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 Quince, Brilliant Earth and With Clarity are brimming with affordable engagement rings. You can even find the perfect ring for the special occasion from our overall favorite retailer, Blue Nile.

For the purpose of this list, we’re defining “affordable” as any ring below the aforementioned $5,200 average. Ahead, we’ve listed 16 of the best places to shop for affordable engagement rings right now, as well as some specific designs our editors recommend checking out.

Affordable Engagement Ring Retailers At A Glance

  • Blue Nile: Our fashion editor named Blue Nile the best place to buy engagement rings overall. Customize your ring or choose from one of its many ready-to-ship options, some of which are currently discounted during its Express Yourself Sale.
  • Brilliant Earth: At Brilliant Earth, settings start at $590 and diamonds start at $1,210. You can sort by price to find options within your budget for both custom and ready-to-ship rings.
  • Etsy: Browse unique rings from a variety of marketplace sellers at up to 70% off.
  • James Allen: Customize your engagement ring with a wide variety of lab-grown diamonds from our favorite retailer for traditional engagement ring styles.
  • Jared Jewelers: Shop engagement and wedding rings in an assortment of metals, cuts and carat weights, and check out its clearance items to save up to 50%.
  • With Clarity: Customize an engagement ring or opt for ready-to-ship options for as low as $1,200. During its Fall Sale, you can also get 15% off preset engagement rings and up to 25% off lab diamonds.
  • Fred Meyer Jewelers: Get up to 40% off an assortment of ring styles right now. Use code SALE for an additional 10% off select clearance pieces.
  • Zales: Save up to 50% on a selection of sparkling clearance engagement rings and take an extra 30% 0ff select styles right now.
  • Quince: Find high-quality, low-cost options at Quince, including lab-grown and natural diamond rings starting at $900.
  • Nordstrom: Nordstrom carries a wide array of engagement and wedding rings. Shop thousands of designs from brands like Julianna B. and Bliss Diamond.
  • Rare Carat: Customize your ring by choosing one of the thousands of affordable engagement ring settings and diamonds, some of which are currently on sale.
  • Ritani: We think Ritani offers some of the best price transparency on lab-grown diamonds. Use our exclusive code FORBES30 to save 30% on your engagement ring now.
  • Aurate: Aurate designs some of our favorite gold pieces. During its ongoing Sample Sale, save up to 40% on select styles.
  • Clean Origin: Clean Origin is our favorite designer for eco-friendly rings. Right now, take up to 20% off your first order when you sign up for its email or text list.
  • Kay Jewelers: Save up to 70% on a variety of engagement rings from the retailer’s clearance section, where you can find options for as little as $500.
  • Vrai: Design your dream engagement ring, starting at $700 for select styles.

Where To Find Affordable Engagement Rings

Blue Nile

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. It’s currently offering up to 30% off select pieces during its Express Yourself Sale.

This Bold Three-Stone Ring Is Roughly $3,000

Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring

Go bold with this three-stone design from Blue Nile. Customize the ring with six different metals and your choice of center stone. The above ring is made with 14k gold and includes a 1 carat cushion-cut center piece adorned by two tapered baguette diamonds. Just keep in mind: The final price of the ring will vary depending on your customizations. 


Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth specializes in customizable engagement rings, with setting options starting at $590 and diamonds starting at $1,210. 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 SPARKLE will also get you a free lab diamond necklace with purchases over $1,000.

Pick Up This Stunning Secret Halo Design For Less Than $3,000

Brilliant Earth Secret Halo Lab Diamond Engagement Ring

This popular secret halo style is one of Brilliant Earth’s ready-to-ship designs. The setting is available in both white and yellow gold. You can also choose between four stone sizes, up to 2.5-carat total weight, if you’re willing to pay a bit more. The pictured design has a total weight of 1.5 carats. 


Etsy

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. But, 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.

This Eye-Catching Marquise Design Is 52% Off

ForeverSparkle Marquise Cut Engagement Ring

A gorgeous, 2.25-carat IGI-certified lab-grown diamond is the star of this marquise-cut ring. The design is made to order, with options of 14k or 18k white, yellow or rose gold for the band. ForeverSparkle 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.


James Allen

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.

Take $140 Off This Gorgeous Pear Ring

James Allen Pear Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

This elegant pear-shaped ring from James Allen has a 1.55-carat lab-grown diamond on a 14k yellow gold band. You also get free engravings on this ring.


Jared Jewelers

This tried-and-true jewelry brand is renowned for offering a diverse selection of pieces suitable for all occasions, including engagements. Get up to 50% off select clearance styles right now. You can shop for premade options, customizable rings or designer rings from Vera Wang VOW, Chosen, J’Lure and more.

Get 30% Off This Dazzling Engagement Ring

Jared Jewelers Certified Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring

This Jared Jewelers exclusive engagement ring features an oval-cut diamond at its center, surrounded by round and pear-cut diamonds. The sparkling diamonds stay securely in place on its 14K white gold band, which is available in five preset sizes.


With Clarity

Another editor- and expert-approved engagement ring site is With Clarity, a retailer that allows you to build your ring or choose from its ready-made natural or lab-grown styles. Right now, you can shop rings for as low as $1,200 and also get 15% off preset engagement rings and up to 25% off lab diamonds.

Personalize This Timeless Piece For Less Than $3,000

With Clarity Diamond Collar Fine Line Engagement Ring

For those who want a slim band with subtle accents, this With Clarity engagement ring is an excellent choice. The ring shown above features 14k yellow gold and a 2-carat lab-grown diamond with tiny, round stones set alongside it. However, if you prefer a different carat weight, diamond shape or metal, you can customize it to your liking. You can also add a meaningful touch to the band by personalizing it with up to 15 characters. 


