When you buy an engagement ring, it can signal the beginning of so much. It’s why it’s crucial to get it just right. And that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend months’ worth of your paychecks. Because there are amazing options at all price points – including those that almost anyone can afford.
Here are a few of the best engagement rings under $200:
Why it’s great: A two-piece set means not having to find a wedding band that fits perfectly with the engagement ring! The engagement ring has a more traditional style, with a larger crystal in the middle and 7 smaller ones on each side. The eternity band is thinner, and it features almost 40 smaller crystals. Plus, the rings are rhodium plated, meaning it should be more durable than other pieces you’ll find in your search for the right ring. The set is only available in sizes 6, 7 and 8.
Keep in mind: Be sure to read the instructions on how to care for these rings.
Good for: Sophistication with lots of sparkle.
Why it’s great: Real diamonds! The center stone is .05 carats, and it’s flanked by a whopping 16 smaller diamonds on each side. If your partner loves the mixed metal look, then this might be just the right ring. Most of the band is rhodium-plated sterling silver – helping to keep the ring free of tarnish or scratch marks – while the top has 10k rose gold details. This ring is offered in sizes 5-9, and it comes with a polishing cloth to keep up the sparkle.
Keep in mind: The entire ring itself is small. It may be preferable for tinier hands.
Good for: Those who want to wear ethically sourced stones.
Why it’s great: If you’ve already chosen one of the other rings as your engagement ring, then this band could be the perfect accompaniment. Available in 10k white, rose or yellow gold, this dainty piece features 21 diamonds – all conflict free. In addition, the band comes in half and whole sizes from 4-10. You may even want to consider buying a few of these rings to wear together!
Keep in mind: You may need to order a couple sizes to find just the right fit.
Good for: Stacking with one or more rings.
Why it’s great: If your partner is hoping for a large stone – but it’s largely out of your price range – this could be an excellent option. With a 1.5-carat moissanite stone that has some serious sparkle, it’s unlikely that anyone will be wondering if it’s not a real diamond. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll want to check out all the stones that move down the ring from each prong, creating a stunning look from both the top and the side. It’s available in whole and half sizes from 4.5-9.
Keep in mind: The band size is a little on the thick side, if that’s something you want in a ring.
Good for: Showing off some bling.
Why it’s great: Looking for something a little more personal? Consider something less traditional than a diamond-like stone – like a birthstone. Two, in fact! With this ring, you get to choose the two stones’ color of any dates that are of importance to you, whether that’s birthdays or anniversaries, or just your signature colors. The small 10k white gold band gets larger around the top around the stones so you can highlight them even more.
Keep in mind: This ring is only available in 5 sizes (5-9), so if you have your heart set on it, you might need to consider resizing.
Good for: Other celebrations besides an engagement – think birthday, Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.
Why it’s great: If you and/or your partner have an Irish background or a love for the country, then a Claddagh ring might be welcome as an engagement ring. The ring is said to have originated in the Irish village of Claddagh. And there’s symbolism to it: The hands mean friendship, the heart represents love and the crown is for loyalty. It’s also said that each way you wear it symbolizes something different. (So if you’re proposing, you’d want to put it on your partner’s hand facing out.)
Keep in mind: This ring comes in the traditional design and only in 10k yellow gold, so be sure this is what your partner would like.
Good for: Quarter sizes! Whole, half and quarter sizes from 4-12.
Why it’s great: It has a look that’s been popular for a while now, so it will fit in nicely with rings you see when you’re out and about. The cubic zirconia center stone is 1 carat, which is hugged by four prongs that beautifully stretch down into the design of the ring. The ring is available in either 14k white or yellow gold, giving you options that match their style. Sizes are available in 4-11.
Keep in mind: Just like any other ring that has a number of stones, you’ll want to check the prongs for sturdiness.
Good for: More variety of sizes.
The Swarovski 2-Piece Ring Collection is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
This is where you’ll have to do your homework. First, think about what “best price” means to you. Do you actually want the most inexpensive ring you can find? Even on a smaller budget, you can still have a checklist of non-negotiables, such as the size of a stone, color of the band, or the uniqueness of the look.
This depends. Traditionally, engagement rings highlight diamonds – or at least other stones of similar high quality. And many engagement ring recipients may expect that, as well. It might be a good idea to get a feel for your partner’s expectations. This may even require a specific conversation so that your partner understands your budget situation.
It might not necessarily be less expensive to buy an engagement ring on the internet, but it’s definitely easier to find the deals online! On any website that sells jewelry, you’ll find features that would allow you to sort from lowest to highest in price – as well as those that give you the opportunity to set a price range. You’ll be able to find a ring on your budget in no time.
This often depends on the materials used to make the ring. For instance, all gold is not the same. The lower the karat amount, the less expensive it is – and that’s because it’s mixed with more metals, like copper, zinc, silver, or nickel. That’s not the worst thing, though. In fact, these metals tend to be more durable. Faux stones have their benefits, too: Moissanite, white sapphire, and cubic zirconia are much more affordable, and there’s a good chance admirers won’t know the difference.
Of course! For one, because it’s not as expensive, there’s less to worry about if something happens to it. Some people also like to have a backup ring – something to use at the gym or when you’re traveling on vacation. You could also consider using an inexpensive ring as a placeholder if you’re hoping to upgrade to something more extravagant in the future.
It’s the thought that counts – and any friend or relative who tries to tell you otherwise need to stay out of the conversation. If it makes you and your partner happy, then that’s the ring that’s worth it.
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