VALENTINE’S Day is one of the most popular days to propose – and it is just around the corner. If you’re feeling the love, you might be looking for a sparkler to seal the engagement. A diamond ring isn’t cheap but there are ways to save . . . MORE IS LESS: A ring with more diamonds can actually be a more affordable option. Fine jeweller Poppy Elder says: “A single large diamond can be very expensive but choosing a design with multiple smaller diamonds gives a similar look for much less.

“For example, a trilogy ring with three diamonds totalling 1ct will be significantly cheaper than a single 1ct diamond.”. COMPROMISE: Diamonds are typically priced by their colour and clarity. But you don’t need to go for the highest and most expensive grades to get a beautiful stone. Poppy says: “Most people aim for D-F, which is the whitest diamond and very valuable. But G-H diamonds, costing significantly less, still appear white to the naked eye.”.

A flawless sparkler is the priciest option, whereas looking at stones with VS2 clarity will give you a clear-looking diamond without unnecessary cost. HAGGLE: Don’t be afraid — you have nothing to lose by trying to knock a little off the price. You are more likely to find that smaller and independent jewellers have more ability to negotiate on price than big-name brands. DIAMOND DUPE: Moissanite is a cheaper alternative. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference.

They are just as sparkling as diamonds but are more prone to scratches as they are less hard. You can pick up moissanite rings for around £200. DO IT TOGETHER: Avoid splashing out large sums on a ring your partner doesn’t like. Poundland has some fab £1 stand-in rings that you can use to pop the question before working out the style together. LIDL is offering a home and beauty set worth almost £60 for just £5. Get yours today at 10am from lidlhomeand beautyset.co.uk.

You’ll need to be quick off the mark as there are only 1,000 available. SAVE: £55. BRIGHTEN up someone’s day with this small bouquet of roses, £3 from Tesco. KEEP your coffee and other drinks warmer – or colder – for longer on the go, with this stainless steel bottle, £6.99, new in at Aldi. LOVE is in the air with this pink thong, £85 from Agent Provocateur. Or get the look for £4 with this one from Primark.

SAVE: £81. MAKE extra space for drying clothes at home with this wall- mounted airer, down from £18 to £12.20 at Dunelm. SERVE up a spicy refreshment with this Belvoir ginger cordial, it’s now down from £4 to £3.25 with a Nectar card at Sainsbury’s. SAVE: 75p. ASDA’S Valentine dine-in deal sees you get a starter, main, two sides, dessert and a drink, for two, for £11.97 – a saving of up to £12.86.