Reddit mentions: The best wedding & engagement rings for women

Hi again, OP! How is your search going? I had a few more tips and some links to share, if you are still seeking. :)

1. My first advice would be that you not buy anything called "gold overlay" or "plated" or "vermeil." All of those words mean that it is gold, but it's over silver, and it will wear off (often quite rapidly), and the ring will look terrible and cheap. If you can't afford a yellow gold one (which tends to be expensive), go with silver, because it looks just like platinum and white gold to most people, and nobody's going to get out their chemical set and test it. Many silver sets are quite gorgeous!
   
   Here are some examples of silver and white sapphire rings from Overstock (sign up for extra 10% off):
   
   

• http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Miadora-Sterling-Silver-1-6ct-TDW-Black-Diamond-and-White-Sapphire-Ring/5955224/product.html?refccid=NDNIO6VOSNO2ZLCGVXX4BVGGZU&searchidx=2
  
  
• http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Miadora-Silver-White-Sapphire-and-1-5ct-TDW-Black-Diamond-Ring-Set/7885874/product.html?refccid=NORNBALUOSX2CK2L25YUJOAF3U&searchidx=10
  
  What I really like about that last one is that it is a set. A rookie mistake that people make is buying a really pretty ring (like the first one, that has some outer detailing on it), and then it is hard to find a band that will fit with it when you get married. This set is only around $85 for both, and they are made to fit together. So that might be worth including in your search ("wedding sets" rather than "engagement rings"). How it works is you still give her the engagement ring, then when you get married, you already have the ring that you add to it at the ceremony.
  
  

2. Some have suggested CZ stones (cubic zirconia, known by other names such as Diamondite, etc.). These are sometimes now pretty close to the same price as smaller diamonds for a good set, and so only you can tell if your girlfriend will be upset with a "fake" stone or not. Personally I have never owned a real diamond, and I am quite happy with CZ, not only for the price, but because I tend to be VERY hard on rings: when you lose a CZ stone, it's a lot less traumatic than losing a diamond. :)
   
   One option here might be (if you don't think it would upset her) to get a CZ that is in a lovely setting, and then later (if she cares about this sort of thing) you can have it reset with a real diamond for your 5th or 10th anniversary. There are things you can do to get creative on a budget, it what I'm saying. :)
   
   Here's a lovely set in sterling for under $100:
   
   

• http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Sterling-Silver-Princess-Cubic-Zirconia-Antique-Bridal-style-Ring-Set/7308264/product.html?refccid=QJR3GD5QGXDYVTSMZSXJEHRI7A&searchidx=122
  
  

3. Colored stones are another good option, especially if she likes them. If she's never mentioned it, then see #4. To find these, what you want to search is "gemstone rings" - that will get you all the colored ones. Here's a colored stone with silver that comes in a 3 different colors to choose from (black, white, blue), but you can get pinks, greens, reds - the gamut:
   
   

• http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/M-by-Miadora-Sterling-Silver-Black-Spinel-or-White-Sapphire-Ring/7260322/product.html?refccid=OOXBXZNPBAAJTE2EFHCJTSQTEQ&searchidx=10
  
  (For the wedding band for that ring, you could do a simple silver band on one or both sides, or what is called an "eternity band" on one or both sides - like this:)
  
  
• http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Icz-Stonez-Sterling-Silver-Cubic-Zirconia-Eternity-Band-Ring/8111022/product.html?searchidx=2
  
  

4. With the surprise element in mind, you could still just go ring shopping with her and get some ideas. I know you don't want to give it away, but just go to the mall in general, stop at lots of places just to look, and make one of them a ring shop. You don't have to buy from there at any point, this is just an expedition so you can get a feel for what sorts of rings she likes (I doubt she will have any trouble letting you know!). :)
   
   
5. Finally, if she really wants gold, and she really wants diamond, a clever search can STILL net you things that will work! Here is a 10k white or yellow gold with real diamonds for around $100:
   
   

• http://www.amazon.com/Carat-Diamond-Ladies-Engagement-Promise/dp/B00OP5K92A/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1417975590&sr=1-3&keywords=gold+band+solitaire
  
  Good luck to you!

