Affordable Engagement Rings

Buying a diamond engagement ring can be the most important (and stressful) jewelry purchase you can make. While the standard protocol requires fellas to shell out two months' salary, for many folks that's about as realistic as finding true love on "The Bachelorette".

So what do you do when you want to tie the knot without breaking the bank? Some thoughts:

1. Vintage Value

Diamond divas never utter the word 'used'. It's vintage, dahling - and there are many deals to be had in this diamond engagement ring category. Plus you can satisfy the 'eco-friendly' urge since you're buying a rock that's already in the coffers. But be careful to have it appraised before you pull the trigger.

2. Color Your World

This is my favorite emerging engagement ring trend - wearing a gemstone instead of a diamond. Prince Charles gave a stunning sapphire to Diana back in the day and now millions of women are wearing their favorite colored stone instead of the traditional white ice.

I found this stunning sapphire ring on sample sale site, JewelClub - originally $859 now (gulp) only $231.48 with their crazy discount (use the code: INSIDER to become a free 'friends and family' member).

3. Shop Clearance

With a little time and a creative eye, anyone can find a deal so great they'll be telling that story to friends and fam instead of how Jimmy popped the question. While there are a host of credible outlets for discount diamonds, check out JewelClub first. This classic pear-shaped ring is $462.74 down from $2129. Yowza.

4. Palladium: "The Other White Metal"

No longer the forgotten step-child of the precious metal world, palladium is emerging from the shadows as a (MUCH) more affordable option than gold. It looks like platinum or white gold - but it costs much less per ounce. And it's just as durable.

This 1/2carat palladium solitaire on JewelClub is only $572 down from $2649.

So what have we learned? Clearly some engagement rings traditions are meant to be broken - especially in this economy. You really can find a ring you love that doesn't cost the equivalent of a small sedan.

Here's to true love, diamond deals...and more room in the budget for an island honeymoon with fruity cocktails! Happy Friday the 13th, jewelry hounds!