The cost of weddings continues to increase. However, smart couples are finding a way to save money on their couples promise rings. They can look just as expensive as a million-dollar set without having to spend a dime. We talked to brides who were able to find the perfect ring for their wedding without spending all their money. Here are their stories. You can do the same. Learn how to choose a bridal set to make your heart beat faster and to keep your budget intact.
Smart Stones Options for Affordable matching jewelry
If you're looking for an engagement and wedding band that won't break the bank, choosing the right stone is essential. These gorgeous alternatives to diamonds are more affordable.
Moissanite matching necklaces
This beautiful stone has a brilliant shine and is extremely durable. It's also much more affordable than a traditional diamond. Moissanite shines brighter (you know that rainbow effect), which is why it's a great choice for engagement rings. It has a Mohs Scale hardness of 9,25. This is great for everyday wear.
Moss Agate
Moss agate's green and white swirls make it a truly unique stone. No two are alike. The Mohs scale rates it at 6.5-7. This makes it a little softer than other engagement ring gemstones. However, with the proper care and setting, you can make it shine.
Lab-Created emeralds
These beautiful green gemstones are a great way to get the look of emeralds while not breaking the bank. Lab-created gemstones have no inclusions, so they are incredibly clear and vibrant. The price of a lab-created emerald is up to 75 percent less than that of a natural stone. This allows you to buy a bigger stone and a fancier ring without spending a fortune!
Lab-Created Sapphires
The gems come in many colors including yellow, pink and purple. These lab sapphires have a Mohs rating of 9 and are therefore perfect for everyday use. Lab sapphires are the same as natural ones, but cost a third less. You can also find a variety of colors that match your style.
Lab-Created Alexandrite
This unique stone can change color depending upon the lighting. The color will shift from a blueish-green to a reddish-purplish when under incandescent illumination. Natural alexandrites can be very expensive, but lab created alexandrites give you these stunning color-changing effects at a fraction of the cost. It's durable enough for everyday wear and has an 8.5 Mohs rating.
Finding the Perfect Set Below $2000
1. Emily's Nature Inspired Moss Agate Collection
Emily Thompson, from Portland, is a nature photography enthusiast who fell in love with an engagement ring. It featured a 6mm hexagon cut moss as the center stone and was accented beautifully by round, marquise, and natural emerald sides stones. She says, "As someone that spends her days capturing beauty in nature, I was looking for a ring which would reflect the same organic beauty." "The hexagonal cut on the moss stone creates a harmony of geometric shapes that is modern and natural all at once"
The engagement ring is a delicate 1.5mm wide band that showcases stones beautifully. Meanwhile, her matching wedding ring, with sparkling opals and Moissanites set in round cuts, has a slightly thinner 1.3mm width band. This adds another touch of brilliance. "I selected the 14k Rose Gold for both bands to bring out warm, earthy shades in the Moss Agate," she shares. What I love the most is how round-cut moissanites and the opals on the wedding band create such a contrast with the geometric shapes in the engagement ring. The fact that both rings cost less than $2,000 allowed us to spend more on our outdoor wedding venue.
2. Set Inspired by African Violets - Lab Emerald Set
Sofia Rodriguez, who has a backyard greenhouse filled with rare flowers and African violets, found the perfect match in an ring that resembles those African violets.
Sofia reminisces with a warm grin that the moment she spotted the pear-cut lab-emerald 1.3-carat, it transported her back to her grandmother's room, where she had taught to how to care for African Violets. "The 8x6mm green emerald shifts and shines like the perfect leaves on a violet. It's like morning light catching dew on the moissanites.
The engagement ring has a thoughtful design that features a comfortfit 1.8mm ring. This allows the pear shaped emerald stone to take centre stage while being perfectly balanced for daily wear. As someone who works her hands all day long, I wanted a ring that was both sturdy and elegant. "The way that the emerald has been set feels secure, but still looks like it is floating above my finger," explains she.
Her wedding ring, a delicate, round-cut piece of moss with a total weight of 0.075 cts, is in perfect harmony to her engagement ring. Sofia shares that she chose to use moss as the wedding band, because it features organic patterns which complement and do not compete against the lab emerald. "The 1.7mm ring sits perfectly next to the engagement band, and rose gold brings out both stones' warmth."
Sofia, turning her hand slowly to catch the sun, adds: "What really makes this set special is how it tells us our story." "My wife knows how important African Violets are to my life - it was the very first plant I grew with him in our tiny apartment. "We were able to stay within our $2,000 limit and have this sweet reminder every day."
3. Lauren's Honeysuckle Inspire Moissanite Dream
Lauren Chen was looking for an engagement ring that would capture a special moment, a memorable memory, and create a symbol to endure the beautiful chaos in her life as a kindergarten educator.
Inspired by the resilient and delicate honeysuckle vines, the oval-cut Moissanite centre stone measures 6x8mm. It weighs about 1.5 carats.
The low-profile setting on the ring was deliberately chosen, as it would prevent snags in her busy workday and still maintain a romantic elegance. The ring can be made in white, yellow or rose gold.
Her matching wedding bands, with their delicate moissanite stone, create a seamless narrative, wrapping elegantly around the finger. It's almost like wearing a small piece of garden, she says.
4. Sarah's Vintage Inspired Sapphire And Diamond Set
Sarah Mitchell's dream engagement ring had more to it than just being a piece or jewelry. The cornflower blue sapphire was surrounded by a delicate diamond band and captured a special moment.
Her eyes glow: "It’s not about just the sparkle. It’s about capturing a memory, a feeling that transcends all trends, an everlasting love." The round-cut, Hollywood-style sapphire speaks to her love of tradition and meaningful design. The diamonds that surround the sapphire make it sparkle even more.
Her wedding ring continues this romantic tale, as it alternates small sapphires and sparkling diamonds. She laughs and says "Each component is beautiful by itself, but together they create something extraordinary." The result is a professionally-crafted, luxurious set that captures vintage romanticism, while still staying within a budget of $2,000
5. Alexandra's Modern Alexandrite Statement
Alexandra Foster knew that a traditional diamond wouldn't be enough. She wished for a ring just as special and unique as the love story she was about to tell. It was then that she discovered alexandrite's magic.
The Alexandra Stone glowed a mesmerizing blueish-green in the sunlight. But as the night fell and the lights dimmed it turned a passionate, purple-red. "I couldn't believe it," Alexandra gushes. "It was almost as if this ring was created just for you," says Alexandra. It is a fresh, vibrant color that reminds us of a new beginning. "At night, this deep, soulful color red symbolizes the profound love we share."
In order to highlight the natural beauty and appeal of the center gemstone, a delicate halo made up of alexandrites surrounds the gem. The combination is timeless and elegant, with a touch of vintage glamour. The matching wedding band, which is also adorned in alexandrites and shimmers, completes this set.
These real brides prove that you don't need to spend a lot of money on a beautiful bridal set. By considering other stones and designs, you can create or purchase rings that are unique to your relationship while still staying within budget. Shop for a bridal set that is affordable by working with jewelers specializing in alternative stones and custom design. They may offer payment plans or special sales that will make your dream ring even more accessible.