The Best Places To Buy Cheap Wedding Rings
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- July 3, 2022
There is no doubt that the current economic climate is creating a pinch on couples planning their wedding day. Suppliers are increasing their prices wherever they can, and budgets are being stretched further. For those brides and grooms that are limited on spending power, here is our guide to the best places to buy cheap wedding rings in the UK to ensure you get top value on your purchase and get some affordable quality on that ring finger.
The benefits of research and shopping online include:
- It’s easy to search styles and sort designs to narrow down your choice of ring style
- It’s easier to price compare
- You can browse together without sales pressure
- Any purchase made on a credit card is covered by the Credit Card Consumer Act
- Long Distance Selling Regulations cover purchases you’ve not seen before buying
- It saves on a trip to the shopping centre for those that don’t drive or have a car or live out of town
- You can use discount codes to save a noticeable difference on orders
- Regular sales and exclusive web special offers
We do urge you to check out all exchange and returns policies prior to buying online. We would always suggest you ensure the company is established and has solid customer reviews.
Some websites are for long-standing companies that are not on the high-street, so can have economical pricing based on lower overheads.Â
Wedding band ring in a box
Where to buy wedding rings
These are the wedding jewellery retailers we know sell the highest quality products at competitive prices. How much you spend on a cheap wedding ring is optional, but don’t feel pressured by society to spend more than you can afford, it’s a symbol of your love not your bank balance. A diamond ring is not always required when getting married.
Also, you don’t need to buy from the same jeweller than you bought your engagement ring from, all expert jewellers will be able to provide a diamond set or plain wishbone or shaped wedding ring to fit perfectly, match and compliment. Although you might find bridal set deals are more reasonably priced.
F Hinds
Price: £29.95 – £2,765
F Hinds was established in 1856 and they’re a family-owned business that creates the highest quality wedding jewellery. When it comes to luxury items, they are the leader of the pack in the UK as they have two centuries of experience in creating affordable high-end jewellery.
Their selection of wedding rings is second to none and it has been carefully put together over the years by their specialist team with each piece chosen for its value and beauty. You and your partner will be able to choose a wedding rings that suits both your style and personality. They also provide you with a selection of sizing and width options so that your loved one will have the perfect fit, at the best prices.
F Hinds have 115 stores in the UK so it would be easy to find the perfect and affordable wedding band in a shop near you. Online you can search for a large range of matching bridal sets for engagement and wedding rings. Their selection of wedding rings is huge and they pride themselves on having such a unique collection to view.Â
So when engagement ring buying, or shopping for an eternity ring, F Hinds have premium low-price options for everyone.
Goldsmiths
Price: £70 – £2,500
Goldsmiths was formed in 1778 and this is a business that prides itself on 230 years of experience and tradition. Newcastle housed its first showroom and they have achieved some important milestones including creating the Rugby League Trophy and becoming the first appointed stockists of Rolex watches in the UK.
Goldsmiths has a collection of affordable wedding bands fit for any special day and its extensive range of metal products include gold, silver, palladium, platinum and more. They also provide a bridal set of wedding bands for women including diamond-encrusted rings for extra shine. The affordable wedding ring set is the perfect choice to complement a sleek and classy look. They’re perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their wedding band and upgrade their style.
If you’re still searching for that perfect ring for yourself or someone else, you should consider their custom-made wedding ring service. They can change the design that would be perfect for you.
Ernest Jones
Price: £59 – £3,499
Ernies began in 1949 as a small retail jewellery business in London’s Oxford Street. Over time, they expanded across England to become a well respected national chain. In over 70 decades, Ernie’s had grown to become one of the nation’s largest jewellery retailers and they’re now in over 180 locations nationwide.
Ernest Jones has been a diamond specialist since 1971. They offer a large selection of diamond jewellery to suit your tastes ideal for a wedding set, including diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, eternity rings, earrings and more. They have a very exclusive line of jewellery called the Leo Diamond. This special gemstone is cut into a very special diamond that gives off a great deal of sparkle.
