Is the size of the diamond or its quality more important?

Alpert suggests focusing on quality. Some of the best diamonds might be smaller in size but their clarity, cut, and overall beauty matters a lot.

What are some common myths and misconceptions about affordable engagement rings?

"Bigger is not always better!" explains Alpert. "The quality of stone matters tremendously. Moreover, the notion that custom engagement rings are more expensive just isn't true, at least not in the current landscape. Many people today design a custom ring that fits their budget without sacrificing beauty or design."

How can you identify whether an engagement ring under $10,000 is ethically sourced?

Ask questions and look at how the diamonds, gemstones, and metals are sourced. Lab-grown diamonds are created and not mined from the earth. If environmental impact is important, look for a ring that uses reclaimed gold.

29 Best Engagement Rings Under $10,000 of 2021

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Getting engaged is one of the most exciting milestones in life and in a romantic relationship. You don’t have to let a thing like a ring’s cost get in the way of the joy and pleasure of the moment. According to Brides' American Wedding Study, couples spent, on average, $3,756 on an engagement ring in 2020. Many couples spend well under $10,000 on their engagement ring, so you will be in good company if you are looking to spend less and still get a ring you absolutely adore.

Yuvi Alpert, jeweler and founder of Noémie, advises, "Generally speaking, in the diamond industry, diamonds become more expensive with size. Still, whether you’re looking for a diamond engagement ring or something more unique, there are many ways to find the perfect piece within your price range. You can still purchase platinum, white gold, or yellow gold engagement rings at a reasonable price, well below the $10,000 mark. Beauty doesn’t directly correlate with a dollar value! The lower price doesn't necessarily equate to less elegance or sparkle. The beauty of a piece of jewelry is influenced by one’s personal taste and style."

Meet the Expert

Yuvi Alpert is an accomplished jeweler and the founder of Noémie, a company that is revolutionizing the fine jewelry industry and creating special pieces with conflict-free diamonds.

To help you find your dream engagement ring that’s also reasonably priced, here are our favorite engagement rings under $10,000.

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Noémie Lab Grown Halo Pavé

silver engagement ring — Courtesy of Noémie

This Noémie engagement ring shimmers with diamonds and its perfectly paired white gold band. The center lab-grown diamond has a four-prong halo setting, and smaller diamonds line each side of the band.

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Edward Avedis Bello Engagement Ring

Designed to be a dainty engagement ring, this Edward Avedis ring centers a round, brilliant shape diamond. Diamonds also line the band halfway down each side of the center diamond.

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Brilliant Earth Rose Gold Nadia Diamond Engagement Ring

The beautiful, gently tapered rose gold band sets off the tear-shaped diamond in this special ring. To complete the look, the prong-set, tear-shaped diamond has round diamonds and a marquise-shaped diamond on each side.

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Vrai Three Stone Engagement Ring

Emerald-shaped diamonds are at the center of this glamorous engagement ring. The center stone is set with two smaller emerald-shaped diamonds on each side, then both sides of the yellow gold band are lined with diamonds.

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Cathy Waterman Rustic Rose Cut Diamond Wheat Ring

Cathy Waterman creates unusual, unforgettable engagement rings, and this one is no exception. The diamond and platinum wheat band gives the ring a natural, ethereal quality, and the rose-cut rustic diamond is beautifully framed in platinum.

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AARYAH Trikona Diamond Engagement Ring

A distinctive triangle-shaped white diamond is the centerpiece of this unforgettable AARYAH engagement ring. It is set in a lovely conflict-free yellow gold band and has a satin finish.

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Eriness Diamond Marquise Ring

Simple and sparkling, this ring features a single marquise-shaped diamond that’s set within a yellow gold band. It’s stackable or is elegant on its own.

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Noémie Crisscross Engagement Ring

Noémie’s crisscross engagement ring has a beautifully unusual design twist that shows off both the band and center stone. Handset in white gold, the center diamond is accentuated by pavé diamonds that line the top crisscrossed sides of the ring.

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Chinchar Maloney Rustic Salt & Pepper Diamond Ring

This Chinchar Maloney engagement ring looks modern and chic, and it centers a pear-shaped, rose-cut diamond that has a salt-and-pepper color. Brilliant gray diamonds are set into the ring’s yellow gold band.

