bling on a budget

It’s common knowledge engagement rings are pricey. According to The Knot 2017 Jewelry and Engagement study, the average ring costs $6,351. While that sparkler is an investment, shopping smart can lower the cost. Read on to get the most bang for your buck—without sacrificing your style.

1 Go for gold

There are plenty of pros when it comes to platinum: It’s an extremely durable, natural white metal, so it won’t change color or fade, and it gives off a gorgeous white shine and silky polish. But all those good qualities unfortunately come with a price. “Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold and more difficult to extract from mines, which makes it more expensive,” says Amanda Winters, spokeswoman at Blue Nile. To get the same fashionable look as platinum, consider a ring with