How Much Do Engagement Rings Cost?

If you like it you should put a ring on it, right? Well, at least according to Beyoncé you should. Unfortunately, not everyone’s bank account looks like Beyoncé’s, so putting a ring on the finger of the person you love might seem like it’s going to cost a lot. But just how much do engagement rings cost? Well, there really is no straight-forward answer. In order to find the perfect engagement ring, you have to examine what qualities are important for you and/or your partner for cut, carat, color, and clarity. All of these factors directly affect the total price of the ring you choose.

The Ultimate Question: How Much Do Engagement Rings Cost?

It’s no secret- tying the knot can be expensive. From location and venue, to food and drinks, to wedding apparel and everything in between, you can rack up thousands of dollars in expenses for a wedding. And that’s all after you’ve made the most important purchase of all– the engagement ring! So how do you budget for the ring when all of the wedding planning hasn’t even started?!

Just as with any other significant purchase, it may be difficult to come up with the total price all at once. There are many options to finance the engagement ring to make it an easier purchase, including low monthly payments or no-interest financing. Here, we’ll take a look at the average cost of an engagement ring, myths regarding how much you should spend, and different ways to find affordable options.

What is the average engagement ring cost?

According to The Knot’s 2017 Jewelry & Engagement Study, the average engagement ring cost was $6,351. In 2011, the average cost was $5,095. That’s more than a 20% increase in just a few years. Clearly, diamonds aren’t getting any cheaper, so this number will just keep growing. When you find yourself asking, “How much do engagement rings cost?”, you’ll find there is no set answer as it’s constantly fluctuating.

However, some companies will try to trick you into believing there is a specific amount you should be spending. Let’s take a look at two of the most common “rules” you’ll come across when shopping for the love of your life’s dream ring.

Engagement Ring Rules

The Salary Rule

We’ve all heard the saying that you should spend two to three month’s salary on an engagement ring. The “salary rule” began with a diamond marketing campaign, intended to get you to spend more money on a diamond ring. But it’s too simplistic to be used in all circumstances. If your annual income is $50K, then you’re making a little more than 4 thousand dollars a month. According to this rule, you should be spending $8,000 to $12,500 on your future spouse’s engagement ring.  Depending on your other expenses, that can appear to be quite a bit of money.

Engagement Ring Calculators

Yes, engagement ring calculators are an actual thing. These online calculators take into account your annual income, your lifestyle, any existing debt you’ve accrued, and quite a few other factors. They may sound like useful tools, but once you actually use one you’ll see how ridiculous they are. At first, you’ll answer questions about your income and expenses. That makes sense. But once you get a little deeper into the calculation, it starts to seem like a joke. Did this site really just ask you to rate your significant others’ appearance in order to determine how much to spend on an engagement ring? Yes, yes it did. Oh, and they also want to know if she’s good in the kitchen. How vain and ludicrous!

We went ahead and tried it out anyway just to see what the result would be. Sticking to our original example, if you’re making $50K a year the calculator we used suggests you spend $1,000 on a diamond engagement ring. Now, we’re not sure how you feel, but if you’re making $50K a year, you should probably spend a little bit more than that on the ring your future spouse will wear for the rest of her life.

Ultimately, you shouldn’t let anyone or anything tell you how much to spend on an engagement ring. It’s your money and your relationship. You know better than anyone else. If you have the money to splurge on a pricier engagement ring, then by all means go right ahead! But if you don’t, there are certainly other ways to find affordable engagement rings.

Tips for Finding Affordable Engagement Rings

• Choose a smaller carat diamond– can you tell the difference between a 0.95 carat diamond and a 1.00 carat diamond? We didn’t think so. To the naked eye, these two carat weights will appear to be identical. But the difference between the price tags can be astonishing! Save yourself some money by giving up a fraction of the carat size.
• Focus more on cut and less on color and clarity– the cut of a diamond is what makes the stone sparkle. A well cut diamond will sparkle and shine like nothing you’ve ever seen before; a poorly cut diamond will appear dull and unappealing. On the other hand, it’s often difficult to distinguish between a Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS₁ or VVS₂) and Slightly Included (SI₁ or SI₂) diamond with the naked eye. Look for a diamond that is “eye clean”- the slight inclusions won’t be visible without magnification. The same goes for color. A near colorless diamond looks very similar to a colorless diamond, but the price difference is considerable. Talk to your jeweler about these little techniques you can use to help you save money when purchasing an engagement ring.
• Opt for diamond alternatives– diamond alternatives, like moissanite and cubic zirconia, are much more affordable than the real deal. They don’t look exactly like the real thing, but they can still look pretty. (But don’t ever fib and tell your fiancé that it’s a real diamond – that lie will always come back to bite you!) Or maybe your significant other desires something more alternative, like a colored gemstone. Sapphire engagement rings are very popular choices right now, and typically don’t cost as much as diamond, although their price varies with quality too.

