Mild disclaimer: You may need to take a seat for this revelation. Are you ready? You, yes, you, can afford an engagement ring inspired by the blinding sparklers adorned by your favorite celebrities. Shocked? I thought so. But—but—but—how is this possible, you ask? Let's dive into the hows, whys, and wheres of this reality.
The Illusion of Luxury
Did you know, decamping from the high street to smaller, independent jewelers can significantly drop the price? We're talking a drop faster than a celebrity marriage (I'm looking at you, Kim K!). Independent jewelers often cut the middleman and those extra zeroes.
The Spotlight-stealers
The Solitaire Princess Cut: This ring hails straight from the Kate Middleton lineage of ring royalty. Timeless, elegant, and has stood the test of time just like Queen Elizabeth. The princess cut remains a beloved choice, and thankfully, not exclusively for princesses.
Emerald Halo: An Angelina Jolie favorite. This ring exudes an old-Hollywood vibe and is a win-win for emerald lovers aiming for an equally stunning replica.
Baguette Sidestones: Think Amal Clooney. Sidestone rings are rife amongst famous personalities, and it's no surprise why. Their charismatic design lights up any room—making it a red carpet worthy classic.
Oval-cut Diamond: A la Blake Lively, this design maximizes carat weight making the diamond appear larger (thus sparking more envy)! An oval-cut diamond ring screams elegance yet shouts thriftiness.
Pavé Band: If there's one ring style to 'Keep Up With,' it's this. Inspired by none other than Kim Kardashian, this ring style will make you feel like a reality star, minus the reality show drama.
Three-stone Ring: It's Megan Markle's iconic pick! Signifying the past, present, and future, this ring is rich in symbolism—and thankfully not indiscriminately rich in price!
Thrift over Thrift
Lower prices don't mean lower quality—if you know where to look. Ethically sourced gems and metals, lifetime warranties, are all well within your reach without reaching deep into your pockets. Remember, a good deal isn't defined by price alone; the value received plays a huge part too.
Doing the Legwork
So, do some legwork. Research your options, compare prices, and be open to different variations. And remember, you're purchasing an experience, not just a piece of jewelry. No one ever said, 'Oh, I love your cheap ring.' They say, 'Oh, I love your ring!'
References
- The Knot. (2019). Engagement Ring Trends. Available: https://www.theknot.com/content/engagement-ring-trends
- Conde Nast (2021). 12 Most Popular Engagement Ring Styles. Available: https://www.brides.com/most-popular-engagement-ring-styles-4769329
- GIA (2020). How to Choose an Engagement Ring. Available: https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/how-to-choose-an-engagement-ring/#.Ydo1JJNKhTY
