Scrolling engagement rings at 2am, pinning favorites and pretending you’re “just browsing”?
Whether you’re the one planning the proposal, dropping not-so-subtle hints, or you’ve simply fallen down the sparkly rabbit hole — welcome.
We’ve gathered 72 of our absolute favorites from jewelers we genuinely trust. Classic solitaires, vintage stunners, colored stones that’ll start conversations, and a few that made us audibly gasp at our desks.
Consider this your shortcut to “oh my god, THAT one.”
Engagement Ring Ideas (and Where To Get Them)
1. Blue Nile
You’ve probably heard their name, and for good reason. Blue Nile is one of the largest online diamond retailers. Launched in 1999, they have continued to pair happy couples with independently certified, GIA-graded diamond engagement rings ever since!
When shopping at Blue Nile, you purchase directly from them with no middleman. This results in lots of benefits, like a price match guarantee, customization options, lower prices, and year-round 24 hours a day customer service.
Their online resources and helpful setup will walk you through the virtual shopping experience, step-by-step. If you need a little more guidance, you can even request a virtual appointment or visit one of their showrooms in select locations across the country. Did we mention that they sell loose stones too?
Diamonds and settings range from just over $1,000 to over six figures.
Shop Blue Nile if you want the widest selection in terms of diamonds, settings, and price points from a highly reputed online retailer.
2. James Allen
Much like Blue Nile, James Allen has made a reputation for themselves by offering a wide selection of engagement rings at a great value, all available for your perusal from your very own couch!
James Allen has a variety of certified, ethically sourced mined diamonds as well as lab-grown diamonds. You can choose from one of their many pre-set ring options, purchase a loose diamond set, or design your ring from scratch.
A pioneer of 360-degree video, James Allen makes it very easy for couples to view every single aspect of the rings they are browsing. Additionally, they have a virtual try-on feature that lets you see how the ring looks on your very own finger. All this is complemented by a 30-day return window, 24/7 customer service, free resizing within the first year, and a lifetime warranty for cleaning and care.
Their rings range from the low hundreds to six figures. They have one physical location in New York.
Shop James Allen if you want a high-tech online experience that makes ring shopping effortless, coupled with a huge selection at affordable prices.
3. Mejuri
Mejuri specializes in casual and modern wedding jewelry, perfect for the contemporary boho bride. Though their designated engagement selection may be on the smaller side, their collections are full of elegant rings that would make unique engagement options for the bride who wants to buck tradition.
Mejuri’s jewelry has a wonderful vintage vibe, possibly because they only use recycled gold as part of their sustainability efforts. All of their diamonds are ethically sourced as well.
Rings in the engagement section fall in the low thousands. Other collections have widely varying price ranges. They don’t use a middleman and strive to keep prices as low as possible for couples. Rings are available for engraving, but they don’t have any customization options.
Shop Mejuri if you want modern, high-quality pieces at fair prices.
4. Etsy
We love Etsy for engagement rings and practically everything else having to do with love, from proposal to the wedding to anniversary. You can find vintage rings, traditional options, and totally unique engagement rings that you won’t find anywhere else.
There are so many styles from various designers around the world that you could spend hours browsing (guilty). Etsy also suits a wide variety of budgets, from affordable to splurge-worthy.
Of course, there aren’t any physical locations to ring shop, but Etsy is a great place to start if you want to browse engagement rings online. The shipping, return policy, and personalization options depend on the seller.
Shop Etsy if you want completely unique, vintage, and even traditional rings that suit a myriad of price points.
5. Clean Origin
Clean Origin is the ultimate in ethical and earth-conscious engagement ring shopping. All of their stones are 100% lab-grown diamonds. They’re stunning and high quality, without making a negative impact.
Clean Origin makes finding a ring online a breeze thanks to their various ways to shop: by collection, style, cut, material, and more. You can begin with a design or completely custom design your ring by starting with a stone.
Most of their rings start around $1,500. With your purchase, you get free shipping, free resizing, and a 100-day return window. They have one brick-and-mortar location in Texas.