Our Final Word on Engagement Ring Prices

The next time you find yourself wondering, “How much do engagement rings cost?”, change that question to, “How much can I afford to spend?” Our best advice? Spend the amount that feels right to you. Explore financing options (we have several at Leo’s). Find a happy medium between your partner’s expectations and your financial situation. When you’ve found the right person, they won’t care how much you spent on the ring- it’s all about what the ring means. The sentiment behind an engagement ring is priceless.

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2018 Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is right around the corner! If you’ve slacked on getting your dad the best gift to show your love and appreciation, hurry to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers! Whether you’re shopping for your Dad, Grandpa, brother, or anyone else, you’re sure to find something special for all the important men in your life. Below are our top 5 choices for 2018 Father’s Day gift ideas, but be sure to stop by our San Diego jewelry store to see the wide assortment of other items we have to offer!

2018 Father’s Day Gift Guide

Watches Make a Great Father’s Day Gift

  

Every man deserves a classy watch, especially the man that raised you. After all the love and support he’s given you, it’s only right to show how much you appreciate him with such a grand gesture. And if your dad doesn’t already own a luxury watch, it will make this Father’s Day gift much more special. So, what’s your father’s style like? If he’s more modern, opt for a contemporary watch with a classic appeal, like this Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance. If he’s a little more old school, aim for something vintage and timeless, like this pre-owned Omega Constellation Chronometer.

Dad’s Day Gift Idea: Watch Case or Watch Winder 

    

Think your dad already has enough watches? Then why not get him a Father’s Day gift that will always come in handy? Maybe you’ve never even thought about where your dad stores all of his watches, but we’re betting it’s not the safest place. This Father’s Day, get dad a Wolf watch case so he never has to worry about damaging his watches when they aren’t being worn. Is your dad an automatic watch lover? Rather than getting him a watch case as a Father’s Day gift, get him a Wolf watch winder! He’ll totally appreciate not having to manually wind his watches, trust us.

Personalized Father’s Day Gift: Cufflinks

 

Cufflinks always make an exceptional Father’s Day gift. Whether your dad wears suits often or not, he’ll always think of you whenever he puts them on. And cufflinks are just so classy! Depending on his style and favorite hobbies, we have a wide variety of unique cufflinks. If your dad is a golfer, these Deakin & Francis golf ball cufflinks are perfect!

Cool Dad’s Day Gift: Victorinox Pocketknife

 

If the father figure in your life is a handy man he’ll absolutely love a Victorinox pocketknife. These are one of the most useful tools any man could ever have. Screwdrivers, scissors, corkscrews, various kinds of knives… there are so many different uses in one tiny tool! And it’s the perfect size to carry with him wherever he goes. Sometimes the most practical thing makes the best gift.

 Useful Father’s Day Gift: Surefire Flashlight

 

You might think a flashlight sounds like a lame Father’s Day gift, but these bad boys are incredible! This isn’t just your typical flashlight. Surefire flashlights feature outputs of 15, 300, and 1,000 lumens. Not sure what that means? Let’s just say it’s crazy bright, which will come in handy for all the dads that like to get their hands dirty with some maintenance work.

 

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures out there! Have an amazing day- you deserve it.

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June Birthstones: Which One to Choose

 

Most months typically only have one birthstone associated with it. But those born in the month of June are part of the lucky few who can claim multiple different birthstones. In fact, there are three June birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. Pearl is considered the more traditional June birthstone, while moonstone and alexandrite are modern alternatives. If you’re a June baby or are simply shopping for one, you have an abundance of different choices when it comes to birthstone jewelry.

The Meaning Behind June Birthstones

The fun thing about gemstones is they all hold different meanings and symbolism. And that’s the best part about giving birthstone jewelry as a birthday gift. Not only is it a beautiful gesture, it can also hold a deeper meaning which gives more sentimentality to the gift. Let’s take a closer look into each of the June birthstones to help you decide which would be the perfect gift for your June-born loved one.

