Where to look for an affordable engagement ring

Why go past World Wide Web? Crank up computer and browse online, it's easiest, most pain-free way to find a great affordable engagement ring that's not going to break bank.

Of course, who can go past e-Bay for a bargain-priced affordable engagement ring? Another good value online jewelry auction site is Bidz.com. But a word of advice - make sure you do your homework before placing a bid. Get a handle on various grades of diamonds available and type of metal you fancy - be it yellow gold, white gold or platinum.

Check out your local pawnshops too, they usually have terrific bargains on affordable engagement rings. And if it makes you feel a bit, well, icky, owning a pawnshop engagement ring, just remember that antique and vintage engagement rings are all rage - and they have a history too.

Finding a bargain-price affordable engagement ring makes sense. It leaves you plenty of money to spend on other things you may need for your new life together. Like a ride-on mower, perhaps?

Here are my tips to help you get best value possible:

* Ensure you get a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society (AGS) Certificate when you purchase your diamond. A Certificate guarantees that you are getting what you paid for.

* If you are buying at a retail store, ask to see your diamond against a white cloth (or take your own - even a white piece of paper will do trick!). Jewelers typically use a black felt cloth to display their stones because all diamonds look white against black.

* The American Gem Society says that cut of diamond can influence price by as much as 50%. A well-cut diamond, when viewed from above, will sparkle with a brilliance you won't find in any other precious stone.

* Most diamonds have flaws (called inclusions) that developed during its formation millions of years ago. Some are impossible to see with naked eye, others glare at you. The more inclusions, poorer quality of diamond, and less light it will emit. But its all a trade-off - fewer inclusions means a more expensive diamond.

Knowledge is power, and more you understand about how diamonds are graded and how that determines price you'll pay, better you'll be able to judge what is good value.

Above all, remember that you'll be one wearing it, and hopefully for a long time, so final decision is yours. My very first diamond had a hairline crack deep inside it, and I came to love that diamond as much for its tiny flaws as I loved my husband for his!