By now, you’re probably well underway organising your big day, and have a budget set aside for the perfect pair of wedding bands to commemorate the moment.
For many new lovers, inflation and the cost of living have necessitated careful allocation of wedding funds, paving a rise in popularity for pre-owned wedding rings.
With that said, here’s your guide to types of wedding bands, the average cost of a wedding band and why a pre-owned wedding band might be the right choice for you.
What’s the average cost of a wedding ring?
It’s no secret wedding rings account for a sizeable slice of most wedding budgets. According to recent data, the average spend in the UK is £1,000.
This figure doesn’t include engagement rings or any other jewellery worn on the big day, which quite often exceeds £4,000.
If these figures sound daunting to you, then opting for a pre-owned wedding ring might be the smart way to give your budget some breathing space.
Provided you’ve purchased from an approved pawnbroker, you’ll have assurance you’re buying the real deal, while also saving money to reallocate to other areas of your wedding.
How much should you spend on a wedding ring?
There’s a lot of noise around how much you should spend on a wedding ring, most of which is caused by an age-old marketing campaign claiming it should equate to three months’ salary.
Of course, this type of advice is a nonsense which often puts huge financial pressure on partners to blow their budget early into their wedding preparations.
Instead, you should allocate an amount for a ring that feels comfortable to you. As much as your wedding is a special day, it’s wise to keep your finances in check for other days that follow.
To protect your bank balance from the lure of wedding bands beautifully displayed in shop windows, we advise setting – and strictly sticking to – a budget long before you set foot in a jewellery store or pawnbrokers.
Types of metal for your wedding rings
Now you’ve set a budget, it’s time to consider what type of wedding band suits you and your partner. Where many new couples prefer the shine and simplicity of platinum bands, others might opt for the traditional appeal of gold.
If you’re not sure where to start, our team at GA Jewellers & Pawnbrokers will be happy to point you in the right direction. To get you started, here are some benefits to choosing gold, white gold or platinum.
Gold
– traditional choice available in simple, classic and intricate styles
– durable and resistant to tarnish
– available in different purities and lasts a lifetime if it’s looked after correctly
White gold
– an affordable alternative to platinum while still offering a lustrous appearance
– strong and durable, created by alloying gold with white metals such as silver and palladium
– available in different purities and lasts a lifetime when cared for properly
Platinum
– known for strength and durability
– a rare and valuable metal
– prestigious choice for a wedding ring
– hypoallergenic metal which means it’s less likely to cause skin irritation
Wedding rings available to purchase at GA Pawnbrokers
Our stock is constantly replenished with a range of pre-owned wedding rings. Here are three of the latest items available from our store in Hove.
Other reasons to buy a pre-owned wedding ring
It’s good for the environment
Mining for gems, diamonds and precious metals is a complicated process that causes immediate and long-term damage to Mother Nature.
Every year, over 260 billion tons of earth are extracted in mining sites around the world to unearth over 150 million carats of diamonds used for jewellery.
While purchasing a pair of pre-owned wedding rings might not be all that’s required to prevent global warming, reusing existing jewellery reduces the demand for mining, thereby lowering your carbon footprint.
Vintage jewellery is trending
Brand-new platinum wedding rings are appealing, but so are older alternatives with their own charm, character and distinguished styles – often not available on the modern market.
When you purchase a pre-owned wedding ring, you’re also inheriting a moment in history – a story that might very well pre-date to a time before you were born.
Another love story, perhaps? Who knows.
Get more for your money
Buying pre-owned means you get the same high-quality standard of wedding ring, but without the eye-watering price tag of a newer alternative.
It means you can pocket the difference for a rainy day or reallocate your resources for another wedding expense – of which there are usually many.
Where can you get the best deals for pre-owned wedding rings?
Before you buy a pre-owned wedding ring, ensure you’re dealing with an approved pawnbrokers with certified jewellers qualified to assess the stamps, hallmarks and overall quality of pre-owned jewellery.
At GA Jewellers & Pawnbrokers, our certified jewellers are happy to help you at any of our six established stores located along the south coast from Hastings through to Worthing.
Ask for help
If you’re not sure where to start with finding the right wedding ring, feel free to get in touch. We’ll advise on a range of pre-owned items that suit your style and budget.