Alternatively, if you're looking to save some money, sterling silver or other metals are an option. But keep in mind they may require more maintenance and might not be as durable as gold. I also learned that spending a fortune on a ring isn't necessary.
Diamonds are the traditional choice, but I started exploring alternatives because of ethical concerns and budget considerations. That's when I discovered moissanite. I was amazed by how beautiful and sparkly it was, and I learned that it's actually almost as hard as a diamond, making it incredibly durable. Plus, the cost difference is significant. I read that moissanite often has more "scintillation" (sparkle) than a diamond and is less likely to have inclusions (internal flaws). The best part? Knowing that no one had to suffer for my ring made it even more special.
I never thought of buying jewelry at Costco, but a friend suggested checking them out. I was skeptical at first, but I was pleasantly surprised by the selection and prices. Even if you don't have a membership, it might be worth getting one just for the potential savings on engagement rings and wedding bands. I found their prices to be much more competitive than traditional retail jewelry stores. I won't go into detail about my experience with retail jewelry stores, but let's just say I wasn't impressed.
I ended up getting a moissanite ring from Moissanite Co. It's a 3.5 carat emerald cut solitaire in 14k white gold, and it was less than $1,000! I've had it for about three years now, and it still looks as beautiful as the day I got it. I was initially worried about the quality, but I've been incredibly happy with my purchase. It's a stunning ring, and I get compliments on it all the time.
My wife and I (we're two women) got our rings from Etsy. We found some really unique and personalized options that we wouldn't have found anywhere else. She got an alexandrite and moissanite engagement ring, and I got lab-grown diamond eternity wedding bands. My wife is allergic to gold, so we had to go with platinum for her rings, which was more expensive. I went with 14k rose gold and 18k gold for mine. For all four rings, I think we spent less than we would have on just one diamond ring from a traditional jewelry store. It was important for us to find rings that reflected our individual styles and values.
Once you have the perfect ring, you might want to consider some complementary jewelry. I recently discovered Sumsfashion, and I've been really impressed with their selection of stylish and affordable pieces. I recently purchased the 316L Stainless Steel Gold Color Hollow Ball Beads Pendant Necklace. I was looking for a simple but elegant necklace to wear with my everyday outfits, and this one is perfect. I've been wearing it for a few weeks now, and I'm really happy with the quality. It hasn't tarnished at all, and it's very comfortable to wear. The gold color is beautiful and looks much more expensive than it actually was. I also love that it's made of stainless steel, which is a durable and hypoallergenic material. It's a great way to add a touch of elegance to any outfit without breaking the bank. Plus, you can read full details on their website about their materials and craftsmanship.
Here are some practical tips and advice I learned during my ring-shopping journey: