When you shop for affordable engagement rings, your options stretch far beyond the traditional white stone on a silver band. Colorful jewels, bold designs and distinct bands showcase your future spouse’s vibrant personality. As you browse, you’ll discover new ways to symbolize your love and make your proposal a heart-stopping moment.
1. Gemstone Rings
Colored gemstones add a unique shine and heritage to your ring. Each one has its own history, symbolism, and rarity that ties to your lover’s personal life. For example, if your future spouse values art and inspiration, opals symbolize imagination and creativity. You could also simply choose your partner’s birthstone or favorite color.
Your options include rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and other classics. There are also more eclectic stones, such as morganite, tanzanite, and pink sapphire. Make sure you research the hardness level before your partner brings their gemstone engagement ring to the workplace. While some jewels reach a 9 on the hardness scale, others scratch more easily.
2. Rose or Yellow Gold Rings
If you want a luxurious ring without paying for a massive jewel, gold bands add a sense of wealth and extravagance. Yellow gold brings out the warmth in gemstones and gives clear stones a flickering light. However, gold is one of the softer metals, so your partner must take special care.
Rose gold, which is a combination of gold and copper, adds a romantic pink hue. The copper also makes rose gold more durable than yellow gold. This metal pairs particularly well with brown and pink gemstones, such as morganite.
Some buyers ask, “Will gold plated rings tarnish?” Tarnishing is possible, but you can protect your ring by opting for thicker plating and choosing a silver base over bronze or copper.
3. Toi et Moi Rings
Toi et Moi engagement rings date back to the 1700s when Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to Joséphine de Beauharnais with a similar piece. These rings feature two gemstones, often cut into a square and teardrop shape, linked on a band. This symbolizes your partnership and delights the history lover in your life.
Often, the stones are the same color, but you could make a bold statement with a dual-colored ring. This also provides more personalization options for you and your partner, which can have a personal meaning. Silver bands create a subtle backdrop while gold bands infuse the stones with a comfortable glow.
4. Eternity Bands
Instead of one center stone, eternity rings feature a series of small jewels embedded in the band. This never-ending loop symbolizes your eternal love. Eternity rings are more subtle, making them ideal for partners who prefer a minimalist ring. Plus, they require a smaller cost investment than rings with large gemstones.
Choose from a silver, yellow gold or rose gold base, and then browse your design options. Some eternity rings have a simple band, but others feature swirls, starbursts or scalloped shapes that outline the jewels. Some have a triangular shape that sits elegantly on your partner’s hand. Most eternity bands use white jewels instead of colored gemstones for a subtle glitter.
5. Petite Rings
Keep it simple with a petite engagement ring. These bands feature one large stone on a band with no added frills. Some petite rings have a few extra stones, but most of them invite you to appreciate the single jewel’s incredible sparkle. The center stones come in various shapes, including pear, oval, cushion, and marquise.
For a truly minimalist look, opt for a white stone on a silver or white gold band. The cool, silvery shades complement each other and create an understated piece. However, you can also order rings with yellow or rose gold if your partner prefers a touch of color.
6. Vintage Rings
With bold jewels, shimmering metals and spellbinding designs, vintage rings signify class and luxury. Vintage pieces often feature a large center stone with a halo or jewel-encrusted band. Sometimes, pear-shaped jewels surround the stone to create a flower shape. Round, oval and square cuts are common for antique gemstones.
Silver and yellow gold make up the bulk of vintage jewelry, but you’ll find rose gold pieces that give the stones a passionate warmth. The maximalist pieces are a little pricier than other rings. But if you want to save money, look for antique wedding bands that feature a ring of clear jewels without a center stone.
7. Silicone Bands
If your spouse is allergic to metal, involved in hard labor or worried about their ring’s durability, silicone rings are simple, easy to clean and difficult to break. These rings offer a smooth or textured surface that comes in a variety of shades, including pink, black, navy and forest green.
With no gemstones, you won’t have to worry about losing expensive jewels. Silicone rings don’t conduct electricity, making them safe for the workplace. They’re also affordable, so if your spouse loses their ring, you can simply buy another one. Some people buy a traditional ring for formal occasions and a silicone ring for everyday use.
8. Interchangeable Rings
Interchangeable rings add variety to your lover’s wardrobe. These rings offer simple designs without center stones and come in a variety of colors, shapes and textures. Since they’re relatively affordable, you can buy multiple rings and let your partner mix and match. They can pair rose gold with silver one day and then wear yellow gold a day later. Most interchangeable rings use white stones to keep it simple.
When Should You Start Looking?
It’s never too early to shop for engagement rings. Start looking as soon as possible to evaluate your possibilities. This also gives you more time to save up for your partner’s dream gemstone. With a little thought and care, you’ll surprise your future spouse with a dazzling ring that stands out from the crowd.
