You’re ready to take your relationship to the next level and pop the question. There’s just one big problem, with a limited budget, choosing an engagement ring is proving difficult.
Purchasing an engagement ring can induce anxiety in anyone. The very act of picking out the perfect ring leads to sleepless nights and second-guessing your choice. What if they hate it? What if the stone’s too small? What if they say no?
Don’t worry, we’ve got a few suggestions that will make your future fiancée the envy of her friends and beam with pride to be your bride-to-be.
Consider the Following Before Popping the Question
With so many traditions surrounding engagements, couples sometimes feel pressure to abide by them. Thankfully, these aren’t hard and fast rules.
Engagement etiquette is grounded in historical conventions. Forget about the “three-month” rule stating that spending a fourth of your annual salary on a diamond ring is the ultimate declaration of love. It’s an outdated and archaic tradition.
Sarah Hanlon, editor at The Knot, agrees and tells CNBC News the guidance isn’t rooted in logic and is based on a marketing campaign during the Great Depression.
A jewelry expert also says that couples are more interested in unique pieces that are understated and stylish. From unconventional shapes to finding beauty in balance, couples are attracted to one-of-a-kind rings.
With the above in mind, let’s explore engagement ring styles to suit your budget.
Pink Diamond Rings
Don’t be fooled by the rocks. Pink diamonds can be incredibly affordable, especially if they are lab-grown.
Pink diamonds have a certain allure. Perhaps it’s their sparkle in the evening light or their soft pink glow. Even celebrities are gaga over pink diamonds.
Ryan Reynolds proposed to Blake Lively in 2012 with a pink diamond set in rose gold. The ring is reportedly valued at over $2 million.
Luckily, you don’t have to dig that deep to impress your beloved. You can purchase pink diamond rings for as little as $2,300. As featured by Leibish, the Pink & White Diamond Designer Band Ring features fancy light pink and colorless round brilliant diamonds.
Solitaire Engagement Rings
A classic and traditional choice, solitaire engagement rings are a favorite among couples. The budget-friendly style highlights a single diamond or gemstone, indicative of its understated elegance.
Believe it or not, the solitaire engagement ring has a deeper meaning. The single center represents the love, commitment and fidelity in a relationship.
Because of its ties to tradition, a solitaire ring on the ring finger is instantly recognizable as an engagement ring.
Pavé Diamonds
Meaning “pavement” in French, pavé diamonds refers to how the diamonds are set in a ring.
What makes this style so attractive is the shimmer of the stones, giving the illusion that the ring is bigger than it is. The human eye perceives more brilliance as bigger. Think of it as an eye-catching option without the steep price.
A pavé setting highlights the center stone beautifully, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
Colored Gemstones
Unique and equally gorgeous, colored gemstones are finding favor with an A-list clientele.
Now that natural white diamonds are losing their allure due to unethical mining practices, rubies and sapphires are sparkling that much brighter.
Couples wanting to eschew tradition are continuously looking to colored gems as a symbol of their love. Rapaport says many are gravitating to birthstones or rare gemstones.
Sapphires and emeralds remain the most coveted stones, thanks to their vintage appeal and the late Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring.
More accessible price points are morganite and aquamarine. Morganite is a pink to orange-pink variety of beryl, which includes emerald and aquamarine. The stone is considerably less expensive than emeralds, rubies and sapphires.
A jewelry designer tells the publication that multi-stone rings are currently more popular, though single-stone rings are still in demand.
Vintage Rings
Vintage jewelry pieces often have a beautiful story behind them. Many families include heirloom pieces to be passed down from one generation to the next.
Antique stores are great hiding places for affordable vintage engagement rings. Don’t let a few scuff marks or wear and tear dissuade you from purchasing a rare find. Ring repairs and a thorough cleaning can restore the ring to its former glory.
Vintage rings are also a sustainable choice, and who knows, you could be sitting on a goldmine once you have it appraised.
Starting a new life together is expensive work. Purchasing an engagement ring shouldn’t be eating into your wedding budget. Keep this in mind when shopping for engagement rings.
Work out your costs beforehand and stick to it. Consult a jeweler and explain your needs, wants and budget. They’ll also suggest a few alternatives that are just as beautiful. Shop with an open mind and discuss it as a couple. These days, the onus doesn’t have to be on the one doing the proposing.
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