Go for silver.

Sterling silver is a versatile and much-loved metal, both for its cool good looks and its affordability. Rings that are crafted from this white gold look-alike usually cost much less than similar styles crafted from others metals, and the Enchanted Black Diamond Ring in .925 Sterling Silver is an excellent example. This striking Victorian piece features a quarter carat round black diamond and surrounds it in a vintage setting that’s laden with graceful swirls and openwork. And, it comes with a price tag that’s less than half of the cost of the same ring crafted in 14K white gold.

Choose a diamond alternative.

A number of quality diamond alternatives provide the look of the classic engagement ring stone at a more affordable price; these include cubic zirconia, white topaz, moissanite and white sapphire. Cubic zirconia engagement rings are particularly popular diamond stand-ins, and Apples of Gold carries a number of these rings that feature the same exquisite settings as some of their most-loved diamond rings. For instance, the Art Deco 1 Carat CZ Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold places a cubic zirconia in the same setting that’s used in Apples of Gold’s bestselling diamond ring.

Choose a semiprecious gemstone.

If you’re not set on a traditional look, consider selecting an engagement ring that features an affordable and colorful semiprecious gemstone. From rich red garnet to refreshing blue aquamarine to sunny citrine, a rainbow of wallet-friendly options are available. The Tension Set Amethyst Ring in 14K White Gold is an excellent contemporary example. This simple yet unique ring places a 6.5mm round amethyst in an eye-catching tension setting that seems to hold it like an embrace.

If you’re looking for an especially affordable option, seek out a ring that incorporates both a budget-friendly metal and a semi-precious gemstone, such as the White Topaz Solitaire Ring in Sterling Silver. This lovely ring provides the classic look of a diamond solitaire, but at a price that’s far less than that of a single-stone diamond ring. Available with your choice of a 6mm, 7mm or 8mm round white topaz set on a shining .925 silver band, this ring offers a timeless combination of colorless sparkle and cool shine. Starting a just $99 (for a 6mm stone), this classy piece is the perfect way to pop the question when you’re short on cash but don’t want to sacrifice looks for the sake of your wallet.

Don’t let you budget hold you back! Try one (or more) or these strategies to find the ring that’s right for your wallet and for the one you love.

Halo engagement rings have been spotted on the fingers of numerous red carpet regulars, including Amy Adams, Carrie Underwood and Natalie Portman. However, these pieces aren’t just for the rich and famous! On the contrary, they’re incredibly versatile, and wearable by any woman.

Princess cut diamond rings that feature halos are modern and elegant picks, and the 1 Carat Princess-Cut Halo Diamond Engagement Ring is a lovely example. This piece surrounds a 0.75 carat princess cut diamond with a frame of smaller diamonds and places it on a slender, diamond-studded band, crafted from 14K white gold. Delicate milgrain edges offset these accent diamonds on both the halo and the band, bordering them with timeless class. This ring is also an excellent example of the way that a halo can help to create the illusion of a larger center stone.

The 1.31 Carat Antique Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold stands out among yellow gold engagement rings for its stunning vintage design and spectacular sparkle. Inspired by times past, but perfect for today, this dazzling ring utilizes over 80 diamonds to create a look that will always overflow with sophistication—not to mention with glimmer. A round half carat diamond serves as the center stone of this antique-style piece, and it’s surrounded by a circle of diamonds that multiply this ring’s ability to reflect light. The band of this piece is also laden with sparkle as diamonds are set on every visible side. Demure beaded edges offset these stones and make the most of the gleaming 14K yellow gold from with this ring is crafted. This ring is so stunning that it warrants a number of variations; thus, it’s also available in 14K white gold, 14K rose gold and platinum, as well as with a number of colored gemstones. Or, try a riff on this style that combines black and white diamonds: the 1.31 Carat Black and White Diamond Antique Halo Engagement Ring.

As stunning as they are on their own, halo engagement rings can be especially extraordinary when they’re a part of a bridal ring set such as the 3/4 Carat Art Deco Diamond Wedding Ring Set. The engagement ring in this striking pair surrounds a 0.26-carat round diamond with not one, but two square-shaped halos of glittering stones. Additional diamonds stud the slender bands of both the engagement ring and the wedding band, giving this 14K white gold set a sparkling, sophisticated look.

Despite halo engagement rings’ popularity at present, these styles are far more than fads. These pieces have looks that are truly timeless, perfect for expressing the love that never fails to surround your heart with sparkle.

