The engagement ring marks the beginning of a season of spending that culminates in you and your intended saying "I do." Even if you are in a good place financially, the idea of spending thousands on an engagement ring can make you flinch. Fortunately for you and your budget, there is an alternative to spending a lot of money on a ring. Some people are opting to buy their rings at pawn shops. If you are considering the same, here is what you need to know.

Why Buy From a Pawn Shop?

The most obvious reason to buy an engagement ring at one of these places is that you can save money. However, there is a related factor that you should include in your decision-making. When you purchase a ring at a pawn shop, your options increase. Instead of being limited in how much you can spend on a new ring, you can find a wider selection within the budget that is right for you.

Another benefit of shopping for the ring at a pawn shop is that if your intended prefers antique or classic style rings, you have a better chance of finding the right ring at the pawn shop.

If you do not find the perfect ring at the pawn shop, some shops offer customizing. You can combine a stone from another ring with the setting of another to create the ring you want. The customized option will still be far less expensive than buying a new ring.

What Should You Look For?

Before shopping for the engagement ring, determine what features you are looking for. This information can help the pawn shop sales personnel find the rings that fit within your ideal range.

Once you know what type of ring you are looking for, take some time to research which characteristics you should be looking for to determine the authenticity of the rings you view. For instance, if you learn how to use a loupe ahead of shopping, you will be able to get an idea of the clarity of a diamond before you purchase it.

When you purchase the ring, you can ask the pawn shop to provide you with documentation detailing the composition of the ring. You can have it appraised later by an expert to determine if the ring meets the details cited.

Purchasing an engagement ring from a pawn shop can be a smart move when you are looking to save money. Work with the pawn shop staff to find the ring that is right for you. For more information, contact local professionals like Wilmington Jewelry & Loan.