Pearl: June’s Traditional Birthstone

Are you stuck under the impression that pearls are “grandma’s jewelry”? Well, we’re here to change your mind. Let’s take a moment to talk about how amazing pearls actually are. First, they are the only gemstone that comes from the ocean. Second, they are the only gemstone that comes from living creatures (sea mollusks). And third, pearls are the only gemstone that do not need to be cut and polished; they are perfect just the way they are.

We can all agree that pearls have a classic, sophisticated appearance. They’ve been worn and adored for centuries by First Ladies, royalty, and other society matrons. But this doesn’t mean they can only be worn by those considered to be “high-class.” Pearls can be worn by anyone, any age, and with any outfit. Another great thing about pearls is the wide variety of shapes and colors they come in. Each color symbolizes something different:

• White pearls symbolize innocence, beauty, purity, and new beginnings
• Black or gold pearls symbolize wealth and prosperity
• Blue pearls symbolize love
• Pink pearls symbolize success, fame, and good fortune
• Brown pearls symbolize practicality, dependability, and harmony

With the variety of colors, shapes, and meanings it’s easy to find the perfect pearl jewelry gift for your June-born loved one. However, pearls do require a bit of extra care compared to other gemstones because they’re so delicate. Pearls should always be the last thing you put on when getting dressed. This is to avoid any makeup, hairspray, perfume, and other cosmetics damaging these precious gems. Furthermore, pearls should always be wiped clean with a damp cloth after wearing to keep their luster and shine. Do not clean pearls with ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

Alexandrite: June’s Modern Birthstone 

Alexandrite is one of the most unique gemstones out there. Remember the mood rings we all used to wear when we were younger? Well, alexandrite is the fine jewelry version of those mood rings. Although it was temperature that changed the color of the mood rings, this gorgeous June birthstone changes color in different sources of light. In daylight, alexandrite displays a greenish-bluish hue. But once brought into incandescent lighting, its color changes to a purplish-red. Alexandrite ranks 8.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it perfect for everyday wear. It is because of its durability and its unique color changing abilities that fine alexandrite can be one of the costliest gemstones in the world.

But it is a gemstone that is well worth the price tag. Not only is it one of the most eye-catching of the June birthstones, it also holds many different meanings. Alexandrite is believed to strengthen intuition, aid creativity, and expand the imagination. It is also said to bring peace and positivity, so it is the perfect gemstone for any happy-go-lucky June baby. Alexandrite should be carefully cleaned with warm, soapy water, or by ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Moonstone: June’s Mystical Birthstone

Last, but most certainly not least, is the moonstone. Ancient Romans believed moonstone was frozen moonlight. Pliny, the Roman historian, wrote that moonstone’s appearance shifted with the phases of the moon. According to Hindu mythology, this gemstone was created by solidified moonbeams. Now, we know moonstone isn’t actually from the moon. But what exactly is it? Moonstone is a type of the mineral feldspar, usually with a bluish tone. However, it can also be found in colors such as pink, yellow, green, and gray. The distinguishing characteristic of the moonstone is its adularescence, which is the light that appears to billow across the stone. This effect is reminiscent of a shimmering full moon peeking through a sky full of milky white clouds.

This June birthstone is the perfect gift for any June baby with a love of all things cosmic and celestial. As its name suggests, moonstone is associated with lunar mystery and magic. In different lighting and at different angles, it truly does look like a little piece of the moon. This shimmering gemstone is believed to have calming and balancing energies. Moonstone is also believed to be a “dream stone,” used to treat insomnia and sleepwalking, encourage sound sleep, and promote vivid dreams. Magical moonstones should always be cleaned with warm, soapy water- never with ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

Find June Birthstone Jewelry at Leo Hamel’s

Are you on the hunt for the perfect June birthstone present? Well, you’re in luck! It’s easy to find stunning birthday gifts at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. From moonstone rings, to pearl necklaces, to alexandrite earrings, you are sure to find something spectacular in our vast collection of beautiful fine jewelry. Love all three of these beautiful gemstones? Talk to one of our Master Jewelers about designing a custom piece containing all three June birthstones!

So, which of the June birthstones is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook or Instagram.

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5 Creative Ways to Wear Brooch Jewelry

 

Most people think brooches are a thing of the past. These fun little baubles might have a retro stigma, but they’ve actually been making quite a comeback over the past few years. However, many people are still left wondering how to wear brooch jewelry. Well, here’s the deal. Brooches are fun because there isn’t one specific way to wear them!

You might be thinking:

“But what if I put it in the wrong place? Won’t it look stupid if it’s not at the right angle or hanging incorrectly?”

