Does this ring look “average” to you? |
In 2016 the average price of an engagement ring hit a peak of $6163 as reported by TheKnot, one of the most popular websites for wedding planning. What does that mean for you as an engagement ring shopper? Honestly, not much. I still believe that all shoppers should look at their personal finances and determine what they can afford before making this big purchase. But for those of you who want to know what everyone else is spending – the true Voyeurs among us – here’s a great trick to see just what the “average” budget will get you.
James Allen is one of the most popular “build-your-own engagement ring” sites out there – and one I strongly recommend based on the reviews and accolades they receive. But what makes them tops in my book is their “Inspiration Gallery“. This tool lets you search the thousands of engagement rings they have created for customers just like you (and those not like you at all) and see exactly what they spent and what they got.
Wondering how large a diamond you can get for that $5000 budget? Or whether you can get an ornate pave setting and stick to your budget? Search the gallery for other shopper’s rings and then easily copy their style.
Using the James Allen Inspiration Gallery, here are some of my top picks – engagement rings that are anything but average which comes in right around that national average price of $5,978!
James Allen Bypass Pavee Setting
This Bypass Pavee setting by James Allen is set in platinum and features graduated pavee diamonds in the setting. The center stone is 0.94 carats, G color and VS2 clarity – all coming in close to the national average at $6,000.
Verragio Engagement Ring Under $6000
Classic 1-Carat Baguette Side Stone Engagement Ring
This classic look made popular by Tiffany & Co. is easy to replicate at any budget. With almost $6000 to spend, pick a full 1 carat stone as this James Allen shopper did. Click the ring image for suggested stones from James Allen’s current inventory.
More Engagement Rings on a Budget:
- Best Engagement Rings Under $2000
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- 1 CTTW Engagement Ring UNDER $2000