The Best Engagement Ring Options For Every Budget

Selecting the perfect engagement ring is a milestone in many couples' journeys together. It symbolizes love, commitment, and a future together. However, the quest for the ideal ring often comes with questions about budgeting. Here, we'll explore engagement ring options for every budget, ensuring that your declaration of love doesn't break the bank.

Want expert advice on what engagement ring setting, VRAI created diamond, and even matching wedding bands fit within your budget? Book an in-person or virtual appointment with a VRAI diamond expert.

Are There Engagement Rings For Every Budget?

Absolutely! There is a wide range of engagement rings to suit every budget, from the modest to the extravagant. From a simple and traditional Solitaire to a diamond-forward, multi-stone setting, you can find a beautiful ring that captures your love and fits your financial situation.

What’s The Minimum You Can Pay For An Engagement Ring?

While there's technically no set minimum, most engagement rings will cost at least $1,000 USD, including the center diamond. The setting itself might be half of that price; but to set it with a diamond will increase the cost.

Some customers looking for engagement rings believe they will walk out of the store with a ready-made ring the day they go shopping. While this can sometimes be true, it’s important to note that most engagement rings are different from ready-to-wear fashion rings. You will need to select the ring and the center stone before completing your purchase — and both items will have a separate price tag.

What’s The Average Engagement Ring Budget?

The average engagement ring budget varies widely depending on personal finances and preferences. However, many surveys suggest that people spend between $1,500 to $5,000 on an engagement ring, with the national average in the U.S. hovering around $3,000.

Do not feel that you need to follow the “two-months-salary” rule. Set a budget that works for both you and your partner that will allow for the ring of your dreams but also leave money for wedding rings and other wedding-day expenses.

How To Choose Budget-Friendly Engagement Rings Under $1,500

A ring for $1,500 USD or under is possible! Here are some styles and tips on how to find the one while on a budget.

Choose Simple Settings

A simple setting without elaborate designs, extra metal, or additional diamonds can significantly reduce the ring's cost. A solitaire setting, for instance, focuses on the beauty of the main stone without the added expense of extra embellishments.

VRAI’s Petite 4-Prong Solitaire and Classic Rope engagement rings are designed with minimalism in mind. Both settings are also priced for those on a budget or for couples who want to focus more of their money on the central VRAI created diamond. The Signature and The Classic are slightly more expensive but still budget-friendly.

Consider Rose Gold

Rose gold is not only beautiful and unique but also often more affordable than platinum or white and yellow gold engagement rings. This is because most engagement rings feature 14k solid rose gold, as opposed to more expensive 18k solid yellow or white gold. Its warm hue offers a distinctive look for less. Popular and affordable rose gold engagement rings featuring VRAI created diamonds include The Hover, The Knife-Edge, and The Classic Petal.

Know Your 4Cs

Understanding the 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat—can help you find a balance between quality and cost. Opt for a slightly lower color or clarity grade that still looks beautiful to the naked eye but comes at a lower price. Ultimately, if you’re on a strict budget, carat weight is going to play an immense role in selecting the right VRAI created diamond for your engagement ring. Selecting a ½ carat center stone for now doesn’t mean you can’t choose something larger in the future, however! Thanks to VRAI’s Diamond Upgrade Program, you can move up in carat weight when the time and your personal finances are right!

How To Choose Engagement Rings Under $2,500

In the United States, the average diamond engagement ring costs between $2,500-3,000 USD. For those with a little more room in their budget but still looking to save where they can, here are some tips to follow:

Set Your Priorities

Decide what matters most: Is it the size of the diamond, the design of the setting, or perhaps the type of metal? Prioritizing one aspect can help you find the best value within your budget range.

At this price point, splurging on either the setting or the VRAI created diamond is possible — but both at the same time might be more difficult. There’s no right or wrong answer; choose which element means the most and move forward in that direction!

Experiment With Settings

There are specific engagement ring settings that can make a center stone appear larger — which means you spend a little more on the ring but get more brilliance without the cost of a larger diamond.

