Follow our five top tips to find the perfect engagement ring like Meghan Markle’s without spending £200,000
LOVED-UP Prince Harry is to wed Meghan Markle, and his proposal was bang on trend.
Wedding experts say the pre-Christmas period is the most popular time to get engaged, even beating Valentine’s Day.
With the happy couple showing off Meg’s dazzling sparkler — estimated to be worth £200,000 — we’ve teamed up with Tobias Kormind, boss of online jeweller , to show how to buy a royal ring on a commoner’s budget.
He said: “Set yourself a budget and stick to it.
“Whether it’s £500 or £50,000, there is a perfect ring for everyone. You just need to find it.” Here are Tobias’s top five tips:
- White diamonds are graded D-Z according to colour. D is the whitest and Z is yellow or brown. But you don’t need to buy D grade. Grades G and H offer the best value for money without compromising on the visual quality.
- Get more for your money by opting for a smaller stone under the full carat size. A 0.9ct one will look almost the same as a 1ct but could cost 30 per cent less.
- An engagement ring that tapers towards the diamond will enhance its size and brilliance, making it look pricier than it is.
- Yellow or rose gold bands allow you to pick a lower-quality coloured diamond. You can go for I, J, or K diamonds which are cheaper but still wow.
- There’s no need to go for a flawless diamond. Clarity grades VS2/SI1 offer the visual appearance of a flawless diamond but without the hefty price tag.
DIAMOND DEAL: This replica Roma ring, left, looks just like Meghan’s and is selling for £1,700 at .
SAVE: £198,300
Mini Save
KEEP your savings on track. This Chad Valley 60 Piece Wooden Train Set was £12.99 but now you can get it for £8.49 at Argos.
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Save Big
YOU’LL be pretty in pink in these heels. Snag these KG Kurt Geiger Pink Bounty court shoes that were £149, but are now £89 at .
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DINE in style for less. Instead of paying £90 for this Jamie Oliver Mediterranean 12-Piece Dinner Set, you can now get it for £32.99 at .
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Reader tip
TERESA COTTLE, of Redruth, Cornwall, says: “Big family? Instead of sending individual cards, do one to “all the family”, to save a small fortune.”
- Send us your tips to [email protected] and you’ll get 28 codes worth £5 if your tip is used. Please include your name and town.
Top deal
TAKING up this great deal is child’s play. Hobbycraft is offering 3-for-2 on kids’ gifts while stocks last.
For details, see .
Designer double
STEAM in for this saving. Switch the £40 John Lewis Croft Collection Copper Kettle for the £17.99 Aldi Crofton Copper Stove Top Kettle.
SAVE: £22.01
Jane's tip
PURCHASE an Ikea Christmas tree for £25 and you’ll bag a free £20 voucher to spend in store after the festive period – making your tree just £5.
For details see .
- PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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