The Ernest Jones jewellery store has a wide selection of stunning wedding rings to choose from and, if you’re not sure which style to wear, there are many stunning designs that will complement your existing jewellery collection. Their budget wedding ring selection has a lot of different weights, designs, widths, sizes and shapes which would be perfect for you and your partner to wear for the rest of your life.
H Samuel
Price: £59 – £3,499
H.Samuel is a jewellery shop started over 150 years ago by Harriet Samuel and remained a family business until becoming part of the same Signet Jewellers LTD as Ernest Jones. This does mean very similar pricing and products, but with 300 stores nationwide in the UK is a great high street showroom to visit.
What both chains have in common is a multichannel shopping service and smart, easy to use websites with the consumer in mind. Factor in their huge range and regular sales events, they are a great place to buy cheap wedding rings.
Mappin and Webb
Price: £280 – £2,550
Mappin and Webb have over 240 years of service in the jewellery industry. They are held in high regard for creating the finest jewellery, silverware and lifestyle accessories in the UK. They base their success on providing the highest quality products for the affluent British society, but are still very reasonable in price. They are well known for their attention to detail and their focus on creating unique and popular jewellery.
They have a wide selection of wedding rings to suit any taste. If you have a luxurious and unique taste then you can pick from the collections of pave wedding rings that have been created to position beautifully next to the engagement ring. You can also choose complementary men’s wedding bands which would help set the tone for your wedding and establish an unforgettable impression of your taste and style.
Beaverbrooks
Price: £145 – £4,950
Beaverbrooks is a family-owned and award-winning jeweller store that was established in 1919 in Belfast Northern Ireland. They have been proud to be a part of many customers’ most important moments from weddings and engagements to birthdays and christenings. They love that they can make a positive difference in people’s lives.
You can find an amazing collection of cheap wedding bands, and you won’t have to spend countless hours searching for your dream ring in their store. From platinum rings to gold, they sell precious metals that are hard to find which makes them more special to the customer. They also have rings to fit every budget ranging from luxury to affordable wedding rings for men and women.
Fraser Hart
Price: £115 – £12,999
Established in 1985, Fraser Hart is a jeweller company that is located in Glasgow in the UK. It has remained a family-run business since it was formed.
They are popular for collecting the most timeless and romantic pieces for you to search through and purchase for your special day. You’ll definitely find the inspiration you need for a design, whether you’re planning for an autumn wedding or maybe even on getting engaged.
Fraser Hart has been searching, designing and manufacturing wedding bands for over 80 years and so they are experts in the journey from your first promise ring to your special wedding band. They are here to help you find your desired ring at every step of the selection process are a great company to browse and shop wedding rings with.
You can ask questions and talk about details to their bridal engagement experts online or in-store for assistance as they know that your wedding day is the most important day in your life.
T.H. Baker
Price: £34.95 – £895
T.H. Baker is one of the oldest jewellery stores in England. It was founded in 1888. They’re an independent, family-owned business with a reputation for providing great value and excellent customer service. As well as its own high-end shop in London, the company has a big selection of popular stores across the UK.
T.H. Baker understands that for hundreds of years, wedding rings have always been a symbol of devotion and love in a relationship. On their site, they have listed together the best wedding bands for you to choose from.
The company sell high-quality rings to suit any budget. They have multiple designs of affordable wedding bands which are all made from precious metals. T.H. Baker offers free delivery and 0% finance if you’re looking to buy their products today.
Reve Diamonds
Price: £800+
Don’t be put off by the price mentioned above, if you are looking for an affordable diamond wedding ring crafted to a high standard then you should visit Reve Diamonds. The jewellers in Mayfair, London, offer a diamond price guarantee and get the precious jewels directly to create the wedding bands in their workshop. The low overheads mean they are a very good budget option while still getting the quality workmanship desired.
Chisholm Hunter
Price: £29+
Chisholm Hunter were founded in 1857 on Chisholm Street in Glasgow, selling fine jewellery and precious gems sourced from all over the world. in 1993 gemmologist Harry Brown purchased the company and turned the company into a specialist diamond merchant. The company expanded into with 27 stores around England and Scotland and are known for the expert knowledge of their staff, making it a great option for a bride and groom to explore wedding rings in Scotland.
