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The 10 best ways to buy quality on a budget
Affordable Engagement Rings
Thu, Sep 01, 2022
The average price spent on engagement rings in the U.S. is $5800.
Today you're going to discover how to find and choose an affordable engagement rings for a fraction of that cost. And you don't need to sacrifice quality or style for a 'cheap engagement ring'.
In fact,
These expert tips will help you prioritize your budget. So whether it's under $1000 or under $5000, you'll get the highest quality, most beautiful ring for less.
This is a great place to start:
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO AFFORDABLE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
The 10 best ways to buy quality on a budget
Whether you've already shopped around or are just getting started, you probably have a budget in mind that you'd like to aim for.
We're 3rd generation in the diamond industry and have designed engagement rings for 2 decades. So we've done this a few times. I hope this guide helps you find a stunning ring in your budget.
Here are the most significant 10 ways to find affordable engagement rings.
JUMP TO:
- Small diamond rings
- Moissanite engagement rings
- Black diamonds
- Clarity enhanced diamonds
- Eternity bands
- Minimalist engagement rings
- Lab grown diamonds
- Promise rings
- Cheap engagement rings... you might want to avoid
- Learn about diamonds
- BONUS tip (this is a big one!)
Or get tips for your price range:
- Engagement rings under $500
- Engagement rings under $1000
- Engagement rings under $2000
-
Engagement rings under $3000
But, before we learn how to save...
It helps to understand what makes the cost of an engagement ring.
While there are no exact numbers as it does depend on the price range, design and jeweler. The most significant cost factors will be your choice of main stone and the brand you decide to buy from.
Engagement Rings Under $1000:
1. Small Diamond Rings
You probably know that you can get a cheaper ring with a smaller real diamond. But did you know that there are carat weights that are relatively cheaper than others without a sacrifice on the visible size? They're called under-sizes.
The most popular carat weights are round numbers like 1/2 carat, 1 carat, etc. But if you go slightly under each round number, you can save a disproportionate amount, with no visible difference. Aim for:
0.18-0.23 instead of 1/4 carat
0.43-0.47 instead of 1/2 carat
0.65-0.69 instead of 3/4 carat
0.88-0.96 instead of 1 carat
Our carat charts will help you compare weight, shape and size to make an informed decision.
To keep the price under $2000 aim for diamonds under 3/4 carat (depending on the type of diamond - more on that below). However, if you'd like to stay under $1000, I'd recommend a natural diamond no larger than around 1/3 carat to ensure you're still getting a beautiful diamond and no more than 1/2 carat for CE and lab grown diamonds.
That said, if you want to get more - carat, style, pop! - then read on...
2. Moissanite Engagement Rings
Another affordable engagement ring option is to look at moissanite instead of diamonds. Top quality moissanite gemstones have similar hardness, beauty and brilliance to diamonds.
Above all, they're a fraction of the price.
Moissanite gemstones are almost always lab grown. In fact, the only known natural moissanite comes from outer space! Therefore, you're guaranteed conflict free, eco-friendly, inexpensive engagement ring options just for opening up to this gorgeous gemstone.
Here at Shiree Odiz we've discontinued use of moissanite gemstones, simply because we believe that lab grown diamonds offer similar affordability and a higher quality product - see below.
3. Black Diamonds
For a relatively low cost engagement ring with a unique style, look no further than black diamond engagement rings.
You'll get real diamonds, solid gold and usually high quality rings. Albeit rarely under $500.
However, be warned that these beautiful and affordable rings should be considered only if you know your partner is on board with this design choice.
Engagement Rings Under $2000:
4. Clarity Enhanced Diamonds
If you're aiming for a real, mined but affordable diamond engagement ring. And you'd like a solitaire design with a relatively large diamond over 1/2 carat.
But you're looking for engagement rings on a budget. Then clarity enhanced diamonds are for you! Clarity enhanced diamonds will save you up to 50% off the price of un-treated, natural diamonds. Here you'll find our clarity enhanced diamond ring collection.
And with the same appearance.
How is that possible? Essentially the clarity enhancement takes natural diamonds with low clarity and makes them visibly high-end.
5. Eternity Bands
Looking at non-traditional engagement ring designs will also help you find unique but cheap engagement rings. Such as eternity bands. Especially when you don't want to compromise on the quality of the materials or the craftsmanship.
