by bubba on April 1, 2012
Our favorite jewelry websites are no secret. Below you will find a list of our favs as well as a little information about each. Please don’t feel overwhelmed. Remember that EJewellery.net offers Free Consultations to help you find the right ring at the right price.
Amazon.com: Amazon is the world’s marketplace. You can find a wide-range of jewelry here from mainstream styles to rare pieces in the Amazon Marketplace. Often Amazon is a great place to start your search and get ideas.
Gemvara: Gemvara is Sarah’s obsession. Gemvara is unique because it allows buyers to personalize their jewelry. Gemvara offers a numerous gemstones and metals for every style. The designers at Gemvara are top-notch, creating works of art that you can make your own. Gemvara’s prices tend to be higher than other sites, but it offers great sales and personalization.
Susan B.: Susan B. offers high-end fashion jewelry. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to check out this site. Susan B. is a staple of popular fashion magazines.
Jewel Club: Jewel Club offers traditional rings at reasonable prices. The Daily Deals cannot be missed. This website also offers outstanding sales. Be sure not to let an item at Jewel Club wait too long, because the items sell out fast with limited quantities.
Diamond.com: Diamond.com offers high-quality diamonds. If you are concerned with the 4 C’s, then check out this site. You will receive all of the information you desire.
FineJewelers.com: FineJewelers.com has everything. The selection is smaller than Amazon’s, but the variety seems to rival the superstore’s. FineJewelers.com is not only great for engagement rings, but for every kind of jewelry. The prices are reasonable too.
SuperJeweler.com: SuperJeweler is similar to FineJewelers.com. The difference with this website is that the variety is not as wide, but the specials are extraordinary. If you are deal hunter, check it out.
Zales.com: Zales is one of the most popular jewelry retail chains in the country. The quality is excellent and the pricing fair. If you are looking for a traditional ring, Zales will most likely have it in stock and on sale. Another added benefit is that Zales offers in-person customer service at its retail chains.
by bubba on August 31, 2011
Two Months’ Salary? Not in This Day and Age
Frequently, people ask me, “How much should I spend on an engagement ring?” My answer is always, “It depends.” Many people choose an engagement ring based upon cost. I want to remind you of three things:
- The quality of a more expensive ring may not necessarily be better;
- Your fiancée may not want an expensive engagement ring;
- An exorbitant amount of money spent on an engagement ring may be better spent elsewhere, like the wedding, a house, or paying down debt.
Traditionally, men spent two to three months’ salary on an engagement ring. Even commercials for jewelers encouraged men to spend three months’ salary for love that would last a lifetime. Obviously, this benefitted the jeweler not the buyer. Today, a man who makes $50,000 a year would spend $12,500 on an engagement ring if he followed that rule!
When the cost of weddings and houses were less and people weren’t in as much debt as they are today, spending two to three months’ salary on an engagement ring was reasonable. In fact, the ability to save that much money during my parents’ generation was common. Now, most people I know would need to get a line of credit to pay for an engagement rings that costs that much money. Let’s face it, buying an engagement ring on credit and putting yourself further into debt is not wise.
Currently, the average amount a man spends on an engagement ring is $4,000. You can spend even less and get the same ring, if you shop around. Shopping online from a reputable company will provide savings and satisfaction.
To give you an example of the savings offered online if you comparison shop, look at the examples for the 1 carat round solitaire. There are up to $2,000 difference in prices for essentially the same ring.
http://www.superjeweler.com/ItemDetail/1ct-Round-Diamond-Solitaire-Ring-in-14k-White-Gold-G-Color-I1-Clarity-3027.asp
http://www.diamond.com/rings/solitaire-diamond-ring-prd_rds_022314.jsp
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2561615
http://www.amazon.com/Certified-Solitaire-Diamond-Engagement-Clarity/dp/B000UUE20Y/ref=sr_1_14?s=jewelry&ie=UTF8&qid=1315329773&sr=1-14
So before you buy an engagement ring:
- Determine what your fiancée wants.
- Determine your budget—don’t blow your budget.
- Shop around, especially online.
Happy shopping!
