Just because you don't have a lot of money doesn't mean you can't find an affordable engagement ring that looks like it cost a fortune.

Tips on getting more diamond for your dollar when choosing an affordable engagement ring

First, the diamond shape you choose can help make your ring look like it's worth a lot more than you really paid. A marquise-shaped diamond, for example, looks larger than a round diamond. Pear-shaped and oval-shaped diamonds are also good choices for diamond engagement rings because they look larger than their round counterpart.

The setting you choose can also make your engagement ring look very glitzy and expensive. In particular, an Illusion setting. The diamond is mounted on a metal plate similar to a mirror, which makes the diamond appear bigger and more brilliant.

The quality of the diamond you choose is also important if you want an affordable engagement ring. Your personal preference will prevail, but it's possible to sacrifice quality for size. Colored diamonds are a popular choice, so one possibility is to opt for a lower grade color to get more diamond for your dollar.

Where to look for an affordable engagement ring

Why go past the World Wide Web? Crank up the computer and browse online, it's the easiest, most pain-free way to find a great affordable engagement ring that's not going to break the bank.

Of course, who can go past e-Bay for a bargain-priced affordable engagement ring? Another good value online jewelry auction site is Bidz.com. But a word of advice - make sure you do your homework before placing a bid. Get a handle on the various grades of diamonds available and the type of metal you fancy - be it yellow gold, white gold or platinum.

Check out your local pawnshops too, they usually have terrific bargains on affordable engagement rings. And if it makes you feel a bit, well, icky, owning a pawnshop engagement ring, just remember that antique and vintage engagement rings are all the rage - and they have a history too.

Finding a bargain-price affordable engagement ring makes sense. It leaves you plenty of money to spend on other things you may need for your new life together. Like a ride-on mower, perhaps?