If you want to get a wedding dress for cheap, don't shop for a wedding dress. I got mine from Anthropologie, but you might want to take a look at ASOS (free shipping! amazing selection!), Nordstrom, topshop, places like that - then you have a dress that you can wear again that doesn't scream BRIDAL GOWN. I love wearing mine out on dates with my husband! good luck and best wishes.

oh, and for rings? check consignment and antique stores. hubby dearest found my set mine at a consignment store for less than the appraised value. he wanted a $29 tungsten carbide ring, so that was easy, too.

I have a moissanite engagement ring that is almost colorless, so not sure how much this will help you, but the setting is almost identical to the one you posted. [This] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BHOBX9K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3N40NPBQCBXH0&coliid=INVY4KSZJB39O) is my ring.

I LOVE it! It sparkles like crazy. Also, even though it's almost colorless, it shifts colors depending on the light. In lower light, it appears whiter/clearer. It brighter light, it appears has a yellow/green/teal hue to it. However, it's always sparkly! Diamonds on the outside sparkle as well but honestly the moissanite is always the star.

Now, about the setting... be careful since it's raised. It takes a bit of getting used to and honestly I've snagged it a fair amount of times when I wasn't paying attention in the nearly 6 months I've had it. Just a head's up! Otherwise, totally gorgeous ring and I couldn't recommend moissanite more :)

Oh boy. I really think your best option may be to go into a jewelry store, and probably a pretty nice one, and talk about a custome one. Your ring is gorgeous, so you really don't want something that almost works.

Oh the other hand, this is what I found:

0.10 Carat (ctw) 10K White Gold Round Cut White Diamond Wedding Enhancer Guard Band 1/10 CT (Size 4) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018C2GBPA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_7E.NybNN7BM4A

1/8 Carat TW Diamond V Ring in 14K Yellow Gold https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PUC153E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_0H.NybSYDZV9A

1/6ct Curved Notched Diamond Wedding Ring 14K White Gold https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG7RMJ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_zJ.NybDKD60PV

Otherwise, I found this article which says that if you have a stunning stand alone engagement ring, get a stunning stand alone wedding band that you wear on your right hand. I think that could be an awesome solution to not lose the beauty of your ring.

I like engagement/wedding rings. I think that the materialistic culture around them is a little gross right now, but I like the sentimentality and symbolism. I think it shows commitment and it makes the arrangement feel real. They don't have to be super expensive either, there are some beautiful rings for ~$20 on Amazon, and some of the best rings are freely passed down through family.

Amazon.com has rings inexpensive and/or on sale regularly. Put a couple inexpensive favorites on your WishList and see how long it takes him to notice. ;)

FWIW, I personally would want a ring as a symbol, but not an expensive one. I'd probably be happiest with something chosen specially for me, a particularly-nice claddagh (I'm irish), or maybe one with my birthstones. Something personal, but not expensive. I can see several pretty ones on the first page of Amazon's diamond engagement rings (sorted least$ to most$, of course). ooh, I quite like the sterling silver one with the pink diamond. Simple, low-profile, and really pretty! :)

Yes, I've heard Costco has some good prices on diamonds, but I've never checked. Just looking online, though, they only have clarity down to VS2. Those are very beautiful stones, but very expensive. SI1 diamonds are cheaper and the inclusions should only be visible at 10x magnification.

EDIT : compare

[1.18 ct, I color, VS2 clarity at costco for $9500] (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11747730&whse=BC&Ne=5000009+4000000&eCat=BC|108|28447|55926&N=4041850%204294967119%204294897175%204294965478&Mo=9&pos=0&No=5&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10573-Cat28447&topnav=)

to

1.25 ct, H-I color, SI1-SI2 clarity on Amazon for $6600

to

1.51 ct, I color, SI1 clarity on eBay for $4900

I love bragging about my beautiful engagement/wedding ring. It's a huge 9x9 cushion cut,blue tinted moissanite stone with two smaller white ones on the side. It sparkles more brilliantly than most diamond rings I've seen on hands. All for $179.99. I picked it myself as per my request to my husband before he proposed. I told him propose with nothing and let me pick lol.

DovEggs Platinum Plated Silver 4ct Center 9X9mm Cushion Cut Blue Tinted Moissanite 3 Stone Engagement Rings Wedding Band Solitare for Women 1.5mm Band Width (5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N4N2CC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bju4DbVKQ0QFZ

1. I started the habit last year of running in the mornings and taking vitamins. It kind of tapered off with the holiday season and being insanely busy at work, but I want to get back on track with it.
   
