Want Big Diamond Engagement Rings on a Budget?

Shopping for engagement rings can feel daunting - especially if you're trying to stick to a budget. We've created a handy guide to help you feel more informed about diamond quality, how to set a reasonable budget, and methods to determine what you can afford. From there, we'll look at some choices you'll make that will impact your budget before we get into some gorgeous examples of big diamond engagement rings.

Bigger diamonds look stunning, but they're not always better. You'll use the 4Cs (cut, carat, color, and clarity) to evaluate each diamond you're considering. A smaller diamond can be of higher quality than a larger version. It all depends on the quality attributes.

When setting a budget, make sure it's realistic. If you're financing the ring, be real about how much you can afford per month for an engagement ring. Tally up your monthly expenses and see what you can set aside to determine an amount toward a ring. Keep in mind that you can save money for a ring, too.

Lab Grown Diamonds

One strategy for getting a larger ring on a budget is to select lab grown diamonds for the setting and/or the center stone. You can't tell the difference between natural and lab diamonds because they're physically, chemically, and optically exactly the same. Examining each stone under the microscope is the only way to distinguish between the two. People select lab-grown diamonds because they're environmentally friendly, responsibly sourced, and save some money. Lab diamonds are cheaper to create than mining diamonds, and you aren't paying for the rarity of large natural diamonds by selecting a lab grown diamond.

Choosing the Right Metal

Some metal options cost more than others, which can impact your engagement ring's overall cost. Platinum is more expensive than white, yellow, or rose gold, which are typically used for engagement ring settings. It's important to note that 18K gold will cost more than 14K because 18K contains more pure gold than 14K.

Now that you know more about how to set a budget and options that impact the cost of your ring, it's time to look at some stunning examples. Here are some of our favorites.

Elegance Baguette Halo Pave Engagement Ring

The engagement ring looks like an elevated solitaire. The cathedral band has raised shoulders that are pavé-set with round diamonds. The sparkling diamond band leads to a diamond center framed by a halo of baguette-cut diamonds. Select an environmentally friendly lab grown center diamond in a cushion, asscher, or oval shape, then customize the metal. This saves you money and is a sustainable option as well.

Elegance Pave Split Shank Engagement Ring

The split-shank engagement ring looks fantastic with the glittering pavé-set diamonds. The hidden halo features petite round diamonds. Select an emerald, pear, or oval center lab grown diamond to complete your ring, and you'll have peace of mind knowing you made a sustainable and ethical choice.

Elegance Diamond Studded Gallery Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

The details in this ring are worth setting. It features a gorgeous round, emerald, or oval-cut diamond centerstone that is mounted on a four-prong basket with a glittering hidden halo. Choose a lab diamond for an ethically sourced and environmentally friendly option. The cathedral shank's arching shoulders are traced with a triple row of diamonds that run more than halfway around the band.

Elegance Side-Stone with Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

Every detail in this ring is exquisite. Its subtle elegance features a princess, asscher, or cushion-cut center stone set high on a four-prong basket with a hidden halo underneath. Its tapering round diamond side stones lead to the shank's shoulders with additional diamonds. The setting alone is one carat of diamonds, and then you can select a sustainable, lab grown center stone and the metal to complete the ring.

Elegance Trillion Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring

Three-stone rings are classic and eye-catching; this engagement ring doesn't disappoint. This ring's design balances luxury and minimalism. The classic three-stone style has the center stone flanked by two fancy-cut trillion diamonds. Petite round diamonds compose the hidden halo that sits beneath the center diamond. Pick out the metal and the environmentally-friendly lab center stone (asscher, cushion, or princess).

Elegance Hidden Halo and Pave Diamond Engagement Ring

This engagement ring is unique and glamorous. The ring features an asscher, cushion, or princess diamond that stands on a four-prong basket setting with a hidden halo for that extra sparkle. The sleek band glitters with more round diamonds cascading more than halfway through the shank. Select your favorite metal and a center stone that fits your budget and preferences; keep in mind that you'll be able to get a larger lab diamond with your money, and it's a sustainable option.

Elegance Split Shank Halo Engagement Ring

Designed to keep aesthetics to a minimum, this diamond engagement ring's beauty highlights its clean lines, refined profile, and glittering diamonds. Its cathedral shank has splitting shoulders, which are traced with petite round diamonds. They lead to a jaw-dropping center asscher or cushion-cut lab-grown diamond with a classic halo of more round diamonds.

Elegance Pear Side Stone Engagement Ring

This ring glitters from every angle. It has a three-stone style with an imposing oval, pear, or marquise-cut diamond set in between a pair of pear-cut diamonds. The center stone is mounted on a four-prong basket setting with a hidden halo.

Elegance Split Shank Center Pave Engagement Ring

This mesmerizing diamond engagement ring features a mesmerizing large pear, oval, or emerald diamond that's set on a beautiful split shank with a diamond-traced arching ribbon accent. Choose a lab grown diamond for a clear conscience, knowing it's environmentally friendly.

Elegance Bypass Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

This minimalist, elegant ring stuns with a radiant, pear, or oval center stone. The ring has a subtle bypass profile, topped with a sparkling lab grown, sustainable diamond. A hidden halo and a short row of round diamonds on the ring's bridge make this ring extra elegant in its simplicity and classic touches.

Key Takeaways

Try not to feel pressured to spend gobs of money on a stunning, large engagement ring. You can find a budget-friendly ring that is jaw-dropping by making a few tweaks, such as choosing lab grown diamonds over natural diamonds and selecting a more affordable metal over platinum, such as yellow, rose, or white gold. You saw some examples of stunning engagement rings with impressive lab made center stones that you can customize to your liking and make your own.