Greenbrier Pawn Shop has one of the largest engagement ring and diamond jewelry inventories in Hampton Roads. Whatever you’re looking for give us a call or stop by and see for yourself.
1011 Eden Way North, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Engagement Rings | Wedding Rings Q&A
If you’re getting ready to propose to the love of your life, your mind might be on a lot of things…including shopping for the perfect engagement ring. It’s normal to have a lot of questions when you’re making such an important purchase. These are some of the common questions that people ask us when they are shopping for the perfect ring.
How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring?
You might have heard of the three months’ rule, which says that you’re supposed to spend approximately three months’ worth of your salary on an engagement ring. This might seem like a good rule of thumb, but this rule actually started in the 1930s as a marketing campaign from a diamond company called De Beers. As you can probably imagine, a diamond company had an incentive to encourage buyers to spend a ton of money on an engagement ring. Plus, a lot of things have changed since the 1930s!
Of course, you can spend three months’ salary or more on an engagement ring if you want to. You don’t have to spend this much to buy a nice ring, though! There are plenty of nice diamond engagement rings that are available for a fraction of the cost, especially when you shop at Greenbrier Pawn. Basically, you can spend as much or as little as you want and can afford, and you can still find a great ring with a real, natural diamond. Remember, affordable engagement rings is our calling card.
Why Are Engagement Rings So Expensive?
The primary thing that impacts the cost of an engagement ring is the diamond. Diamonds are rare, and this is especially true when it comes to good-quality diamonds. Diamonds have to be mined, which is expensive. Therefore, diamond rings can be quite costly.
Luckily, it is still possible to buy a nice diamond ring without spending a fortune. Choosing a smaller diamond is one way you can buy a nice ring without spending a lot. Buying from a pawn shop like Greenbrier Pawn can also help you save.
How Big Should the Diamond Be When Buying an Engagement Ring?
This is a common question, but there is really no right answer. Some people are happy with a small stone in a classic setting, while others prefer a bigger, more dazzling diamond. Diamonds come in all different sizes, so finding the perfect ring shouldn’t be too difficult. The average diamond in an engagement ring is approximately 1 carat, but we often sell rings with 1/2 carat diamonds and even smaller stones as well as 3+ carat diamonds.
Is It a Good Idea to Buy an Engagement Ring Online?
Some retailers like Blue Nile and James Allen sell engagement rings online. If you’re like many people, you might do a lot of your shopping online nowadays. The convenience and the fact that many retailers offer free shipping can be quite appealing. This means you might be thinking about buying an engagement ring online. Although some people do this and are happy with the ring they end up with, you should think twice.
It’s a lot harder to tell what a ring looks like when you buy it online instead of shopping for it in person. Plus, your girlfriend won’t have a chance to try the ring on if you buy it online, so the fit might not be right. We recommend shopping in person for the best result when shopping for an engagement ring.
Should I Bring My Girlfriend When Shopping for Her Engagement Ring?
You might dream of presenting your girlfriend with a beautiful solitaire engagement ring when you pop the big question on the big day, and the idea of taking her shopping with you might not be too appealing at first. However, you should think about the fact that your love will wear her ring every day for the rest of her life. Of course, you’ll want the ring to suit her personal style and be something that she really loves. The best way to be sure that she really loves her ring is to bring her with you so she can pick it out. Plus, this gives her the chance to get sized and try her ring on to make sure it’s a perfect fit.
At the very least, if you aren’t going to take her shopping with you, you should ask her about the type of ring she wants. Some women want a solitaire ring, while others want a ring with a big center stone and a few diamonds or other gemstones surrounding it. Some like a more modern look or prefer designer brands, while others prefer a vintage or antique ring. If you ask your girlfriend about her preferences, you’ll at least have a starting point if you’re going to be shopping for the ring yourself.
What’s the Difference Between an Engagement Ring and a Wedding Ring?
The engagement ring typically features a diamond and is the ring that you present to your soon-to-be spouse when you propose. She will typically wear this ring every day until the wedding day. The wedding ring is usually a more simple band, and your soon-to-be wife will probably wear both rings on the same finger, starting on your wedding day. The man usually doesn’t wear an engagement ring but will wear a wedding band starting on the wedding day, too.
Can an Engagement Ring Be Re-Sized?
Yes. It’s ideal to go ahead and purchase an engagement ring in the proper size in the first place. However, if you accidentally purchase a ring in the wrong size, it can be re-sized. Sometimes, re-sizing is needed later if the wearer gains or loses weight. At Greenbrier Pawn, we offer various jewelry repair services, including ring re-sizing.
Should You Buy the Wedding Ring at the Same Time as the Engagement Ring?
You do not have to buy both rings at one time. In fact, many people don’t. However, it’s not a bad idea to buy both rings at one time. You can purchase bridal sets that include both the engagement ring and the wedding ring. This can be a good idea so you can make sure that the rings look nice together, and you can sometimes save a little money by buying a set, too. Even if the engagement ring that you pick out doesn’t come as a part of a set, you can look at different styles of wedding bands when you’re shopping for an engagement ring. If you go ahead and purchase the band at the same time, you don’t have to worry about buying it later.
