Historically, the purpose of the big rock was to guarantee the financial future for the bride-to-be if the wedding was cancelled and her marriage prospects dimmed.
Nowadays, the engagement ring is just a very pretty symbol of love, not a financial investment—especially since the resale value of diamond rings is extremely low, often less than 50 percent of the original price.
Couples wanting to save money can opt for cheaper alternatives to the diamond ring. Here are a few choices that could free up some funds for a nice honeymoon:
Moissanite: A lab-created stone with low environmental impact that’s less than half the price of a diamond. Plus, it’s almost as hard as a diamond and has twice the brilliance.
Sapphire: These beautiful jewels come in an array of colors (not just blue!). They’re a fraction of the price, too.
Colorful gemstones: Look for rings with amethyst, opal, emerald, or garnet for an elegant and more affordable look.
Of course, if your heart is a set on a diamond, you can also check out estate sales or resale websites for pre-owned diamonds.
This article originally appeared on RealSimple.com
- In Photos: How Wildfire Smoke Impacted Cities
- How Antitrust Laws Could Kill the PGA-LIV Golf Merger
- Teens Are Taking Wegovy for Weight Loss
- Prince Harry Breaks Royal Convention to Testify in Court
- Elliot Page: Embracing My Trans Identity Saved Me
- How a Texas High Jumper Has Earned Nearly $1 Million
- The Best TV Shows of 2023 So Far
- 7 Ways to Get Better at Small Talk