Fred Meyer Jewelry

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. While shopping through dozens of discounted engagement rings, you can also save an additional 10% on select clearance jewelry with code SALE.

Take 33% Off This Dazzling GSI-Certified Engagement Ring

Fred Meyer Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

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.


Zales

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 50% off, as well as an extra 30% 0ff select clearance styles.

Get 50% Off This Sparkling Emerald-Cut Design

Zales Round Emerald-Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Frame Engagement Ring

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 center stone is accented by trapezoid-shaped and tapered baguette-cut lab-grown diamonds.


Quince

Our team named Quince the best retailer for affordable engagement rings. “Its pieces are stunning and well made,” says former deputy editor Kari Molvar, who is a certified gem expert. The site offers both high-quality lab-grown and natural diamond rings—without the luxury price point. At Quince, find timeless and classic stone and settings for as low as $900.

Get This Showstopper For $4,700

Quince Lab Grown Diamond Oval Pave Cathedral Engagement Ring

At the center of this engagement ring is a 5-carat lab-grown diamond that is set in a multi-row pavé cathedral design with a hidden halo. The ring pictured above is in the yellow gold color; however, you can choose from two additional options, including white gold and platinum. 


Nordstrom

At the department store, you can find affordable engagement rings from various brands, with prices starting at just $330. While you’re browsing, check out these Nordstrom coupons to see if you can save even more.

Save $260 On This Sleek Solitaire Ring

Bliss Diamond Cushion Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

Bliss Diamond & Jewelry Co. is a family-owned business that offers high-quality, lab-grown diamonds and jewelry, including this 3-carat engagement ring. This dazzling cushion-cut diamond ring, which is available in 10 sizes, can be set in 14k white gold or 14k yellow gold. 


Rare Carat

Rare Carat offers a wide variety of rings (over 1,000 settings and diamonds), making it possible to find the perfect option for your soon-to-be bride. Plus, Rare Carat offers free expert analysis service, so you can consult with one of its gemologists to determine your stone’s price and quality. Right now, you can secure discounts on select settings and diamonds, which apply at checkout. You can also take advantage of its email subscription offer and earn a $100 credit when you join.

Get 30% Off This Round Ring In A Pavé Setting

Rare Carat Round Lab Diamond Betsy Petite Pavé Engagement Ring

This engagement ring features a round lab diamond set in a 14k yellow gold setting with pavé diamonds along the band, ensuring it dazzles and sparkles from every angle. For the setting, you can choose from four metals and three carat weights. This band, as shown, has a 0.25 total carat weight.


Ritani

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 and, for a limited time, use our exclusive code FORBES30 to save 30% on your design. The retailer has countless affordable rings, but you can increase your savings by joining Ritani’s email list to secure $100 off your order.

Get 30% Off This 2-In-1 Engagement Ring

Ritani Toi et Moi Personalized Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

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 stone’s shape, metal and carat size. The current offer above includes a 0.18-carat pear diamond. Depending on your preferences, the price of the ring may increase.  


Aurate

This chic jeweler is our favorite online jewelry store for gold pieces. The designer focuses on ethical practices, including using recycled materials and sustainably sourced stones. Its designs are high-quality and stylish with transparent pricing that helps you fully understand what you’re paying for. During its Sample Sale, you can save up to 40% on select pieces.

This Understated Ring Is $4,000

Aurate Emerald-Cut Tapered Baguette Diamond Ring

For a chic art-deco inspired ring, look no further than this emerald cut engagement ring. Its simplistic design showcases your gemstone at its forefront with accompanying accent pieces to enhance its brilliance. This ring is available in three colors, 13 sizes, three rates and two diamond options.


Clean Origin

This eco-friendly designer works exclusively with lab-grown stones. Each ring also comes with a lifetime warranty and certification from an independent diamond grading laboratory. For new customers, you can save up to 20% on orders when you join Clean Origin’s email and text list.

This Dazzling Bezel Design Starts At $2,200

MOST POPULAR

Clean Origin Round Adeline Ring

This ring includes a 1-carat round diamond and 20 accent diamonds on a 14k white gold band. The bezel design is a popular setting, giving a sleek and modern touch to the sparkling design. You can pick your own diamond and choose from six metals, but the final price of the ring may fluctuate. 


Kay Jewelers

If you’re looking to peruse a variety of band styles and lab-grown diamond stones, Kay Jewelers has plenty of options to sift through. Right now, the jeweler is offering up to 70% off select clearance ring designs, and an extra 20% off various jewelry pieces, including engagement rings, necklaces and more.

Save $2,520 On This Solitaire Engagement Ring

Now + Forever Oval-Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

This engagement ring features a classic style with its 2.5-carat oval-cut lab-grown diamond front and center. Available in its 14K white gold finish, you can select this ring in one of its 17 preset sizes or choose custom sizing for a perfect fit. 


Vrai

The popular jewelry store offers 100% guaranteed and certified engagement rings for as little as $1,700. Have your pick between numerous stone cuts (including oval, pear, marquise and more) and metal bands to design your preferred ring style. Vrai also has blue and pink diamonds available to include in your creation.

This Floral Engagement Ring Is Under $4,000

Vrai The Carnation

Shaped to replicate its classic look, this engagement ring is inspired by carnation flowers and their symbolism of love and devotion. Its center stone is framed by handset diamonds to imitate petals and sits on an 18K white gold band.


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