Why is it that 'wedding' rings are so much more expensive than normal rings?

[Kimbles20]

My fiance and I are currently looking for wedding rings and I budgetted �200 in total for them, thinking that we would easily be able to get a ring for under �100 each.

I have noticed that even though a wedding ring in a shop or online may be extremely similar to another 'normal' ring, it is double the price or more!!

Are jewellers just cashing in on couples getting married.

I am not bothered about my wedding ring being an actual 'wedding' ring, as long as it is one that i like and could live with for the rest of my life.

Does anyone know of anywhere I can find simple yellow gold rings that dont cost the earth??

[jake-the-peg]

Try here

http://www.weddingringsuk.com/products.aspx?ca t=1

You're looking at 9 Carat at that price.

With the recession the price of gold has rocketted, it's always seen as a safe place for your money in difficult times

[Ethel]

Wedding rings are usually heavier and contain more gold.

Have you looked at Argos, Samuels, antique shops (they don't have to be new)?

Is there a jewellery quarter in your area? There is a fantastic one in Birmingham which may be cheaper.

Gold is fetching a very good price at the moment - great if you're selling, not so good if you're buying.

You don't have to have a wedding ring, or just have one for the bride.

[heathfield]

Agree they're a rip-off. I'd follow Ethel's suggestion of an antique shop, or even a pawnbroker's. They're more likely to sell it by the weight, rather than by the description of what it is.

[lee'slady]

Hi,
Have you tried looking on the Littlewoods website? They have wedding rings which start at less than �100. Good Luck with both finding your wedding rings, and your wedding :)

[Kimbles20]

Thanks everyone, your answers have been really helpful.

I didnt realise that the recession had caused the value of gold to increase.

I found some beautiful rings on the H Samual website and on the Wedding Rings UK website which came in within budget so I am feeling better now! I was getting worried as everything seems to be more expensive than I had anticipated, at least I know these will come in under budget!! I have a bit of time to work at all the other stuff.

Thanks very much gor your help and kind wishes

x