Arguably the most crucial part of an impending engagement is the engagement ring. Online you will find countless styles, sizes, metals, places to buy from, and prices. Budget is probably the thing you’re most concerned about, as anyone with a bit of business sense about them will be looking to make their money go the furthest. If we could get a fantastic diamond engagement ring for $100 that would be incredible, but unfortunately that scenario will remain a dream for many (including me).

However, it’s still possible to find a good quality, cheap engagement ring. In fact, because of e-commerce it’s easier than ever. But that also means it’s easier than ever for untrustworthy actors to sell all kinds of poorly-made items. So knowing where to look is the first step in a good buying experience.

Browsing online allows you to search through a near endless mix of styles, so that you can see what you prefer and eventually find something perfect. It also helps you get a better understanding of what makes a particular ring unique, how to care for them, and what to look for. It also lets you shop at your own pace — I for one cherish the ability to browse with my feet up and a cup of coffee in hand.

In all my years operating within the diamond market, I’ve come across several outlets that sell some of the highest quality diamond engagement rings on the market today — truly stunning pieces. So to help get you started on your way towards marital bliss, here are the best places to buy affordable engagement rings online.

• Tiffany & Co.
• Brilliant Earth
• Blue Nile
• James Allen
• Whiteflash

Tiffany & Co.

Diamond engagement rings from $13,700

Everyone has heard of Tiffany & Co. They’re world-famous, known globally for their luxury, haute couture, attention to detail, clever branding, and high-quality products.

Now, I know I said that ‘cheap engagement rings’ would be the aim of this piece, and Tiffany & Co. is definitely at the far end of that term, but you can find affordable pieces with them. Plus, it’s worth noting that high-quality ‘cheap’ or ‘affordable’ pieces within the diamond jewelry world will still cost a fair amount of money. As I said, finding something for $100 will only be that price because it’s poor quality, which is the worst-case scenario for a diamond engagement ring.

Tiffany & Co. promises none of that. In my review of Tiffany & Co., I wrote ‘First stop Tiffany. Last stop Tiffany.’, and it’s true. Elegance, grace, heritage — these are the things Tiffany promises consistently, delivering every time. As a designer, it’s spawned countless lookalikes, but none of them have the prestige of Tiffany & Co.

The Pavé Tiffany® Setting Engagement Ring with a Pavé Diamond Band in Platinum, a graceful and gorgeous piece.

In terms of price, think of the higher levels of what can be deemed as affordable within the diamond market. Naturally, you’re paying for both name and quality, as these are some of the finest-made engagement rings available today.

An interesting thing about Tiffany is that they appraise diamonds themselves, rather than using independent laboratories such as the GIA or the AGS. Now, in most cases, I would see this as a red flag. If a brand is appraising their diamonds in-house they may be working with a certain degree of bias. But due to Tiffany’s international status, I’d argue that their work is to be trusted.

While Tiffany & Co. may not be affordable for everyone, and are definitely not known for cheap engagement rings, they’re well worth browsing through, especially if you’re looking to understand what makes the best, the best.

Read my Tiffany & Co Review.

Brilliant Earth

Diamond engagement rings from $490

A stand-out choice for cheap engagement rings are Brilliant Earth, who boast ethical diamonds, a commitment to good environmental practices, great designs, and very affordable prices. One thing that sets them apart is their wide range of lab-grown diamonds, which are inherently cheaper than their natural counterparts as they’re man-made. However, they’re identical to natural diamonds, so you don’t have to worry about poor diamond quality.

With an impressive range of diamond engagement rings that start at prices around $500, Brilliant Earth have quickly made a name for themselves as both high-quality and accessible diamond retailers. And they take their position seriously, giving back to communities affected by unethical diamond practices and selling Beyond Conflict FreeTM diamonds — diamonds that contribute to a more transparent and sustainable diamond community.

The Six Prong Petite Shared Prong Diamond Engagement Ring is an affordable diamond engagement ring that caught my eye for its diamond-encrusted shank and the classic feel of its design. Diamond engagement rings like this will always be impressive.