The best settings for adding extra shine to your VRAI created diamond include Halo engagement rings, including the Signature Floral Halo and the Aurora Halo. The Signature Bezel, which frames your center stone in your metal of choice, makes it appear larger on hand as well.

Explore Fancy Diamond Shapes

Round Brilliant diamonds are the most popular and, therefore, often the most expensive. Fancy shapes like Oval, Pear, or Marquise can offer more size for your dollar without compromising on the ring's beauty.

Because these fancy shapes in particular are elongated, they also look larger than a Round Brilliant of the same carat weight. So not only will you save, but you’ll have a little more shine as well!

How To Choose Engagement Rings Under $5,000

With a $5,000 USD budget, the possibilities to truly indulge become nearly endless. For some, this budget simply means investing in a larger diamond to shine bright at the center of a simple and sophisticated solitaire. For others, it means exploring multi-stone settings, pavé details, and more. Read on to discover the best ways to invest in something truly special.

Invest In Diamond-Forward Settings

For the maximalists , a higher budget means selecting a ring with diamonds in every detail. This might mean a multi-stone setting, like the Toi et Moi, Three Stone, or Five Stone Heirloom. It might also mean selecting pavé details, like in the Pavé Dome or the Pavé Bridge.

If added details like this aren’t of interest, consider spending a little bit more on your center VRAI created diamond.

Prioritize Cut

The cut of a diamond affects its brilliance more than any other factor. Investing in an excellent cut can make even a smaller diamond look stunning. But should your budget allow you to move up in carat weight, don’t compromise on what many consider the most important C!

For lovers of Round Brilliant VRAI created diamonds, not only can they buy excellent cut center stones, but they can also invest in Ideal or Ideal + Hearts cut grades.

Consider Platinum

Platinum is a highly durable and hypoallergenic metal that offers a timeless and luxurious setting for your diamond. If you love platinum’s white, sleek sheen, make room for this metal of choice in your budget.

Platinum is also ideal for highlighting colorless or near colorless diamonds, whereas yellow or rose gold would imbue them with a slight tint of color. So if you’re opting for colorless or near colorless diamonds, choose a platinum setting or even a Classic Two Tone with platinum prongs.

Choosing An Engagement Ring Over $5,000

When it comes to your engagement ring budget, is the sky the limit? Then so are your options for creating something truly one-of-a-kind.

Create A Custom Design

With a higher budget, you can design a custom ring that perfectly reflects your partner's style and personality. This option ensures a one-of-a-kind piece that's as unique as your love.

Book an appointment with VRAI’s diamond experts to begin the process. They’ll walk you through customization options as well as VRAI’s Cut for You ™ offering, where you can choose from thirty diamond shapes — above and beyond the standard ten most jewelry stores offer.

Indulge In High Carat Weight

If size matters, this is the budget range where you can invest in a higher carat weight. A larger stone can serve as a stunning centerpiece for your engagement ring.

Wanting a high carat weight? Speak with a diamond expert about Cut for You ™ where we can cut a diamond of any size into one of thirty shapes.

Think Of Color And Clarity

For certain shapes, color and clarity become key! For step cut facets, like Emerald cut VRAI created diamonds, opt for a higher clarity grade. For some elongated shapes, like Marquise VRAI created diamonds, choose colorless or near colorless for optimal shine.

Making The Most of Your Budget: Smart Shopping Tips

Some basic guidance to help you on your way.

Understanding the 4Cs

A deep understanding can help you make informed decisions that balance quality with cost.

Flexible Financing

Financing options allow you to spread out the cost over time without delaying your proposal plans. VRAI partners with Klarna on various payment plans that might work best for you.

Find The Perfect Ring For Your Budget With VRAI

Have you set your budget and know exactly what you want — but still wouldn’t mind a little expert advice? Book an appointment with VRAI’s diamond experts who can offer your guidance and advice when it comes to finding the one.