This post is part of a "Best Places to Propose in..." series.

If you're looking for proposal ideas, take a look at the list recently released by Mashable: the Top 10 Cities for Getting Engaged, according to Facebook. Today we begin a series of posts that profile each city and highlight the best places to get down on one knee and present your love with a beautiful diamond cluster ring. 

Where to Propose in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia, blends big-city culture with relaxed Southern charm. Here are three types of Atlanta proposal ideas for you to consider:

1. An elegant restaurant

During dinner, excuse yourself and secretly slip the diamond cluster ring to your waiter, with a request to bring it out with dessert or champagne. If there's a live band, approach during a break and request that the band play a song that means something to you and your sweetie. Here are a couple of the most romantic restaurants in Atlanta:

Bacchanalia is consistently rated as one of the Top 10 restaurants in Atlanta and has been number one in the Zagat guide since 1996. It's also often mentioned as one of the best places to propose. Relax into the cushy banquettes and enjoy the classy ambience, the friendly waitstaff, and the creative menu (with the chef sending out several small bites called "gifts" throughout the meal).

Set atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza, the Sun Dial Restaurant and Bar rises 73 stories above the city and rotates, offering breathtaking 360-degree views. The top floor revolves completely every half hour, the bottom floor every hour. 

2. A peaceful park

Take a walk hand-in-hand through the 30-acre Atlanta Botanical Garden and admire the beauty of the rare plants and flowers. You'll take your lady's breath away when you present a diamond cluster ring against such a gorgeous natural backdrop. The 10,000 square foot Fuqua Orchid Center is especially romantic. 

Plan a picnic at Centennial Olympic Park and surprise her with strawberries, champagne, and a sweet proposal. Or, if she's the adventurous type, playfully grab her hand and run through the Fountain of Rings. It's the largest interactive foundation in the world and is tiled in the shape of Olympic rings. Once you two are lightly soaked and laughing, get down on one knee in the middle of one of the rings and ask for her hand.

3. A center of culture 

If your bride-to-be loves to see a show, romance her at the theatre or the symphony. Propose at dinner before the show, or during an evening walk afterward, while you're both enraptured by the magic of the stage.

The Fox Theatre is a beloved historical landmark and the perfect place to take in dinner and a show. Dress up for the special occasion, and take in the gorgeous grandeur of the theatre.

The Grammy-award winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs at several venues in town, including the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. With 200 concerts per year to choose from, you're sure to find one that she'll fancy.

Photo credit: j3ku. Before you propose in Atlanta, find a diamond cluster ring that she'll love. 

When you're shopping for a bridal ring set, you need to consider several different factors. You'll need to keep your purchase within your budget. You'll also want to pick trio wedding rings that best suit your tastes. In addition to a wedding band that works for you, the setting of your diamonds is a large part of the style of your rings.

Here are three of the most common settings for trio wedding rings:

1. Prong Setting / Claw setting

Prong settings, or claw settings, are the most popular and most classic style, especially for solitaire rings. Four prongs show more of the diamond's surface area, while six prongs hold the gem more securely. It's typical for this setting to give the impression that the diamond is floating above the band, letting in more light and enhancing its sparkle. One downside to prong settings is that the prongs may occasionally catch on hair or clothing.

2. Cluster Setting

 Cluster settings group smaller diamonds together into a shape. Simple shapes include circles and squares, and more intricate shapes include flowers and leaves. My Trio Rings offers a wide selection of trio wedding rings with cluster settings because they are less expensive than large solitaire diamonds. They also provide an impressive visual impact. 

3. Channel Setting

 Channel settings in a bridal ring set embed stones into the band. In an engagement ring, they accent a solitaire diamond or cluster beautifully. Channel settings come in many different patterns. Some line the top of a band, and others form an artistic pattern around the entire band. One advantage of choosing a channel setting for your trio wedding rings is that the bands clearly complement each other, symbolizing your union as a married couple.

You are ready to propose marriage to your girlfriend, so now is the time to shop for and buy an inexpensive diamond engagement ring. But even affordable wedding rings seem may seem out of your league without a plan. What is the solution? Follow these easy budget tips to get you saving up for that conflict-free diamond ring – fast.