Rings that pair the sapphire and the diamond have a sense of timeless sophistication, whether their style is vintage, contemporary or anywhere in between. These combinations of two classic precious gemstones have a contrasting look that never fails to draw the eye and that will always be in good taste.

This contrast makes sapphire engagement rings with diamond accents an excellent way to celebrate a love that never goes out of style, and the Vintage Style Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring is a gorgeous example. This irresistibly sophisticated piece displays a 5mm round sapphire and surrounds it with 64 accents diamonds arranged in a lavish Victorian-inspired design. Elegant beaded edges offset these diamonds, creating a look that perfectly captures the love that sweeps your off your feet. This romantic ring is an unforgettable way to pop the question and a stunning symbol of your adoration.

Regardless of whether you’re planning a proposal, sapphire and diamond rings provide a big dose of style. If a classic style is more your taste, try a simple piece such as a three-stone ring or the Five Stone Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold to work the navy and white trend into your look. This ring alternates five oval-shaped sapphires, each 4mm wide (a full carat of sapphires in all!), with four small accent diamonds for a look that calls to mind timeless nautical stripes, but with a lot more sparkle. This classy 14K white gold ring could serve as a stunning anniversary ring as well as a fashion piece.

If you’d like a sapphire and diamond ring with a big dose of fun, don’t miss the lighthearted Sapphire and Diamond Heart Ring! This pieces forms the shape of a heart from six small sapphires, and gives it a contrasting border of glittering diamonds. This sweet, sparkling symbol of love is held by a highly-polished 14K white gold band for a look that’s cool without being too serious. This ring is an excellent way to declare your love—or just your love of fun yet sophisticated style. If you like this look, but would prefer a ring with a floral touch, try the Sapphire and Diamond Floral Ring in 14K White Gold, which surrounds a flower-shaped cluster of six round sapphires with a border of diamonds.

Sapphire rings with diamond accents may be an excellent way to work the navy and white trend into your look, but these pieces aren’t just passing fads. These rings timelessly combine deep, rich color with dazzling sparkle.

Apples of Gold’s collection of garnet jewelry includes over 60 garnet rings, providing a wide range of looks for any taste. No matter what styles strike your fancy, you’re sure to get a piece with rich good looks and eye-catching glimmer—a beauty that’s proven its appeal for 5,000 years.

If you’re looking for a garnet ring that’s up-to-the minute, but that demonstrates enduring sophistication, don’t miss the Mozambique Garnet and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold! A 6.5mm Mozambique garnet is the star of this piece and it’s placed in a unique contemporary setting that sets it apart. This timeless red stone is surrounded by two arcs of channel-set round diamonds that sweep around it like a classy upturned collar. Additional channel-set diamonds adorn the slender 14K white gold band, for a nearly a quarter carat of colorless, sparkling accents. This one-of-a-kind ring is also available in 14K rose gold, for those in search of a similar piece with a warm, affectionate glow.

In addition to its ability to make a stylish statement, a garnet ring can also be an excellent way to pop the question. The deep red hue of this gemstone makes it lovely way to express love, and Apples of Gold carries a selection of garnet engagement rings that allow you to propose in style while presenting a beautiful symbol of your affection.

The Heart-Shaped Garnet and Baguette Ring in 14K White Gold would make a lovely engagement ring. This sweetly-styled ring features a heart-shaped garnet, 5mm high, and places it in between two baguette-cut cubic zirconia side stones. These prong-set gems work together for create an unmistakable picture of affection. The contrast of the richly-hued glimmer of garnet and the colorless dazzle of cubic zirconia allow this ring to catch eyes as it proclaims what’s in your heart. Apples of Gold also carries this graceful ring in 14K yellow gold, 14K rose gold and sterling silver.

If you’re a fan of vintage styles, the Victorian Emerald-Cut Garnet Ring in 14K White Gold could be a perfect pick! This gorgeous ring places a 10mm-high emerald-cut garnet in a meticulously-crafted frame of 14K white gold. Both this frame and the band that rises up to meet it are adorned with elegant carved flowers, calling to mind the patterns that were popular over 100 years ago. Despite the age of this design, the rich color of garnet gives it a look that’s far from stuffy.

Garnet jewelry may not be new, but it’s still going strong! These genuinely beautiful garnet rings prove that garnet’s adaptable good looks are here to stay.

