If you have reached the point in your relationship when the next step is to propose to your partner, then it is fair to assume that you have been spending a lot of time considering the different types of engagement rings that are available on the market.
The good thing about engagement rings as pieces of fine jewelry is that they don’t tend to change much over the decades in terms of style, with a few set styles being very much a trend that carries through from generation to generation.
Of course, one thing that can vary greatly from one ring to the next is the price tag. It can be heartbreaking to finally come across what you think is the perfect engagement ring only to find that it is way out of your price range. From sapphire engagement rings to solitaire engagement rings to gold engagement rings and more, there is a wide range to choose from, and it all depends on the personal style of your future finance and the amount of money that you are willing to spend.
Don’t worry though, not all engagement ring styles have to cost the earth! Of course, any real cut diamond is going to be significantly costly if the carat size is on the higher end of the scale, but there is also such a thing as lab-created diamonds that have just as much durability and high quality at a fraction of the cost! Let’s take a quick look at the differences between diamonds and diamond substitutes.
Natural Diamonds Vs Diamond Alternative Selections
The most obvious benefit of having a diamond engagement ring with natural stones is that you have the ‘authentic’ thing in your possession. For some people, having a small real diamond is even better than a much larger, more beautiful alternative.
There is also the notion of real diamonds being a better long-term investment in terms of keeping jewelry as an heirloom that will increase in value as the years go by. If you are most concerned with protecting your investment, then a diamond center stone in princess cut, cushion cut, emerald cut, or brilliant-cut shapes is always going to be the better option.
However, if you aren’t so concerned with this factor, then exploring the various diamond- alternatives can be a real game-changer. Here are some of the most common diamond substitute choices, and why you should consider choosing each of them:
As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are manmade diamonds that have been created under ideal laboratory conditions by experts. They are a great alternative choice because they are a much cheaper selection yet offer the same great unsurpassed qualities, and they require no disruption to earth’s crust as they require no mining. Man-made diamonds are structurally and optically identical to earth-mined diamonds but can cost around 30 to 40 percent less.
Moissanite is probably the single most popular diamond substitute due to the fact that it has the highest brilliance factor of any gemstone in the world. Alongside this amazing sparkle is the fact that it is super tough and highly durable. It can actually withstand even more high temperatures than diamonds. Consider our top trending Moissanite ring:
- Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is definitely an affordable option on the table when it comes to an engagement ring or wedding band that still has an authentic diamond look, at least in the beginning. That original high sparkle doesn’t last because the synthetic stone isn’t as durable as moissanite or lab-grown diamonds, it will only resemble the real thing originally before becoming cloudy and unclear due to the porous nature of this synthetic stone. We do not offer any cubic zirconia rings as it doesn’t pass our high-quality standards.
- White Sapphire
If you still want a real gemstone, white sapphire is very resemblant to a diamond. Second only to diamonds in terms of hardness, they are less expensive than diamonds and also cheaper than blue, yellow, and pink sapphires. White topaz is another alternative gemstone.
Tips For Choosing The Best Engagement Ring
Now that you have an idea of the diamond vs substitute debate, the next step is to actually select a ring either in person or at an online retailer. To help you out on this front, we have put together a list of great tips for choosing the best stone engagement ring for your future fiancé.
Set Your Budget First
As we alluded to above, there is nothing worse than falling in love with a ring and then finding out that you cannot afford it. To avoid heartbreak like this, it is best to set a strict budget right at the beginning of your search so that you don’t fall into this trap. If you restrict your search to the lab-created diamonds and other options, then we can guarantee that you are going to find something within your budget that looks like it costs much, much more to the naked eye, and will have lasting quality!
Pick The Right Band Color
Don’t get carried away with only thinking about the stone, setting, and design, because the color of the band is just as important for engagement rings and wedding rings! Have a secret look at your partner’s jewelry collection to see whether she favors rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, or something else. Don’t just automatically go for what you think is trendy. Pay attention to their preferences and pick the type of gold band that you know she will like the best.
Decide on The Engagement Ring Style You Want
The style of ring you choose will have a number of features. It is how these features are brought together that determines the final design of your ring. You could, of course, just walk into a jewelry store and hope you fall in love with a ring but as this is a piece of jewelry your intended will wear 24/7 for the rest of their life, it should be a considered decision. Even more so if you are investing a hefty amount.