1. Month 1 – Instead of taking your girlfriend out to dinner at the new seafood bistro downtown on Friday night, look up a couple of easy recipes online to create an inexpensive, romantic meal at home. Put aside the money you would have spent on appetizers, entrees, drinks, and dessert in an envelope – that’s $50 toward affordable wedding rings!

2. Month 2 – Your boss asks you to pick up extra hours one Saturday to help him out. Encourage your girlfriend to have a chick-flick marathon with her friends and work those extra hours. Add that $100 to your envelope to save for a conflict-free diamond ring.

3. Month 3 – Ask your girlfriend to join you for dinner and a movie – at home. Pick up a pizza and a movie, and slop the saved movie theater ticket – drink – and popcorn money into your envelope (or savings account). You are $25 closer to purchasing affordable wedding rings.

4. Month 4 – Think about small ways to economize your budget. Downgrade your cell phone plan, wash and iron your own clothes this month instead of taking them to the dry cleaners, put your gym membership on hold for a month and jog around the neighborhood instead. Just a few economical measures could save you $75 or more.

5. Month 5 – You get your tax refund check in the mail - $250 in the bank! Combine that refund check with the $250 you already have saved, and you are ready to purchase not only a conflict-free diamond ring, but an entire trio wedding ring set – with just five months of saving! You will even have a little extra money to spend on taking her out to dinner to celebrate.

What are your tips for saving money?

Photo credit: 401K

If you haven't discovered Pinterest yet, it's time that you do. The site allows you to share the beautiful and interesting things that you find on the web quickly and easily. It's free to register on Pinterest, and it's incredibly useful for discovering creative budget wedding ideas. 

Start by visiting Pinterest.com and start a free account. Select the people whose pinboards you want to follow (both friends and those you don't know personally). Then create pinboards for the topics that interest you, such as "Recipes," "Ideas for the Home," and, of course, "Wedding Inspiration." With the click of your mouse, you can now pin the photos you discover on the web and repin photos that other people have shared on their boards. One word of caution: Pinterest is seriously addictive.

Here are 5 ways that you can use Pinterest to plan the budget wedding of your dreams:

1. Save-the-Dates and Invitations

The easiest way to decide on the style of Save-the-Dates and Invitations is to look at a variety of examples and see what catches your eye. Do you prefer a modern design, or a more classic one? Splashy or understated? Whether you are planning a destination wedding or a homegrown event, you'll find inspiration for wedding planning on a budget.

2. Engagement & Wedding Photography

You may have rolled your eyes when you've seen run-of-the-mill engagement and wedding photography. Make sure to avoid cheesy poses yourself by finding creative shots on Pinterest and showing them to your photographer. Get ideas for props you can use in your engagement photos, such as chalkboards for writing fun messages, and start brainstorming unexpected settings. Give your photographer suggestions for uncommon wedding day poses and shots to capture.

3. Wedding Decor

Pinterest users (or "Pinners") share wedding decor ideas galore. Find pictures of gorgeous place settings for indoor or outdoor weddings, sweet wedding favors, and simple flower arrangements. You're sure to find the perfect accents for your budget wedding, including eco-friendly and DIY options. .

4. Bridal Style

You'll find many different ideas for bridal style on Pinterest. Pictures of wedding dresses range from elegant to simple to funky. You'll find ideas for wedding day shoes, jewelry, and styles for every kind of hair. There are even accessories that you can make yourself if you're wedding planning on a budget.

5. Honeymoon

What kind of honeymoon would you like to follow your budget wedding? One of the biggest benefits of Pinterest is that it displays a plethora of beautiful photos side by side. You can browse through them and decide whether you'd like to save or splurge on your honeymoon, and what kind of experience you'd like to have. Do you want to lounge on a tropical beach? Go camping in the wilderness, or ride the roller coasters at a Disney theme park?

To look for wedding ideas on Pinterest, hover over the "Everything" option on your home screen with your mouse, then choose "Wedding & Events" from the drop-down menu. You can also use the Pinterest search bar to search by keyword for a specific type of item.

Happy pinning!

