First Person: 8 Budget Wedding Ring Options That Work

It's one of life's ironies that many couples are forced to look at budget wedding ring options, though they are likely to wear these rings for the rest of their lives. When I bought my white gold wedding ring, I and my husband-to-be spent two months' worth of food-budget. We literally ate rice and spam for the next 60 days. But to this day, I love the way my ring looks and I will never replace it, though I can afford to now. To help you find your perfect ring, here are the budget wedding ring options that worked for my husband and me.

Art Fairs

Though craft and art fairs rarely contain exhibits of budget wedding rings, many of the artists have more valuable jewelry that they leave behind in their studios. If you spot a stand with rings to your taste, it's worth talking to the artist about the price of a budget wedding ring in the metal of your choice. Even if he does not have a jewel for you, he may know another artist who does.

Online Outlets

Browse the large online jewelers to get an idea of market values, then visit online outlets like Overstock to search their current stock of budget wedding rings. Be prepared, however, to make a quick decision, as outlet stock can sell out fast.

Wholesale Stores

Wholesale stores like Costco or Sam's Club have branched into jewelry and now carry budget wedding rings online and in some of their stores. Typically the rings are of high quality with a comparable high price range, despite the club discount. You will need to be a club member to purchase the ring; however, the club yearly membership fee is likely to be far lower than the savings you will enjoy.

Pawn Shops

Quite often pawn shops will have high quality wedding rings priced far below their market value. Choose a pawn shop in a commercial part of your city or town. Have some idea of the price of comparable rings by researching budget wedding rings on the Internet first. It's also wise to visit several pawn shops, because the selection in each will likely be limited.

Antique Stores

You'll find beautiful budget wedding rings in antique stores; however, many will be made with lower quality gold than you will find in modern wedding rings. The stones, too, are more likely to have flaws. On the other hand, you may find antique designs that are unique and beautiful, like the Victorian ring I found.

Estate Sales

Estate sales may also offer unique budget wedding rings. You can find notices of the sales in local newspapers, and you might drive by the signs (as you do by "Garage Sale" signs). Once more, be well informed of market values.

eBay

You can find beautiful budget wedding rings offered by private individuals and stores on eBay. First, be sure that the vendor has a high satisfaction rating from previous buyers. Second, read the ring description carefully. Finally, confirm the return policy before committing to buy.

Local Jewelers

Many times your local jewelry stores will surprise you with lower prices than you assumed. In large mall stores you are likely to find some budget wedding rings that are well-priced but commonly found. On the other hand, in family-owned stores, you are likely to see higher prices, though the merchandise will be more unique and you may be able to negotiate the price down.

Finally, though private individuals at times sell budget wedding rings on Craigalist, I caution against this option due to the recent murder of a seller by a buyer who came to his home to purchase a ring.

More from this contributor:
7 Credit Card Traps to Watch Out for
Leveraging Credit Card Balance Transfer Offers
8 Shopping Traps to Avoid at the Mall