George Boyle
There are many ways to save money when buying a wedding band. Firstly, it is recommended to avoid big-name jewellers, as their prices tend to be much higher than local jewellers or less well-known brands. Shopping vintage is also a great option for those looking to save, as it reduces costs on labour and offers unique designs without the typical retail markup. Choosing a different metal for the band can also save money; for example, white gold is more expensive than titanium, which looks very similar. Compromising on the clarity and size of the diamond can also reduce costs, as can opting for a gemstone instead of a diamond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Metal | Opt for titanium or gold instead of white gold or platinum |
| Diamond size | Size down, e.g. 1.9 carat instead of 2 carat |
| Diamond type | Ditch the diamond for a coloured gem, e.g. emerald, ruby or sapphire |
| Diamond colour grade | Opt for a grade below F for a cheaper, nearly colourless diamond |
| Diamond clarity | Compromise on clarity, e.g. SI1-SI2 instead of VS1-VS2 |
| Diamond carat | Compromise on carat, e.g. 0.95 or 0.85 instead of 1 |
| Stone type | Choose a gemstone other than a diamond, e.g. aquamarine, sapphire or white topaz |
| Number of stones | Go with more than one stone, e.g. halo or cluster rings |
| Band design | Think outside the box with intricate metalwork and cutouts |
What You'll Learn
Opt for a different metal
Opting for a different metal is a great way to save money on your wedding bands. While gold is the most common and classic choice, it is not the only option. Platinum, for instance, is a rarer and stronger metal that is significantly more expensive than gold. If you're looking for something more affordable, titanium is a good alternative. It is incredibly strong, scratch-resistant, and lightweight, making it perfect for those who aren't used to wearing jewellery regularly. Plus, it requires no extra care and will look as good as new for years to come.
Another metal to consider is palladium, which is similar to platinum in appearance and strength but is more affordable. If you're looking for something even more budget-friendly, silver is the most affordable option on the market today. Just keep in mind that pure silver is too soft for jewellery, so it's usually mixed with copper or other metals to create sterling silver, which is more durable. While sterling silver requires more upkeep, it offers a luxe look at a lower price.
For those who want something unique, cobalt is a great choice. It has a similar colour to white gold but is much stronger and offered at a great price. These bands are highly scratch-resistant and very durable. If you want something modern and lightweight, consider tungsten. It is the most scratch-resistant option and is also budget-friendly.
Remember, when choosing a metal for your wedding band, consider durability, hardness, customisation options, and the ability to resize. Strong metals can be durable (resistant to chipping and breaking) or hard (scratch-resistant). Opting for a less expensive metal will definitely save you money upfront.
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Size down
Sizing down your wedding band is a simple way to save lots of cash. For example, a 1.9-carat diamond will be much more cost-efficient than a 2-carat diamond, even though the difference is only 0.1 carat. When placed in a setting, no one will be able to tell the difference anyway.
If you're looking for a diamond, you might be surprised by how much you can save by choosing a slightly smaller stone. A 0.9-carat diamond instead of a full carat or a 0.6-carat diamond instead of a three-quarter carat will cost you less, with little noticeable difference.
A small diamond that's clear and white will usually be more expensive than a large diamond that's cloudy and slightly yellow. The higher the quality, the more fire and sparkle a diamond will have, and these qualities are highly regarded. But if your partner isn't too fussed about this, you could get a larger diamond for a lot less. Plus, many imperfections that lower the cost of a diamond can only be seen with specialist equipment, so no one will even know.
If you're not set on a diamond, you can save money by choosing a larger, less expensive stone. Stunning stones like amethyst, topaz and garnet are as cost-efficient as they are lustrous.
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Choose a non-diamond gemstone
Gemstone wedding bands are a bright alternative to diamond settings. Gemstone bands can include any gemstone you wish, but the most typical are sapphires and diamonds. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds were once the most popular gems for wedding bands, but brides-to-be are now looking for even more options. Some of the latest popular choices include morganite and white sapphires.
Sapphire is one of the most popular alternative stones for a wedding band. Since Princess Diana revealed her stunning sapphire ring, now worn by Kate Middleton, these gorgeous gemstones have become more sought-after. According to Lisa Bridge, CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler, sapphires are the next hardest gemstone after diamonds. "Diamonds score a 10 in terms of hardness, sapphires score a 9," she says. "Sapphires come in a rainbow of colours and are a great option for a wedding band."
Other gemstones to consider for wedding bands include:
- Emeralds: A beautiful, mystical green. It is durable, at a 7.5/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Its name is derived from Sanskrit and symbolises growth and energy.
- Aquamarine: A shiny, light blue gem that symbolises tranquility and healing. It is also a 7.5/10 on the Hardness Scale.
