Are Cheap Engagement Rings Bad? We Set the Record Straight

It’s a common misconception that engagement rings have to cost an arm and a leg. Ya know … three month’s salary and all that jazz. But if you do decide to go the unconventional route and prioritize your budget, does that mean your wedding is doomed to fail? Nope, it sure doesn’t! Does it mean that the ring won’t last? Nope again! In this guide, we’re covering why opting for a cheap engagement ring is a mighty fine choice that may actually help strengthen your marriage.

  • couple holding hands wearing silver engagement rings

    But First … Busting Misconceptions

    Ever since diamond giant De Beers began marketing diamonds as an engagement necessity back in the 1930s and promoting their iconic slogan A Diamond is Forever, using a very expensive rock to pop the question has been the standard. But the truth is that this was all a pretty elaborate marketing scheme orchestrated by big corporations, and — like the diamonds it shilled — it was downright brilliant.

    De Beers and fellow diamond industry behemoths created campaigns perpetuating a whole bunch of myths that are now commonly mistaken as fact. Nope, diamonds are not actually a good investment*, they’re not actually rare** and they’re certainly not the only way to ask the big question.

    *While diamonds might be forever, their value is not. In fact, that dazzling little gemstone loses over 50 percent of its value the second you waltz out of the jewelry store. Diamonds are beautiful and cherished, but they are undoubtedly a depreciating asset (kind of like a car).

    **Unfortunately, the clear little stones are not actually very rare. According to the International Gem Society, diamonds are likely the most common gem in nature. So why are diamonds so expensive then? It’s all about the marketing!

  • woman wearing vintage silver engagement ring

    Why Cheap Engagement Rings Are the Way to Go

    So now that we’ve determined that expensive diamond engagement rings are by far the most over-hyped item in human history — you can quote us on that — let’s get down to the nitty-gritties about their cheaper alternatives. Cheap engagement rings are not bad. In fact, they come with a variety of great benefits that may make them even more desirable than standard ones.
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Cheap Engagement Rings = A Stronger Marriage

Expensive engagement rings aren’t just overplayed, they may actually be bad for your marriage. One study even revealed that couples who shell out more cash for the engagement ring tend to have a higher rate of divorce. When you think about it, this isn’t particularly surprising. Extending your means or going broke for a piece of jewelry is a bad way to start.
  • woman pinching gold and rose gold oval engagement rings

    Cheap Does Not Mean Low-Quality

    There are many different kinds of affordable engagement rings, from diamond alternative rings to free-to-you antiques passed down in the family. The truth? They’re all just fine. But some will last longer than others. If you choose an option made with high-quality materials, your ring can quite literally last a lifetime and be passed along to future generations.

    So which materials are best for your affordable engagement ring? If you love the classic look of a real diamond, you can’t go wrong with handmade simulated diamonds. These brilliant stones are literally flawless and made to the highest quality standards for cut, color and clarity. Not only are they gorgeous and affordable, but they’re also remarkably durable. Bonus: Simulated diamonds are conflict-free.

    Why Shop Us, anyway? Learn more below.
    Conflict-Free Rings, High-Quality Jewelry
  • POV of girls holding hands to sky with gold and rose gold engagement rings

    Cheap Does Not Mean Green Fingers

    To save even more, choose a band and setting made with more affordable precious metals like sterling silver plated in rhodium. These materials are timeless and long-lasting, with one great benefit: they contain no nickel. That means they won’t cause any allergic reactions and they won’t turn her finger green.
  • woman wearing silver wedding ring set

    Cheap Does Not Mean Ugly

    Contrary to popular belief, how much you spend on an engagement ring does not directly correlate with how attractive it is. In fact, if you take a stroll through our collection of budget-friendly options, you’ll see that there are a ton of trend-setting and classic engagement rings that command attention without the cost.
    Shop Our Entire Engagement Ring Collection

Start Your Marriage Off Right

Contrary to popular belief, how much you spend on an engagement ring does not directly correlate with how attractive it is. In fact, if you take a stroll through our collection of budget-friendly options, you’ll see that there are a ton of trend-setting and classic engagement rings that command attention without the cost.

Browse All Affordable Rings for Sale Here