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Allurez Diamond Claddagh Engagement Ring

Brides who have Irish heritage or simply a passion for Ireland may especially appreciate this diamond Claddagh ring from Allurez. The center round diamond is prong-set in the yellow gold band that offers a gorgeous contrast, and 14 smaller diamonds are set within the band.

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Edward Avedis Priscilla Ring

With a modern touch on a classic style, the Edward Avedis Priscilla engagement ring is eye-catching. It has a one-carat round diamond in a halo setting, so it is framed by a circle of smaller diamonds. Diamonds also line the white gold band on each side of the center diamond.

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Blue Nile French Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

This elegant engagement ring from Blue Nile has a vintage flair. The ideal cut diamond is prong-set, and smaller diamonds are pavé-set going halfway down each side of the platinum band.

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Selim Mouzannar Large Morganite and Diamond Engagement Ring

This unusual and tasteful Selim Mouzannar engagement ring features a morganite gemstone that’s framed in tiny white diamonds. The antique cutout setting is raised on the thin rose gold band.

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State Property Cabot Bi-Colour Ring

This State Property engagement ring is named in honor of explorer John Cabot and it was designed and crafted with this adventuresome spirit in mind. The centerpiece of the ring is a precious-cut emerald diamond and the design showcases a line of smaller diamonds on the top and bottom of the center diamond.

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Jacquie Aiche Teardrop and Round Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

This Jacquie Aiche ring offers beautiful contrasts. The center diamond is a teardrop shape and there is a round diamond on each side. The yellow gold band accentuates the ring’s trio of sparkling diamonds.

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Bloomingdale's Luxe Collection Round Brilliant Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring

This treasure from Bloomingdale’s Luxe Collection of fine jewelry is a perfect example of how an engagement ring’s design doesn’t need to busy or complex to be upscale and elegant. The round brilliant-cut diamond is prong-set in a thin white gold band.

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Brilliant Earth The Pamelina Ring

Brilliant Earth’s retro engagement ring is charming and dates back to the 1950s. The round centerpiece diamond has a modern cut, and two baguette-cut diamonds perfectly set it off in the platinum band.

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Greenwich St. Jewelers Vesey 3-Stone Engagement Ring Setting

Here’s an engagement ring with a graceful cathedral design. It has tapered diamond baguettes and a white gold band that adds to its glamour. It stands beautifully on its own and stacks well with any wedding band.

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Forevermark Micaela’s Simply Solitaire Oval Engagement Ring

This Forevermark engagement ring is simply elegant with a thin platinum band that keeps the focus on the solo oval diamond. The prong-set centerpiece diamond grabs one’s attention and keeps it.

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Hoorsenbuhs Mini Vin Antiquated Engagement Ring

Hoorsenbuhs has created a memorable engagement ring that isn’t like any you are likely to find elsewhere. It has an elongated link that is antiquated with diamonds in a yellow gold band. Another line of diamonds line each side of the link and the bottom of the ring has a chain-like design.

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Nicole Rose Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

At first glance, sparkling diamonds seem to be on every surface of this pretty engagement ring from Nicole Rose. The center emerald-cut diamond is perfectly complemented with diamonds that are set halfway down the shank of the platinum band.

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Chinchar Maloney Hand-Cut Lime Granita Montana Sapphire Ring

Three white diamonds are set into each side of the yellow gold band of this stunning Chinchar Maloney engagement ring. Its centerpiece is a prong-set, partially hand-cut Montana sapphire with light green and yellow tones.

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Cathy Waterman Rustic Diamond Marquise Leaf Ring

The center stone in this Cathy Waterman engagement ring is a rustic black and white diamond that’s set in blackened yellow gold prongs. On either side of the center diamond are three blackened marquise leaves that are set with white diamonds. There’s even a hidden diamond on the back of the yellow gold band.

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AARYAH Shani Diamond Ring

This striking engagement ring from AARYAH’s ASTRA collection is named after the Sanskrit word for Saturn. It features an oval diamond that’s set within the ring’s thick yellow gold band, which surrounds the diamond on all sides like the rings of Saturn.

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Eriness Diamond Disco Ball Ring

This creative, fun engagement ring features a diamond-studded disco ball. The disco ball is made of brilliant white diamonds and diamonds also line half the gold eternity band.

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Chinchar Maloney Icy White Hexagon Diamond Ring

The icy white diamond in this eye-catching Chinchar Maloney engagement ring has a hexagon shape and a rose cut. The small flecks of pepper only add to the unique look. Smaller, brilliant white diamonds line both sides of the centerpiece diamond on the yellow gold band.