Moissanite

If you haven’t heard of moissanite, you’re not alone—this stone is a newcomer to the world of jewelry. Discovered in 1893 in the desert of Arizona by Dr. Henri Moissani, this gem is a combination of silicon and carbon, the element that comprises a diamond. It took a century for it to catch on as a gemstone, but it’s destined to become a modern favorite.

Moissanite possesses a number of unique properties that make it a lovely pick for engagement rings. First, it has a very high refractive index, which allows it to emit bright flashes of light. It also displays a high luster and it almost as durable and scratch-resistant as a diamond, making pieces such as the Princess-Cut Moissanite Solitaire Ring in 14K White Gold lasting symbols of your love.

White Topaz

Many believe that the word “topaz” is derived from an ancient Sanskrit word that meant “fire,” giving testament to this gem’s ability to make light dance like a brilliantly flickering flame. The colorless variety of this stone, white topaz, can easily stand in for a diamond, though it’s a good-looking stone in its own right. Apples of Gold carries a range of white topaz engagement rings, from stunning vintage designs like the Enchanted White Topaz Ring in 14K White Gold to classic solitaires, allowing you to find an affordable piece that perfectly suits the one you love.

White Sapphire

White sapphire rings provide a unique interpretation of classic engagement ring style, substituting a white variety of the classic precious gemstone known for its rich, blue sparkle. White sapphires, like their more common blue counterparts, are second in hardness only to diamonds, giving them lasting dazzle that makes them ideal for expressing enduring love. The Asscher-Cut White Sapphire Ring in 14K White Gold simply showcases the brilliant beauty of this gem by placing a 6.5m stone on a clean 14K white gold band.

Cubic Zirconia

Cubic zirconia is a common choice when seeking a diamond alternative due to its versatile, colorless glimmer and very affordable price. Apples of Gold’s collection of cubic zirconia engagement rings contains over 40 styles, including the “Floret” Design Three Stone Princess Cut CZ Ring, which is modeled after our most popular diamond engagement ring.

For their unique beauty and for their affordability, these stones are excellent options! Use this guide to pick the right diamond alternative for the one you love.

My heart to you is given:

Oh, do give yours to me;

We’ll lock them up together,

And throw away the key.

True love means giving your heart to someone for keeps and heart rings that are adorned with diamonds are stunning pictures of the way that you and the one you love give yourselves to each other. As they sparkle with the most brilliant and resilient of gemstones, they declare that the bond that the two of you share is lasting and beautiful.

The 3/4 Carat Heart Shaped Diamond Ring is a unique twist on the classic solitaire that instantly communicates a message of affection. Instead of a classic round stone or a princess-cut diamond, this single-stone style features a dazzling ¾ carat heart-shaped diamond that rises simply and beautifully from the gleaming 14K white gold band that holds it. This ring is a sweet and feminine declaration of love that’s perfect for popping the question. It’s also available in 14K yellow gold, 14K rose gold and in combination with a matching wedding band, as part of a lovely bridal ring set.

Heart-shaped diamonds aren’t the only way to work the symbol of love into a diamond ring. If you’d rather a piece that works hearts into the band, don’t miss the 1 Carat Diamond Heart Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold. The band of this romantic ring is adorned with smooth, three-dimensional carved hearts that are nestled side by side as if to trying the squeeze the maximum amount of affection into a small space. Clean lines of 14K white gold frame these hearts, while a stunning round 1 carat diamond presides over this style with dazzling glamour.

If you’d prefer similar style that contrasts two colors of gold, try the Diamond Heart 1 Carat Engagement Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold. This striking piece coordinates with any jewelry collection as its yellow gold hearts stand out against a white gold backdrop.

Of course, diamond heart rings aren’t just for popping the question. They can also serve as striking statements of both style and affection, and Apples of Gold carries designs ranging from demure to daring. If your tastes run more to the daring side, consider the 0.75 Carat Diamond Pave Heart Ring! This can’t-miss-it piece is adorned with dozens of small diamonds that encrust a white gold heart, just over a half inch high. With its multi-faceted glitter, this ring creates a picture of the way that the one you love sets your heart on fire.

Diamond rings that utilize hearts leave no question about how you feel about your one special someone. When you use one to pop the question or simply to show your affection, you demonstrate that your heart is spoken for.

