It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are officially upon us- Christmas trees are up, lights are twinkling, and the smell of hot cocoa and candy canes lingers in the air. But do you know what else is in the air? Love! Not only is the holiday season a wonderful time to spend with family and friends, it’s also a very popular proposal season! While holiday engagements are romantic and special, it can also be hard on your budget. On top of buying gifts for all of your loved ones, you’re also looking for an engagement ring- and that can be expensive! Lucky for you, we have a few tips on how you can find the most amazing engagement ring and still save some extra cash for holiday gifts.

1. Choose a Fancy Shaped Diamond:

   

Round brilliant cut diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings. Round diamonds make up about 75% of all diamonds sold, which is why they are the most expensive. But there are so many other gorgeous options to choose from! Choosing a shape other than round can help you save as much as 40% on a diamond that is just as beautiful. If you adore the curved edges of round diamonds, consider an oval center stone. Square diamonds, like princess cuts, are also becoming a popular choice for engagement rings. Or meet in the middle and opt for a cushion cut, which is round with slightly tapered edges. A unique, fancy-shaped ring will make your holiday engagement even more special.

2. Add Some Color:

   

Instead of taking the traditional route, change things up a bit and select a colored gemstone for your engagement ring. Sapphires are the second most popular gemstone used for engagement rings. Next to diamonds, they are the second most durable gemstone, which makes them perfect for everyday wear. If you’re trying to stay on budget for your holiday engagement, sapphires are a great alternative to diamonds since they usually cost significantly less. Sapphires are available in almost every color of the rainbow so you have many options to explore. Other popular diamond alternatives for engagement rings are morganite, tanzanite, ruby, emerald, and aquamarine. Find her favorite color in our fabulous collection of colored gemstones.

3. Go for Gold:

   

Platinum is one of the most popular precious metals for engagement rings because it is extremely durable. White gold is a close second in durability and looks almost identical to platinum. But what most people don’t realize is that white gold is about half the price! A great way to save on an engagement ring during the holidays is to opt for a gold setting. White gold, yellow gold, and rose gold are all beautiful options that will look just as stunning.

4. Add Sparkle with a Unique Setting:

   

If you’re planning on a holiday engagement but need to stick to a strict budget, you may need to opt for a smaller center stone. This may sound disappointing, but don’t fret! We’re going to let you in on tricks you can use to make your gemstone appear larger than it actually is. Ring settings with lots of glittering diamond accents have a very luxurious look for a surprisingly fair price. One great option is a halo setting. These types of settings feature many smaller diamonds encircled around the center stone, making it appear larger. This is also true for other eye-catching details like engravings, filigree, and milgrain. The more detail, the fancier the ring will look.

5. Browse Vintage:

   

Did you know that not all vintage rings are antiques? Vintage can mean a ring that was created 30 years ago, or just last week. So you can find totally modern vintage rings that look like they’re brand new. Vintage engagement rings offer the same quality and brilliance as new ones, but at a more budget-friendly price. Our unique collection of vintage engagement rings features truly one-of-a-kind rings that are sure to make your holiday engagement one for the books.

6. Leave the Large Center Diamond Out:

   

We all have a different style, and not everyone loves all the glitz and glamour typically associated with engagement rings. If your special someone desires a ring that is a bit more subtle, try leaving out the prominent center stone. A diamond band expresses your love just as much as any giant, glittering gemstone- and she’ll love that you thought about her personal style preference! And should she change her mind, a center stone can almost always be added later.

Find the perfect holiday engagement ring:

If you’re ready to pop the big question during the holiday season, visit Leo Hamel’s on San Diego Avenue. We’re happy to help you find the best ring for your holiday engagement at the best price for you. Celebrate the spirit of the season with a symbol of your undying love.