I saw this and thought I would share it with our readers. It is quite amazing to see what countries have the biggest spenders and which ones tend to be populated with those who prefer a more practical price. For example, it is obvious that the following spend less than other areas:

• Lancashire
• North Yorkshire
• Derbyshire
• Powys
• Avon

Another interesting fact brought up here is that white gold is the most popular ring. Platinum and yellow gold are still popular, but these days white gold takes the cake. This is an indication of how consumers are trying to get the best quality for the best price. While platinum is definitely the highest quality, it is of course the most expensive as well. White gold is a cheaper alternative that looks very, very similar. It gives the same air of sophistication without the hefty price. Buying an engagement ring? Not sure How much to spend?

There are other ways to buy affordable engagement rings as well. For example, pawnshops and wholesale jewellery retailers often sell very high quality jewellery at a fraction of the price. The pawnshops are selling rings that previously belonged to someone else, but in most cases, they are in great condition. Wholesalers sell mainly to retailers, and their prices are lower to allow for a mark-up by the retailers that buy them. However, if you find one that sells to the public also you can buy an engagement ring at wholesale price and avoid the mark-up by the middleman.

Another way to buy affordable engagement rings is to shop around, compare prices, and negotiate. If you found the ring for a lower price somewhere else, see if a competitor will beat it. It is also a good idea to set an engagement ring budget, and then make it a goal to stay within that budget.

This may mean buying a somewhat smaller ring than the one of her dreams, but it will be worth it to not go into debt over the ring. Rather than saving money by buying low quality jewellery, go for higher quality but less flash. A smaller high quality diamond is a much better alternative in the long run a piece that will eventually be worth less than was paid for it.

Go ahead, buy the smaller, higher quality ring, and save money on the size rather than the quality. Keep in mind that one day you will be able to get a bigger one if you want, and the smaller one can be used in another way. It can be made into a slide for a slide bracelet or a charm for a bracelet or necklace. It will always be a reminder of those sweet, first precious years together.

Finding an affordable engagement ring can be an adventure, but if you are both on the same page, it will be an adventure to remember for years to come. Make a game of finding the cheapest price available on a variety of rings that you would like to buy. Starting early and giving yourself plenty of time to compare and shop around is another thing that can make all the difference.

In the end, it is not the ring that makes the marriage; it is the people who are getting married. The importance of the engagement ring is undeniable, but it is not the most important thing.