Five Secrets to Finding & Affording Your Dream
Ring in a Less-Than-Sparkling Economy
The economy may not be sparkling, but that doesn’t dull the desire, and often the need, to purchase beautiful jewelry – such as the perfect ring.
Whether seeking that meaningful engagement, anniversary or birthday ring -or a delightful “just because” ring for someone special (or yourself) – there are several secrets that will help you to make the perfect choice. And at a bargain!
Here are five tips to finding an affordable dream ring for your dream gal, according to Elan Efune, owner of Alexa Rose Jewelers in Scottsdale Arizona.
Number One: Get to know your perfect diamond.
“When shopping for a diamond ring, it’s important to love everything about the stone — including your ideal carat size, cut, color and the clarity,” says Efune, a third-generation jewelry expert and store owner. He is originally from South Africa, the home of the world’s premier diamonds.
“By defining your ideal stone, you’re more likely to stay within your defined budget,” he adds. Most often, the diamond is the most expensive part of the ring.
Need help selecting the idea diamond? Help is available on the web at www.alexarosejewelry.com
Tip Two: Shop around and know your prices.
“Once you know the qualities of your ideal diamond, you can comparison-shop with confidence. The carat, cut, color, clarity of your perfect diamond are standardized,” Efune explains. His advice: Shop via the Internet and in a variety of stores in order to find and to verify the best prices.
Tip Three: Go ‘Bigger and Better’ — on Sale!
“In difficult times larger diamonds go on sale,” says Efune. “Currently, the market is flooded with larger diamonds and there is an opportunity to pick up a bargain.”
Diamonds that are two carats or larger are now 10 to 15 percent lower in cost. “For those married folks who want to upgrade their stone, now may be a great time to do so,” he notes.
Tip Four: Deal with a reputable company.
Reputable companies are rated by or affiliated with the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT), Efune emphasizes. Many companies are JBT-rated, including popular Internet sites, such as Blue Nile. “Equally important is the company’s return or exchange policy, so read any fine print carefully.”
Tip Five: Look for jewelers who extend credit or offer payment terms.
Solid jewelry establishments have the ability to extend credit or offer payment terms to you.
BONUS TIP: Recycle the perfect gem. Do you have a stone you love? Perhaps it’s a diamond or other fine gem you’ve inherited from a loved one or received from your sweetheart. Placing the gem in a new setting can give it new life and create wonderful, new memories. By providing the jewel and paying for only the setting, you’ll have a beautiful, new ring at a much lower cost!
Alexa Rose is located at 9917 East Bell Road, Suite 140, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. 480.656.0652 . www.alexarosejewelry.com/
February 2, 2009 at 4:32 pm
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February 19, 2009 at 4:39 pm
[...] read our earlier post – how to find your dream ring in a less than sparkling economy, click here. Posted in Custom Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Rings [...]
March 24, 2009 at 6:33 pm
[...] a diamond engagement. If you are in the market for a diamond engagement ring, check out our five tips to find the ring of your dreams in a not so sparkling economy. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us and we can expand upon the [...]
June 22, 2009 at 6:40 pm
[...] in have learned some of the finer points of buying diamond jewelry, have come to understand the 4 C’s and have learned that one needs not to break the band to have an absolutely fabulous engagement [...]