An engagement ring is a stunning testament to your love. However, it can also be pricey. Fortunately, affordable engagement rings allow for more wiggle room in your budget so you don't have to worry about pinching pennies to propose.

Much like the name implies, affordable engagement rings fall within a more economical budget allowing the purchaser to get their hands on an exquisite piece without breaking the bank.

In 2022, the average cost of an engagement ring was $5,225, according to a study conducted by Credit Donkey. Further, of the couples surveyed, 19% spent less than $1,000, and 29% spent between $2,000 and $5,000.

So if $5,225 is the average cost of an engagement ring, what is the average cost of an affordable engagement ring?

As with everything else, the cost of an engagement ring depends on a variety of factors. These factors can include the materials used, the style of the ring, and the retailer. Often, inexpensive engagement rings can then vary from anywhere between $50o to $1,500.

Inexpensive engagement rings utilize budget-friendly materials that work together to seamlessly create an affordable yet still perfect, engagement ring. So to find more affordable rings, try to search for an engagement ring that is created with 14k yellow-gold, rose-gold, or a white-gold.

Gold is measured by its purity, with 24k being the purest and most expensive form of gold. The lower the number, the less pure it is—so 14k gold has only 58% purity, while 18k gold has 75% purity. That means 14k gold contains more alloying metals (other metals that are added to make the metal softer like silver and copper) than 18k gold does.

But don't let the fact that 14k gold is less pure than 18k gold turn you off, a 14k gold band appears exactly the same as an 18k gold engagement ring band. In fact, thanks to its alloys, a 14k gold band will actually be more durable than an 18k band while appearing exactly the same whether it's yellow-gold, white-gold, or rose-gold.

A white-gold engagement ring is also a perfect option for those considering platinum bands. Platinum is rarer than gold; it's also more expensive. And if you love the silvery sheen of a platinum band, a white-gold engagement ring can appear exactly the same for a fraction of the cost.

Additionally, consider lab created diamonds as opposed to natural diamonds. Because lab created diamonds are created in a lab and therefore create a smaller chain to consumers, they're also more affordable. In fact, at Clean Origin, you can expect to save 20-40% on a lab grown diamond ring when compared to a mined diamond ring.

As mentioned above, lab grown diamonds offer an economical and earth-friendly alternative to natural diamonds. However, if you want to save even more money then consider browsing fancy-shaped diamond rings.

Essentially, anything that is not a round diamond is considered a fancy diamond. Round diamonds are more expensive because creating the round shape creates the most diamond waste from the original diamond. Fancy-shaped diamonds, on the other hand, create less waste and are therefore more economical.

Another factor to consider when searching for an affordable diamond engagement ring? The style! For example, solitaire styles will be more inexpensive than other diamond engagement ring styles that lean on lots of diamonds like the three-stone or halo halo setting.

Finally, consider utilizing many smaller diamonds in your engagement ring instead of one large diamond. The delicate diamonds that create a pavé band is the perfect example of a beautiful ring that utilizes many diamonds instead of a large center diamond.

Yes, unique engagement rings can be found at affordable prices. As with any other diamond engagement ring, a unique engagement ring that utilizes affordable materials will therefore be a more affordable price.

Unique settings and modern precious metals like rose gold, offer a cost-effective yet still an incredibly unique alternative to more expensive diamond rings.

Keep the following tips in mind when searching for an affordable engagement ring and you'll find your perfect ring in no time!

Know Your Budget and Stick To It

If you’re planning to buy an engagement ring, it’s important to know what your budget is. It’s also important that you stay within that budget because otherwise, you could end up spending way more than you intended.

Go for 14K Gold

Because 14k gold is less pure than 18k gold it's also less expensive. White, rose, and yellow-gold appear exactly the same as 18k gold and are more durable than the more pure alternative.

Lab Grown Diamonds Are Your Best Bet

Lab grown diamonds are a great alternative to mined diamonds and are more ethical to boot!

Mined diamonds are expensive because it takes a lot of time to find them, extract them from the earth, and then cut them into something beautiful. They also have some environmental impact in the process of mining. Lab grown diamonds don't have any of these issues—they're more affordable because they're produced in a lab instead of found deep underground.

At Clean Origin, you can expect to save 20-40% on a stunning lab grown diamond engagement ring!

At Clean Origin, we offer a wide variety of affordable engagement rings in a variety of styles and different diamond cuts—whether you're looking for classic round-brilliant diamonds or a modern Asscher-cut diamond, our collection has something for everyone at every price point.

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