Creative Ideas for a Stunning Engagement Ring on a Budget

We can all agree that purchasing an engagement ring is not a place you want to cut corners on quality or design. The ring you are using as a symbol of promise should be beautiful, well-made, and well-suited to your partner.

However, sometimes it’s not more money you need to secure that perfectly stunning piece, but a little more creativity. Here are some insider tips that will allow you to think outside the box instead of reaching deeper into your wallet.

When every ring is made uniquely for each of our clients, the customization of your ring with the best stone for your budget. is simple.

1. Change up the size of the stone.

Do you think you can tell the difference between a .98ct diamond when compared to a 1.00ct diamond with your naked eye? Likely not. But you better believe you’ll notice a difference in the price! Most jewelers operate with “magic" sizes for stones such as .5ct, 1ct, and 1.5ct which typically demand a premium price tag. If you are willing to be flexible about the size of your stone, it could mean significant savings with barely any visual sacrifice.

2. Be open to different shapes.

When you think of a diamond, what you probably picture is a round shape of some sort. Circular-shaped diamonds are classic, but considering an alternative shape such as an oval, marquis, or pear could do more than just create a unique piece. These shapes actually appear optically larger on the hand when compared to a round diamond of the same weight.

Keeping with English royal tradition, blue sapphires are an excellent choice for an engagement ring. This classic three stone is only $4,500 compared to the $11,000+ equivalent if the center stone was a diamond.

3. Consider an alternative stone.

The center diamond makes up for the bulk of the price tag on an engagement ring. However, we have moved beyond the days when an engagement ring has to mean a diamond ring. There are a variety of gemstones in gorgeous hues that can be used as a center stone for a fraction of the cost. Consider a high-quality sapphire or spinel - both of which are stunning centerpieces and have a durability second only to diamonds.

4. Look at a variety of setting styles.

You may not consider the style of the setting as making a big difference on the appearance of the center stone, but it is an important factor. Some settings can dwarf the size of a stone, and some can actually make a stone that is on the smaller side look larger. Keep this in mind when you are comparing rings, remembering to look at the impact of the ring as a whole rather than just limiting yourself to the size of the stone.

Halo and bezel settings enhance the visual size of a diamonds. Our Harbor Light design starts at $1,200.

Choosing an Engagement Ring with Your Legacy In Mind

Marriage is not only the joining of two lives, but the joining of two families and two histories. You have an opportunity when choosing an engagement to honor your past legacy and create a legacy of your own as a couple. 

Below, we’ve highlighted some important things to consider when choosing a piece that keeps both your history and your future in mind. 

Multi generational family diamond that has been recut and set in a modern halo setting.

Think Back When you consider your own family's legacy, there may be a piece of jewelry that has been gifted to you, or even a loose gemstone that holds significance. Even if there are no gifts of jewelry that have taken place, there may be a special story connected to your family’s history; maybe opals, sapphires, or rubies have unique meaning to your family’s heritage, or maybe all the brides in your family’s history have worn marquise shaped diamonds. If there’s a piece or a story that is part of your family’s legacy, consider continuing it as part of yours. 

Embrace Change Buying an engagement ring is a big life event, but keep in mind that any decisions you make do not necessarily have to be permanent. Planning for a marriage that lasts a lifetime means that throughout the course of your relationship, many things will change. Settings can be adjusted to suit the style your partner favors as the years go on, and even stones can be changed or upgraded. The changes can be markers of your growing legacy. 

Over time, our tastes can change. 30 years later, this diamond received a makeover. When you buy your engagement ring, give yourself permission to make these changes in the future.

Or, Embrace Timelessness Some couples want the legacy of their engagement ring to represent the one grand lifetime event of the proposal. If this describes you, you may not want to ever see the piece change over time, and would rather have it be in its exact state on your 50th wedding anniversary as it was the day you agreed to share your life together. This case calls for choosing something timeless and classic. Make sure that what you love today is something you’ll still be proud to wear decades later. 

Don’t Fret the Numbers There are lots of equations out there around how much to spend or how much not to spend on an engagement ring. Your personal decision on what that number is doesn’t have to follow rules, so don’t feel like you’re breaking them one way or the other. Instead, reflect on what you want the ring to mean to you and your partner, as well as to the legacy of your relationship. You’ll find the right number when this emotional reflection is balanced in proportion to your current life situation.