10 Gorgeous Engagement Rings for $5,000 or Less
By Heather Levine
Finding the perfect engagement ring is a big deal. Besides your (generally) straightforward wedding band, it’s the only piece of jewelry you plan on wearing… for ever! Dreaming up the ideal gem is easy. You’ve probably been pinning celebrity sparkle to your secret “Future Mrs.” Pinterst board for months, but the reality is that your guy probably doesn’t have a Kimye-sized bank account. And, in most cases, it’s your man’s financial status that determines which rock you get.
Since most fiancés-to-be spend just over $5,000 on an engagement ring, we hunted down the prettiest, most unique bling within that budget. And now, we’re ready to deliver the good news: You don’t have to sacrifice even a smidge of style to stay within a five-grand range.
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To start, scale back on carat size. There is a noticeable cost difference when you choose a center diamond that is less than 1 carat — even if it’s just 1 point smaller at .99 carats. Another idea: Take the center stone out of the equation by looking for ring designs made up of smaller diamonds set in a unique way. Or, skip diamonds all together by choosing a less conventional (but super trend) center stone, like a sapphire or topaz.
See our picks of the most inspiring cost-conscious sparkle. Once you spot your favorite, let the hint dropping begin! You are very welcome.
1. Forevermark’s Three-stone diamond ring set in 18k white gold, starting at $5,000, available at forevermark.com
2. Heart’s On Fire’s “Aerial Cluster” engagement ring with .50 carats of diamonds set in a snowflake-inspired setting of 18K white gold, $4,650, available on heartsonfire.com
3. De Beers’s Infinity engagement ring in white gold featuring a 0.10 ct central diamond, $4,500, available at debars.com
4. Diamond Ideals’s Style SDJ0516: SDJ0516, 14K white gold 1 ct round sapphire, $4,500, available on diamondideals.com
6. Kay Jeweler’s Style 990510303, The Leo Diamond 14K white gold .75 ct round-cut diamond engagement ring, $3,199.99, available at kay.com
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7. Riviera at Blue Nile’s Style 21015, “Petite Cathedral” micropavé sapphire and diamond engagement ring in 14K white gold (carat weight: 0.81), $4,986, available at bluenile.com
8. Tacori’s Style 48PR55, princess-cut diamond engagement ring with prongs securing the solitaire stone and .90 CT diamond center, $4,929, available at tacori.com
9. Megan Thorne’s Style 163YC, “Clover Ring” 18K yellow gold with brilliant diamond, $4,000, as seen at meganthorne.com
10. Megan Thorne’s Scalloped Bezel Ring with diamond shank in 18kt yellow gold, available on magpiejewellery.com
See 87 (Yes, 87!) more rings we love for less on Brides.com
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photos: Courtesy of vendors