Shop Clean Origin if you want gorgeous, conflict-free diamonds at an affordable price point.
6. Leibish
If you weren’t already aware, colored diamond engagement rings are in!
Leibish is renowned for its fancy color diamonds and gemstones. They have been around since the late 1970s and specialize in colorful stones of extremely fine quality, all conflict-free and independently certified.
Engagement rings from Leibish are absolutely stunning, ranging in price from the low $1000s to over six figures. You can shop by stone color, ring design, or design your own engagement ring.
They have assistants ready to virtually assist you at any time, or you can speak with someone over the phone. Upon request, you can view stones at one of their numerous locations throughout the world. There is a 30-day return policy for all of their rings.
Shop Leibish if you want a vibrant, colorful ring of very fine quality.
7. Vrai
Vrai’s diamond engagement rings are simple and stunning. But their real claim to fame is that they’re conflict-free. All of their stones are produced in California with no mining required.
Vrai’s online shopping experience is hassle-free. Browse by style, stone, price, and more. You can build your ring piece by piece from a setting or stone or completely design it from scratch.
We also love that they have a “ready-to-give” collection of rings that can be shipped and delivered very quickly, in case your plans to pop the question need to happen sooner than you anticipated!
Most of their pieces are classic but with a contemporary twist. When shopping Vrai’s selection, you can do everything on your own, schedule an appointment with a specialist, or visit one of their in-person locations. They have a 30-day return policy, offer a lifetime warranty, a care package for all your cleaning and care needs, and overnight delivery for orders over $10,000.
Shop Vrai if you want conflict-free, classic yet unique rings that excel in the beauty of simplicity.
8. Ritani
Ritani makes ring shopping easy with their pre-selected engagement ring collections. Start by narrowing down a setting, then they guide you through the process of selecting your stone shape, material, delivery date, and price.
Speaking of price, many of their rings are quite affordable – proving that beauty doesn’t have to break your budget.
Ritani takes budget-friendliness seriously. One of their online features lets you answer questions based on your price range, then your favorite characteristics of a ring. After you answer each one, they’ll generate a personalized ring recommendation.
Customization, beginning from a loose lab-grown or ethically sourced diamond stone is an option too. However, their 30-day free return policy does not apply to custom creations.
Shop Ritani if you want a gorgeous diamond engagement ring that won’t break the bank.
9. Catbird
It doesn’t get any more romantic or whimsical than Catbird. With collection names like Fairy Lights & Snow Queens, you just know their designs are going to be something special.
Unique settings, colorful stones, and a nod to out-of-the-box creators, Catbird offers an assortment of rings at different price points. They carry designs from smaller independent jewelers, too.
A lot of their offerings are quite affordable, coming in under $3,000. You could get lost looking at all their lovely designs. Or, their inspiring selection might prompt you to custom design a ring yourself! They offer a 10-day return window, fast shipping with their “ship now” collection, and an option to pick in person at one of their three locations.
Shop Catbird if you want a romantic, distinctive ring at a budget-friendly price.
10. Tiffany & Co.
What is there to say about Tiffany & Co.?
With their world-renowned luxury jewelry selection and trademarked blue hue, Tiffany is a true staple of the fine jewelry world.
They have online shopping or a host of in-person stores. While their rings are high-quality and breathtakingly gorgeous, we can’t say that they’re the most affordable. However, they have a wonderful range of wedding jewelry options, including colored stones.
Tiffany’s offers online appointments, complimentary shipping, and a 30-day return window.
Shop at Tiffany & Co. if you want to shop a luxury jewelry designer, or just want to be a Tiffany Bride!
11. Purely Diamonds
British, family-run diamond jewellery studio near Hatton Garden, crafting engagement rings and fine jewellery in-house since 1979. With 40+ years of sourcing expertise and a 9.9/10 Trustpilot rating, they combine traditional craftsmanship with direct-to-consumer value.
Because everything is designed and manufactured in their London workshop and sold directly, prices are up to 70% lower than comparable high-street pieces. Browse classic and contemporary designs or go bespoke: the team provides CAD visuals (fee applies) before production and handcrafts your piece to order—most items in ~10–15 working days; bespoke in ~4 weeks. You can visit showrooms in London or Manchester, book a Zoom consultation, or use their try-before-you-buy silver sample service.