Generally, these are rings that don't have one main stone. Hence, you won't have the cost associated with a relatively expensive single diamond or gemstone.
For instance, these affordable real diamond eternity rings are available with natural and lab grown diamonds.
6. Minimalist Engagement Rings
Taking away the frills will not only make your engagement ring more timeless and classic. But it'll also save on extras you may not need.
For instance, complex details can be more work for the goldsmith.
As well as small diamonds which are both more diamonds and more craft labor.
In fact, if you want all the focus to be on the main stone. Therefore, it's best to focus your budget that way too. Single diamond solitaire engagement rings could be the choice for you.
Engagement Rings Under $3000
7. Lab Grown Diamonds
When looking for a cheaper, yet real diamond rings, why not consider diamonds with a clear conscience?
Lab grown diamonds are truly identical in every way to mined diamonds, except their origin. In other words, you can think of them in the same way as a test tube baby and a naturally born baby. While you can find lab grown diamond engagement rings for under $2000 and even under $1000, often the appeal of lab diamonds is the ability to upgrade the carat weight within a fixed budget.
You'll find affordable engagement rings with real diamonds that are beautiful, high quality and eco-friendly.
Engagement Rings Under $500
8. Promise Rings
Although traditionally promise rings tend to be cheap rings, commonly priced under $100, promise rings can in fact be made more high-end. Hence more suitable for engagement.
Even when made in gold and with real diamonds you'll find 'promise' engagement rings under $500.
9. Cheap Engagement Rings
(you might want to avoid)
Being that not everyone can afford real gold and diamonds, this might be a controversial one. However, unless your partner's expectations are aligned with yours, you may want to find another way.
The cheapest engagement rings are going to be those that are mass produced with lower cost materials. At best you'll be looking at silver and cubic zirconia, but other cheap metal alloys and synthetic gemstones are very commonplace.
In general, you'll find engagement rings under $200 or even under $100.
For example:
10. Learn About Diamonds
Buying an engagement ring may be one of the most significant emotional and financial purchases of your life so far. So it's a good idea to know what you're buying.
In truth, you're not going to be able to learn everything.
Plus, reading online isn't going to show you the true difference between one diamond to the next.
However, if you're considering spending a few thousand dollars, knowing the basics about the diamond 4 C's - carat, color, clarity and cut will get you the best value for money.
That means paying for quality you can see.
While not overpaying for invisible details.
In truth, you're not going to be able to learn everything.
Plus, reading online isn't going to show you the true difference between one diamond to the next.
However, if you're considering spending a few thousand dollars, knowing the basics about the diamond 4 C's - carat, color, clarity and cut will get you the best value for money.
That means paying for quality you can see.
While not overpaying for invisible details.
11. Avoid The Chain Stores
I've added this key bonus tip as it really umbrellas all the others. So it's really important.
When you choose a chain store such as Zales, Kays and the like, bear in mind that most of your budget isn't going into the ring. By all means, you'll find cheap and heavily 'discounted' engagement rings. However, you won't be getting a cost effective engagement ring.
Let me explain.
In one word, overheads. In fact, all chain stores have enourmous and multiple costs that are not your ring.
The store, rent, bills, salespeople, inventory and marketing are extremely significant.
Some of this is off-set by mass production, but mostly it's the materials used and the craftsmanship. Overall, that means quality.
In other words you'd be paying relatively more, because you're actually getting less. Only if you've fallen in love with a design and there's nothing like it anywhere else, does choosing this option really make sense.
When you choose a chain store such as Zales, Kays and the like, bear in mind that most of your budget isn't going into the ring. By all means, you'll find cheap and heavily 'discounted' engagement rings. However, you won't be getting a cost effective engagement ring.
Let me explain.
In one word, overheads. In fact, all chain stores have enourmous and multiple costs that are not your ring.
The store, rent, bills, salespeople, inventory and marketing are extremely significant.
Some of this is off-set by mass production, but mostly it's the materials used and the craftsmanship. Overall, that means quality.
In other words you'd be paying relatively more, because you're actually getting less. Only if you've fallen in love with a design and there's nothing like it anywhere else, does choosing this option really make sense.
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