Is It Bad Luck to Buy a Used Engagement Ring? Find Out Here

With the price of goods and services outpacing salaries faster than ever before, couples are getting creative when it comes to cutting costs. But where do you draw the line? If you're considering proposing, you may have found yourself wondering, is it bad luck to buy a used engagement ring?

According to The Knot's 2023 Real Weddings Study, the average engagement ring cost is a whopping $5,500. And while it's no longer necessary to shell out three months' salary on a ring, many of those baubles you'll see lined up in jewelry stores practically require it! Some ways to stay on a budget include opting for a lab-created diamond, choosing look-alike moissanite or other colorful gemstones (or even your loved one's birthstone!) and of course, purchasing a pre-owned engagement ring.

In this article, we'll discuss whether there are any engagement ring superstitions to be aware of, and walk you through what to consider before opting for a used engagement ring for your special someone.

In this article:

• Is it Bad Luck to Buy a Used Engagement Ring?
• Where Does This Superstition Come From?
• Is It Okay to Buy a Used Engagement Ring?
• Used vs. Heirloom Engagement Ring
• How to Shop for Used Engagement Rings

Is it Bad Luck to Buy a Used Engagement Ring?

In short, no, says Jonathan Goldberg with Kimberfire. While many people do believe in luck, karma and similar things, that doesn't necessarily mean there's actually something inherently wrong or bad about purchasing a pre-owned engagement ring for your love. Goldberg adds, "The concept of 'bad luck' is subjective and often depends on personal or cultural perspectives." If your partner feels sketchy about owning and wearing a used engagement ring, that's reason enough to go a different route. But that doesn't mean there's any sort of actual bad luck associated with it.

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Where Does This Superstition Come From?

"The belief that a used engagement ring will bring bad luck likely stems from cultural and personal associations with engagement rings as deeply symbolic items. People might worry that a ring's history—especially if tied to a broken engagement or divorce—could carry emotional or superstitious weight," he says. While that engagement ring superstition is certainly understandable, it's a falsehood that's completely subjective.

In other words, when deciding whether or not to buy a used engagement ring for your partner, the first thing to do is consider how it might make them feel. If they're into things like superstitions, numerology and astrology, they might feel pretty sensitive about owning someone else's engagement ring because of the history it might hold. Other people might not give this a second thought and instead appreciate the sustainability of their ring. So the best thing to do if you're on the fence is to get a sense of your partner's feelings on the topic.

Is It Okay to Buy a Used Engagement Ring?

As long as you've discussed it with your soon-to-be fiancé and gotten their stamp of approval, it's perfectly okay to buy a used engagement ring. After all, doing so is an ingenious way to save tons of money on a sparkly bauble that could be their dream ring. "Pre-owned rings can offer excellent value, often costing 20 to 40% less than new ones," Goldberg says.

Another huge benefit? Reusing jewelry reduces the demand for newly mined materials, Goldberg says, which means a second-hand engagement ring might appeal to those who prioritize sustainability.

Finally, a pre-owned engagement ring could be just the thing if your loved one is a fan of vintage finds. Engagement rings through the years have seen lots of different trends, and an antique engagement ring lends a classic, elegant vibe that might be exactly what they've been dreaming of.

Used vs. Heirloom Engagement Ring

It's important to understand that there's a big difference between a pre-owned and an heirloom engagement ring. "A used ring might carry personal or symbolic baggage," Goldberg says. "But reusing a family heirloom stone is often viewed as deeply sentimental and meaningful. Jewelers frequently help clients reset heirloom diamonds into custom-designed settings, allowing them to honor family history while creating a ring that reflects their unique style and relationship."

How to Shop for Used Engagement Rings

Like any pre-owned item, regardless of size or cost, there's a wide variety of ring quality you'll come across when you buy a used engagement ring. As such, Goldberg says, "It's essential to purchase from a reputable source to ensure authenticity and quality." We've included a few tips to ensure your purchase of a used engagement ring is one you can feel confident about.

Know Where the Ring is Coming From

Buyers should exercise caution when purchasing from non-specialized sellers (such as from eBay or a pawn shop), Goldberg says, as these rings might lack proper certifications or quality assurances. Purchasing from a reputable jewelry store or dealer might be the better option. "These retailers often acquire used rings through trade-ins, estate sales or individuals selling jewelry they no longer need," Goldberg says.

Have the Ring Inspected

Having a used engagement ring thoroughly inspected is crucial. First and foremost, an inspector will ensure the diamond itself is a quality (authentic!) stone, and give you an idea of the cut, color and clarity of the diamond. In addition, the inspector can check to be sure the setting is in good shape and that the diamond is properly attached to the setting.

Ask About Certification

If you purchase a pre-owned engagement ring from a reputable seller, your ring might be certified by one of the large diamond certification companies, like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). "Used rings should be thoroughly inspected, refurbished and certified to meet quality standards before being resold," Goldberg says.