Getting engaged is a significant milestone that you will cherish for a lifetime. Picking the perfect engagement ring or wedding band can be hard, especially if you have a small budget. Luckily, there are many affordable options available for both men and women to last a lifetime.
When finding an engagement ring, start by determining your budget. This will help narrow down the choices and make the decision-making process easier. Remember that an engagement ring's price does not necessarily reflect its beauty. Here at Vernon Jewelers, there are plenty of affordable options that are just as stunning.
Lab-Grown Diamond's and (Gemstones)
One way to save money on an engagement ring is by choosing a lab-grown diamond or gemstone. These options are cheaper and look just like real diamonds and gemstones in quality and appearance. You can buy lab-grown diamonds as a cheaper and more ethical alternative to natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds possess the same qualities as natural diamonds but cost less due to being made in controlled settings.
Gemstones like lab-grown sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and morganites are cheaper alternatives to save money than traditional options. These gemstones are also virtually identical to their natural counterparts in appearance and quality. (More info on Gemstones in this article).
Choosing a lab-made diamond or gemstone for an engagement ring doesn't mean sacrificing beauty or sentimentality. Without special tools, many people can't tell the difference between lab-grown and natural stones.
Not only are lab-grown diamonds and gemstones more affordable, but they also have less of an environmental impact. Natural diamonds require extensive mining processes that can cause harm to the environment. Lab-grown stones are created in controlled environments using sustainable methods. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option than natural stones.
Popular Types of Ring Bands For Engagement Rings.
A handful of metals are available when looking for a ring. Whether you're a man or a woman, there are various options of ring bands to choose from.
Popular choices for jewelry include platinum, silver, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. These metals can range from 10k to 24k gold. You will find that these are some of the most common things to consider when it comes to budget for your ring.
There are also different styles of bands to consider, such as solitaire, halo, three-stone, or pave settings. Solitaire rings have one main stone with simple band details, while halo rings have smaller stones around the main one. Three-stone rings have three large stones on the band. Pave settings, on the other hand, have small diamonds or gemstones covering the entire band.
Now let's dive into some details about each metal option. Platinum is a popular choice for its durability and rarity, making it one of the most expensive options. It has a naturally white color and doesn't require any plating.
White gold, on the other hand, is made by mixing yellow gold with other metals to create a white appearance. It often requires rhodium plating to maintain its color over time. Silver is another popular option, but it is not as durable as platinum or white gold. It also tends to tarnish over time.
It is best to go see your trusted local jeweler with these questions on what you might be looking for. The budget will significantly vary depending on what you like the best.
Antique Jewelry
Another option for an affordable engagement ring is to go vintage or antique. Modern-day rings do not have the unique designs and intricate details often found in these rings.
Buying a vintage or antique ring is a sustainable choice when recycling jewelry. Visit our jewelry museum to see our history and past ring options to consider at Vernon Jewelers. Learn more about antique jewelry
If going this route, one might consider alternative gemstones to be replaced for your engagement ring. Diamonds may be the traditional choice, but there are many other beautiful and durable options available at lower costs. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are popular choices for unique colors and styles in that classic jewelry style.
What Stone Settings to Consider for an Engagement Ring
There are many different stone setting options to consider for an engagement ring. The right setting can enhance the beauty of your chosen gemstone and create a unique look that reflects your style. Here are some popular stone settings to consider when choosing an engagement ring:
Prong/Shared Prong Setting
The prong setting is one of the most classic and popular choices for engagement rings. It consists of small metal claws that hold the center gemstone in place, allowing maximum light to enter and showcase its brilliance.
This setting is great for highlighting larger gemstones, as it allows them to stand out and be the focal point of the ring. Shared prong settings have multiple gemstones held in place by a single shared prong, creating a continuous line of sparkle.
French Pave Setting:
The French pave setting is a popular choice for those who want extra sparkle and shine on their engagement ring. This setting features small diamonds or gemstones set closely together, with tiny beads of metal holding them in place. The result is a continuous line of glittering gems that add a touch of elegance to any ring.
Bezel/Rubover Setting:
For those looking for a more secure and modern option, the bezel setting is a great choice. In this setting, the metal surrounds the gemstone, holding it in place and offering protection from damage.
This is a great option for those with active lifestyles or who work with their hands, as the gemstone is less likely to get snagged or chipped. A bezel setting may not allow as much light into the stone.
This can affect how shiny the stone appears. Remember this when choosing a setting for your stone. Nonetheless, this is another great option to consider for your ring.
