Not everyone has thousands of dollars in their budget to spend on a diamond engagement ring. The good news is that there are alternative rings without diamonds that look just as beautiful and offer a more affordable price tag.
Lab Diamonds
Lab created diamonds offer a fantastic alternative to a mined diamond. Designed to provide a perfected look-alike appearance that only a jeweller can tell apart, it gives you the beautiful look of a real diamond without the high price.
Emeralds
Emeralds are simply gorgeous and if May is the birth month of your fiancé, you can earn bonus points for remembering their birthday too. The bold green color complements both gold and silver bands. The only drawback is that an emerald is not as hard as a diamond so just make sure to select the right setting so that it retains its good looks.
Sapphires
Sapphires regained the limelight with the re-surfacing of Princess Diana’s ring now residing beautifully on Kate Middleton’s finger. Representing faithfulness and tranquility, the blue sapphire is elegant and durable, looking beautiful for a lifetime.
Moissanite
Want a gemstone that’s literally from out of this world, then moissanite is something to consider. Derived from meteorites that landed on earth, or more recently, created in labs, it’s very hard, super shiny and much easier on the wallet than their diamond counterparts.
Rubies
A ruby can cost nearly as much as a diamond, especially if you are considering a larger stone but can often be much more affordable. It has a beautiful intoxicating red colour and it symbolizes love and passion, ideal for an engagement ring. It also has a similar hardness to a diamond making it durable for the long run.
Topaz
If you want to add color to the engagement ring, topaz makes an excellent choice. This semi-precious gem comes in a gorgeous blue or red. And, while not as hard as a diamond, as an alternative, it holds up well after years of daily wear. However, if you want to remain true to the traditional white stone, topaz also comes in white with the ultimate clarity for a natural option.
Claddagh
Sometimes tradition goes far beyond being a citizen of the United States. Some families have a rich history in other countries around the world and a bloodline that takes them back centuries. The Claddagh ring is a traditional engagement ring in Ireland. Dating back to the middle ages, it includes a set of hands to represent your friendship, a heart to show your joined love, and a crown on top representing loyalty.
Clear Quartz
Quartz, both popular and easily recognized, is a crystal with a reputation as a powerful stone. It makes a wonderful alternative to a traditional diamond for someone that’s looking to sport their own unique style.
Cubic Zirconia
If you want the look of a real diamond without the large price tag that comes with it, a cubic zirconia may prove an excellent choice. This man-made alternative, can be a cheap imitation, however, in recent years with improvements in quality and technology, they look very similar to a diamond and hold up well too.
The Knot
If the person who now owns your heart is into the simple things in life, presenting them with the knot engagement ring will embrace her style and signify what tying the knot truly means. A unified bond that doesn’t break.
Family Heirloom
A family heirloom has a deep meaning of becoming a member of a family. Presented to someone you love as an engagement ring brings them into your inner circle and the price is very affordable.
Falling in love and imagining spending the rest of your life with this one person is an amazing feeling that brings joy and comfort. And, while it’s true that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, if you want to break away from tradition on the engagement ring, there are so many choices available.
