How to Find Affordable Engagement Rings

Looking for engagement rings is exciting. It can remind you of the beautiful life you have with your partner. Ignore what everyone says about price and look for something affordable. The amount you spend on it doesn’t represent how much you love them. You can find affordable engagement rings if you follow these steps. 

Stick to Your Budget

Your partner will wear their engagement ring daily for years to come, so it’s a solid investment. Still, the initial price can be a bit much. Retailers seem to add a month to the three-month rule every year. There’s pressure to spend a lot of money on one.

An engagement ring cost $3,756 on average in 2020. Only some have that kind of money to spend on jewelry. Take your time looking for one. Don’t listen to what others say you should pay. Once you decide on your budget, stick to it as closely as possible. 

You’ll run into a lot of salespeople that try to talk up more expensive options. Prepare by making notes on what you’re looking for and what you’re willing to spend. Be polite but firm and redirect them to what you have written down. 

Set Your Expectations

You should set your expectations before you start deciding on an engagement ring. Will you stick with diamonds, or are you choosing something else? How many stones will it have? Think about what you’re looking for and how it factors into your budget. 

If you want gems in your ring, pay attention to their durability. The Mohs Hardness Scale will tell you the durability of each. Some are much more durable than others. For example, Fluorite is about as tough as a fingernail, while Quartz is as tough as a steel nail. Since your partner will wear it daily, expect your stone choice to affect its longevity.

Look for Diamond Dupes

Diamonds are classic engagement ring stones but come with a hefty price tag. Many people consider diamonds to be worth the price because they’re rare. However, the truth is that they’re one of the most common gems on Earth. 

You can get a diamond if you’d like, but you might be limited to a small stone. There are great alternatives if you want an affordable engagement ring but have your heart set on a diamond. You can either wear an artificial diamond or find something similar.

There are a few stones you can wear that look like diamonds but are easier on your budget:

• Cubic Zirconia: Cubic Zirconia is a common and super inexpensive alternative. It’s almost as durable as a diamond and looks remarkably similar.

• Artificial diamonds: People can grow synthetic diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually the same as mined diamonds. The only difference is their value and price.

• Moissanite: Actual Moissanite is rare because it’s usually only present in meteors. However, It’s much more affordable than real and artificial diamonds when it’s lab-grown. 

• Topaz: A topaz is typically blue or yellow, but it can be colorless. It’s a common stone, so it’s very affordable. Plus, people will likely assume it’s a diamond.

There are slight differences between diamonds and these alternatives. For example, Cubic Zirconia isn’t as tough, so it’ll be easier to scratch. You should still consider wearing these gems for an affordable diamond alternative.

They’re all more affordable than the real thing, and each comes with benefits. Moissanite might be your best choice since it’s just as durable as diamond and highly affordable. Each can also be lab-grown, so they’re ethical and environmentally friendly.

Try Alternative Stones

If you want a stone for your engagement ring but need to stay within budget, try setting it with a gemstone. Most of them are more affordable than diamonds. The added benefit is that it will look gorgeous because of the color. 

Gemstones come in many different colors and patterns. The International Gem Society has over 300 gemstone types in its encyclopedia. Keep in mind that each will differ in price because of rarity. While only some are affordable, you still have plenty of options.

Finding their exact cost is challenging unless you’re looking at specific gems. There’s no set price because their clarity, cut, color and carat weight affect them individually. More affordable ones will have less color and more simple cuts.

There are a few well-known affordable options for gemstone engagement rings:

• Amythest: Amythests are usually deep purple with warm or cool tints. They’re common and have a relatively high hardness on the Mohs scale.

• Morganite: This gemstone comes in a range of pink colors. It’s increasing in price with popularity, but it’s still relatively affordable. It also represents love, so it’s an excellent choice for an engagement ring.

• Citrine: The pale yellow and orange versions of citrine are very affordable. It also comes in vibrant warm colors. It’s reasonably durable and would last a long time in an engagement ring.

• Topaz: While a topaz can be an excellent diamond dupe when colorless, it comes in many brilliant colors. Its low price and wide color range make it a great choice for a colorful engagement ring.

This isn’t an exhaustive list. There are many beautiful gems, each in various spectacular colors and styles. You can also find artificial gemstones in the same way you’d get a synthetic diamond. There are a lot of choices you can make when looking for an affordable engagement ring.

Find the Right Band

While most people are preoccupied with the stone on the engagement ring, the band is just as important. The metal you choose will factor heavily into the overall cost. Find a balance between an affordable and durable material.

A gold band ranks low on the Mohs hardness scale and will be easily scratched and worn over time. Tungsten, however, is one of the strongest metals you can get for an engagement ring. It ranks right below a diamond on the scale. 

It’s okay to choose a band based on color but keep in mind that it might make your ring prone to damage. More durable bands may also be less expensive. You can make the band more affordable by knowing which metals to choose. 

Double-Check Before You Decide

Remember to double-check everything when you’re looking for an affordable engagement ring. Verify that the stones you’re looking at are authentic. It’s also wise to look at the reviews of any business you want to shop at. Make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.

Research the retailer’s policies before you decide on something. The Federal Trade Commission recommends you ask for the return policy and get it in writing before you make a purchase. You’ll have an easier time finding an affordable ring if you know all of your options. 

Fall in Love With Affordable Engagement Rings

An engagement ring is a beautiful piece of jewelry meant to last a lifetime. Even though there are many expensive styles, they aren’t always better. You can find affordable engagement rings by looking for alternative materials and stones. Whatever you choose, know that it’s a symbol of your love.