What is a Promise Ring?
A promise ring is often considered a pre-engagement ring. If you aren’t quite ready to pop the question but want to show your love and commitment to your girlfriend, a promise ring can be a good idea. These rings often aren’t quite as fancy, flashy, or expensive as engagement rings, but you should still pick a nice piece of jewelry that your love will want to wear every day. We have a nice variety of fine jewelry for you to choose from if you’re in the market for a promise ring.
Should You Buy a Gold Engagement Ring?
Most engagement rings are made from gold. Rose gold engagement rings, yellow gold engagement rings, and white gold engagement rings are all very popular. However, you can choose a different engagement ring metal if you want. Some people like sterling silver, for example, since it’s durable and more affordable than gold in most cases. Platinum engagement rings are popular, too.
How Far in Advance Should You Buy an Engagement Ring?
It’s a good idea to start looking for an engagement ring about six weeks before you plan on proposing. Then, if you want to purchase a custom engagement ring, you’ll have time to had it made. Even if you aren’t interested in custom rings, it’s still a good idea to shop in advance. Then, you’ll have time to pick the perfect ring and prepare yourself. If the ring needs to be re-sized, you will have time for that, too.
Can You Have a Custom Engagement Ring Made?
If you have loose diamonds that you want to have put into a ring, or if you are looking for unique engagement rings and haven’t found the style you’re looking for, you do have the option to have a custom ring made.
What Are Some Key Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for an Engagement Ring?
Hopefully, you’ll only find yourself shopping for an engagement ring once, so you’ll want to do things right for this special milestone! These are some of the common mistakes you should avoid:
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Not getting your girlfriend’s input or taking her with you when you’re shopping for a ring. The last thing you want to do is present her with a ring that she doesn’t like!
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Not buying a ring in the right size. Your girlfriend can try her ring on if you take her shopping with you. At the very least, you should ask her what her ring size is.
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Spending more than you can afford on a ring. There is a nice ring available at every price point. We offer rings at a variety of prices at Greenbrier Pawn, so you can find the perfect diamond ring without going in debt or spending more than you can afford. It’s a good idea to set a budget before you ever start shopping.
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Not buying a good-quality ring that will last. You don’t want to go with a cheap engagement ring metal that will tarnish or turn your loved one’s finger green. You’ll want a good-quality stone that will look great for years to come and a high-quality setting that won’t be easily damaged.
Are There Different Stones You Can Choose for an Engagement Ring?
The classic choice for an engagement ring is a diamond, but there are other stones, too. Some choice a moissanite engagement ring as an alternative to a diamond, for example. Lab-grown diamonds, which are also known as lab diamonds, are popular among those who are looking to buy an engagement ring on a budget. You can also choose rings that include colorful gemstones alone or in addition to a diamond. You do have a lot of choices, but we generally suggest a classic diamond ring to our customers.
How Can I Save Money on an Engagement Ring?
You want to give your loved one a beautiful ring, but money might be tight, or you might want to save your money for other things, like the wedding or a down payment for a house. We understand. There are actually a few ways you can save money on an engagement ring.
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Choose a cheaper diamond. There are a few ways to do this. You can choose a smaller diamond with a lower carat weight, or you can pick a diamond that is a bit lower in quality but that still looks beautiful to the naked eye.
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Choose a more affordable metal. Solid gold is actually very soft and pliable and isn’t a great choice for an engagement ring that will be worn daily anyway. Options like 14k gold look great and hold up well, and they’re often more affordable.
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Buy your ring used. Pawn shops like Greenbrier Pawn are some of the best places to go when you’re shopping for an engagement ring. We offer unique engagement rings, alternative ring designs, designer rings, and modern and trendy rings for a fraction of what you would pay at a jewelry store.
Can I Sell an Old Engagement Ring?
If you have an old engagement ring that you want to sell, stop by Greenbrier Pawn. We pay top dollar for fine jewelry, including solitaire engagement rings, buttercut-set diamond rings, and all sorts of other diamond rings. If you have other jewelry that you want to sell, we will be happy to take a look at those pieces, too! For over 25 years Greenbrier has been the place to go when you want to sell your gold and silver jewelry.
Why is Greenbrier Pawn Shop & Jewelry Different?
Lots of pawn shops buy and sell diamonds and jewelry. However, few really specialize in jewelry like we do here at Greenbrier Pawn Shop. In fact, when you walk into our shop, you will probably notice that resembles a high-end jewelry shop more than it does a traditional pawn shop. Even though we offer all of the same services that other pawn shops offer, many of our customers see us as more of a jewelry store. Once you stop in and check out our selection once, you’re sure to find that we’re your new favorite go-to Jewelry Store.
A Glenda Craddock Jewelry Store
For Unique Engagement Rings in Virginia Beach see our sister store Hilltop Pawn Shop & Jewelry on Laskin rd
