Wedding costs are rising, but savvy couples know that you can still find stunning bridal sets for a fraction of the cost. We spoke to real brides about how they found the perfect ring without having to empty their savings account. They shared their stories, as well as some smart shopping tips. We've talked to real brides who found their perfect rings without emptying their savings accounts, and they share their stories (and smart shopping tips!) Find a wedding set that keeps your budget in mind and makes your heart skip.
How to select an affordable couple wedding rings: Smart Stone options
Picking the right gemstone for your engagement ring or wedding band is crucial if you want to avoid spending a fortune. Instead of diamonds, consider these stunning and budget-friendly alternatives:
Moissanite couples jewelry
This gorgeous stone is more affordable and durable than diamonds. Moissanite has more fire and a rainbow-like effect than diamonds. It is a beautiful option for engagement ring. It has a Mohs Hardness of 9.25, which is perfect for everyday use.
Moss Agate
Moss Agate rings are unique because no two stones will be the same. Although it is softer, with a Mohs rating of 6.5-7, this stone can still be an excellent choice for someone looking for something special.
Lab-Created Emelets
These stunning green gems have all the beauty and value of natural emeralds but at a fraction of the price. Lab-created gems are free from the usual inclusions found in natural stones. They have a beautiful, vivid green color and have an incredible amount of clarity. Lab emeralds can cost up to 75% less than natural ones. It means that you can get a larger stone, or even a fancier setting, without having to break the bank.
Lab-Created Sapphires
They are popular for their deep blue color, but they also come in other colors such as pink, yellow and purple. The Mohs scale gives lab sapphires a score of 9, making them durable enough to be worn every day. These lab sapphires have the same sparkle and intensity of natural sapphires at a much lower price. They also offer a consistent color, so you are more likely to get the exact shade you want.
Lab-Created Alexandrite
This unique stone changes its color depending on lighting. This stone will usually change color from a bluish -green under daylight to a purplish red when it's lit by incandescent lights. Natural alexandrite has a high price tag, but lab-created material can give you the same color changing effects without going broke. It is durable enough to wear every day, and has a Mohs Hardness of 8.5.
Finding the Perfect Set under $2000
1. Emily's Nature Inspired Moss Agate set
Emily Thompson is a nature photographer based in Portland. She fell for a unique ring that featured a hexagon-cut 6mm moss agate at the center, complemented by natural marquise and round-cut emeralds. "As a nature photographer, I spend my day capturing the beauty in nature. I wanted a piece of jewelry that reflected that organic beauty," she says. The hexagonal shape of the moss-agate creates an organic and modern geometric harmony.
The 1.5mm band on the engagement ring highlights the stones perfectly, while the matching wedding band with its sparkling moissanites and natural opals in round cut and slightly narrower band (1.3mm) adds an additional touch of brilliance. She says, "I chose rose gold 14k for both rings because I wanted to bring out the warm earthy tones within the moss-agate." The wedding band's round-cut opals, moissanites, and geometric shapes create a stunning contrast. "And staying under $2,000 meant that we could invest more money in our outdoor venue."
2. Set Inspired by African Violets and Lab Emeralds
Sofia Rodriguez found the perfect ring to match her African violets in her backyard greenhouse.
Sofia recollects her grandmother teaching her how to grow African violets in the sunroom of their home. The 8x6mm emerald's color is verdant and shimmers just like the leaves of a vibrant violet. "The way the round moissanites shine around it, they are like morning dew caught by the first light!"
The design of this engagement ring is thoughtful. It features a comfort-fit band of 1.8mm that lets the pear-cut Emerald take center stage. This band also allows it to remain perfectly balanced so you can wear it every day. "As a woman who uses her fingers every day, it was important to me that the ring be both elegant and durable. "The way the emeralds are set, it feels secure yet still appears to float above my fingers," she explains.
Her wedding band is delicate and features round-cut, moss agates that total 0.075 carats. This piece creates perfect harmony with her engagement ring. Sofia says, "I chose the moss agate wedding band because its fascinating organic patterns complement the lab-emerald without being in competition with it." "The 1.7mm wedding band fits perfectly against the engagement rings, and the rose gold combination brings out warmth in both stones."
Sofia adds that the set is special because it tells a story. She gently turns her hand in order to catch light. "My husband is aware of how special African violets are for me. It was the first plant that we planted together in our tiny flat. We can have a daily reminder of our sweet beginning and still stay under our $2,000 spending budget.
3. Lauren's Honeysuckle - Inspired Moissanite Dream
Lauren Chen wanted to find the perfect engagement rings that captured a moment and a memory. She also wanted a symbol which could endure the chaos of her kindergarten teaching job.
The moissanite center stone is inspired by the honeysuckle's delicate, yet resilient vine. It measures 6x8mm in size and weighs approximately 1.5 carats. It sits nestled with marquise, round and other side stones, which dance like flower petals on her finger.
The low-profile design of the ring is a deliberate decision. It prevents snags and gives it a romantic air while still maintaining its functionality. This versatile ring comes in white gold, yellow gold or rose gold.
Her matching wedding band with round moissanite gemstones creates a seamless narrative that sparkles "vines" around her finger. She says it's "like wearing a part of a garden", a constant reminder to grow, be beautiful, and discover the magic in everyday moments.
4. Sarah's Vintage Inspired Sapphire & Diamond Set
Sarah Mitchell was blown away when she saw her dream engagement. It was so much more than a piece jewelry. The cornflower-blue sapphire, nestled inside a delicate halo of diamonds, captured a magical moment.
Her eyes are bright: "It isn't just about the sparkle, it's about capturing that moment and a feeling of love that transcends trends." The round sapphire is reminiscent to classic Hollywood glamour and speaks of her love for design that has meaning. The diamonds surrounding the sapphire don't serve as mere decoration, but rather act as supporting actors that make the central stone shine even brighter.
The wedding band continues her romantic narrative by alternating small sapphires with diamonds, creating a harmonious dance of complementary stone. She laughs: "Each of the elements is beautiful, but combined they make something spectacular." This luxurious set captures vintage romance while remaining within the $2,000 budget.
5. Alexandra's Modern Alexandrite Statement
Alexandra Foster was not interested in a diamond of the traditional kind. She wanted a ring to be as unique as her story of love. The magic of alexandrite was discovered.
As the daylight faded, the Alexandra center stone changed into a purple-red. "I couldn't believe it," Alexandra gushes. "It's as if it was made just for me," Alexandra exclaims. The vibrant green reminds of the new beginning we are embarking on during the day. It becomes a rich, deep red at night to symbolize the love and commitment that we share.
As a way to enhance the natural beauty of the gem, alexandrite sidestones are placed around the center gem in a halo. The design is classic yet contemporary with a hint of vintage glamour. The matching wedding ring, which is also decorated with sparkling alexandrites completes the collection and will ensure a lifetime full of wonder and joy.
These real brides' stories prove that high-quality bridal collections don't have to be expensive. Consider alternative stones and unique design to find or create rings that symbolize your love without breaking your budget. If you are looking for an affordable bridal collection, work with jewelers who have a specialization in alternative gemstones or custom designs. There are many jewelers who offer payment plans and seasonal sales to make your dream rings more affordable.
