3 Real Engagement Rings You Can Get For Your Budget

Some of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to shopping for an engagement ring have to do with the cost. And like any big purchase --financially and emotionally, the standard answers can be vague considering there are all kinds of people, budgets and rings out there.

But without having an idea of the general cost up front, and with so much of engagement ring browsing and shopping taking place online, it can be difficult to set realistic budgets and expectations from the get-go when the ring of her dreams can’t be tracked down, or isn’t affordable at all once you find it.

So, if you have a price in mind --don’t be afraid to stick with it. Do plenty of research to understand how you can maximize your budget and get the best ring possible, starting with our tips on what you can do to stay within your price point without compromising on quality and style.

Under $3,000

FOXB0083 | $2,500 | SHOP NOW

For starters, keep in mind that any budget for an engagement ring is a great budget. Every dollar amount is a financially significant number to someone, and a budget under $3,000 is not only a common price point, but realistic for what people can afford without splurging and risking spending too much.

If you’re looking to spend under $3,000 on an engagement ring, you can still surprise your fiancé-to-be with a quality diamond that is GIA certified --which is something you don’t want to compromise on, even if it means decreasing the amount of carats in the diamond you do purchase.

GIA stands for Gemological Institute of America, and if the GIA has put its seal of approval on your diamond, that means you have invested in a quality piece of jewelry that meets the standards of the grading system, AKA the four C’s --cut, color, clarity and carat weight.

This 18k white gold ring has a .41 carat oval center stone, and .40 carats of diamonds around the band which provide extra sparkle and shine throughout the ring. And for $2,500, this oval shape center stone is unique, fashion forward and totally glam.

$3,000-$5,000

FRSA0058 | $3,550 | SHOP NOW

As your budget starts to increase, so can the size of the center stone diamond you select for your engagement ring. And while with a $3,000 to $5,000 budget you might not be able to get something overly big and flashy, you can increase the size of the center stone and add other details throughout the rest of the ring to really make it stand out.

While the under $3,000 ring nestled its stone in a simple halo setting, with a slightly bigger budget, you can take it up a notch with a micropavé halo setting, where small accent diamonds placed closely together give the illusion of one continuous diamond (hence where the word “paved” comes into play).

For $3,550, this engagement ring features a .60 carat round center stone with an additional .32 carats in the setting, creating a classic and sophisticated ring that would pair nicely with a simple wedding band to complete the look.

$5,000-$8,000

FPVA0015 | $5,850 | SHOP NOW

If you are prepared to invest up to $8,000 for an engagement ring, your options will expand to several different, more unique cuts of diamonds like the now-trending pear shape, which is bound to turn some heads, and a larger carat size.

This $5,850 18k white gold ring has a .81 carat pear-shaped center stone and a micropavé .70-carat halo setting, which lays nicely on the ring finger and stands out due to its unique shape and larger size. Rather than selecting a solid band, adding diamonds enhances the sparkle, adds dimension to the ring and looks glam from every angle.

No matter your budget, it is absolutely possible to purchase a high-quality, fashionable and timeless ring that’s sure to be the focal point of your proposal. And now, with a better idea of what to search for and what a ring in your price point actually looks like, you can start your search for the perfect engagement ring by making an appointment at a Long’s Jewelers location or browsing our styles, brands and products online.