Classic designs have earned their classic status through their display of style that’s always in good taste, and their enduring beauty has earned them a number of spots in Apples of Gold’s top 100 engagement rings. The 3/4 Carat Diamond Circle Ring in 14K White Gold is one such style. This glamorous ring features a 0.40 carat round diamond and accents it with a 0.35 carats of smaller stones. These gems surround the center diamond, creating the illusion of a larger stone, as well as stud the slender 14K white gold band. The sophisticated sparkle of this piece, coupled with its simple yet stunning design, renders this ring a timeless treasure.

The best diamond rings for today’s brides don’t utilize only traditional white diamonds. Blue and black varieties of these timeless stones add unexpected but beautiful touches to engagement rings. Styles that feature these unique gems are ideal ways to express a love that’s anything but ordinary.

The 1/2 Carat Art Deco Black Diamond Ring adds a striking, slightly mysterious touch to a design inspired by the 1920s, by replacing the traditional white diamond with an alluring black diamond. This unique stone peeks out from the center of the gleaming petals of a 14K white gold lotus flower as it opens elegantly to reveal the gem within. This blossom sit on a band carved with an intricate leaf and swirl motif that adds textural contrast and that calls to mind the lavish designs of the Art Deco period. This ring is a wearable work of art and a lovely expression of the beauty of your relationship.

Antique-style engagement rings make up a sizeable percentage of Apples of Gold’s bestselling engagement rings, and they remain favorites for their ability to communicate that true love endures for the long haul. In an age when life seems to be moving faster every day, pieces that call to mind a simpler time are welcome breaths of fresh air and lovely ways to celebrate that your relationship is worth slowing down for.

The 3/4 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut “Floret” Diamond Ring remains Apples of Gold most popular engagement ring, and it serves as a gorgeous example of the ability of vintage designs to capture the enduring beauty of love. A 0.28 carat princess-cut diamond serves as the center stone for this exquisite piece, while two smaller princess-cut stones hug it from either side. Six additional channel-set diamonds adorn the band, as intricate carved motifs make this ring far from mundane. These meticulously-carved floret and leaf designs provide both elegance and charm, and give this 14K white gold ring a big dose of feminine beauty.

Diamond engagement rings such as these are truly extraordinary picks. They’re the perfect way to celebrate extraordinary love.

Emeralds glimmer with the color of life and vibrancy. The word emerald literally means “green gemstone”; thus it’s no surprise that this stone displays a vibrant green glimmer unlike that of any other gem. While this color is the result of traces of chromium, its resemblance to a lush field of grass after a summer rain allows it to represent love that’s full of life and that’s always growing.

The 1 Carat Art Deco Emerald Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold capitalizes on the emerald’s ability to communicate life with a lively floral motif. This ring is inspired by the Art Deco Period, but the vibrant gemstone that it holds makes it a lovely choice for modern women. A brilliant emerald is revealed as the gleaming 14K white gold petals of a lotus flower open in graceful fashion. This striking flower is perfectly complemented by the carved swirls and leaves that adorn that band that holds it. If you prefer, this lovely ring is also available as part of a coordinating bridal jewelry set.

Emeralds never go out of style. The emerald has proven its ability to win eyes and hearts for thousands of years and its appeal shows no signs of waning. Civilizations around the globe, from Africa to South America, have favored this gem, and the Egyptians mined them as early as 3000 B.C. Throughout its long history, the emerald has proven its ability to dazzle no matter what’s trending at any given time.

Three-stone rings and solitaires are timeless looks, and when they’re adorned with emeralds, they take on a trend-defying vibrancy that makes them perpetually fresh and stylish picks. The Three Stone Emerald and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold is an excellent example. This classically beautiful ring features a round 4mm emerald that provides a shot of green sparkle as it sits elegantly between two smaller round diamonds.

Emeralds are unexpected picks for wedding jewelry, allowing them to create symbols of a love that keeps you on your toes. Admittedly, emeralds aren’t traditional picks for popping the question, but their unexpected beauty is part of what allows them express that the love you share is never mundane. The Antique-Style Emerald Wedding Ring Set uses this element of surprise to enliven a Victorian-style engagement ring and wedding band set. The engagement ring is set with a 4.5mm emerald that stands out against a backdrop of swirls and cutouts, while a coordinating wedding band echoes this feminine motif.

Emerald rings may not be expected picks for engagement rings, but their ability to express life-filled love makes them excellent choices. Choose one to express the vibrancy of your bond.