Purely Diamonds
Price: £223 – £3,148
Purely Diamonds are a British run family business that was formed in 1979. In London’s Hatton Garden area, they specialize in designing and manufacturing the finest diamond jewellery in the UK. They sell their products straight to the public by cutting out the middleman (retailers) which allows them to sell at reduced prices for any newlyweds.
They have an extensive collection of wedding rings for his and hers, ranging from antique-style designs to modern fashion. You can’t go wrong with these products. They have so many choices that you’ll be able to find the exact look that you want. In addition, they sell a big collection of diamond engagement rings.
If you’re looking for affordable engagement rings, you’ll get to choose between a variety of styles for men and ladies. There are many types of wedding rings to choose from.
A man can select a classic solid gold/silver ring or he can go for the latest style in rings that have gemstones or diamonds.
For women, you can choose a range of different types of gold and diamond wedding bands that are sure to make your loved ones smile. You’ll also get to search through a wide range of wedding rings of all shapes, sizes, and designs in their mens and womens collections.
Wedding Rings Direct
Price: £55+
Wedding Rings Direct is a family run business that was formed in 2000 by the director Anthony Edwards and are jewellery experts. The business is located in Brighton and Anthony’s goal for the company is to provide plain wedding rings at up to 60% lower costs than the high street prices.
He established his jewellery career by working in the jeweller department of an insurance company. His passion for jewellery began from there and he soon opened up a store in Brighton Laines but he soon realised that the overhead costs and stock issues, unfortunately, raised the price of his products. To solve this, he closed the store and moved his catalogue of rings online for them to be sold at more competitive prices. He realised that he and his son Alex could sell bands at much cheaper rates but with the same quality as other products he used to sell in the shop.
WRD is an online-only company that makes all wedding rings to order. This is a good place to find engagement and eternity rings for the person you love. They have the biggest selection of high-quality, largest range of affordable rings anywhere in the UK. Their simple website allows you to browse, search and purchase your perfect wedding ring. They have a wide selection of different metals that you can choose and you can pick the exact gemstone and diamond specifications, ring size, style and engraving.
They also provide a brilliant sample service where they send you silver rings for you to try at a low cost so that you try before you buy. This is perfect for people who are busy and don’t have time to visit the high street shops, and means you can get started long before your big day.
You can take advantage of Anthony’s many years of experience and book an appointment in their Brighton showroom so that you can look at their large sample size. They also offer a bespoke jeweller service for people who are looking to personalise their design. Plus, they have a big LGBTQ+ selection of commitment bands so is the best place to buy wedding rings in the UK.
Weddings Rings Direct have shown that you have affordable rings but still of very high quality. The company is formed to acquire low overheads and so the savings are passed on to the customers with a selling price a fraction of the big names. There are many great quality rings at discounted prices and the customers have shared their happy reviews of the products that they bought. They are also one of the best place to buy affordable engagement rings for the same reasons.
Argos
Price: £12.49 – £599.99
Argos supplies all the cheap rings you need for all occasions and is your super budget friendly option. You’ll find all kinds of jewellery sets and pieces at bargain-basement prices, all in your local high-street. You can save serious money by shopping here where any of the products for a ridiculously low retail price of more than eighty per cent off, although I’d urge you to check the quality prior to any purchase on rings for men and women.
Their top objective is to sell their merchandise at the most affordable prices without affecting the quality and design. They cut out the intermediaries and wholesalers and they work with the world’s best production companies to get the best prices.
They have a modest selection of rings for you and your partner at an affordable price, just don’t expect Champagne on a Prosecco price tag. But remember, it’s about your love, vows and nuptials, not the cost. Ask yourself want you want from a bridal ring as it might surprise you.