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Edward Avedis Rosie Engagement Ring

This cushion engagement ring presents beautiful contrasts. Created by Brandi Milloy, the Edward Avedis Rosie ring accentuates the center diamond with a diamond halo and diamonds along each side of the rose gold band.

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Allurez Heart-Shaped Amethyst and Diamond Engagement Ring

This sweet Allurez engagement ring was handcrafted with a heart-shaped natural amethyst. The purple gemstone is framed by a halo of diamonds in a raised setting, and 32 individually-set diamonds add to its shimmering beauty.

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Noémie Lab Grown Solitaire Ring

This simple and elegant solitaire engagement ring from Noémie keeps the focus on the jaw-dropping, lab-grown diamond. The prong-set diamond looks lovely with the white gold band.

What to Look for When Shopping for an Engagement Ring Under $10,000

Cut

According to Alpert, it’s essential that you understand the diamond cut that suits you best and focus on the color and clarity quality. The diamond is the star of the ring, so to speak, and you aren’t likely to love the ring and be happy with it on a long-term basis if you don’t fall in love with the diamond.

Certification

Alpert cautions that you should make sure the diamonds in your ring are certified by the IGI or GIA. Compare the price you were quoted on a ring with what other companies across the internet are offering. That way, you can ensure that you are getting a good value. It’s also best to read as many reviews as possible about the jeweler before investing in an engagement ring. Double-check to make sure the thing comes with a warranty and that it can be returned, at least initially, for a full refund.

Budget

Lastly, don’t get carried away. It’s okay to have a great time and make this a memorable experience while still being cautious and even frugal. "Spend what you feel comfortable with. You can always upgrade the size in the future, but you’ll be happiest purchasing something beautiful that fits within your budget," Alpert advises.

FAQ

Is the size of the diamond or its quality more important?

Alpert suggests focusing on quality. Some of the best diamonds might be smaller in size but their clarity, cut, and overall beauty matters a lot.
What are some common myths and misconceptions about affordable engagement rings?

"Bigger is not always better!" explains Alpert. "The quality of stone matters tremendously. Moreover, the notion that custom engagement rings are more expensive just isn't true, at least not in the current landscape. Many people today design a custom ring that fits their budget without sacrificing beauty or design."
How can you identify whether an engagement ring under $10,000 is ethically sourced?

Ask questions and look at how the diamonds, gemstones, and metals are sourced. Lab-grown diamonds are created and not mined from the earth. If environmental impact is important, look for a ring that uses reclaimed gold.

How Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring: Your Official Budget Guide

29 Beautiful Engagement Rings Under $10,000

Noémie Lab Grown Halo Pavé

Edward Avedis Bello Engagement Ring

Brilliant Earth Rose Gold Nadia Diamond Engagement Ring

Vrai Three Stone Engagement Ring

Cathy Waterman Rustic Rose Cut Diamond Wheat Ring

AARYAH Trikona Diamond Engagement Ring

Eriness Diamond Marquise Ring

Noémie Crisscross Engagement Ring

Chinchar Maloney Rustic Salt & Pepper Diamond Ring

Allurez Diamond Claddagh Engagement Ring

Edward Avedis Priscilla Ring

Blue Nile French Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

Selim Mouzannar Large Morganite and Diamond Engagement Ring

State Property Cabot Bi-Colour Ring

Jacquie Aiche Teardrop and Round Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Bloomingdale's Luxe Collection Round Brilliant Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring

Brilliant Earth The Pamelina Ring

Greenwich St. Jewelers Vesey 3-Stone Engagement Ring Setting

Forevermark Micaela’s Simply Solitaire Oval Engagement Ring

Hoorsenbuhs Mini Vin Antiquated Engagement Ring

Nicole Rose Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Chinchar Maloney Hand-Cut Lime Granita Montana Sapphire Ring

Cathy Waterman Rustic Diamond Marquise Leaf Ring

AARYAH Shani Diamond Ring

Eriness Diamond Disco Ball Ring

Chinchar Maloney Icy White Hexagon Diamond Ring

Edward Avedis Rosie Engagement Ring

Allurez Heart-Shaped Amethyst and Diamond Engagement Ring

Noémie Lab Grown Solitaire Ring

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