There was a newspaper story a few years ago asking if marriage had become something for the middle classes.
One article quoted academics in Virginia as saying "Marriage is becoming a distinctive social institution marking middle-class status."
Honestly, I'm not sure if I agree with that and it's worth noting that there was another article a couple of years later saying that middle classes were 'turning away from marriage'.
Whatever, the truth of those studies, I do think it's true that the cost of getting engaged stops some people from proposing. Raising £1000 just isn't achievable for some people - I know I'd have struggled to find that amount of money when I was in my early 20s when I was earning a pittance and living away from home for the first time.
So, what if you can only afford an engagement ring costing £100? What can you actually get for your money.
The bad news is that you won't be able to afford a high quality, decent sized, brand new diamond ring. Although, I suspect that is stating the obvious somewhat.
However, a budget of £100 does give (at least) four options:
One article quoted academics in Virginia as saying "Marriage is becoming a distinctive social institution marking middle-class status."
Honestly, I'm not sure if I agree with that and it's worth noting that there was another article a couple of years later saying that middle classes were 'turning away from marriage'.
Whatever, the truth of those studies, I do think it's true that the cost of getting engaged stops some people from proposing. Raising £1000 just isn't achievable for some people - I know I'd have struggled to find that amount of money when I was in my early 20s when I was earning a pittance and living away from home for the first time.
So, what if you can only afford an engagement ring costing £100? What can you actually get for your money.
The bad news is that you won't be able to afford a high quality, decent sized, brand new diamond ring. Although, I suspect that is stating the obvious somewhat.
However, a budget of £100 does give (at least) four options:
1. Buy a second hand diamond engagement ring
Diamond rings plummet in price once they've been worn by someone else, even if it was only for a few days before things all went wrong...
The depreciation is worse than a sports car, as a percentage of its original cost.
For example, I've found several diamond rings with a high street value of about £500 which have gone for £100 on eBay.
If you're patient, you might even find one from a big name jeweller (Ernest Jones, H Samuel etc) which hasn't even been worn.
Etsy is also worth a look for preloved rings.
The depreciation is worse than a sports car, as a percentage of its original cost.
For example, I've found several diamond rings with a high street value of about £500 which have gone for £100 on eBay.
If you're patient, you might even find one from a big name jeweller (Ernest Jones, H Samuel etc) which hasn't even been worn.
Etsy is also worth a look for preloved rings.
2. Buy a tiny diamond
If you don't fancy a second hand ring, you could just about get an authentic diamond ring for £100.
In reality, the diamond would be tiny.
We found a diamond ring with a 0.10 carat for £95 on Amazon. Generally I advise people to look for a diamond of at least 0.25 carat, but if your potential spouse likes dainty jewellery then it's an option.
I'd avoid this option if your girlfriend has massive hands...
In reality, the diamond would be tiny.
We found a diamond ring with a 0.10 carat for £95 on Amazon. Generally I advise people to look for a diamond of at least 0.25 carat, but if your potential spouse likes dainty jewellery then it's an option.
I'd avoid this option if your girlfriend has massive hands...
3. Buy a 'faux' diamond
There are several alternatives to diamonds, which look similar to the real thing (unless you are a master jeweller) but which cost a fraction of the price.
Diamond Style or Tru Diamonds are good places to start. Tru Diamonds reckon that their £100 simulated diamonds would cost £8500 if they were the real thing.
It's up to you whether you tell your girlfriend that it's not real...
Diamond Style or Tru Diamonds are good places to start. Tru Diamonds reckon that their £100 simulated diamonds would cost £8500 if they were the real thing.
It's up to you whether you tell your girlfriend that it's not real...
4. Don't buy a diamond ring
What a shocker eh?
Lots of people don't choose diamond rings at all. Historically they never did, until a diamond company carried out one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history.
You can get Blue sapphire, Green emerald or Red ruby rings for well under £100.
Good luck, I hope she says yes...
Lots of people don't choose diamond rings at all. Historically they never did, until a diamond company carried out one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history.
You can get Blue sapphire, Green emerald or Red ruby rings for well under £100.
Good luck, I hope she says yes...
