7 Stunning Cheap Engagement Rings That Look Far from Budget

It is natural to want your engagement ring to look exquisite and unique. It should catch people’s attention and make them go ‘Wow!’. But choosing an elegant engagement ring doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. At Eternity, it is easier than ever to find a ring that scintillates like a luxury piece, but without the luxury price tag.

However, affordability doesn’t mean compromising on style. By adjusting the 4C’s of a diamond (carat, cut, clarity, colour), opting for lab-grown diamonds or choosing alternative metals, you can balance cost and quality beautifully.

Things to keep in mind as you look for cheap engagement rings

Metal choice and band size influence the price: 18k gold is cheaper than 22k. White gold is cheaper than platinum and slim bands are both elegant and cost-effective.

Certain cuts make the stone appear larger, Enhancing the luxury appeal: Shapes like oval and pear look bigger than the round diamonds of the same carat weight.

Design plays a big role: Clean settings and well-balanced proportions make the ring look elegant, without burning a hole in your pocket.

Find out 7 Cheap Engagement Ring Options

1. The classic solitaire

A single stone on a clean, polished band – this design never goes out of trend. It is easy to find affordable, yet luxurious solitaires, especially when you choose a lab-grown diamond that offer similar brilliance, but at a fraction of the cost.

The lab-grown round brilliant cut 1.00ct diamond solitaire engagement ring available at Eternity is a perfect example of a high-end look for less, priced at £1600.

2. The Hidden Halo Rings

In a halo engagement ring, smaller diamonds surround the centre stone, amplifying its sparkle and creating an illusion of a larger stone. Halos naturally look more expensive. But at Eternity, you will find several budget-friendly options. The Lab Grown Emerald Cut 1.63ct Diamond Engagement Ring with Hidden Halo, for instance, is priced at £2,100.

3. The Three Stone Rings

The three stones on these rings represent the past, present and future, making them a deeply meaningful choice. The stones are generally not uniform in size – the design typically features a large stone in the centre, flanked by two smaller ones, along the band. This variation in stone sizes also helps keep the ring affordable, while adding to the luxury appeal. The Round Brilliant Cut 0.52ct Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring at Eternity is priced at £2,400.

4. The oval cut

Oval-cut stones are known for appearing larger than the actual carat weight. The elongated shape provides a wider surface area for reflecting light, giving the ring a naturally luxurious look. You can choose a simple oval solitaire or opt for a halo setting for added brilliance. Since oval cuts do not require highly intricate craftsmanship, they are generally more cost-affective, helping bring down the overall price of the ring.

5. Gemstone Engagement Rings

Sapphire, ruby and emerald are premium gemstones that offer a luxurious aesthetic, yet they are still cheaper than diamonds. For even more budget-friendly options, aquamarine, morganite and opal are beautiful alternatives worth exploring.

Gemstone engagement rings are unique, meaningful and pair well with a wide range of metal types. They are perfect for modern brides who value personality and individuality over tradition.

6. Bezel Set Rings

A bezel set ring can be an affordable option, depending on the metal used, the centre stone and bezel size. A cheaper, low clarity diamond still looks excellent in this setting because the bezel surrounds the stone and hides minor imperfections. The metal rim also increases the visual outline of the stone, making it appear larger than it is. In short, you can choose a smaller carat diamond and still achieve a bold and beautiful look. Setting a stone in bezel is also less labour-intensive, which further adds to their cost-effectiveness.

7. Choosing the Right Metal

The choice of metal plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of the engagement ring. White gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum are among the most popular metal options. If you are budget conscious, 18k gold or gold-plated designs offer a cheaper alternative, without compromising on quality and appearance.

Tips for Buying Cheap Engagement Rings Safely

It can be a convenient option to buy engagement rings online. However, it requires careful research to ensure you do not get scammed:

Choose reputable sellers who have been in the business long enough to guide you and help you make informed choices.

Look for hallmarks and certifications that confirm the authenticity of the gemstones or diamonds.

Check the metal type and gemstone specifications before making a purchase.

Do not hesitate to ask questions before buying – An engagement ring is a lifelong investment, and you are putting both time and money into choosing the right one. Ask all the questions you have and a trustworthy seller will happily clarify all your doubts.

Remember, you don’t need a large carat weight diamond to achieve a stunning engagement ring look. An affordable well-cut, well-set diamond ring can appear more elegant than one with a large but poorly cut stone.

Connect with Eternity to explore your options and make confident, informed choices.