Yes, You Can Find an Affordable Engagement Ring Without Skimping on Quality—Here’s How!

It’s not a contradiction; finding an affordable, high-quality engagement ring isn’t nearly as challenging as some might believe. Although it's leaps and bounds easier than finding 'The One,' choosing the perfect engagement ring can be a complex venture in its own right. Buying an engagement ring requires a certain level of knowledge since it involves various elements such as stones, metals, settings, and learning about the 4 Cs of diamonds. This process can feel overwhelming, and without proper knowledge, there's always a risk of making regrettable decisions. Here are some helpful tips on finding a stunning and cost-effective engagement ring without compromising quality.

Shop for Engagement Rings Online to Find Better Deals.

Due to reduced overhead expenses, online jewelry retailers can offer substantially lower prices as compared to traditional brick-and-mortar jewelers. Also, these online stores often feature a broader selection of jewelry styles, stones, and settings than their local counterparts.

Pay Close Attention to the 4 Cs 

When opting for a diamond engagement ring, take the time to learn about the Four Cs of diamonds—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—and prioritize them in your search. Strive to choose a diamond with an excellent cut grade, as it significantly impacts the stone's brilliance, and consider a slightly lower color grade or minimal inclusions that aren't readily visible, as these aspects can contribute to lowering the overall cost while preserving the diamond's beauty.

Consider Choosing a Halo Setting

Halo engagement rings offer a striking, stylish, and budget-friendly option. In a halo setting, the center stone is encircled by smaller diamonds or gemstones, giving the appearance of a larger and more radiant center stone. This design elevates the overall look and can be a more cost-effective choice compared to a solitaire diamond ring. Halo engagement rings are highly sought-after and are the second most popular style, right after solitaire rings. This timeless design originated in the 1920s and has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in popularity over the last decade. Thanks to their enduring charm, it's anticipated that halo engagement rings will continue to be a favored choice for years to come.

Consider Opting for White Gold Over Platinum 

Engagement ring shoppers often seek platinum as the primary choice for their ring’s precious metal. However, given the considerable value of platinum, this can significantly increase the cost of your engagement ring. If you're in search of a precious metal that offers a similar appearance and feel to platinum without the hefty price tag, there are indeed alternative options, and the most suitable one might surprise you: white gold. Engagement rings crafted from white gold are nearly impossible to differentiate from those using platinum, making them an excellent choice that eases the financial burden.

Consider Choosing Lab Diamonds

The demand for lab-grown diamonds in jewelry is continuing to soar rapidly due to their ethical, environmental, and cost-effective advantages. These diamonds are cultivated in a controlled laboratory environment, have a strikingly identical appearance to natural diamonds, and possess the same composition, durability, and optical qualities—in fact, the only discernible difference is their origin. Notably, lab-grown diamonds cost up to 40% less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality and carat size. Furthermore, they receive the same certifications as earth diamonds, ensuring their quality. Another compelling aspect is that lab-grown diamonds are free from the ethical and ecological concerns often associated with natural diamonds. Therefore, when searching for a high-quality engagement ring within a budget, considering a lab-grown diamond is a wise choice for multiple reasons.

Consider Diamond Shapes Other Than Round-Cut Diamonds  

Being the most popular choice isn't always budget-friendly, and this holds particularly true for round-cut diamonds, one of the most sought-after diamond cuts for engagement rings. Their price can significantly exceed that of other diamond cuts for two primary reasons: round-cut diamonds are in high demand, contributing to their elevated costs, and manufacturing round-cut diamonds requires more effort compared to other diamond cuts. If you're exploring ways to be more cost-effective, consider opting for a diamond with a less common or unique cut. Diamond cuts like emerald-cut, cushion-cut, and asscher are excellent examples of exquisitely crafted diamonds that don't carry the same hefty price tag. Considering these and other distinctive cuts can help trim unnecessary expenses from your engagement ring's total cost. 

​Our customer concierge team is here to help you find the ring you love at a price that perfectly fits your budget. Contact us today and let us help you discover the ring that’s ideal for you! Or, try our convenient, state-of-the-art engagement ring customizer tool to select your favorite details and watch your dream ring appear right on your screen!