Flush (Gypsy) Setting:
The flush or gypsy setting is a sleek and modern option for those who prefer a minimalist look. In this setting, the gemstone is set into the band of the ring, with only the top surface of the stone visible. This creates a smooth and seamless look that is perfect for everyday wear.
The flush setting protects the gemstone by sitting almost flat with the band. This reduces the chance of catching on clothes or objects. However, it may not be suitable for larger and more intricate gemstones as they may not sit securely in this type of setting.
Scallop Setting:
The scallop setting is also known as a bead setting. Is a popular choice for those looking for a vintage or romantic feel to their ring. In this setting, the gemstone is held in place by small metal prongs that resemble tiny beads with a shimmer and glimmer.
The scallop setting lets more light hit the gemstone, making it shine brighter. However, it may not be as secure as other settings and may require more maintenance over time.
Channel Setting:
The channel setting is another popular choice for those who want some extra sparkle on their engagement ring. It is a band with small gemstones between two metal bands, forming a continuous line of diamonds or other stones.
This setting is perfect for those who want to add some extra bling to their ring without making it too overwhelming. Plus, it's another setting that varies manageable in all working environment.
Pave Setting:
The pave setting is a stunning option that involves multiple small gemstones set close together on the band of the ring. This creates an intricate and dazzling effect that adds extra sparkle to any ring design.
One advantage of the pave setting is its versatility - it can be used on both simple and intricate ring designs. The small gemstones in the ring make it easier to mix and match colors and styles. This gives you more options for customization.
Because the stones are close together, this setting may need more maintenance to keep the stones secure. Be careful when wearing a pave set ring, as the small stones can easily fall out or get damaged.
Fishtail setting:
This setting features multiple prongs that hold the center stone in place, resembling a fishtail shape. Jewelers usually place the prongs on opposite ends of the center stone to create a balanced and symmetrical look.
The fishtail setting is a modern twist on traditional solitaire settings. It is popular with people who want something unique and trendy. It also allows for more light to enter the center stone, enhancing its brilliance and sparkle.
However, like the pave setting, the fishtail setting may require more maintenance because of the exposed prongs. Regularly checking and tightening the prongs is important to ensure that the center stone stays secure.
Milgrain Setting:
The milgrain setting, also called a beaded edge setting, has small metal beads along the band or around the center stone. This pretty detail adds texture and improves the ring's appearance with a variety of diamond options to choose from.
Designers commonly use this setting in vintage-style designs to give any engagement ring a classic and elegant look. The milgrain detailing can also help disguise any imperfections or scratches on the metal band. Knowing that this setting may not be suitable for everyday wear is important because of its complex design. It may require more care and maintenance to keep the delicate beadwork intact.
Bar Setting:
The bar setting is one of the most popular choices for diamond engagement rings. It features small metal bars that hold the diamonds securely in place, creating a sleek and modern look.
One of the main advantages of this setting is its durability.
The bars protect the diamonds from falling out or getting damaged more than other settings. Another benefit of the bar setting is that It can make various styles, like a plain ring or a fancy one with many diamonds.
Using a bar setting may not be ideal for larger center stones. The metal bars around them can make the stones look smaller. Keep this in mind when choosing a setting for your jewelry.
Tension Setting:
For a more modern and unique look, consider the tension setting for your engagement ring. In this setting, the gemstone appears to be floating between two metal bands, held in place by the tension of the metal.
This setting allows for maximum light to enter the stone, giving it a brilliant sparkle. However, this setting requires extra care. Careless handling can easily damage it. This could cause you to lose your stone.
These stone settings are some of the most common settings to consider for your engagement ring. It's always best to do some research and find a stone setting that speaks to you. You can always visit us in person or over the phone if you have any questions or need advice when shopping for and ring.
Floating Setting:
The floating setting is a modern and unique option for engagement rings. It showcases a center stone that seems to float in the air, supported by small prongs or metal bands. This setting allows for maximum light to enter the stone, creating an eye-catching and dramatic effect. However, because of its delicate design, it requires extra care and may not be suitable for everyday wear.
As you can see, there are many different types of rings to consider when looking for your future engagement ring. Each ring is going to be different and pricing will vary from ring to ring. But nonetheless, we hope this article helps to pinpoint areas of interest when jewelry shopping.
If you have any questions, you can be well assured that our team here at Vernon Jewelers will assist you in finding the perfect engagement rings to suit your needs. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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