If you’re thinking this way, we have one simple answer for you: confidence. There are no rules or guidelines for wearing brooch jewelry; you can be as creative as you want! Your personal style is all about what YOU like. If you think that floral brooch looks cool placed right on your shoulder, then rock it. Who cares what anyone else thinks? By being confident in yourself and your sense of style, no one will dare question your fashion choices. And who knows, maybe you’ll even inspire someone else to wear a brooch!

Accessorizing with Brooch Jewelry

Of course, you can always go for the traditional brooch and blazer combination. Contrary to what some may believe, the classics are never outdated. Blazer pins are a great way to add some glitz and glam to your outfit while still pulling off a sophisticated look. But if you’re looking for more fun and modern ways to wear a brooch, we’ve got you covered. If you’ve never been a fan of brooch jewelry, give it a try! You might be surprised by what a big effect this small accessory can have on your style.

Take a Look at 5 Modern Ways to Wear a Brooch

Wear Brooch Jewelry Around Your Neckline

The traditional brooch placement is usually on the lapel of a coat or blazer. But have you ever thought about moving it over just a few inches? This small change can actually make a very dramatic difference and change the look of your entire outfit. Your neckline is the center of attention, so why not give people even more of a reason to stare. Shirts with plunging necklines or V-necks typically look best, but this technique really works with any style shirt. You also have a bit more room for creativity to decide where you think the brooch looks best. Top left, bottom right, on the collar, smack dab in the middle…the choice is all yours.

Decorate the Pocket of Jeans with Brooch Jewelry

Looking for a simple and unique way to dress up any casual outfit? Pin a brooch to the pocket of your jeans! The juxtaposition of fine jewelry on casual material is seriously eye-catching. Combine a casual white shirt and a pair of jeans with a vibrant brooch to let it be the focal point of your outfit. Look how this Art Nouveau brooch pops! You can’t say your eyes weren’t drawn straight to it.

Pin Brooch Jewelry to the Back of a Dress

Most jewelry is worn in the front so it can be seen. But we’re looking for ways to stray away from traditional style, remember? And this technique does just that. Pinning brooch jewelry to the back of your dress is a creative, yet unexpected, way to add some more glam to your look. You also have a few options to play with. For a dress with a deep plunge, wear a brooch right in the center. For a dress with a collar, wear your hair up and secure a brooch near the nape of your neck, ‘cause both ways scream glamour! People will be mesmerized by your outfit as they watch you walk away.

Convert a Brooch to a Pendant

If you really don’t think brooches are your thing, don’t rule them out just yet. Say a brooch catches your eye, but you’re hesitant because you don’t like the look of pinning it onto your clothing. That doesn’t mean you can’t accessorize with it! Rather than pinning the brooch anywhere on your clothes, simply convert the brooch to a pendant! All you need to do is add a chain to the brooch that you adore most. Make sure the brooch’s pin is clasped shut (so it doesn’t poke you!) and loop the chain through it. Now, you have a dazzling pendant that can still be converted back to a brooch if you ever so desire. Since chokers are becoming so popular again, another idea is to wrap the chain closely around your neck and secure the brooch in a creative way.

Wear Brooch Jewelry in Your Hair

Not only do brooches make wonderful clothing accessories, they also look fantastic in your hair! A brooch as a hair pin?! …who would have thought?! After styling your hair, all you need to do is choose your favorite brooch and carefully attach it to your hair. This works well with a cute bun, a French braid, a sleek ponytail, or even having your hair down. Big brooches tend to work best so they don’t get swallowed up by your hairdo. Feel free to use some bobby pins to help keep the brooch in place, but do not use hairspray as this can have a negative effect on your jewelry. Now remember, this is not how brooches were designed to be worn so it may take a little bit of work, but the finishing look will totally be worth it.

Fashion is cyclical; the best trends always find their way back into our wardrobes. Don’t be afraid to get creative when accessorizing with brooches. Step outside of your comfort zone and try different techniques for brooch placement. Once you’ve figured out your favorite ways to wear a brooch they’re sure to become a staple in your jewelry box.

Where to Buy Brooches in San Diego

If you missed your chance to dig through all of your mom’s or grandmother’s brooch jewelry, you’re still in luck. Here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers we have a wide assortment of beautiful and unique brooches. Our collection of new, vintage, and antique brooches won’t have you wondering how to wear a brooch, you’ll be wondering why you never thought of this before!

The post 5 Creative Ways to Wear Brooch Jewelry appeared first on Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers Blog.

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