- Topaz: An 8/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it a good choice for a wedding band. It symbolises wealth and royalty.
- Spinel: Less commonly known, but makes a good engagement ring choice due to its 8/10 hardness on the Mohs Scale and its array of colours. Spinel symbolises power and protection.
- Alexandrite: An 8.5/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This stone changes colour from green in daylight to red under a lightbulb.
It is important to note that not all gemstones are suitable for wedding bands as some are too soft and may break or scratch easily. Examples of these include amethyst, opal, pearl, tanzanite, and morganite.
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Consider the colour grade
When it comes to wedding bands, there are a lot of options to choose from. The colour grade of a diamond is an important consideration when choosing a wedding band. The colour grade of a diamond is measured on a scale from "D" through "Z", with D, E, and F considered colourless and thus, more valuable. Diamonds with a rating below F on the scale will have a slight yellow tint, which becomes more pronounced as you go further down the scale. While these hints of colour may be difficult for an untrained eye to detect, especially when set on a coloured band like gold, opting for a diamond with a lower colour grade can result in significant cost savings.
When it comes to the metal of the band, the most popular choices are yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. Yellow gold is a traditional colour for wedding bands and its warm, rich glow is loved by many. It is also the most durable and hypoallergenic option in the gold family, with a lifespan of 20-30 years. White gold, on the other hand, will dull and lose its colour over time as it is not a naturally white metal. It will require rhodium plating to maintain its bright white colour, which can add to the long-term cost of maintenance. Platinum, being a naturally white metal, will never fade or change colour. It is also extremely durable and has a lifespan of 30-40 years, making it a good option for those who work with their hands.
In addition to the popular choices, there are other metal options available such as palladium, silver, and alternative metals like tungsten carbide, which has a gunmetal colour. When choosing a metal, you can consider your skin tone. Those with cool skin tones generally look best with lighter-coloured metals such as platinum, white gold, and silver. On the other hand, warm skin tones tend to pair well with warmer metals like yellow gold and rose gold. If you have a neutral skin tone, you have the flexibility to choose from any of the metal options available.
When deciding on the colour grade of your diamond and the metal of your band, it is important to consider your budget and personal preferences. A lower colour grade diamond can save you money, while opting for a less expensive metal like gold or titanium will also reduce upfront costs. Additionally, considering the level of upkeep and longevity of the metal may impact your decision, as a more durable and scratch-resistant option could save you money in the long run.
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Shop around for the best price
Shopping around for the best price is a great way to save money on wedding bands. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal:
Don't Go to the First Jeweller You Think Of
Big-name jewellers like Kay, Tiffany's, and Zales are well-known for a reason, but their prices tend to be much higher than those of local jewellers or less-known names. By shopping around and comparing prices, you can find a quality wedding ring that fits your budget. Another option is to shop for vintage rings, which can offer unique designs at lower costs.
Online Jewellers
Consider online jewellers, which often have lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores. Online retailers like James Allen and Blue Nile are known for their large selections and competitive prices. They also offer benefits like free shipping, returns, and warranties.
Lab-Created Diamonds
Opting for lab-created diamonds can be a more affordable choice than their natural counterparts. These diamonds are created in a laboratory and have the same chemical composition and optical properties as natural diamonds.
Metal Choice
Choosing a different metal for your band can also save you money. For example, white gold is more expensive than titanium, which looks very similar. Platinum is also significantly more expensive than gold due to its rarity and strength.
Size
Slightly reducing the size of your diamond can result in significant cost savings. For example, a 1.9-carat diamond will be much more affordable than a 2-carat diamond, even though the difference is minimal. Similarly, you can opt for a diamond that is just under a full carat, such as 0.95 or 0.85 carats, to save money without compromising on appearance.
Diamond Alternatives
You don't have to choose a diamond for your wedding band. There are many beautiful and less expensive gemstone options, such as aquamarines, sapphires, amethysts, topaz, and garnets. White topaz, in particular, looks classic and identical to a diamond but comes at a lower price.
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Frequently asked questions
Opting for a less expensive metal such as titanium or gold instead of white gold or platinum can result in significant savings. You can also save money by choosing a diamond with a lower colour grade, as hints of colour are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
You can save money by choosing a gemstone other than a diamond. Precious gemstones such as aquamarines, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and topaz are less expensive alternatives that can make for stunning rings.
Focus on the cut of the diamond, as this has the biggest impact on a diamond's light performance and overall appearance. You can also save money by buying your wedding band online, as online jewellers tend to offer lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores.
It's important to do your research and shop around before purchasing. Avoid going to the first jeweller that comes to mind, as they are likely to have higher prices. Instead, consider shopping locally or at less well-known jewellers, or even buying vintage.
