Getting hitched isn’t cheap. Having a traditional wedding (inviting every distant family member), paying caterers, booking a honeymoon, and getting the perfect ring all add up.

If you’re ready to make the jump but are conscious of your budget, there are a few ways you can take the sting out of the entire process.

 Consider Your Stone

While countless couples naturally opt for a diamond ring as the showpiece of their engagement, many are also turning to moissanite – a lab-made gemstone first naturally discovered in Arizona in 1893.

Moissanite has a wealth of upsides including being conflict-free, the hardest gemstone aside from the diamond, and boasting one of the most brilliant sparkles in the world. Best of all, moissanite is on average just one-tenth the cost of a diamond!

This makes moissanite a fantastic option for the cash-savvy couple and is why many millennials are beginning to make the switch.

 Our Diamond Database

Moissanite isn’t the only option for the budget-conscious couple, either. At Ben Garelick, we have our very own lab-grown diamond database.

These diamonds are sustainably created by our friends at Diamond Foundry, and are available in a range of colors, carats, and levels of clarity.

With just as much wow-factor as a diamond from a mine, these have the added benefit of being responsibly and sustainably made in Diamond Foundry’s solar-powered lab.

Our database forms part of our commitment to helping you either find or build your dream ring. By choosing your diamond and building your ring around it, it will be a truly unique token of your love.

Budget-Conscious and Eco-Friendly

At Ben Garelick, we’re big believers in helping our environment as much as possible – so much so that we’ve already put together a few tips and tricks on this very subject!

Thankfully, nowadays it’s very possible to be both budget-conscious and environmentally minded. By investing in ethically sourced diamonds such as those grown in a lab, or opting for moissanite as an alternative, you’re taking a huge step towards protecting our environment without breaking the bank.

Ben Garelick’s Financing Options

While we’re on the subject of not breaking the bank, Ben Garelick has a number of options to help you get that dream ring all while staying within your budget. We’re proud to be able to offer different payment methods, including financing options, layaway, and flexible apps such as Klarna.

With these options, it’s now more possible than ever to get a ring you’re in love with and still stay on budget.

We hope this guide has helped allay any fears about the costs attached to tying the knot. While the wedding band and the catering might still cost a little bit, as well as your travel if you’re lucky enough to host a destination wedding, you don’t have to blow your entire budget on the ring – but still end up with something beautiful!

If you’re ready to make the jump but still want some more expert advice, we’ve got your back. Call us today at (716) 631-1584, text us at (716) 574-0966, visit us at our Buffalo, NY location or chat with our budget minded experts online 24/7, and let us find your perfect budget-friendly option.

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.