The wedding ring may be one of the most important decisions a
couple makes in their premarital plans. With a little time and a lot of
research, they will be able to find the perfect set to match their
personalities, heritage and budget. Although we live in a culture that
has lost many traditions and rites of passage, the wedding band
continues to signify love, commitment and the eternal vow of marriage.
Shopping for jewelry can be a daunting experience, especially for a
piece that will be worn for a lifetime. Fear not. With a little
research, a couple can find the right ring.
Wherever you decide to look, it’s best to start off knowing
your price range. Traditionally, the groom purchases the wedding and
engagement set, and couples tend to shop for the ring together. If the
groom goes alone, he usually has a good idea of what his bride has in
mind.
It’s good to know the four C’s: color, clarity, cut and
carat.There is really no “ideal” diamond, although
variations in the above characteristics definitely affect the price.
One would think that an antique wedding ring would be worth more than a
contemporary one, but that is generally not the case.
“If someone is going to spend thousands of dollars on a ring,
they generally prefer that it’s new,” explains certified
gemologist Brian Rocca.
The heirloom ring is a lovely reminder of your family, but the
monetary value of the piece lies not in the age, but in the weight of
the gold and the quality and size of the diamond.
A pawn in the game of love
Many people go to pawn shops to sell their jewelry, but the creative
and cash-strapped bride and groom will be able to purchase a wedding
band set for a fraction of the retail price.
There’s another bonus: “You get to negotiate,”
says Biassou, a pawnbroker at Metropawn. “Make us an offer.
There’s no set price.”
Expect to spend between $150-$300 for a wedding band at a pawn shop,
but stock constantly changes. The price can rarely be beat, but finding
the perfect ring here is a matter of luck and timing.
Bejeweled
Other couples prefer the security of a jewelry store. While some
favor purchasing their ring at a national chain, local jewelry stores
tend to offer competitive pricing and more personalized
service—their livelihood depends on repeat customers and
word-of-mouth advertising. Precision Diamonds is family owned and
operated. Owner Victor Valdez has some advice for soon-to-be-weds:
“Two things: Make sure you look for quality, and stay within your
budget.”
Made to order
If you are looking for a unique, artisan ring, find a local jeweler
with an excellent reputation. Due to the costly nature of a custom,
handcrafted ring, it’s nice to know the person who created it.
It’s also comforting to leave your ring with a trustworthy person
if it needs to be resized or repaired. Robert Ince, owner of Robert
Ince Jewelry, speaks nostalgically of the artistry of the old days: “If
you had a jeweler, he had to know how to do everything.” If you
have an exact idea for your wedding band, it can be created right in
his studio. The most popular material these days, he says, is white
gold. “It’s like the ’60s again!”