Photo credit: Pinterest

After you pick out your affordable wedding rings and plan a beautiful budget wedding, it is time to think about planning your budget honeymoon. Just like with planning a wedding on a budget, it is necessary to prioritize your honeymoon dreams in order to maximize your honeymoon dollar. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Shop around

One of the best ways to save money on your budget honeymoon is to shop around. Sometimes discount travel sites such as Expedia.com and Orbitz.com will offer the best deal on airfare, rental cars, and the like. Other times, your best bet is to purchase directly from an airline or hotel. Sometimes more generic deal sites such as Groupon.com will run great travel deals. Once you have a general idea of your budget honeymoon priorities, start searching all around for deals in your price range. In general, the sooner you book travel, the better prices you can get, although there are some last-minute travel sites that could work well for you if you are willing to wait until the last minute to make your plans.

2. Be flexible

If a beach honeymoon is your dream, you can likely save a lot of money if you are flexible about which beach you choose. A stateside beach resort or state park is likely to be less expensive than a beach honeymoon in the Caribbean, for example. You may also be able to save a great deal of money if you can be flexible with your budget honeymoon dates. It is often cheaper to fly mid-week than to purchase airline tickets for weekend flights, in case air travel is part of your honeymoon plans.

3. Travel off the beaten path

Just like with planning a wedding on a budget, it can often be cheaper to choose not to do what everyone else is doing for their honeymoon. If you are willing to consider alternate destinations or are excited about traveling to popular destinations in the off season, then you might be able to get more for your budget honeymoon buck.

What are your honeymoon dreams?

Photo credit: SpecialKRB

Buying a diamond ring can be intimidating, to say the least, especially since it is something that most people don't do very often in their lifetime. If you're uncertain about how to proceed, go no further than this affordable wedding ring set buying guide to get you on the right track.

1. What is a trio wedding ring set?

One of the best deals you can get on conflict-free diamond jewelry is when you purchase rings as a set. A trio wedding ring set represents your most affordable option. This is a set of three rings: an engagement ring, a ladies' wedding band, and a men's wedding band. The three ring set offers an excellent value because it costs less to manufacture, market, and ship the rings as a package set. This savings is passed on to the consumer as well, especially if the affordable wedding ring set is purchased from a reputable online retailer with low overhead costs. Many jewelers such as My Trio Rings also offer a significant savings on two wedding bands bundled as a set or a bridal ring and an engagement ring bundled as a set, even if you don't need an entire trio set.

2. What is a diamond cluster ring?

A diamond cluster ring is a ring which consists of a cluster of smaller diamonds rather than one large diamond solitaire. Each smaller stone is a real, conflict-free diamond, but the rings are more affordable since smaller diamonds are less expensive. The grouping of diamonds together offers a similar visual impact to diamond solitaire rings for a much lower price.

3. What is a conflict-free diamond?

A conflict-free diamond is a real diamond which is certified to be ethically mined and sold. My Trio Rings is a company that offers customers the assurance that the diamonds used in each affordable wedding ring set are guaranteed conflict free. This means that the proceeds from the initial diamond sales were not used to fund armed conflict in troubled areas of the world.

Need more information?

*The 4 C’s
*Proper Diamond Care
*Ring Insurance
*Ring Purchasing Timetable

Photo credit: josemanuelerre

The word is spreading about where to find high-quality, real diamond engagement and wedding rings at affordable prices.

My Trio Rings mostly serves customers in the United States, but it has seen increasing international demand, as well. Trio wedding ring sets have been shipped to Nigeria, the UK, Switzerland, Qatar, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, Canada, Kergistan, Australia, Finland, Kuwait, Dominican Republic, Korea, and more. One couple in the Philippines, Lester and Hydee Ico, share more about their experiences as international wedding jewelry customers.

What were your priorities when choosing a trio wedding ring set?

My priorities in choosing a wedding trio were the quality of the ring, especially the diamonds, and the assurance that the rings would be sent exactly as I ordered. As a customer, I usually check online sites which would give me the perfect type of ring that my wife and I would like at a minimal price. That's when I found My Trio Rings.  I was amazed with the design and also with the prices that they have compared to those stores with good quality rings but with very high prices.

Was it easy to order your trio wedding ring set online from My Trio Rings?

