For some people, the concept of receiving a pre-owned engagement ring that didn’t belong to someone in their partner’s family is their worst nightmare, but it really shouldn’t be. Superstitions and symbolic interpretations aside, pre-owned engagement rings come with several economic advantages. We pulled together four reasons why going pre-owned for your engagement ring could be the best choice for you and your partner.

1. Spend Less, Save More

Buying pre-owned gets you the best bang for your buck, bar none. When you buy diamond engagement rings brand new in-store, you lose money as soon as you walk out the door with your purchase. The retail price on engagement rings is significantly marked up, especially for branded rings. That Tiffany’s ring cost a prettier penny when the first owner bought it than it does now, surely. However, buying it pre-owned means that even though you’re getting the ring for a steal, you’re still getting the same calibre of quality—after all, Tiffany’s is forever, no matter who owns it or pays for it first.

2. Pre-Owned Rings are a Great Jumping Off Point

If size and quality are of particular import to you but you don’t quite have the budget to get your partner the ring you think they deserve, then buying pre-owned should definitely be an option to consider. You’d save tons by buying a ring pre-owned, so much so that you can put the extra cash into savings for the ring of your spouse’s dreams. Conversely, you could get the perfect engagement ring at an incredibly discount because it was once used by someone else. Either way, the money you save by buying pre-owned is significant enough to make a difference.

3. Pre-Owned is Eco-Friendly

Practicing eco-friendliness is more important now than ever, and another way to do that is by shopping pre-owned for your engagement ring. Buying a used diamond reduces the demand for another diamond to be mined from the earth. Not only would you be saving money, but you would also be reducing your carbon footprint and avoiding the labor conflict that is sometimes related to natural diamonds. The next time you stop to admire your pre-owned engagement ring while filling up your reusable water bottle, you’ll feel great about knowing that you’re helping the planet out in your own small ways.

4. Pre-Owned Rings Often Look New Anyway

Outside of superstition, there is really no discernible difference between new and pre-owned rings. Chances are good that the previous owner cared for the piece enough that the stones won’t have sustained damage, so the ring is probably in just as good quality as the day it was first bought. While the setting itself can suffer the effects of time, it’s no trouble at all to take the ring to a jeweler who can polish up the band and tighten the setting around the stones.

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