Affordable Wedding Rings: Crafting Your Own Inexpensive Band

There are many ways to make a cheap wedding ring. You could, for example, opt for a ring made from alternative metals such as tungsten, steel or titanium, or choose a gemstone ring instead of a diamond one. You could also save up for a sale, or look for used jewellery in pawn shops or antique stores. Another option is to make your own ring, either by hand or by attending a DIY wedding ring workshop.

Buy second-hand rings

If you're looking for a cheap wedding ring, one option is to buy a second-hand ring. This can be a great way to get a unique, one-of-a-kind piece at a fraction of the cost of a new ring. You can often find second-hand rings at local pawn shops, antique shops, estate sales, or online marketplaces like Etsy, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.

When buying a second-hand ring, it's important to do your research and make sure you're getting a fair deal. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Ask for paperwork: Request a receipt or any other paperwork that can verify the ring's authenticity and value. This will help ensure that you're getting what you pay for.
• Inspect the ring: Carefully examine the ring for any flaws or extra features. If you're buying online, ask the seller for additional photos or information about the ring's history.
• Consider the ring size: The ring should be within two to five sizes of the wearer's ring size. Resizing is usually possible, but it's important to know if the ring has been resized before and how many times, as this can affect the structure and integrity of the ring.
• Get an appraisal: Consider having the ring appraised by a licensed jeweler to get an objective opinion of its value. This can help you determine if the asking price is fair and make an informed decision.
• Compare prices: Shop around and compare prices for similar rings to get a sense of the market value. This will help you spot a good deal and avoid overpaying.
• Look for unique styles: Second-hand rings often feature vintage or unique styles that you won't find in modern collections. Embrace the character and history of these rings, and don't be afraid to choose something a little different.

By following these tips, you can find a beautiful second-hand wedding ring that fits your budget and has a story to tell.

Opt for cheaper metals

Opting for cheaper metals is a great way to save money on your wedding rings without compromising on style or quality. Here are some alternative metals to consider:

Titanium

Titanium is a lustrous grey metal that is strong, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. It is also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Titanium is harder than gold or platinum and is three times stronger than steel, so your wedding ring will last a lifetime. In addition, titanium rings are low maintenance and can be easily cared for with soap and water.

Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide is a dark grey, glossy metal that is often used in jewellery due to its hardness and durability. It is an alloy of tungsten and another metal, such as titanium, carbon, or nickel. Jewellery made with tungsten carbide will retain its polish longer than any other metal, so it will always look shiny and new. Tungsten carbide is also denser than steel and titanium, giving it a nice weighty feel.

Cobalt

Cobalt is a natural, hypoallergenic metal with a bright white colour similar to platinum. It is the hardest metal used in jewellery and is highly scratch-resistant, so it will maintain its lustre over time. Cobalt is also non-tarnishing and non-corrosive, so it doesn't require constant maintenance. While it may be difficult to resize cobalt rings, they are a great choice for those who want a durable and low-maintenance wedding band.

Palladium

Palladium is a member of the platinum family, with a natural grey-white lustre. It is durable, hypoallergenic, and lightweight, making it a great choice for those with active lifestyles. Palladium is also low-maintenance and doesn't need to be rhodium-plated, so you'll save money on upkeep. While palladium may be harder to find and resize than other metals, it is a good alternative to platinum if you're looking for something more affordable.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a classic choice for jewellery, including wedding bands. It has a glamorous appearance and an affordable price tag. However, sterling silver is a soft metal that is prone to damage and tarnishing. It will require regular polishing and cleaning to maintain its shine.

Choose gemstones over diamonds

If you're looking to save money on your wedding rings, consider choosing gemstones over diamonds. Here's why:

Firstly, diamonds are valuable and expensive. Opting for a gemstone can significantly reduce the cost of your ring. There are a variety of beautiful and affordable gemstones to choose from, such as sapphires, rubies, and coloured diamonds. You can also use your birthstone or opt for a coloured rock such as emerald or sapphire.

Additionally, diamonds are not the traditional choice for wedding rings that many assume them to be. In fact, it was the diamond conglomerate DeBeers that popularized diamonds for wedding rings. Prior to that, wedding rings were often set with rubies, sapphires, and other coloured gemstones. So, by choosing a gemstone, you're actually embracing a more traditional option!

Another advantage of choosing gemstones is that you can create a unique and personalised ring. For example, if you have an heirloom gemstone or a discarded ring made of precious metal, you can melt the alloys and add gemstones to create a custom engagement ring. You can work with a jewellery designer to create an affordable, one-of-a-kind piece that fits your budget and style.

Finally, while diamonds are known for their hardness and durability, some gemstones offer similar properties. Sapphires and rubies, for example, rank just below diamonds on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them good choices for daily-wear rings. However, it's important to note that some gemstones are more delicate and may not withstand everyday wear and tear.

So, if you're looking for a cost-effective, unique, and traditional option for your wedding ring, consider choosing gemstones over diamonds. You can create a beautiful and meaningful ring that suits your style and budget.

Design and make your own

If you want to design and make your own wedding ring, there are several options available to you. You could try a DIY approach, or you could work with a professional jeweller to bring your vision to life.

The DIY Approach

If you want to make your wedding ring yourself, you have a few options. You could try a lost wax casting technique, which involves carving your own hand-crafted wax band, and then casting it into metal. Alternatively, you could try fabrication, which involves rolling, filing, soldering, and polishing metal. This method can be faster, and can be done in a single session.

Working with a Jeweller

If you want to design your own ring but have it made by a professional, there are several steps you can follow. First, you'll need to pick your stones and metal, as well as the size of the ring. Then, you'll need to decide whether to cast or fabricate the ring. Casting involves creating a mould of the ring and then pouring molten metal into the mould to form the ring. Fabrication involves shaping and joining metal by hand, and can include techniques such as soldering and polishing.

Choosing Materials

When choosing the materials for your ring, there are a few things to consider. First, you'll want to select a metal that is durable and affordable. Some options include sterling silver, copper, brass, palladium, and 14k gold. You'll also want to consider the type of stone you want to use. Diamonds are traditional but can be expensive. Some alternative options include cubic zirconia, moissanite, iolite, morganite, blue topaz, aquamarine, red garnet, citrine, peridot, green amethyst, and rose quartz.

Customisation Options

If you're working with a jeweller, you may be able to customise your ring further. For example, you could request laser engraving on the outside or inside of the band. You could also choose to set the stone yourself, or work with a specialist setter to ensure that it stays in place for decades to come.

Buy online

A great way to save money on your wedding rings is to buy them online. Online retailers have fewer overheads and can offer more affordable prices and a wider range of styles. You can also compare prices and styles more easily without the pressure of a salesperson. However, you won't be able to see the rings in person, so be sure to do your research and check the return policy, warranty and payment options.

Websites such as Etsy, Adiamor, and Brilliant Earth offer a range of affordable wedding rings. Etsy, for example, has a large selection of rings, with some gold tungsten rings on sale for 25% off. Adiamor offers free shipping and easy returns on lab-grown diamonds. Brilliant Earth has a selection of moissanite engagement rings and wedding ring sets in 14K rose and white gold and platinum.

You can also design your own ring online with some retailers, such as Zales, which offers custom gemstone rings. You can choose from a wide range of stones, shapes and metals, and add personalised details such as engravings and birthstones.

Frequently asked questions