The 12 Best Engagement Rings for Every Style and Budget
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This story was created by Parade in partnership with Blue Nile.
When it comes to marriage, deciding you want to get married is simply the first step. What comes next is a seemingly endless list of decisions: You’ll need to align on the wedding venue, the cake, the guest list, the music, the flowers, the honeymoon destination… Of all the choices you and your partner will make, there’s one that will take precedence, and it’ll likely come before the big question is even asked: figuring out which engagement ring you’ll get.
Everyone’s process for acquiring an engagement ring is different. Some have family jewels that will be passed down; others are searching for a brand-new piece to symbolize their love, promises, and next chapter. If you fall into the latter category, there’s a chance you may be overwhelmed by all of the options out there. Where should you look? How many carats? What type of metal? Four prongs or six? What’s the budget?
Luckily, Blue Nile makes the entire process a little easier. The online diamond jeweler expertly curates a stunning range of engagement and wedding ring styles, giving shoppers the ability to choose the gem, metal type, and setting that appeals to them. Plus, you can also play around with the stone’s color, cut, clarify, and price, or chat with an expert gemologist who will assist with any detailed questions or concerns.
To help you brainstorm which Blue Nile engagement ring may work best for your budget and preferred style, we rounded up 12 of the best ones. Shop our picks below.
Classic Simple Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold, From $420 at Blue Nile
Simple, elegant, and ever-so-timeless, the Classic Simple Solitaire Engagement Ring is one of those pieces that will look amazing on anyone’s left hand. The 14-karat white gold band can be set with any manner of shape in 0.20 to 8 carats — from princess to pear — but you can never go wrong with a round diamond. If you’re thinking about a ring with a bit of color, you can also explore what the four-prong solitaire ring may look like with a different gemstone, perhaps a green or yellow sapphire.
Classic Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, From $720 at Blue Nile
Typically, those who will eventually don the engagement ring have an opinion on the type of metal they want to wear, be it yellow gold, white gold, or platinum. The Classic Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring looks particularly chic in the yellow gold, which perfectly contrasts the glittery diamond, secured by six platinum prongs. Opt for a singular round, pear, oval, or marquise center stone, and wait for the “oohs and ahs” to roll in.
Petite Micropavé Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Rose Gold, From $900 at Blue Nile
Simultaneously delicate and showstopping, the Petite Micropavé Diamond Engagement Ring is meant to be worn by someone who loves lots of sparkle, but doesn’t necessarily want a massive piece of jewelry on their ring finger. While the center diamond is certainly the star of the show, the half circle of petite micropavé diamonds (22 in total) on the 14-karat rose gold shank is the much-loved supporting character. Together, they create a ring that combines personality with style.
French Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, From $1,790 at Blue Nile
When you see the French Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring for the first time, the phrase “go big or go home” may come to mind. That’s because this particular engagement ring comes out swinging on every front. The center diamond, weighing anywhere from 0.20 to 8.00 carats, is stunning in and of itself, but the 16 French pavé-set diamonds on either side of the gemstone are the real reason this ring stands out among its competitors. Choose a platinum band for an extra touch of sheen.
Scalloped Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold, From $1,890 at Blue Nile
Similarly to the piece of jewelry above, the Scalloped Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring is an undisputed vision. Its individuality, though, is subtle yet effective. Look closely at the 18-karat white gold band; you’ll see the 14 diamonds on either side of the center stone are in a U-cut, or “scalloped,” setting. It’s a seemingly minor design choice that adds several style points.
Graduated Milgrain Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold, $900 at Blue Nile
With an almost tiara-like design, the Graduated Milgrain Diamond Engagement Ring is fit for royalty — or anyone who wants their ring to have an antique look. In the middle, you have the diamond that takes center stage, and it’s accented by 10 smaller diamonds along the shank. The tasteful milgrain detailing (see the tiny beads along the edges) pulls it all together with interest and a little texture.
Classic Pear Shaped Sapphire Engagement Ring in Platinum, From $1,580 at Blue Nile
For some, the typical solitaire engagement ring won’t cut it. They want a unique design that incorporates color, shine, and multiple gemstones. If that sounds like you (or the person you love), consider the Classic Pear Shaped Sapphire Engagement Ring. Two medium dark blue pear-shaped sapphires flank the center diamond, creating a full-on visual masterpiece.
Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold, From $1,160 at Blue Nile
What’s better than one diamond? Three diamonds — especially if two of them are elegant baguette-cut diamonds. These elongated stones, with two sides tapering inward into a trapezoidal silhouette, are set in simple bar channels on either side of the center diamond (of your choice, of course). The 2.6-millimeter 14k white gold band brings in that final touch of subtle brilliance.
Hand-Engraved Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, From $1,320 at Blue Nile
The Hand-Engraved Solitaire Engagement Ring is evidence that you can have the best of both worlds. The center diamond — cut in an oval or round shape if your style leans more traditional — gives that classic engagement ring style, but the simplicity stops there. The 18-karat yellow gold shank is impeccably hand-graved in a gorgeous, detailed motif. It gives the ring a heavy dose of character while not going overboard. This is understated glamor at its finest.
Pear Sidestone Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, From $1,840 at Blue Nile
You may be attracted to a pear-shaped diamond, but not necessarily want it as your center stone. If that’s the case, something like the Pear Sidestone Diamond Engagement Ring may be more up your alley. It has two tasteful pear-shaped side stones sitting on either side of the more prominent four-prong center diamond. This way, you can have the fancy-cut look without forgoing any ounce of timelessness.
Twisted Halo Diamond Engagement Ring In Platinum, From $2,210 at Blue Nile
The shank (or, in non-jeweler's terms, the band) of an engagement ring is oftentimes overlooked; shoppers tend to focus, understandably so, on the diamond. The Twisted Halo Diamond Engagement Ring, however, is proof it can be one of the most special, unique aspects of the piece of jewelry. Its twisting platinum shank is paired with a grand total of 62 pavé-set diamonds that weave around the center stone, resulting in an eye-catching, unforgettable future heirloom.
Blue Nile Studio Heiress Halo Diamond Engagement Ring In 18k Yellow Gold, From $2,210 at Blue Nile
If you’re searching for an engagement ring with a “wow factor,” look no further than the Blue Nile Studio Heiress Halo Diamond. No fewer than 56 gemstones make up the French pavé-set diamond halo that surrounds the round diamond at the center of the ring, making the primary stone look even more impressive. As far as sparkle goes, you can guarantee anyone wearing this ring won’t be left wanting.
