Are you ready to pop the question but not ready to break the bank? Here are some handy tips on how you can find the best deals on engagement rings!

Everyone has an opinion about engagement rings. Tradition would say that an engagement ring should equal three months' salary, but in today's world, is that really necessary? 

Many modern couples are shying away from insanely priced engagement rings and opting for something a little more modest — but just as beautiful! If you're looking for the best deal on an engagement ring, read on to find out how you can find affordable but stylish options.

Don't Be Afraid Of Flaws

It's extremely rare to find a diamond with no flaws. Jewelers find many " flaws " in diamonds that are not noticeable to the untrained naked eye. You can save hundreds of dollars by opting for a ring with inclusions that you can't see. 

For example, a diamond with a VS1 grade or higher has no flaws visible to the naked eye! 

Focus on the Cut 

Cut, color, clarity, carat — sometimes finding an affordable engagement ring can be overwhelming. If you're trying to buy the perfect ring for your budget, focus on the cut of the diamond. The way a diamond is cut determines how much it sparkles and even how large it appears to be. 

Diamonds that have a "very good" cut rating are perfect if you're looking for a bargain, as they reflect almost as much light as a diamond rated as an "ideal cut" but cost much less!

Opt for Sizes Slightly Under a Carat

Did you know that a 0.95-carat diamond is often a lot cheaper than a 1-carat diamond? Because most people shop for full-carat size diamonds, you can save money by going slightly smaller than a carat and save anywhere from 15-20%!

The best part is that for most people, a diamond that's only slightly smaller than the next carat up in size is indistinguishable from one that's a total carat! Don't believe us? Ask your jeweler to show you a 95-carat ring and a one-carat ring — we're sure you won't be able to tell the difference!

Choose a Halo Setting 

A halo setting can significantly increase the appearance of your diamond. A halo setting places lots of smaller accent stones around the center stone the highlight and increase its 

wow" factor. For example, a halo setting can make a half-carat look more like a full carat! This trick can help you save thousands of dollars without sacrificing bling! 

Shop Online 

Online jewelers save thousands of dollars in overhead each month so that they can pass those savings on to their customers. If you want to see how a particular style or cut looks on you, feel free to visit a local jewelry store to try it on and once you're confident in your choice, take your search online!

There are several reputable jewelry companies, such as Blue Nile and James Allen, that offer a money-back guarantee so you can shop with confidence. 

Choose the Right Time 

If you want the best deal on an engagement ring, then don't propose at popular engagement times such as Christmas or Valentine's Day. During these times, you're less likely to find a bargain on an engagement ring. Try to avoid purchasing through the months of November through to February, to avoid the highest prices. As the summer months are typically slower, this is when you'll find the most affordable engagement rings. 

Opt for Another Stone

Did you know that diamonds were not the standard engagement stone until around the mid-20th century? Before this time, many lovebirds opted for other stones such as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. All of these gemstones are hard and durable, so they'll stand up to daily wear; plus, they tend to cost much less than diamonds!

Shop at a Wholesale Store 

There are many wholesale stores that sell affordable diamond engagement rings. Think of stores such as Costco, Sam's Club, and BJs when you want to find a local wholesale diamond ring! Plus, you could save even more money by purchasing with your membership and getting a yearly rebate — win-win! 

Get a Certificate of Authenticity

Wherever you decide to purchase your diamond engagement ring, you should request a certificate of authenticity from the Gemological Institute of America. The Gemological Institute of America certifies that the stone you purchase is the quality you are paying for and authentic. This can give you peace of mind and help you insure your ring for the correct amount. 

If you're thinking about purchasing an engagement ring, be sure to check out online retailers and look for available discounts and deals. A quick search could save you thousands of dollars in the long term!