When you buy wedding rings, ensure your purchase has a hallmark stamp
How to know a low-cost wedding ring is legit
This is important to know before you start shopping. Firstly, it’s worth pointing out that being low-priced does not necessarily mean sacrificing quality. The marriage ring is the ultimate symbol of your commitment and everlasting love, to be worn for a lifetime but don’t feel like scrimping is a bad thing if you still get quality. Plus, no-one will actually know how much you spent anyway, they will just be happy to celebrate your marriage.
A general understanding of metal prices, finish, width, depth and weight of the wedding band will help you compare prices effectively. And the same applies to engagement rings, where the price can be far more affordable once you understand how diamond clarity can sky-rocket the cost.
Men’s wedding rings are usually cheaper, as commonly an un-gemmed plain court wedding ring, which are more popular than D Shape bands. Women’s rings tend be set with small jewels, which increases the price. A diamond engagement ring needs to be complimented.
Most reputable stores and websites will detail weight as heavy or light, and it’s an important factor when you buy cheap wedding rings. Weight is more important than you think, as when price comparing it should be an exact match and like for like.
Heavyweight means exactly that, and look for use of words like plated. Some cheaper rings may also be hollow and use less precious metal, which is fine if the savings are passed on in the final price. The width of the wedding ring should have an impact too as use less also, popular sizes include 3mm, 4mm, 6mm.
Being aware of fluctuating metal prices will also help you get a great deal, which I’ve detailed at the bottom of this article.Â
On delivery, ensure the ring has a hallmark. The hallmarking stamp certifies purity of the metal used and shows authenticity.
Finally, don’t be afraid to browse the sales sections for popular styles like 9ct gold. Often these are full of bargains as they are excess stock or a style not in demand. In some cases it may have been made to order but not purchased, and you could easily find the perfect inexpensive ring if you are lucky. Just make sure it’s not personalised in any way.
Tips on how to save money when buying wedding rings
- Shop around and look in the sale section or outlet, sign up to newsletters for news of lightening sales and look for discount codes.
- Barter for cheap wedding ring sets when you buy his and hers. It’s not just smaller independents who will agree to get the sale.
- Check quality – the cheapest wedding rings will be for a reason so make sure it’s a good one like stock items clearance. These are still great quality so can be a real bargain.
- Check metal prices for dramatic drops which means retail prices will follow.
How metal prices impact cheap wedding rings costs
Precious metal value changes every 4 seconds with the stock markets, but ultimately suppliers will only change their price twice daily. This means wedding ring manufacturers will pay different costs each day, but consumers rarely see price changes with retailers as these fluctuations are factored into margins. So the only real way this impacts consumers is if a metal steadily increases or decreases, which can often happen with a recession. And this can be key on where to buy cheap wedding rings.
Below is the prices for Platinum vs Palladium over the last 5 years with the 2019 recession highlighted. Both dropped significantly, and any purchase during the crash would have made for a very cheap platinum ring purchase. Today, Palladium is now worth twice as much as Platinum today, which is reflected in the retail costs. So affordable platinum wedding rings is the way to go right now if you are getting married this summer
Precious metal prices are main reason for cheap wedding ring prices
And this is the case for most metals including stainless steel, white, yellow and rose gold rings too. So if the metal price is rapidly dropping, there is high chance the retail prices will start to follow suit. It’s worth constantly price-checking for cheap wedding rings UK websites have on offer.
For reference, there is typically a price difference between white and yellow gold. White gold is usually more expensive because it requires rhodium plating and additional alloys, such as silver or palladium, to achieve the colour.Â
What is best metal for a cheap wedding ring?
Tungsten carbide is a great budget friendly option as it’s exceptionally strong metal, hypo-allergenic, scratch-resistant and doesn’t tarnish. It can be coloured to suit, but it’s affordability is key. Other cheap metals include steel, titanium, zirconium, and silver as affordable alternatives.
Why are wedding rings cheaper online?
Online only jewellers can be 60% cheaper than the high street as they can cut costs on rent of prime shop locations. Lower overheads means they are able to reduce the retail price and still make the same profit margins. Often they can be run out of London’s Hatton Gardens or the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter. It’s still worth checking the big chain stores though, as they have national sale items listed.
