Valentine’s Day is just around the corner — so how can you find the best value diamond ring to suit your budget?
 
WOW — I have discovered so much about how to find the best-value-for-money diamond ring since writing the latest article for Bargain Shoppers — 'How to buy the best value diamond ring' — that I’m tempted to go out now and buy one!

There are so many things to think about — the ‘four Cs’, the price points, and which areas you’re willing to compromise on to meet your budget. It’s just a matter of deciding what looks good on your ring finger (oh, and that minor detail of finding a fiancé!).
 
I also spoke with a handful of engaged and married friends to find out their tips on buying a beautiful engagement ring that didn't exceed their budget, and whilst they’re not jewellers — they certainly can speak from experience! Here are a few of their suggestions...

(PS: these tips assume you know a little bit about the ‘four Cs’. If you don’t, get up to speed by clicking the link above.)

Diamond ring shopping tips: 

• “Clarity is one of the ‘Cs’ that can make a relatively small diamond expensive, or a bigger diamond affordable.”
• “I would say a diamond’s cut needs to be either Excellent or Very Good — otherwise it won't reflect the sun and sparkle the way a diamond should.”
• “When it comes to colour, D E and F diamonds are considered colourless and are VERY expensive. G H I and J are, in my opinion the best compromise as they are ‘near colourless’ but not crazy-expensive. Any further down the scale and you will start to see the yellowish colour of a cheaper diamond.”
• “The diamonds in chain retail stores, while cheaper, are shocking compared with boutique jewellers.”
• “For me — a diamond with a carat between 0.7 and 0.8 was in my range depending on other criteria. Colour had to be G, H, or I (one step below colourless). I didn't want a yellowish diamond but the colourless ones are VERY expensive. Cut needed to be Very Good (I could afford excellent but the size would have to be reduced to 0.5 to 0.6, and I don't think Excellent is necessary in a relatively small diamond).
• “Don't bother with any retail name with a shop front. You are paying a premium to cover all their overheads.”
• “I did look online [Blue Nile in the US] but at the end of the day I wasn't comfortable parting with thousands over the internet to a faceless company who I knew nothing about. Ring shopping is very intense and personal — I needed the face-to-face relationship."

 
What questions or tips do you have on buying the best value diamond and engagement rings? Comment on this post or email bargainguru@universalmagazines.com.au.

Bargain Shoppers Guide to Melbourne editor, Beth Anderson, shared her hottest bargain shopping tips for Christmas on Channel 7’s Today Tonight program on Monday 23 November.

Christmas is nearly upon us, and while everyone is looking forward to getting together with family, slicing the ham and cracking open the champagne, Australian families are not looking forward to outlaying hundreds in hard-earned cash on Christmas presents. With interest rates on the rise and a recovering economy, families around the country are rethinking their Christmas spend this year.

But to those families who are concerned about blowing their budget on Christmas presents this year, Bargain Shoppers Guide to Melbourne editor Beth Anderson says — never fear

Gift-giving is such an important part of the Christmas tradition, and, thankfully, there are ways you can find the best quality Christmas presents at bargain prices, leaving you with plenty of money left over to enjoy yourself over Christmas and New Year. 

Hear what Beth had to say on Today Tonight about where, when, how and what presents to buy for loved ones this Christmas – on a budget.

Also, follow Bargain Shoppers on Twitter to find out about the best sales in the lead up to Christmas! Follow BargainGuide for Melbourne and BargainGuru for Sydney.