Well, to tell you honestly, there were some problems regarding the order I made. At the time I ordered the set, the online site showed that the set was in stock, but after I made my order, they told me that it was already out of stock. [Because Lester’s diamond cluster ring set of choice sold out minutes before his order went through, My Trio Rings upgraded Lester’s set at no additional charge, from a diamond cluster ring set to a diamond solitaire ring set in the same style but with a larger, more valuable stone in the engagement ring. Lester and his wife Hydee are some of the first customers to experience My Trio Ring’s soon-to-be-released line of affordable diamond solitaire jewelry.]

How did you choose your trio wedding ring set?

I chose these rings based on what my wife wished me to have. It was all about our communication as a couple to select the rings that should be purchased.

What do you like best about your rings?

The thing I like most about the rings is the upgrade that they have done for my wife's engagement ring.

What do your friends and family think about your rings?

Well, as other people will say about a couple wearing a diamond set, it is whoa! Also, they were excited when they saw my wife's engagement ring with one stone in the middle that was made just for us and isn’t even on the online site yet. Thanks to My Trio Rings, and your excellent diamond sets and customer service. 

Photo credit: Lester and Hydee Ico

This Valentine's Day, don't think roses -- think rings! There is still time to buy a diamond cluster engagement ring if you want to propose this year on Valentine's Day. Whether you decide to buy a single engagement ring or a trio wedding ring set that includes an engagement ring, start coming up with your creative proposal ideas now. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

5 Creative Proposal Ideas

1. Buy a dozen roses for your girlfriend. Tie the roses with a ribbon, and slip a diamond cluster engagement ring onto the ribbon as you tie the bow. When she takes the flowers from you, she should brush the ring with her fingers.

2. Turn a casual coffee date into something more by hiding a diamond cluster engagement ring on the saucer under the cup when you carry her coffee from the counter to the table. She will see the ring when she lifts the mug to take a sip. Consider getting the barista involved by requesting a heart-shaped swirl of steamed milk, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce.

3. Give her a book for Valentine's Day. Before you wrap her gift, cut some of the pages out, and tape the ring inside. When she opens the book to flip through politely, she will find the diamond cluster engagement ring hiding inside!

4. Create a treasure hunt with clues that will remind her of special memories that the two of you share. When she reads the final clue, follow her to where you have hidden the engagement ring, and get down on one knee to propose to her.

5. Arrange a night of dinner and dancing. Request a special song from the DJ. When the love song that you requested is played, take her left hand and slip a diamond cluster engagement ring onto her ring finger while the two of you are dancing.

What are your creative proposal ideas?

Photo credit: Corey Ann

You proposed to your fiancee with a family heirloom engagement ring. Now it is time to start thinking about wedding bands. You want to find a great deal, even though you already have an engagement ring and don't need a money-saving trio wedding ring set.

With My Trio Rings, you can still get a really good deal on a diamond cluster ring, even if you don't need rings in a set of three. The trick is going to be finding the right match to your existing ring. If the engagement ring is very plain, then almost any style of wedding band could conceivably look nice. Or if the ring is more ornate, you may wish to opt for a more plain wedding band. Whatever style your diamond cluster ring is, here are a few simple, timeless wedding bands to match almost any style or any budget.

1. Option 1 is a 14K gold ring. It has two straight rows of 1/4 carat diamonds with a thin center band of smooth white or yellow gold. [You will likely want to choose yellow gold to match an antique yellow gold ring and white gold to match an antique white gold, silver, or platinum ring. Most of these rings are available in 14 K yellow gold or 14 K white gold for the same price.] This band will run you $183.99 for a ladies' band, or $458.99 for a set which includes matching wedding bands.

2. Option 2 is a slender 14 K gold band with a straight line of 5/8 carat diamonds nestled right against the smooth edge of the gold band. This beautiful yet simple diamond cluster ring costs $203.99 for the ladies' band or in a matching his-and-hers set for $581.99.

3. Option 3 confirms that you don't need to purchase a trio wedding ring set to find a great deal. This elegant 14 K gold ring features one straight line of 1/5 carat diamonds nestled in a subtly patterned gold band which is plan enough to go with almost anything but which also exudes great elegance. This ring is $275.99 for the ladies' band and $678.99 for a matching diamond cluster ring set.

