How to Buy Wedding Rings When You're on a Budget

If you are worried about the expense of your wedding, you should know that wedding rings don't have to strain your budget. You can be get the best deals on wedding bands by sticking to a few shopping rules and applying a few tricks. Buying rings on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality.

First, set a budget for the total amount of money you want to spend on the rings, and try to adhere to it. Research the average cost of a wedding band set by paying attention to jewelry store commercials, and browsing the that are always stuffed in your mailbox. Once you are in the market for wedding rings, you will be amazed at how many jewelry are all over the place.

Next, consider the metal. Yellow gold and titanium are the cheapest metals, while platinum, white gold, and tungsten carbide are more expensive. Gold has the advantage that it can be resized, but the disadvantage that it discolors and wears down more quickly than other metals. However, gold rings can be remelted to erase those imperfections.

If you do buy gold rings, you can save even more money by having your own gold pieces melted down into wedding bands. See if you have any coins, earrings, chains, or cufflinks made of gold in your house. If you have excess gold, you can even make a profit.

Titanium wedding rings are a good value because it is the cheapest metal, yet it lasts forever. One disadvantage is that titanium rings cannot be resized if your fingers change size with age. However, some stores may offer guaranteed replacements for a small charge.

Think about the style of wedding ring you want before you head to the store. Decide if you want a wide band or a thin one. Do you prefer a shiny finish or a satin finish? Remember, you and your partner don't have to have buy rings with identical styles, so it's okay to have different tastes.

Visit a large mall with lots of jewelry chain stores, or go to a large factory outlet store. Small jewelry boutiques tend to be very expensive, especially when it comes to wedding rings and engagement rings. Write down the names of the stores, the types of rings you liked at each store, and their prices.

At factory outlet jewelry stores, wedding ring prices are not always firm. This means you can bargain to get a lower price.

While in the stores, try on lots of wedding rings. Don't act too eager in front of the salespeople, and don't let them pressure you into buying anything. They get paid on commission, so they always tell people the expensive rings are best. The more aloof you and your partner act, the more likely the salesperson will cut you a deal.

Keep in mind that rings are only a symbol of your commitment; they can be replaced or exchanged, but what they represent is unique and priceless. Getting cheaper rings doesn't mean your love is cheap!