Thanks to a very successful marketing campaign, diamond rings became symbols of eternal love starting in the 1940s. But sales have been flagging as millennials reject the marriage traditions and spending priorities of older generations. For couples looking to trim the cost of a wedding, here are some budget-friendly alternatives to a diamond engagement ring or traditional wedding ring.
Price: $32 | Buy it at Enso Rings
Metal bands are sturdy, but they're not the most convenient when picking up weights at the gym, or the safest when working a factory job. Companies like Enso Rings, QALO, and Groove carry breathable, comfortable silicone rings. They start as low as $10 and come in a variety of finishes, styles, and colors, such as this Enso Thin Elements Silicone Ring in rose gold.
Price: $184 | Buy it on Amazon
For someone who loves the flash of diamonds but not the price, consider cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia stones look beautiful in bright lighting and flash just as much as a high-end stone. This 14-karat yellow or white gold engagement ring with a 1-carat, AAA-grade cubic zirconia costs less than $200. More than 170 reviewers give it a solid 4 stars.
Price: $338 | Buy it on Etsy
For a beautiful, dainty ring that costs less than $350, consider a vintage-inspired engagement ring from Etsy seller Koala Jewellery Design. Made in the art deco style, this unique rose gold ring has an aquamarine stone in the center framed by four tiny natural cognac diamonds.
Price: $36 | Buy it on Etsy
Try a black gemstone for a bold look. This ring from Etsy shop Anemone Jewelry features a 14-karat rose gold double band and a natural black onyx. It's tarnish-resistant and comes with a one-year warranty.
Price: $860 | Buy it on Etsy
Fashion rings aren't the ones with halos. A luminous moonstone engagement ring from Szeki Studio features natural diamonds on both sides and a regal half halo as a wedding band. The stones are set in 14-karat rose gold.
Price: $198 | Buy it on Etsy
A tungsten carbide band with an inlay of meteorite fragments and blue pigmented glow-in-the-dark powder will out-glow any carat of stone after exposure to sunlight. This men's ring from Denise's Craft Room on Etsy is resistant to scratches and water.
Price: $198 | Buy it on Amazon
Morganite is a popular gemstone for engagement rings, with a lovely champagne-peach tone as attractive as a diamond. On this 14-karat rose gold ring, a 1-carat oval-shaped morganite gem sits in an elegant fleur-de-lis setting.
Price: $195 | Buy it on Etsy
Someone with an outdoorsy sensibility will love this elegant triple-stone ring. A unique setting made to look like twigs holds a blue moonstone and matching sapphires on either side. The ring is custom-designed by Etsy seller Teri Lee Jewelry.
Price: $55 | Buy it from Nakoa
This ring with two different textures is especially appealing if Hawaii has special significance as the site of a memorable vacation or destination wedding. It's made of Hawaiian koa wood, brilliant abalone shell, and titanium. A resin finish ensures water resistance.
Price: $62 | Buy it on Etsy
For a smooth, no-fuss band, check out this 18-karat rose gold and tungsten carbide ring from Etsy shop Bellyssa Jewelry. Tungsten carbide is hypoallergenic and resists scratches and fading with normal wear. Choose from eight different fonts for free custom engraving.
Price: $379 | Buy it on Etsy
Couples looking for lustrous, rust-resistant metal will love these aerospace-grade titanium rings from Etsy shop Red River Rings. The two-piece set features a polished wedding band and a matching tension ring with a center diamond. The set comes with free engraving and one free polishing/reconditioning.
Price: $50 | Buy it at Macy's
People who dislike wearing jewelry on their hands may prefer a diamond necklace to a ring. The infinity shape symbolizes eternity and features a heart-shaped curve at the top.
Price: $99 | Buy it on Amazon
This unique, rope-shaped ring combines chocolate and white diamonds to create an attractive contrast. The band is made of sterling silver with 18-karat rose gold plating.
Price: $16-$19 (depending on size and color) | Buy it on Amazon
For less than $20, this Merthus ring is an undeniable bargain. An eye-catching lab-created topaz sits in the center of a lotus blossom on a band made of rhodium-plated sterling silver. Reviews mention its sparkle and surprising quality.
Price: $63 | Buy it on Etsy
If your partner loves the natural look of a wooden finish, check out this maple burl ring for women and men by Denise's Craft Room. The made-to-order ring sports a smooth wood finish on the outside and a rounded stainless steel core on the inside. It's water-resistant, but keep it away from acetone.
Tattoo enthusiasts may want to try inked wedding rings. Other popular designs include each other's initials, an infinity symbol, hearts, or the wedding date. Some couples get tattoos on their wrists or directly over their hearts instead of on their ring fingers, as hand tattoos tend to fade quickly.
Instead of buying expensive rings, take the money saved and invest in your relationship — and your future together. Consider a fund for travel, a house, a pet, the wedding, or other fulfilling experiences.