Photo credit: derbymuseums

Okay, guys. You know that you’re ready to marry her. You’re just itching to pop the question. How soon do you need to pick out an inexpensive diamond cluster engagement ring and plan a surprise proposal? Well, if you don’t feel the need to have a ring in hand, then you can ask her whenever the time feels right. But if you want to wow her with a beautiful, affordable wedding ring set, then here is a tentative schedule to get you started. (Of course, if you are in a hurry, you can do it much faster, but this timeline gives you plenty of time for browsing and planning!)

Six weeks before engagement

Start thinking about creative engagement ideas and preparing yourself for the process.

Four weeks before engagement

Start comparison shopping for the ideal inexpensive diamond cluster engagement ring. Look around online to determine what style and what characteristics are most important to you. Observe your girlfriend’s style of dress, home décor, and jewelry selection for helpful hints.

Two weeks before engagement

Select and order an affordable wedding ring set that fits your budget and your bride-to-be’s style. Consider an affordable wedding ring set with an inexpensive diamond cluster engagement ring in addition to a men’s and ladies wedding band to get your budget off to the right start.

One week before engagement

Receive your affordable wedding ring set in the mail (My Trio Rings offers fast, free shipping. Your rings will ship out within two business days of your order). Make sure that the set meets your standards, insure the rings, and find a safe place to keep them.

A few days before engagement

Finalize your proposal plan and rehearse what you want to say. Make a date with your girlfriend so that you are sure she is available at the appointed time.

The day of the engagement

Set the stage for your proposal. Hide the inexpensive diamond cluster engagement ring in your pocket or wherever it needs to be to pull off your proposal. Take a deep breath and do it!

Photo credit: VancityAllie 

As you are planning for your budget wedding and deciding what your priorities are, consider that your wedding day will be a beautiful day, but it is also likely to be a busy day. Make sure that you are making plans that will help you make budget wedding memories that will last a lifetime.

Make Budget Wedding Memories for a Lifetime

1. Get Married When You Both are Ready

When you are thinking about picking out an affordable wedding ring set and planning a wedding, make sure that you are both ready to get married and commit to each other for a lifetime. Read these tips to help you decide whether you two are ready to take the plunge.

2. Choose Real Diamonds

When you are selecting an affordable wedding ring set, be sure to choose real diamonds. Real diamonds are certainly more expensive than alternatives such as cubic zirconia, but fake diamonds do not have the strength and history of real diamonds, and they are not likely to last a lifetime. If you want to save money on real diamonds, simply consider purchasing diamond cluster rings that are part of an affordable wedding ring set from a reputable online jeweler. This is a wise investment at a great price, and it will last you a lifetime.

3. Hire a Professional Photographer

Many wedding planners and brides who have been there would agree that one of the most important things to NOT skimp on during your budget wedding planning is photography. If you want to share your wedding memories with your children and grandchildren in the years to come, then hire a professional who knows how to best capture your special day on film. In addition to ordering prints, it is also worthwhile to splurge on digital copies of your wedding photos, so that you can be sure to preserve those memories for a lifetime.

4. Preserve Your Dress

If you might want to pass your wedding dress on to a daughter or granddaughter today, don’t just throw it up in the attic. Protect your budget wedding dress investment by taking your dress to the cleaners or to a bridal shop to get it preserved in a special airtight box that will help your dress last much longer.

Photo credit: Instant Vantage

Purchasing a trio wedding ring set is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for most people, and you will want to be sure that you get it right. If you purchase real, conflict-free diamonds from a reputable jeweler, then you are off to the right start. If you consider purchasing your trio wedding ring set from an online jeweler that offers affordable diamond cluster rings, then you are on the road to staying within a reasonable budget.

But one of the most important things to do to complete your trio wedding ring set purchase is to promptly protect your investment through your insurance company. Even if you have a safe place to keep your rings both before and after your engagement and wedding, even if you take proper care of your affordable diamond cluster rings, things happen. Even if you found a great price and made a smart purchase, it is likely to be a purchase that you don't want to repeat. So the best thing to do is consider the purchase incomplete until you have added the rings to your insurance policy.

It is usually quite easy to insure your rings with the company you already use for rental insurance, homeowners insurance, or car insurance, and you will often get a discount for having multiple policies with the same company.

Just call your insurance agent to make an appointment to bring in the trio wedding ring set along with all paperwork from your jeweler. It should be quick, easy, and inexpensive to get the policy started, and you could even do it before you pop the question, if you feel confident that your bride-to-be shares your taste in affordable diamond cluster rings and won't want to take advantage of the 30 day free return policy on trio wedding ring sets.