   
2. I use the Cozi app on my phone. It syncs to both my boyfriend and I's phones. For health reasons, I would use the Lorna Jane Active Living Planner. I work there, kind of, and it's a good planner.
   
   
3. Very thirdly.
   
   
4. If I'm tracking a goal, I usually write it down on my mirror in the bathroom. I also write motivation things on it too. Lemme find a picture...
   
   
5. I want to get back on track with running, I want to lose the weight I've gained, and I want to start consistently strength training at home. I also want to drag my boyfriend into this madness. My other resolution is to get the hell out of retail. It's impossible to have a normal life with my boyfriend with him working 7am-4pm every day and me working god knows what from week to week. I can't even go visit family during the holidays, so I promised to be out of retail by next holiday.
   
   
6. I like this ring a lot.. the only "jewelry" on my list is watches, haha. I'm bad about wearing jewelry. I'm scared that once I get my engagement ring I'll end up losing it.

Not even. You can get much better than plastic for $15.

Here's a nice one for $14

Or if simulated stones are your thing and you can throw another 30 cents or so on your $15 budget

It might not be a marvel of ring making expertise, but silver is pretty respectable, and it'll look good as long as you're not putting it under a loupe.

I will give you this random bit of advice, it's from an internet stranger, and worth what you paid for it:

Get cheap rings. I've gone through about a dozen wedding rings. I am going to dig up my old amazon orders to find you the rings I have and adore:

Eternity stone ring and I also have a tungsten carbide 2mm ring by the same guys. I've gotten four rings from them total and they are amazing.

My total cost for the carbide ring was $4.00 because of shipping, it's a .99 cent ring and I get compliments on it ALL THE TIME. Shipping has gone up a bit but you'll not exactly go broke with a $6.00 ring, either.

Not a bad Fucking Linda story, but the day after my Dad died she lost her wedding ring (her 3rd one- first was stolen, second was ???). I gave her the ring I had, that I linked above. I got compliments on that ring at least once a month, never had a loose stone (and I work with my hands) and it looked just as good the day I gave it to Linda, after several years of harsh use, as it did when I bought it.

Rings get lost, misplaced, and (what happened to my parents first set of rings), STOLEN. Also, since you have it on your hand, the stones get damaged and loose value. Especially diamonds, which are likely to plummet in price in the next decade.

I wanted to be a gemologist/bench jeweler when I was 15. I know that without using a specialized bit of equipment, that NO ONE could tell my ring was cubic zirconia. When I was in a VERY nice jewlery store and they looked at my ring, there were many oooh's and aaaaah's, and none of the ladies who handled 5k rings on a daily basis, even with a jeweler's loup, could tell.

You totally don't have to go as cheap as I did, but your money is honestly best spent getting the setting you want, and then getting a CZ put in that setting.

Tungsten carbide rings are amazing, and the metal is just immune to damage.

My wife's nice rings were all destroyed when she had to use a wheelchair for a while- gold and silver don't hold up well to that sort of treatment. The carbide ring is indestructible.

The metal is also a little darker and if this makes sense, masculine looking.

As a side note, with someone like JJ in your family, I'd say the risks of shenanigans going on with the rings goes up a whole lot. It is REALLY such a weight off my mind that if someone does steal/damage/destroy my ring, or I get mugged at gunpoint or something, for $6 I have a replacement.

I just put this on my Amazon wishlist: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008BJGL7S/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=21FUGCYZJZK7N&coliid=I3HKGKH3RGBEY4&psc=1

It's only $69.99 and it's gorgeous.

I'm hoping we can buy it when my husband gets a new job because I had to pawn my wedding ring because we're so broke. :'(

If you browse around there are a bunch of other styles from that brand and others and they're all less than $100. :) They all have super good reviews and look real.

Edited to fix the link I accidentally posted the wrong one lol. -_-

Lexie's getting married!

1. Around $120 simple and gorgeous.
   
2. The second invitation looks so much nicer, your photos are more natural.
   
3. Okay, I'm lazing on this one xD
   
4. Either the first or second choice - those will fit the most body types the best.
   
5. Solid carnations

I'm not a jeweler but that seems almost definitely to be a sterling silver cubic zirconia ring. Here's one I found on amazon that looks pretty similar and it's going for about $25. I'm not saying it's totally impossible that it's someone's cherished wedding band, it just seems somewhat unlikely to me.