Two-tone wedding jewelry that features hearts offer eye-catching messages of love as the contrast between two metals gives them extra pop. For instance, the Diamond Heart 1/2 Carat Engagement Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold is wrapped with a gleaming arc of 14K yellow gold hearts, offset by a solid 14K white gold band. These shining, three-dimensional symbols of love are overlooked by a sparkling, round half-carat diamond that reflects their golden hue.

The hearts on the Three Stone Heart-Accent Diamond Engagement Ring aren’t quite as obvious, but they’re just as meaningful. This charming ring might resemble a classic three-stone style at first, but it’s so much more. A 0.70-carat round diamond is hugged by two smaller, similarly-shaped stones and upheld by a series of elegant hearts. These symbols become visible only when this lovely ring is viewed from the side, allowing it to communicate a message of affection that’s just between you and the one you love.

Heart-shaped diamonds provide an unexpected but welcome twist to a number of the solitaire engagement rings in Apples of Gold’s collection. When the symbol of love is crafted from the stone that’s known for being more resilient than all others, the result is a dazzling picture of the fortitude and lasting nature of your commitment and affection. These gems exhibit both feminine charm and a stunning ability to capture the brilliance of the love that you share.

Diamond bridal sets like the Heart Shaped 0.75 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Set in 14K Rose Gold beautifully showcase heart-shaped diamonds. This pair of rings features a single, striking heart-shaped diamond that proudly stands alone in a declaration of love and commitment. The smooth, glowing band that holds it is crafted from solid 14K rose gold, as is the matching wedding band. This engagement ring and wedding band set isn’t complicated, and its beauty lies in its ability to clearly and gorgeously express what’s in your heart.  In addition, it’s crafted from 100 percent recycled gold, making it an environmentally-friendly choice.

If you’d prefer, Apples of Gold also carries solitaire bridal ring sets with heart-shaped diamonds in 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold, 18K gold and platinum by request. You can also request a larger diamond or opt to purchase the engagement ring on its own.

Whether you choose an engagement ring adorned with hearts, incorporate hearts into your wedding band or select a bridal ring set that displays a dazzling heart-shaped stone, wedding jewelry that features this timeless symbol of affection is sure to make your feelings clear. In the words of Austrian playwright Friedrich Halm, these pieces are a reminder of “Two souls with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one.”

William Shakespeare wrote that “Love’s gentle spring doth always fresh remain.” When the initial butterflies of new love wear off, true love remains fresh and never stops growing. Diamond rings that call to mind the vibrancy of spring create pretty pictures of affection and commitment that will never grow stale.

The 0.95 Carat Diamond Flora Ring in 14K White Gold captures the beauty of the natural world and preserves it in dazzling fashion. A 0.75-carat round diamond plays the starring role in this uniquely gorgeous ring, presiding over a collection of side stones that point the way to this central gem. These accent diamonds form an elegant stem and leaf pattern that makes this a truly exceptional piece.

In addition to bringing a touch of life to your look, rings with botanically-inspired beauty can serve as stunning ways to pop the question. Engagement rings with floral designs are gorgeous ways to express that your love fills you with vibrancy and allows you to bloom.

Victorian and Art Deco styles with floral touches are excellent ways to represent a love that is always in bloom. These rings have proven their staying power, making them wearable symbols of an affection and commitment will never die. The 1/4 Carat Vintage Floral Diamond Ring is a lovely example of vintage styles’ ability to communicate enduring love. This century-old design features a round quarter-carat diamond, placed in an airy openwork setting. Delicate engraved flowers accent this sweet and sophisticated ring and give it a sense of old-fashioned yet timeless beauty. This piece could serve as a feminine fashion statement or as a unique engagement ring. Or, if you’d prefer to pop the question and tie the knot with a Victorian floral style, this striking diamond ring is also available as part of a matching wedding band set.

The Floral Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold is overflowing with diamonds and this abundance of stones creates a stunning three-dimensional flower that’s sure to turn heads and solicit compliments. A marquise-cut diamond, over a third carat in weight, forms the center of this dazzling blossom, while six pairs of diamonds, upheld by white gold “petals” surround it. Additional channel-set diamonds are lavished upon the top half of the band. The white gold foundation upon which these stones are set provides a cool, gleaming backdrop for this brilliant blossom.

Whether you’re itching for spring or looking for a way to celebrate a love that fills you with life, diamond rings with floral designs are beautiful options. Unlike the blossoms that will soon be popping up through the snow, these flowers will never fade.