Lab-Grown Diamond Prices – March 2025
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Finding the perfect engagement ring doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a budget of $2500 or less, you can find trending engagement rings that offer both quality and style. Whether you prefer a timeless solitaire or a halo setting, there are plenty of options available that promise affordability without compromising on the look. This image-rich engagement ring guide will walk you through the various engagement ring settings that will fit your $2500 budget and leave a lasting impression.
Please Note: The engagement rings featured in our article are sold as settings only. Loose diamonds are sold separately, allowing you the flexibility to choose a stone that fits your preferences and budget. Explore our wide selection of premium loose diamonds to find the perfect match for your chosen setting.
Solitaire Setting
The solitaire setting is perhaps the most iconic and timeless choice for engagement rings. Characterized by a single diamond set on a simple band, this setting highlights the beauty and brilliance of the stone without any distraction. Solitaire rings come in various metal choices like gold, platinum, and silver, making them versatile for any taste and budget. With a focus on the diamond, you can choose a high-quality stone within your budget constraints.
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Halo Setting
Halo settings are perfect for those who love a bit of glamour. This setting features a center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds to enhance the ring’s sparkle and apparent size. A halo engagement ring can make a smaller center diamond appear larger, a great advantage for budget-conscious buyers looking to maximize visual impact. Available in shapes like round, cushion, or princess, halo rings are versatile and modern.
$1,205 (Setting Only)
14K White Gold Cushion Outline Falling Edge Halo Engagement Ring at James Allen
$2,110 (Setting Only)
Petite Twisted Halo Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K Yellow Gold at Blue Nile
Pavé Setting
A pavé setting is distinguished by multiple small diamonds set closely together along the band, creating a glittering and seamless look. This setting not only adds extra sparkle but also gives the ring an overall luxurious appearance. Pavé engagement rings are a fantastic choice for someone who loves intricate details and a continuous shine that extends around the band.
$1,205 (Setting Only)
Platinum Pavé Adorned Cathedral Engagement Ring at James Allen
EUR 1,836 (Setting Only)
18K Rose Gold Custom 3 Row Pavé Engagement Setting Rose Halo at Adiamor
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Three-Stone Setting
Three-stone engagement rings are rich with symbolism, typically representing a couple’s past, present, and future. This setting features a central stone flanked by two slightly smaller stones, which can either be diamonds or other gemstones. The three-stone ring is a visually striking choice that allows for customization to fit personal tastes and budgets.
$1,485 (Setting Only)
14K White Gold Half Moon Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring at James Allen
$1,650 (Setting Only)
18K Yellow Gold Trellis 3 Stone Engagement Ring with Platinum Head at Whiteflash
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Bezel Setting
For those who lead an active lifestyle or prefer a modern look, the bezel setting is an ideal choice. This setting encircles the diamond with a rim of metal, holding it securely in place. It’s one of the most durable settings available, making it a practical choice for everyday wear. Bezel-set rings can be sleek and contemporary, perfect for someone with a minimalist aesthetic.
$855 (Setting Only)
14K Yellow Gold Pavé Crown Bezel Engagement Ring at James Allen
EUR 1,726 (Setting Only)
14K White Gold 3-Stone Bezel Set Engagement Setting at Adiamor
Tips for Saving Money on Center Stones While Maximizing Beauty
- Opt for a Lower Carat Weight: Choose a diamond slightly below popular carat weights such as 1 carat or 0.5 carat. A 0.9 or 0.45 carat diamond can offer a nearly identical look for a significantly lower price.
- Consider Slightly Lower Clarity Grades: Diamonds with slight inclusions (SI1 or SI2 clarity grades) can be much less expensive than those with higher clarity grades and the inclusions often aren’t visible to the naked eye.
- Choose a Near-Colorless Grade: Opt for diamonds in the G to I range. These stones are less expensive than those in the D to F range but still appear white and are less likely to show noticeable color.
- Go for an Alternative Shape: Round diamonds are the most popular and therefore the most expensive. Choosing an alternative shape like oval, pear, or marquise can give you more bang for your buck.
- Use Fluorescence to Your Advantage: Diamonds that exhibit strong fluorescence can be priced lower and still look great. In some cases, fluorescence can make a diamond appear whiter than its actual color grade in natural light.
- Consider Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds can offer substantial savings compared to natural diamonds. They are real diamonds with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
- Optimize the Cut Quality: Investing in excellent cut quality can make a diamond appear larger and more brilliant because of its superior light performance, even if the diamond itself has lower color or clarity.
- Check for Eye-Clean Stones: Diamonds that are “eye-clean” (where inclusions are not visible to the naked eye) can be excellent buys; you don’t need to pay a premium for higher clarity grades that don’t impact the appearance significantly.
- Buy Just Shy of the Full Carat: Prices jump at full and half-carat weights. Purchasing a diamond just shy of these weights (like 0.98 instead of 1 carat) can offer a lower price for a visually similar size.
- Consider Vintage or Recycled Diamonds: Often, these can be less expensive than new ones and buying them can be more environmentally sustainable as well.
Final Thoughts
Engagement rings under $2500 are about finding the right balance between cost and quality without sacrificing style. From the classic look of the solitaire to the intricate details of the pavé setting, each type offers its own unique appearance. By focusing on the setting and choosing a center diamond within your budget, you can secure an affordable engagement ring that doesn’t skimp on elegance or significance.
As you consider your options, remember that the value of an engagement ring isn’t determined solely by its price but by the love and commitment it represents.
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