Negotiating engagement ring price?
 

I don't know where else to put this, but is it common practice to negotiate the price of an engagement ring? I'm familiar with negotiating for cars, but how would you even start the process of negotiating for a ring? Thanks.

I think it would probably depend on where you went. Typically, I don't think you bargain for a ring- big business ring sellers would be able to sell their ring for the intended price to someone else, so why should they take your lower priced offer?

However, if it were a smaller place, they just might.

It probably depends on that.

Of course you can bargain on an engagement ring. Just make sure you go to a reputable dealer and don't offer anything totally insulting. Do your research and find out how much you should be paying for the ring that you want, and don't pay a penny more.

Go to a pawn shop and buy a used ring. You're only supporting the diamond cartels and their evil policies of extortion and exploitation by buying a new ring. The only reason they charge as much as they do is because they can; they have a monopoly on the product.

Remember that you're only paying to satisfy your intended fiance's lust for material goods by purchasing such a ring in the first place. There's nothing intrinsically valuable or special about diamonds or gold.

I once said that to a girl who was excited about getting an engagement ring. She said, "I don't care, I want that ring." I nearly asked her who she loved more, her fiance or his wallet. Seeing as how I had to work with her, I refrained.

Anyway, taking the non cynical view, there is a certain amount of symbolism inherent in the ring. It shows material sacrifice and that the man is financially capable of giving a gift that expensive(even if he usually isn't.) Plus no guy wants to be that cheapskate...even if diamonds aren't the the most attractive gems. Or the most rare. Or the most fair. Fuck De'Beers. Although, there is a Russian cartel up and coming.

I'd like to consider negotiations my forte and I'd say there is no way to truly bargain for a diamond since it is a totally inflated and false market. I agree that maybe a pawned ring or antique would be nice, but as a woman, I understand how that would kinda freak me out that the ring was "used."

I say you go to a metalworking, jewelry-making artisan. They can get the stones and materials and make what you want the ring to look like; it'll be unique and mean more than some store bought bobble. You'll also, probably get more ring for your buck that way too. Let me know if you want help finding some jewelry makers. I had my husband's ring made by this one guy and it was gorgeous - until hubby lost it. :(

Mbwuto,
My hubby says the SAME thing about DeBeers whenever one of their offensive commercials comes on...especially that one where the guys yells out how he loves "this woman," and she's all embarrassed about his expression. Bitch loved him after that ring though.

Blue Nile

Read this portion of the website up, down, and sideways. Then read it again. You must know what you are dealing with, and how much you are willing to spend. Ask as many questions that make sense as you can. Inspect the stone, and learn to identify it. I know my wife's diamond is hers because it has a small occlusion in the 4 o'clock position. Inspect it, ask what the jeweller is looking for, and then look for it yourself.

More than you ever wanted to know about buying an engagement ring.

Diamond Engagement Ring Buying Guide

Hopefully, you have discussed the ring. It's not something to be bought "spur of the moment". It's done w/her in mind (and her thoughts). The ring should be bought just as she expects it.