Photo credit: dansays

Being a modern consumer means not knowing firsthand where exactly all of your purchases come from and in what condition they were produced.

Do you know the farmer who grew your sweet potatoes? Do you know exactly where your gas comes from? Have you been to the country where your running shoes were manufactured? What about the real diamond cluster ring you hope to purchase as an engagement ring?

When it comes to diamonds, your assurance as a consumer comes from the Kimberley Process. Slightly more than a decade old, the Kimberley Process is an international diamond certification scheme that is intended to reassure consumers that the diamonds they are purchasing were mined and sold under fair conditions and that the proceeds from these jewels that symbolize eternal love are not being used to fund things such as armed conflicts. The Kimberley Process is certainly reassuring, but it is not without its problems.

There are difficulties inherent to regulating and monitoring the diamond trade, especially in areas experiencing civil unrest. This is why many different groups are involved in keeping tabs on the diamond trade under the auspices of the Kimberley Process, specifically in regions of the world undergoing political turmoil. In early December 2011, one of the watchdog groups, Global Witness, dropped out of the Kimberley Process, voicing their disagreement about certain diamonds of questionable origins being released into the world market from Zimbabwe. Despite this action, the United Nations supported the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in a December 20, 2011, press release, and they promised global diamond consumers that they will help further strengthen the system.

As a consumer, you are not likely to travel to Africa, where a large percentage of the world's diamonds are mined, and you are not likely to have the ability to personally check up on diamond mines. Instead, you rely on the Kimberley Process to ensure that the diamond cluster ring you have your heart set on is in fact made from conflict-free diamonds. How can you do this?

1. Only purchase wedding jewelry from a jeweler who can guarantee that your ring of choice is in accordance with Kimberley Process regulations, meaning that to the best of their knowledge, it is made from conflict-free diamonds. My Trio Rings is dedicated to providing consumers with diamonds that are certified conflict-free, as regulated by the United Nations and the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. In fact, our organization is one of the 72 companies in the world that has the ability to buy diamonds from De Beers. Since we only use diamonds that were bought from the De Beers mines and were cut in our factories, we are able to guarantee that all the diamonds are Kimberly-certified. 

2. Compose emails, write letters, or make phone calls to your state and national representatives, asking them to support the United Nations promise to strengthen the Kimberley Process. Your input can further ensure that American consumers are able to continue to purchase certified conflict-free diamonds with confidence.

Photo credit: base2wave

After picking out an affordable wedding ring set, and planning a surprise proposal, you will likely be a part of a whirlwind of budget wedding planning. And after the big day, it won’t be long before you need to start thinking about a new kind of purchase – a wedding anniversary gift!

Some couples choose to celebrate their years of wedded bliss with a special meal out or a romantic weekend trip. Others choose special gifts for each other to commemorate their love. Still other couples like to stick to wedding anniversary gift-giving traditions.

In the U.S., there is a list of traditional gifts for each year of marriage. The first wedding anniversary is traditionally marked with a gift of paper, the second is cotton, the third is leather, the fourth is linen or silk, and the fifth is wood. It is not until the 60th anniversary that diamonds are suggested as a wedding anniversary gift.

However, there is also a more modern anniversary gift list. Some think that the modern list more accurately reflects today’s lifestyles, as it includes gifts such as appliances and even eventually automobiles.
 
On this list, the tenth wedding anniversary is considered to be the diamond anniversary. So if you wish to eventually upgrade your affordable wedding ring set, that may be the anniversary to aim for. If you could not initially afford diamond wedding jewelry when you got married, perhaps the tenth anniversary would be a good goal for choosing some. Or if you think you want to celebrate your enduring love with more diamonds, you could consider asking a jeweler to add stones to an existing ring or purchase a coordinating diamond ring to wear on another finger. Other diamond wedding anniversary gifts could include diamond earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet to coordinate with her affordable wedding ring set.
    
Photo credit

Whether your diamond cluster rings are populated with diamonds large or diamonds small, diamonds many or diamonds few, if you take proper care of your wedding jewelry, it can last even beyond your lifetime to become family heirlooms to pass on to your children and grandchildren. And it can grow in value, too!