Let’s look at some of the design features you will see when browsing.
Setting: This refers to how the diamonds or other gemstones are mounted into the ring’s band. The setting should show off the beauty of the stones to their best advantage. It sounds simple but there are eight setting styles:
- Prong
- Channel (aka flush)
- Bar
- Bezel
- Pave
- Tension
- Illusion
- Cluster
The most common type is the prong (sometimes called claw) and this is because the most common style of engagement ring is the solitaire diamond engagement ring.
Style: Although there are countless designs, there are three main styles of engagement ring:
Solitaire – this style showcases a single stunning, centrally set stone pronounced from the band in a prong setting. Most often it is a diamond. In a solitaire ring, the single stone can be of any diamond shape. The shape refers to the cut of the stone and they are round, princess, oval, marquise, pear, cushion, emerald, Asscher, radiant, and heart.
Halo – this setting is a stunning center stone totally surrounded (no gaps) by smaller stones, sometimes called pave. They might be all the same stones or can be mixed. For example, you might have a blue sapphire center stone with a halo of diamonds.
Multi-stone ring – this is a more fluid style. There are three stone rings where the stones are in a row (can be four, five, six, or seven) or they might be a number of different stones in a cluster or offset.
Setting refers to how gemstones are set, or mounted, into a precious metal band. The ring setting is meant to highlight the beauty of an engagement diamond. Style refers to the overall design aesthetic that the ring setting helps create—whether it be solitaire, halo or three stone.
The most simple engagement rings stick to a single, minimalist round cut or oval cut diamond, but if that doesn’t sound like the kind of thing that your partner would like, then you need to consider other options.
Those are the three main styles but when you widen the concept of style into the design, there are so many features too numerous to list here. Just a couple of examples are rings with side stones (set into the shoulders of the band), twisted bands, comfort fit vs standard fit, cathedral setting, and split shank.
Another consideration is that you might want to think about a bridal ring set. This is a matching engagement ring and wedding band. If so, you will also need to think about whether you will be wearing a wedding band and should it match the bridal ring set.
Our Favorite Affordable Engagement Ring Recommendations
With everything that we have discussed above in mind, here is a list of some engagement rings for sale right now that we think are perfect. Take a look and we are sure that you will find something that you have been looking for all this time.
This ring is the perfect example of what we have been talking about when considering diamond alternatives. A sensational-looking ring that would look amazing on any finger, created from a diamond substitute that doesn’t carry any ethical problems or an extortionate price tag.
If yellow gold is what you are searching for above anything else, then look no further than this 14-carat moissanite solitaire engagement ring. An absolute classic of art deco design and something that will prove to be completely timeless.
Go for something completely out of the norm for an engagement ring by picking a stone like this. It’s a true stunner Combined with a gorgeous white gold band, this ring is the epitome of a statement piece.
Topaz is one of the most sought-after gemstones for rings of all kinds, and engagement rings are certainly no different. The beautiful round sky blue gemstone would certainly be a unique alternative and affordable selection.
The most beautiful thing about this Brin ring is its stunning simplicity. The sparkling diamond against the simple white gold band makes for a timeless classic that can be passed down the generations and offers a great value focusing on the solitaire diamond center You can select a Mined of Lab-Grown Diamond in this ring to fit your budget.
Take a look at the stunning carved detail on the band of this ring. The design evokes something of a Celtic flare that would look amazing on the hand of any fiancé who prefers more vintage, historical-looking jewelry.
For a little bit more style and personality, consider a ring that isn’t classically ‘flat’. This band, for example, has twisted strands leading to the amazing solitaire moissanite stone at the center. The combination is modern and fun and even though it is very on-trend, it still evokes timeless beauty and classic style.
Making the Choice
The most important factor of all is choosing a ring you know your intended fiance will love and be proud to wear. Invest some time in really understanding what you think they would most like. Once the question is popped, you can always spend time together to find what will be the perfect engagement ring and shop together Don’t forget we offer the best 100% Lifetime Upgrade Policy, so you can change your mind in the future.
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