There’s also an exclusivity to Brilliant Earth. First of all, they source their diamonds from the Diavik and Ekati mines in Canada, and second, they offer custom-designed pieces where you can choose from different options to make your engagement ring truly unique. Overall, I’d recommend Brilliant Earth for those looking for cheap engagement rings that really don’t cost the Earth.

For more information read my Brilliant Earth Review.

Explore the YourDiamondGuru Reviews

Blue Nile

Diamond engagement rings from $240

On the tip of everyone’s tongues when it comes to trustworthy diamond retailers is Blue Nile. They’re widely known and respected, and their diamonds are treasured the world around. And the best thing? They’re one of the least expensive diamond retailers operating right now.

Blue Nile have exclusive access to the diamonds of several wholesalers, meaning you won’t find these diamonds anywhere else. Their Astor collection is world-renowned and cut for optimal brilliance (these diamonds are absolutely splendid, believe me).

This Twisted Halo Diamond Engagement Ring is a great example or a more ornate, complex engagement ring that is still ultimately affordable.

On their prices, if you search through their site you’ll find a large number of affordable engagement ring settings. But remember, these are the setting prices and don’t include the main diamond. This is true for nearly all diamond retailers, a fact that a lot of first-time buyers fail to realize. However, the very low prices of Blue Nile won’t impede even those with the smallest budgets.

If you pair these types of settings with a Blue Nile diamond then you’re well on your way to investing in a good-quality diamond engagement ring.

Read our review of Blue Nile.

James Allen

Diamond engagement rings from $240

A pioneer of early online diamond selling, James Allen are loved by many a diamond aficionado for their accessible approach to luxury diamonds. Their business ethos is to make the best diamonds as affordable as possible, which is why they operate solely online. Their True Hearts by James Allen ™ line is widely recognized as one of the best collections of diamonds to be found online.

The products available at James Allen are, in general, more expensive than Blue Nile, but that’s only a reflection of the expertise that goes into each and every one. Like Brilliant Earth, they also offer a useful customize option that allows you to design your own engagement rings, which I always find enjoyable.

For those who adore a little recall to the more ornate styles of the past, this 14K White Gold Art Deco Inspired Fleur-De-Lis Pavé Engagement Ring is a gorgeous example of where the skilled craftsmanship of the present meets the design sensibilities of the past.

All of James Allen’s diamonds are accredited by either the AGS, GIA, or IGI, which means that everyone, from first-time buyers to seasoned diamond investors can rest easy in the knowledge the product they’re getting is both legitimate and just as good as described.

For our in-depth review of James Allen.

Whiteflash

Diamond engagement rings from $235

Last but certainly not least is Whiteflash. I’ve adored Whiteflash’s ethos and offering for innumerable years now, and they’ve proven time and time again that they really do know diamonds and diamond jewelry.

Here are a few qualities that set them apart (amongst many others):

• The Largest inventory of AGS Ideal Diamonds in the world
• Elite Quality Diamonds and Engagement Rings
• Exclusive Provider of A CUT ABOVE® diamonds (which I’ve reviewed in more detail here.)
• The only jeweler to have been awarded certification by the ABS for their ISO Quality Management System.
• Lifetime 100% Trade up Guarantee

While you may find less choice in terms of designs and diamonds than at Blue Nile or James Allen, Whiteflash makes up for that in terms of undeniable quality and exclusivity. In terms of pricing, they have more variety of higher priced items, yet even their least expensive item will be of high quality, as they make a point to never sell poor items that they wouldn’t buy themselves.

Decadence at its finest, this 14k White Gold Verragio Parisian Shared-Prong Split Claw Diamond Engagement Ring with Rose Gold Wraps is as intricately designed as it is intensely beautiful.

With in-house gemologists, world-leading diamond ranges, and the designs of several esteemed jewelers within their roster, Whiteflash is a true tour de force when it comes to diamond jewelry. I can’t recommend them enough.

Plus, they have a true, transparent, and genuine dedication to customer service, providing prospective customers with high levels of service throughout the buying process.

Read my Whiteflash Review here.

How to Buy Cheap Engagement Rings