Ensure the Longevity of Your Diamond Cluster Rings

1. Select Real Conflict-Free Diamonds

The first and most important way to make sure that your diamond cluster rings will last forever is to select rings made with quality materials such as real gold and real diamonds. Real diamonds, unlike fake diamonds or other jewels, have stood the test of time. They have a long history and are known to be incredibly strong and durable and difficult to damage if they are cared for properly.

2. Take Proper Care of Your Conflict-Free Diamonds

Although real diamonds are extremely strong, they will last even longer if you take good care of them. It is a good idea to take off your rings when using harsh chemicals, digging in the dirt, or doing physical activity that could put your rings in harm’s way. Jewelers recommend periodic inspections of your diamond jewelry as well, so remember to take your rings once a year to be inspected and cleaned. Many jewelers offer this as a free service to their customers, making sure that the diamonds are well-secured in their setting.

3. Choose Diamond Cluster Rings with a Timeless Look

Another excellent way to make sure that your diamond cluster rings will last a lifetime is to select a style that will age gracefully. Don’t choose a style that matches your dream wedding dress but might look out of place with your everyday attire. Choose a ring crafted from conflict-free diamonds that you will continue to love and enjoy throughout the years and that you will be proud to bequeath to your grandchildren someday.

Photo credit

You’re ready to spend your life with your girlfriend. You feel excited about proposing marriage. You are starting to hunt for the perfect…three rings?

Perhaps the idea of purchasing three rings at once, especially if you are surprising your girlfriend and making the decision on your own, seems a little too much. If that is the case, don’t worry! It’s okay to wait. You can still save a great deal of money on wedding jewelry without purchasing a trio wedding ring set all at once. Here’s the plan:

1. Select a diamond cluster engagement ring that best fits your girlfriend’s taste.

Think about her style of clothing, jewelry, accessories, and even home decor. Try to remember specific pieces of jewelry you have heard her admire, in case she was trying to drop you a subtle hint. Does she have a more modern style? Is she a traditional woman? Is she a die-hard romantic? Does she prefer things to be plain and simple? Or does she have a more showy style? Plan to spend between $160 and $615 on the diamond cluster engagement ring that your girlfriend will love the most.

2. Purchase the ring.

3. Plan a proposal.

4. Purchase matching wedding bands.

If you purchased a diamond cluster engagement ring from My Trio Rings that your fiancé loves, it is easy to purchase the coordinating wedding bands. Let’s say you chose this 1/2 Carat diamond-studded engagement ring set in 14K white gold for $489.99. If you scroll further down the page, you have the option to look at the wedding bands designed to go with that very ring. For $785.99, you can purchase the men’s and ladies’ wedding bands that are also studded in lustrous, real diamonds, thus giving you a complete trio wedding ring set.

5. Enjoy your savings!

Although it is a little more expensive to purchase the diamond cluster engagement ring separately from the wedding bands rather than purchasing the entire trio wedding ring set all at once, it may be worth your piece of mind if you don’t feel comfortable purchasing all three rings simultaneously without your girlfriend’s input. Either way, you will still be likely to spend less money on all three rings than you would on a single diamond solitaire engagement ring.

Are you ready for marriage but terrified by the idea of diamond shopping? Are you in the dark about the seemingly mysterious language of the 4 C’s? Are you uncertain about how to save money on real diamond wedding rings? Are you unsure of what trio wedding ring sets are? Do you feel undecided about whether to shop in person or online for diamond cluster rings? Look no further than the advice and testimonials of wedding ring shoppers just like you. Here’s what they have to say:

1. Ordering trio wedding ring sets online is straightforward and easy.

“I just have to say that My Trio Rings is fantastic! From the time we ordered our rings and to the day they were delivered, I was really truly impressed. I must admit I had reservations about ordering our set online, but throughout the process I was always updated either through chat or email and or the phone. I cannot express how much we were impressed with the quality and the professionalism with which we were treated.”

