Engagement Rings on a Budget: How to Save Without Sacrificing Style

Pre-owned engagement rings often cost 30-50% less than their brand-new counterparts, simply because they’ve been worn before. That means you could afford a higher-quality diamond or a more intricate setting for the same budget.

At Ramsdens, every pre-owned ring is carefully inspected, professionally cleaned, and restored (if needed), so you’re getting a beautiful, like-new piece at a fraction of the price.

Unique & Vintage Designs

Many pre-loved rings feature discontinued or vintage style that stand out from mass-produced modern designs. If your partner loves Art Deco elegance, Victorian romance, or retro glamour, a second-hand ring could be the perfect fit.

Eco-Friendly & Ethical Choice

Choosing a pre-owned ring means:

✔ Reducing demand for new mining (lower environmental impact).

✔ Supporting sustainable luxury (recycling beautiful jewellery).

If you love the look of diamonds but want to save, consider these stunning (and budget-friendly) alternatives:

Lab-Grown Diamonds

• Identical to mined diamonds in appearance, hardness, and sparkle.
• Typically 20-40% cheaper than natural diamonds of the same size.
• Ethically sourced (no mining required).
• Near-diamond brilliance with even more fire (rainbow sparkle).
• Almost as hard as a diamond (9.25 on the Mohs scale).
• A fraction of the cost—ideal for larger carat sizes.
• Affordable and durable options for classic solitaires.
• CZ is the most budget-friendly, while white sapphire offers better longevity.

Moissanite

• Near-diamond brilliance with even more fire (rainbow sparkle).
• Almost as hard as a diamond (9.25 on the Mohs scale).
• A fraction of the cost—ideal for larger carat sizes.

White Sapphire & Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

• Affordable and durable options for classic solitaires.
• CZ is the most budget-friendly, while white sapphire offers better longevity.

At Ramsdens, we offer engagement rings with all these alternatives, so you can find the perfect balance of beauty and budget.

If you have your heart set on a natural diamond, these tips will help you maximise value:

Prioritise Cut Over Carat

• A well-cut smaller diamond (e.g., 0.5ct) can out-sparkle a poorly cut larger one.
• Round brilliants and oval cuts tend to look larger per carat.

Consider Slightly Lower Clarity Grades

• VS2 or SI1 diamonds look eye-clean (no visible flaws) but cost less than flawless (FL/IF) grades.

Choose a Halo or Pavé Setting

• Small diamonds around the centre stone make it appear larger.
• Pavé bands add extra sparkle without a huge price jump.

Opt for 9ct or 14ct Gold Instead of Platinum

• 9ct gold is durable and affordable (platinum is denser but pricier).
• Rose gold is trendy and often slightly cheaper than white gold.

Worth Investing In:

✔ The Right Ring Size – Resizing later can be costly.

✔ A Secure Setting – Ensure the centre stone won’t loosen over time.

✔ A Timeless Design – Avoid overly trendy styles that may date.

Where to Cut Costs:

✘ Brand Names – Designer markups can double the price.

✘ Fancy-Coloured Diamonds – Rare hues (pink, blue) are expensive.

✘ Overly Custom Designs – Simple modifications are cheaper than full bespoke.

We make it easy to find an affordable, high-quality engagement ring with:

✅ A Huge Selection – New and pre-owned rings in all styles.

✅ Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees, just fair valuations.

✅ 0% Finance Options – Spread the cost interest-free.

✅ Free Professional Cleaning – Keep your ring looking its best