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Courtesy of Catbird
A traditional engagement ring typically features a diamond center stone and a band made of either silver, gold, or platinum. These rings are beautiful and classic, but they’re also generally very expensive—it’s not easy to find a diamond ring at a truly affordable price point. The good news is that there is no rule that says you have to spend your life savings on an engagement ring. There are gorgeous engagement rings under $500 so you can propose to the love of your life in style without emptying your bank account.
Finding an engagement ring under $500 might mean adjusting your expectations on what that ring is going to look like, however. You shouldn’t expect to find a diamond or even a great quality, large colored gemstone at that price point. Instead, look for smaller center stones and unique shapes. These alternative engagement rings offer a fresh perspective and might be the non-traditional look some bride-to-be’s are going for.
Here’s a look at some of the best engagement rings under $500 available now.
Gema & Co. The Pear Solitaire
Courtesy of Gema & Co
A more traditional look at a lower price point, this pear-cut solitaire features a center moissanite stone. You can choose to pair it with a yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold band for $500.
Capucinne 14K Gold Ring
Courtesy of Capucinne
This dainty and feminine ring comes in at a super low price point if you opt for silver or yellow or rose vermeil with a cubic zirconia stone. It’s dainty and could easily double as a stacking ring if you choose to upgrade to a larger ring one day.
Capucinne Pearl Engagement Ring
Courtesy of Capucinne
This modern shaped pearl stone ring features a curved wedding band with a tiny diamond for a little sparkle. For less than $500, you can opt for silver or yellow gold or rose gold vermeil.
Jennie Kwon Designs Baguette Dot Ring
Courtesy of Jennie Kwon Designs
We love that this Jennie Kwon ring features a non-traditional style for an engagement ring. Instead of a center stone, there are three small baguettes in a 14K yellow gold band. It’s delicate and pretty.
Young In The Mountains Variscite Equinox Ring
Courtesy of No.3
For brides looking for something very non-traditional, this ring is the perfect choice. The marbled green stone is produced by American miners in Lucin, Utah, and the golden bezel and carved silver is a beautiful mix that definitely makes a statement.
Effy 925 Sterling Silver & 18K Yellow Gold Accented Diamond Ring
Courtesy of Effy
Mixing metals always makes for an interesting result, and this ring is no exception. A cluster of tiny diamonds sits inside a silver and yellow gold halo, and the entwined band is a unique touch.
James & Irisa Silver Moon Sapphire Ring
Courtesy of Love Audry Rose
A sapphire is a decent stone for daily wear because it’s hard enough to withstand the wear and tear. This ring was inspired by the glow of the moon, and the sapphire and unique texture makes it feel extra special.
Vrai Bezel Ring
Courtesy of Vrai
This delicate ring feels more traditional than some of the other options here, with a small round-cut diamond and a thin gold band. The sharp bezel cut makes the stone sparkle even more.
Capucinne Wedding Ring
Courtesy of Capucinne
This thin curved band is almost more like a wedding band, but it could also easily work as a simple and minimalist engagement ring with its three small diamonds embedded in the curve. For under $500, you can choose between 14K yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold.
Bruce Janie Ring
Courtesy of Catbird
Simple with a modern feel, this band is a lovely engagement ring or can double as a stacking ring if one ever chooses to add more. Five tiny diamonds in a gradient from white to gray make for an interesting look.
Gema & Co. The Four Prong Round Solitaire
Courtesy of Gema & Co
This solitaire round stone on a simple band is very traditional and classic. A Charles & Colvard Forever One moissanite stone shines on a delicate and durable band for the perfect minimalist design.
Marrow Pearl Arch Band
Courtesy of Marrow
For something modern, cool, and non-traditional, opt for this Marrow piece. Available in rose gold, yellow gold, or white gold, it also features a small pearl in the center.
Meadowlark Hexagon Solitaire Ring
Courtesy of Meadow Lark Jewelry
This ring has a slightly masculine feel to it that really makes it stand out in a sea of dainty engagement rings. It features a round stone in a hexagon setting and you can choose between morganite, black diamond, midnight sapphire, rhodolite garnet, rose quartz, or Thai garnet for the type of stone.
Lisa Jewelry Oval Moss Agate Engagement Ring
Courtesy of Etsy
Agate is a beautiful stone that is a version of quartz, and it comes in a variety of different shades. This crystal clear moss shade is particularly beautiful and surrounded by small marquise-cut diamonds on a rose gold band, it’s ultra-feminine and pretty.
Effy 925 Sterling Silver Green Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Courtesy of Effy
The light green color of this amethyst stone is so different and beautiful, and we love the cushion cut. Accented by tiny diamonds and a textured band, this is a very pretty piece.
Vrai Bezel Ring
Courtesy of Vrai
We love the marquise cut of the diamond stone here, and the sharp bezel edge makes it sparkle more. The delicate band can come in yellow or white gold depending on what you want.
Catbird Jewelry Spring Fairy Ring
Courtesy of Catbird
If your goal is an engagement ring that looks, well, nothing like your traditional engagement ring, then this one is ideal. Rose-cut recycled diamonds are arranged in a cluster meant to mimic the flurry of a fairy ring, making it delicate, beautiful, and very different.
Meadowlark Trio Ring
Courtesy of Meadowlark Jewelry
Three round-cut gemstones in varying sizes sit on a delicate rounded band here. The smokey quartz, morganite, and white diamond variety with the sterling silver band comes in at under $500, but there are other pricier options as well.
Opper Design Tear Drop Wedding Ring
Courtesy of Etsy
This pear-shaped center moissanite stone, surrounded by smaller moissanite stones in other shapes, has a bit of an Art Deco vibe to it. The stone is meant to mimic a diamond for a lower price tag.
Catbird Jewelry Sleeping Beauty Ring
Courtesy of Catbird
Described on the website as “a slightly mysterious and foreboding ring,” this features tapered claws and three rose-cut diamonds. Delicate and simple while still being very pretty, this is a good mix of classic and non-traditional.
What to Look For When Buying Engagement Rings Under $500
Band
Look for a band made of a durable metal that is still fairly inexpensive. Silver or rose gold are two great options. You may not be able to find platinum bands at this price point.
Stone
For this price, you’ll likely have to find a smaller center stone. You should also make sure you’re picking out a stone that can handle daily wear, like moissanite or morganite.