It is my understanding that a woman wears her engagement ring and wedding band as a set. Sometimes women get them put together into a single ring. Men usually just wear the wedding band.

Thinking about things like everyday wear and ring/stone toughness are things you should look into when purchasing jewelry. Cheap materials will wear quickly and look worn. However, no need to sell the farm for durable and attractive rings.

I think the importance of rings are really up to the couple. For my husband and I, they were of low importance. We wanted to exchange them in our ceremony but we don't wear them daily.
If cost is a concern, know that there are plenty of cheap alternatives.
This is my engagement ring. He spent less than $500 on it and I love it! Our saving went to a down payment on a house.
This is my wedding band (but I don't wear it often... so grain of salt with that one). However, if you want something a little more durable, this probably won't break the bank.
And this is my husband's wedding band.

Altogether, including the fact that I have two of each of our band, we spent $510 on rings.

Also if either you or your fiancée have a job that involves heavy machinery or power tools, de-gloving is a real concern with ring wearers so rings might be a no go altogether.

Yep, amazon has some nice stuff. Their zirconia rings look really good too. $15.00 for a 1.25 carat zirconia that nobody can tell apart from the real thing without breaking out a jewelers kit. My wife has one like it with matching earrings (at that price /shrug); her friends assume I spent big money on it.

http://smile.amazon.com/Brilliant-Zirconia-Sterling-Wedding-Engagement/dp/B007FHHC16?ie=UTF8&keywords=zirconia%20ring&nodeID=7141123011&qid=1465498594&ref_=sr_1_4&s=apparel&sr=1-4

1. I have a homemade recipe thing I made for fried chicken strips!
   Cut five chicken breasts into strips, trimming away all fat, grossness, etc.
   Mix together six eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup tapatio, and season salt.
   Mix in a separate container 3 cups flour, 1/2 cup onion powder, 1/2 cup garlic powder, lotsa season salt, and some italian seasoning stuff.
   Dip in egg mixture, squeeze flour mixture on, fry in canola oil till golden brown and delicious.
   here is a picture of my dog snagging one out of my mouth. I was trying to take a picture with it dangling out of my mouth cause I'm five years old and lolfood.
   
   
2. My baby girl, the love of my life, aka my dog.
   
   
3. There once was a man named RamboPandaBear
   He was fat and ugly and had George Costanza's Hair!
   So he took a big knife,
   And ended his life,
   And now he has not one care.
   
   
   That wasn't a very flattering byline... DON'T HATE ME.
   
   
4. That's a pretty green ring....
   
   
   
   
   
   
   ...HOLY SHITBALLS LOOK AT THE PRICE
   
   
   Anyway, Happy Birthday! You're super coolio for doing this, yo.

Ooooh Interesting!

Fancy item would surely be this, because who doesn't want a big ol fat rock on their finger?

I remembered this from a way way back ago, and it's nice to see the price has only gone back up! My favourite part is the reviews at the bottom, they're good for thorough reading!

Item off my wishlist not over 10k? Well, this sewing machine but it's $330, so maybe... a gift card to put towards it when I buy it this friday?

fist bumps for the fantastic contest:

I would agree that a $1500 engagement ring is on the low end, only because the high end goes so crazy high, but I wouldn't say it's on the very low end. I personally know people who got ring tattoos, stoneless rings, etc. Then of course you can get a gemstone that isn't a diamond without much trouble staying far under $1500.

Even actual diamond rings with real gold start at several hundred (small or ungraded diamond, simple setting).

Edit: Here's an example of a real diamond, real gold engagement ring for less than half that figure.

http://www.amazon.com/CERTIFIED-Diamond-Halo-Engagement-White/dp/B00HCI1G06/

It is a gorgeous stone. I sent it back because the setting is really cheap looking and very high profile. I was conflicted between this and the one I kept tho!! Here's a link

DovEggs Platinum Plated Silver 2ct 8mm Grey Tinted Heart Arrows Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring Solitare with Accents for Women 2.2mm Band Width (5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M8J6VNS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-ld2DbJQA5K96