-C. Ecker, March 2011

2. Diamond cluster rings are both high-quality and stunningly beautiful.

“I just want you to know that I love your website. I recently purchased a trio ring set. Let me just say I LOVE THE RINGS, I LOVE THE RINGS, OH, CAN I SAY IT AGAIN, LOVE THE RINGS. LOL needless to say I am very pleased with the rings, and your customer service is out of this world. One of your service reps called me on Wednesday to verify my billing address. He stated that I should get them in 2 business days. I received them the very next day. My husband-to-be and I opened up the box, and we both said, “Wow!” at the same time. I just want you to know that we are telling everyone we know about your website and your quality rings that you sell.”

-E. Henson, March 2011

3. Shopping online for trio wedding ring sets equals excellent service and no pressure.

“Dear My Trio Rings, My new rings are BEAUTIFUL! I love them! They are so sparkly!! The customer service was out of this world. Too bad other internet companies don't have the same standards. We are 100% satisfied with our purchase! Thank you "My Trio" for your exceptional customer service, your lightning fast shipping, and your excellent quality of rings! I will cherish my rings for many years to come and I will be sure to let anyone who asks know exactly where they came from. You guys are awesome! Keep up the fantastic work!!”

-L. Fowler, April 2011

Read more testimonials from other wedding jewelry customers or share your own story.

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Tens of thousands of CNN.com readers have been enchanted by this photo, which tells the story of a Virginia man who proposed to his Christmas-loving girlfriend this holiday season with a holiday light-inspired Christmas proposal on the rooftop of their home. Many more Americans have enchanting holiday proposal stories of their own.

If you have already purchased an affordable wedding ring set, then you might want to consider whether this is the right time of year for you to come up with a creative Christmas proposal of your own.

Why Propose at Christmas?

1. The Mood Lighting

At Christmas time, many places around town are lit with romantic candles or twinkling Christmas lights, so just about anywhere can be a romantic location to surprise your girlfriend with the affordable wedding ring set of her dreams.

2. The Togetherness

For many people, the holidays are a time for gathering together with family and friends. If you propose at Christmas, then it will be easy to spread the good news with loved ones already gathered around to celebrate!

Why Wait to Propose?

1. The Surprise Factor

Christmas and Valentine’s Day are two days during the year when women are more likely to have an inkling that a proposal might be on the way. As popular times of year to express love, those two days might not be as good of an opportunity to knock your girlfriend’s socks off with a surprise proposal.

2. The Emotional Turmoil

For some, Christmas can be a difficult time of year with uneasy family relationships or unpleasant memories. If your spouse-to-be starts to seem a little Grinchy around Christmas for these or other reasons, then she may prefer a proposal at a different time. Perhaps you could wait until New Year’s Eve?

Do you have a Christmas proposal story to share?

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When the Christmas season rolls around each year, economists reveal the Christmas Price Index, which is a calculation of the cost to purchase all of the gifts in the popular holiday song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This year, the Christmas Price Index checks in at a whopping $101,119.84 to purchase all of those French hens and maids-a-milking. However, if it is just golden budget wedding rings that you are looking for, you may be able to spend significantly less than this year’s Christmas Price Index.

Christmas is a popular time to propose marriage, whether you hide a set of diamond cluster rings in the toe of a Christmas stocking or have a waiter bring out a glass of diamond-studded champagne at your favorite restaurant. The best way to keep on a budget for both Christmas AND your wedding is to consider purchasing high-quality trio wedding rings sets that are composed of real diamond cluster rings.

If golden budget wedding rings are on your Christmas list (and in sets of three rather than sets of five), then here are a few options for you to consider:

1. Budget Wedding Rings: Floral

If your bride-to-be is a lover of gardens and all things floral, consider a trio wedding ring set that includes a cluster of diamonds on the engagement ring which is arranged in the shape of a stunning flower. This set includes not only the flower-centered engagement ring, but also two other diamond cluster rings: two wedding bands that are set with a more simple pattern of diamonds in a straight line in the 14 k yellow gold that will allow the engagement ring to really stand out. For only $836.99 for all three rings, you are sure to come in way under this year’s Christmas Price Index.

2. Budget Wedding Rings: Modern

For a more modern look, consider this set of budget wedding rings which features a large square-shaped cluster of diamonds in the engagement ring. All three rings in the set feature a pattern of angular lines to complement the visual statement of the engagement ring, and the wedding bands are both set with diagonal stripes of lustrous diamonds. At $1019.99, this set costs about one hundred times less than the Christmas Price Index for this year.