Jewelry stores at the mall sell engagement rings that look like what everyone else has. But you want something one-of-a-kind. Or something vintage. Maybe something a little different, just like you. But you’re on a budget and want to look at inexpensive jewelry in your price range.
It’s confusing – what’s all this business about cut, color, clarity, and carat? Are prices and styles for platinum, gold, white gold, silver bands that different? Once you’ve done a bit of research and set your budget, allow yourself to go with your heart.
Here are 9 engagement rings to fall in love with
Please note: Some of these rings are one-of-a-kind and may sell out. But you will get a general idea of what you may find at each site. 
1. Erica Weiner – If you’re looking for something vintage or at least vintage-inspired, you’re bound to find something you like at Erica Weiner. This .60ct diamond engagement ring is a streamlined Art Deco classic. The center stone (H-I/VS2) sits within decorative fishtail prongs and is flanked by .05ct diamond baguettes. Tiny triangles are engraved end of each angled shoulder, their crisp points lead into a trim knife edge hoop.
Erstwhile Jewelry
2. Erstwhile Jewelry Co. – Like Erica Weiner, Erstwhile Jewelry Co. offers a tempting mix of vintage pieces and one of a kind designs. This Art Deco Vintage Engagement Ring is made in platinum and centered with a 4.75ct emerald-cut aquamarine. Accented by two diamonds on each shoulder totaling 1 carat. Center stone is set in a fairly low four prong box setting. This standout ring is comfortably form-fitting on the finger. A stunning alternative to a diamond engagement ring or a beautiful addition to a vintage jewelry collection. $3,000.
Sam’s Club ring
3. Sam’s Club – Yes, the where you go to buy toilet paper and cat litter in bulk also sells really lovely fine jewelry. Take a look at this classic, elegant bridal ring which is set in 14K white gold (H-I, I1). This ring flashes with light and brilliance through the beautifully cut facets. It is a 0.96ct round cut diamond solitaire plus ring. $1,799.
Costco engagement ring
4. Costco – Again, one of those big club warehouses where you stock up on snack items in bulk also sells diamonds. Costco has some really gorgeous jewelry. Just check out this stunning princess cut and round brilliant 1.18ct VS2 clarity, I color diamond platinum ring for $3,599.99.
5. Brilliant Earth – You can design your own ring at Brilliant Earth, opt for a vintage piece, or try one of their unique designs. This Sapphire Luna Ring, with a gorgeous teal sapphire set in a 14K white gold bezel setting, is priced at $2,140.
eBay engagement ring
6. eBay – Yes, eBay! There are many fine jewelers who have set up shop at eBay. You can get great rings at any price on eBay! This magnificent vintage yellow diamond engagement ring is fashioned in platinum. The ring contains one round cut .50ct yellow diamond in the center that is VS2 in clarity. It has a yellow diamond has been color enhanced, not clarity enhanced. The yellow diamond is accented by six round cut diamonds that are H in color and VS in clarity, with a total weight of .15ct. Total diamond weight of the ring is .65ct. $1,495.
Etsy ring
7. Etsy – They don’t just sell crafty items on Etsy – it’s a great place to find vintage rings like this art deco sapphire and diamond ring by Etsy seller PenelliBelle. Priced at $1,299, this handmade ring features a 14K white gold setting and is set with a 1 carat natural white sapphire in the center and 4 accent diamonds measuring .06 carats total weight.
The RealReal
8. The RealReal – Yes, the same place you shop for luxury handbags offers a curated collection of brand name engagement rings. Each ring is authenticated by a certified gemologist and comes with a valuation report. Consider this Badgley Mischka 0.99ct emerald cut diamond solitaire in a 14k white gold setting for $1,995.
ExBoyfriend jewelry
9. ExBoyfriend Jewelry – Someone else’s cast-offs might be your good luck charm. This oval sapphire and round diamond border ring is up sale for $500. One carat sapphire surrounded by 32 diamonds that are .26cts, set in white gold.
And if your boyfriend is on the fence, commitment-wise, just tell him to watch this classic:
What sites do you look at for engagement rings?
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
There are also pawn shops, antique shops and estate sales and auctions where you can find nice jewelry. Pawn shops and antique shops may have a no-refund policy and with estate sales and auctions things are as is with no refunds. If the stone itself is good you can always have the stone reset for far less than purchasing a new ring.
@Myke I love the idea of this – getting a great price on a ring with an interesting history – but I’m not enough of a jewelry expert to feel comfortable sizing up a ring’s value quickly. How have you learned to do this? What books or sites do you read about valuing stones and rings?
When my husband and I got engaged, I wanted a ring that was unique, and it was also very important to me that my ring be ethically sourced. My husband bought me a gorgeous vintage engagement ring online from http://www.brilliantearth.com, a jewelry company based out of San Francisco that is committed to selling ethical jewelry. I love my ring and have gotten so many compliments on it, plus it makes me feel good to know that purchasing it did not impact someone else’s life in a negative way. They have lots of beautiful jewelry available at different price points, and I highly recommend them!
(If you aren’t aware of all the social and environmental issues surrounding the jewelry industry, Brilliant Earth does an excellent job of breaking it down on their website http://www.brilliantearth.com/jewelry-issues/)
@N. Davis Good for you! I’m so glad to know about this site, I’ll check it out if I’m ever in the market for a bauble. So curious about your ring! What does it look like? Maybe we can swap pics – I have a beautiful tourmaline ring that has a really deep, unusual color.
These are gorgeous and unusual. I really like the idea of using stones that are symbolic to you. Gemvara is one company I love (no affiliation, just affection) because you can custom design stones and metals in many gorgeous ways. My dream ring is a round stone in peridot (August, the month we met) and sapphire (our “family” color). Who needs a diamond?
@marie hickman I agree and love colored stones. My husband bought me a tourmaline ring when our second baby was born – his family has a tradition of buying the Mom a ring with every baby! I love the unusual, deep ocean color. I told him that if we ever left RI, it would remind us that our second daughter was born here, in the Ocean State.
Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks
for supplying this information.
Very informative blog. Thanks