Inexpensive Engagement Rings
and
How to Find Affordable Center Stones

Where to Find Diamond Engagement Rings for Cheap Prices

If you are searching for a traditional diamond engagement ring for an affordable price, here are the best options:

1. Used Engagement Rings

Used Engagement Rings may include modern, vintage and estate rings, though couples need to use caution when shopping for previously owned rings. The best way to make sure you are buying a quality, genuine used diamond ring for the right price is to stick with reputable people. Do your research, and if it looks to good to be true it usually is.

2. Lab Diamonds

Man Made Diamonds are now much more affordable, and this diamonds have the exact same qualities as natural diamonds - they were just made in a lab instead of in nature. Fancy color lab diamonds in particular are extremely budget friendly.

3. Moissanite Rings

Moissanite is known as a diamond simulant, but it is actually a gemstone - although most moissanite sold today is synthetic laboratory moissanite which has the exact same qualities as the real thing. With a little more flash and fire than a diamond, and strong enough to hold up to daily way for a lifetime, it is possible to find moissanite engagement rings below $1,000 dollars. 

4. Composite Diamond Rings

Composite Diamond Rings are made with real diamonds, but with these styles smaller carat diamonds are set together to create an impression of a larger carat diamond ring. For example, a center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds.
Composite diamond rings are much more affordable than one large carat diamond, and they are a great option for couples looking for real diamond rings that have plenty of flash and fire. 

Affordable Non Diamond Engagement Rings

For unique and colorful engagement rings that are outside of traditional styles, affordable gemstone engagement rings made with these gemstones will last a lifetime with the right care - and they look fantastic too! Prices for these stunning rings range from less than $500 dollars to under $3,000 dollars for larger carat gemstones in higher priced metals like platinum or 18k gold.

With all of these options available for quality inexpensive engagement rings, the hardest part will be choosing the perfect style for your ring! Before you shop though, here are some valuable precautions and tips that will ensure you find a fabulous stellar ring for the right price.

Shopping Precautions for Inexpensive Engagement Rings

While many inexpensive engagement rings on today’s market are made with quality workmanship and materials, couples still need to use caution when they search for engagement rings for cheap prices.

One of the biggest concerns for affordable engagement rings involves the quality of the metals and settings used to create the ring. Some markets for low cost rings include rings that are made with poorly alloyed metals which include:

• Low grades of silver (not sterling silver) coated with rhodium plating to temporarily improve the look of the band.
  
  
• Low grades of white gold alloys including 14k, 10k or 9ct white gold alloys that may have been mixed with high amounts of nickel (which can cause allergic reactions). Again, a thin coat of rhodium plating is used to improve the look of the ring, but the rhodium plating will eventually wear off and the ring will turn an unsightly dull yellow tone.
  
  
• In worst case scenarios, some low cost wedding ring manufacturers create wedding bands made with brass or copper and then plate the ring with a thin layer of silver, gold, platinum or rhodium. Once the thin layer wear off the ring will quickly discolor.

Watch out for inexpensive engagement rings made with poor quality gemstone settings. Look for manufacturers who offer affordable rings made with secure gemstone settings crafted with 18k gold or platinum.

Beware of sellers who offer low cost diamond rings made with diamonds that have been graded and certified by their own laboratories or by gemstone laboratories which have no verifiable history or contact information.

One other concern for inexpensive engagement rings – some cheaper rings are made with unethical blood diamonds or gemstones and metals which have been obtained in methods that are extremely harmful to the environment.

Remember to avoid any type of gold, silver, platinum or carbon plate rings. On every day wear engagement rings, any type of plate will quickly chip and wear away - so if you are searching for two-tone engagement ring styles, stick with rings made with inlay metal features only.

Shopping Tips for Inexpensive Engagement Rings

Plenty of wedding ring companies offer low cost ethical and eco-friendly engagement rings which come with lifetime warranties and exchange or replacement policies. While you are searching for gorgeous discount engagement rings, check for at least a 30-day no-nonsense return policy.

Weigh the pros and cons of rhodium plating before you purchase a rhodium plated engagement ring. Even with a thicker application of rhodium, the plating will wear off in one to two years – a thinner application will wear away in a few months. Continually paying for another rhodium application every few years, or few months, can add up to hundreds of dollars over time.

Affordable diamond rings made with synthetic or simulant diamonds should feature gemstones which have excellent cut and clarity characteristics. Low cost diamond engagement rings made with real diamonds should still come with a grading and certification report by a reputable laboratory such as the GIA, AGS, EGL or IGI.

Double check the materials and metals used to make the ring, including the composition of the metals used in the band and the ethical and eco-friendly policies of the ring maker.

Last but not least, remember that in today’s competitive wedding ring market full of durable diamond simulants, brilliant diamond synthetics and affordable natural gemstones, you don’t have to settle for anything less than a quality ring with your perfect style!

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