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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.