Q:How do we
know if a ring is
worth the
investment?
—@emilydianenovak via Instagram
A: For many brides, the engagement ring is the ring, so the stakes are higher to find one
you will love forever. Rings are clearly a meaningful investment: A Brides American
Wedding study done in October 2018 found that on average, couples spent $7,829, or 14
percent of the wedding budget, on an engagement ring; $1,890, or 3 percent, on the wed-
ding band. Typically, high-carat (1 ct and up) individual stones will retain a certain value
over time, versus a ring with a lot of tiny stones. Larger stones are easier to remove, reuse,
and reset—or sell, if necessary. My advice is to know your diamond cuts: Classic round
(1) and emerald (2) shapes are always popular (and timeless), and feel modern when set
accordingly. Marquise (3), heart, and Asscher (4) cuts are trendy, so if you’re looking
for unique, these will provide! Some brides like the square-shaped princess (5) cut too.
Maybe you’ve already got that rock on lock, and are now shopping for wedding bands.
If cost is a concern, it could be as simple as a dainty gold band to sit beneath your stun-
ner. After all, this may not be the last band your partner will buy for you! Look at the
wedding band as a starting point—find what complements your engagement ring so you
can build a stack in the future. Here’s an idea: Wait for a bigger diamond-studded band
on a future anniversary or significant occasion.
Still, if you’re ready for a diamond band now and have a set budget, I would suggest
one in 14K-gold with pavé-set diamonds that encircle the band. Anything with pavé
diamonds will offer a big look without the price point of larger individual stones.
What gets costly when it comes to the actual wedding day is the other jewelry needed
for the occasion. We offer a jewelry loan to our clients; check with your jeweler to see
if they have this incentive too. If not, go the something-borrowed route from a mom,
grandma, sister, or friend. And if your wedding-day jewelry is a beautiful tennis bracelet
or diamond studs that you will wear often, it might be worth the long-term investment.
—Stephanie Gottlieb, founder and designer of Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry
Collection and Bridal Concierge, based in New York City. stephaniegottlieb.com
@stephaniegottlieb on Instagram.
by ROSEMARY LEGERbudget like a pro1 2 4 5
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august + september 2019 brides.com