The Best Places To Buy Affordable Engagement Rings This Spring

Forbes

29-05-2025

Finding the perfect engagement ring is no easy feat—especially when you're on a tight budget. According to The Knot's 2024 Jewelry & Engagement study, the average cost of an engagement ring is $5,200 in the United States. But that doesn't mean you can't find a beautiful ring for less. Retailers like Blue Nile, Brilliant Earth and James Allen are brimming with affordable engagement rings. And, now that spring is here, many are hosting seasonal sale events to help you save.
We've rounded up the best places to buy affordable engagement rings online—as well as some specific ... More designs we recommend shopping.
For the purpose of this list, we're defining 'affordable' as any ring below that $5,200 average. Below, we've listed eight of the best places to shop for affordable engagement rings right now, as well as some specific designs our editors recommend checking out.
Blue Nile is our fashion team's pick for the best place to buy engagement rings overall. It offers a vast selection of styles—including customizable designs—and helpful assistance from virtual advisors. The brand's overall accessibility and customer service make it an easy favorite.
Blue Nile
This understated ring makes your diamond the center of attention (as it should be). Choose from six metal types, and complete the piece with your diamond of choice from Blue Nile's selection of gorgeous lab grown designs. Just keep in mind: The price of the diamond will vary based on factors like style and size.
Brilliant Earth specializes in customizable engagement rings, with setting options starting at $550 and diamonds starting at $300. If you'd prefer a ready-to-ship design, there are options priced from $1,890. The retailer carries both lab-grown and natural diamonds, but its most affordable styles feature lab-grown stones. Right now, code TENNIS will also get you a free lab diamond tennis bracelet with purchases over $1,000.
Brilliant Earth
At $2,390, this is one of Brilliant Earth's most affordable ready-to-ship designs. Choose between a white gold or yellow gold setting. You can also opt for a larger center stone if you're willing to pay a bit more—the pictured option has a total carat weight of one carat.
If you're seeking a more traditional ring, check out James Allen. While the designer offers an impressive selection of styles—including modern minimalist pieces—it specializes in timeless, vintage-inspired designs that suit just about any budget. With its current sale, you can save up to 30% on select lab-grown diamonds and engagement ring settings.
James Allen
This elegant pear-shaped ring from James Allen has a 1.60-carat lab-grown stone on a 14k white gold band. You also get limited lifetime warranty included for free with this ring.
For sheer variety, our fashion editors recommend Zales. The brand is a household name and carries thousands of styles, many of which are fully customizable. It's currently offering up to 60% off select clearance styles.
Zales
If you're looking for a ring that really sparkles, this emerald diamond has a 2-carat total weight, primarily made up of its 1.5-carat center stone. The additional components that surround the center stone are trapezoid-shaped and tapered baguette-cut lab-grown diamonds.
Helzberg Diamonds has been making rings since 1915, so you know its styles are reliable. Plus, it adheres to the Kimberley Process, American Gem Society and World Diamond Council standards—all ethical standards for sourcing diamonds and metals. The store is currently offering 15% off select engagement rings and an additional 15% off select clearance styles, with total savings reaching up to 60%.
Helzberg Diamonds
This stunning design features a 2-carat pear-shaped diamond on a 18k yellow gold band. Unlike traditional settings, this has an east-west shape that highlights the diamond, while also offering a unique and modern twist that hugs the curve of the sparkling stone.
For those unfamiliar, Etsy is an online marketplace that hosts individual sellers. If you want a wide array of unique designs—including some vintage options—it's an excellent place to start your search. Just keep in mind: You'll have to do a little more legwork than at a curated jeweler, and it may be more difficult to verify the source of your diamond.
Etsy
A gorgeous, 5-carat IGI-certified lab-grown diamond is the star of this ring. However, on the hidden halo setting, you'll find additional diamonds for extra glamour. The ring is made to order, with options of 14k white, yellow or rose gold for the band. GrownRadiance has earned a Star Seller rating from Etsy, denoting that the designer has received consistent five-star reviews, ships quickly and provides quality customer service.
This Portland-based jeweler has hundreds of affordable engagement ring designs to choose from, all of which adhere to responsibly mined and produced jewelry practices. Your ring is also covered by a Lifetime Jewelry Care Program that includes cleaning and routine maintenance, as well as repairs and replacements.
Fred Meyer Jewelry
If you already know you want a white gold band, this timeless ring has a great discount right now. The design features the aforementioned 14k white gold band and a 1.5 carat princess cut lab-grown diamond. The stone is GSI-certified, ensuring the diamond is of high quality and value.
The classic jewelry brand is known for more than its catchy jingle. Kay Jewelers offers a wide selection of rings to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. Plus, all of its diamonds, precious metals and gems are responsibly sourced and come backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Kay Jewelers
This 1.5-carat marquise lab-grown diamond sits on 14K white gold setting. Although the sparkly center stone steals most of the attention, there are smaller details that are equally as captivating. This includes the round and marquise-cut diamonds that surround the diamond across the band. Take note: the band is only available in 14k white gold at the moment, but it's ready to ship immediately.
Whether you're looking for a simple design or want a more elaborate look to your engagement ring, Ritani has you covered. Right now, you can customize your diamond or lab-grown diamond ring for as low as $1,600. The retailer has countless of affordable rings, but you can increase your savings by joining Ritani's email list to secure $100 off your order.
Ritani
The 'Toi et moi' or 'you and me' engagement ring style is the perfect way to symbolize your upcoming marriage due to its unique two-stone design. Personalize the ring by selecting the second stones shape, metal and carat size. Depending on your preferences, the price of the ring may increase.
Our editors named Vrai the best place to purchase lab-grown diamond engagement rings thanks to its sustainable practices, high quality stones and sophisticated designs. The retailer offers made-to-order and ready-to-ship engagement rings as low as $2,100.
Vrai
This simple ring has a 1.5-carat lab-grown diamond front and center. The 14k yellow gold engagement ring secures the stone with its hidden halo setting that has handset pavé diamonds surrounding it, so it can shine from all angles. To maintain the look and feel of the ring, it also comes with Vrai's care package, which includes warranty, annual shine service and complimentary resizing.
Our editors love Grown Brilliance because of its Truly Custom program—you send in inspiration images, and a jeweler will create a one-of-a-kind piece for you. But it also offers plenty of high-quality, pre-designed engagement rings that are on the affordable end of the spectrum.
Grown Brilliance
Emerald cuts rose in popularity during the Art Deco era, and they appear to be making a comeback. This stunning, vintage-inspired design combines intricate details and shapes to create a cohesive work of art. The ring features a lab-grown emerald diamond at its center, accompanied by additional stones that build upon it, as well as the band itself. Although you can't customize its shape, you can choose from white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum bands.