How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring

An engagement ring does not have to cost a fortune to be stunning. With smart choices about stone type, setting, and metal, you can get a beautiful ring that looks far more expensive than it is. This guide shows you exactly how.

Smart Stone Choices

Moissanite: The Best investment Diamond Alternative

Moissanite offers 90% of a diamond’s appearance at 10-15% of the cost. It is:

• Nearly as hard as diamond (9.25 vs 10 on Mohs scale)
• More brilliant than diamond (higher refractive index)
• Available in large sizes without the exponential price increase
• Lab-created, so ethically sourced by definition

Read our detailed moissanite vs diamond comparison.

White Sapphire

White sapphire is a natural gemstone that offers a clear, diamond-like appearance. While less brilliant than moissanite, it is a genuine precious stone at a fraction of diamond prices. See our white sapphire vs diamond guide.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Identical to mined diamonds in every way, but 30-50% less expensive. They have the same hardness, brilliance, and fire. The only difference is origin. Learn more in our lab-grown diamond guide.

Colored Gemstones

A non-traditional but increasingly popular choice:

• Blue sapphires (famously chosen by Princess Diana and Kate Middleton)
• Emeralds for those who love green
• Morganite for a romantic pink glow
• See our gemstone engagement ring guide

Setting Strategies That Save Money

• Halo setting: Small diamonds surrounding a center stone make it look 30-50% larger. A 0.5-carat center stone with a halo can look like a 1-carat solitaire
• Cluster rings: Multiple small stones cost far less than one large stone of the same total weight. Read our cluster ring guide
• Three stone: A modest center stone flanked by two smaller stones creates an impressive look
• Simple solitaire: Lets your investment focus entirely on the center stone rather than accent diamonds

Metal Savings

• 14K gold: 30% less expensive than 18K with nearly identical appearance. More durable too. See our 10K vs 14K guide
• Sterling silver: 90% less than gold. Beautiful but less durable for daily wear. See our silver vs white gold comparison
• Rose gold: Same price as yellow gold, trendy and distinctive

Carat Weight Tricks

• Buy just under round numbers: A 0.9-carat diamond costs 10-20% less than a 1.0-carat with virtually no visible difference
• Choose elongated shapes: Oval, marquise, and pear cuts appear larger per carat than round. Read our carat weight vs size guide
• Prioritize cut over clarity: A well-cut VS2 diamond outshines a poorly cut VVS1. Read about clarity grades

investment Breakdown Suggestions

• Under $500: Moissanite or white sapphire in sterling silver
• $500-$1,500: Moissanite in 14K gold or a smaller lab-grown diamond
• $1,500-$3,000: Lab-grown diamond (0.5-1 carat) in 14K gold with halo setting
• $3,000-$5,000: Lab-grown diamond (1-1.5 carat) or natural diamond (0.5-0.75 carat)

Shop Engagement Rings

Browse our engagement ring collection at every price point. From under $500 to luxury pieces, find the perfect ring at Biovlia with complimentary shipping. Explore our promise ring meaning and guide for more details.