Shop Purely Diamonds if you want expertly made, fairly priced diamond jewellery from a long-standing London maker with hands-on service
12. Brilliant Earth
A custom ring is just a few clicks away with Brilliant Earth. All their diamonds are guaranteed ethically-sourced -because they are lab-grown! With an engagement ring from Brilliant Earth, you can have a crystal clear sparkling diamond and a clear conscience.
Once you’ve selected the perfect center stone or stones, personalize your metal, setting, and overall ring design with their step-by-step customization process.
We love that they can assist you from start to finish, virtually! They have a virtual try-on app, virtual appointments, consultations, and lab-grown diamond education resources. Free shipping and a 30-day return window are other nice benefits.
Shop Brilliant Earth if you’re looking for a streamlined custom engagement ring process and eco-friendly lab-grown diamonds.
13. Kay Jewelers
Kay Jewelers is extremely well-known in the jewelry industry. They have everything from budget-friendly picks to fine luxury pieces. While they do have online shopping, there are numerous brick-and-mortar Kay jewelers across the country. You can have a jeweler guide you either in-person or online via a virtual appointment.
Either way, there are so many ways to shop. Browse exclusive collections with renowned designers, stone, stone cut, material, or style. Of course, you can always build your own completely unique ring too! They have a 60-day return window, same-day delivery or pick-up options, and free secure shipping.
Their engagement rings also come with a limited lifetime warranty including free resizing, as long as you stop in for regular six-month inspections. Our editor got her engagement ring and wedding band from Kay, and even after being sized up and down a couple times (for free), they still look as stunning as they did five years ago!
Shop Kay Jewelers if you want a wide selection and price range, both in-store or online.
Unique & Non-Traditional Engagement Rings
Not everyone dreams of a round-cut solitaire. Some of us want something a little different — a ring that feels like her, not like everyone else’s Pinterest board.
Good news: “engagement ring” doesn’t have to mean white diamond in a classic setting. Colored stones, unusual cuts, raw gems, vintage vibes — it’s all fair game. And honestly? The peach morganites might just be our favorite things on this entire list.
If she’s the type who’d rather stand out than blend in, keep scrolling.
Peach Cushion Morganite Fortuna
Peach might just be my new favorite color. Another option for a pop of color in your ring, this beauty is covered in pavé diamonds. From the gentle curving halo around the cushion cut center stone to the diamonds lining the contemporary split shank band, they’re literally everywhere (can you say sparkle?). If that wasn’t enough, there’s even a row of diamond accents along the bridge. What’s not to love?
Sweeping Ivy Diamond Open Ring
If I didn’t love my engagement ring so much, this would be the ring I’d hope for. The glistening diamond encrusted vines look like they’re growing around your finger. But what I really love is the open design — I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
Trillion Cut Morganite
Move over round diamonds, this triangle cut stone is going to stand out in a crowd. If size matters to your special lady (and you know it does), consider a Trillion cut. Compared to a standard round cut gem of the same carat, a trillion cut stone will usually look larger. Besides that, you won’t run across this cut shape often, making this ring choice the perfect option for those looking for top quality uniqueness!
Minimalist Art Deco Baguette
When I think of The Great Gatsby, I picture this ring. The art deco design is reminiscent of decades past. This style may appeal to minimalists, but it has an understated glamour that’s impossible not to love. The baguette diamonds are complimented by round accent stones creating all sorts of unique geometric prettiness.
Raw Handmade Gemstone
For women who are into crystals or a rustic look, this ring is sure to be a favorite. The clear highly prized volcanic Quartz Crystals set comes in either a sterling silver or white or yellow gold ring. Let this crystal shine like a diamond with natural faces.
White Flat Solitaire
If you are looking for a unique ring that offers a little more of a demure feel to it, than this captivating emerald placed in a flat profile set might be just the ring you have been looking for. Bold and modern, the flat profile of the ring will create a statement for the center stone. The wider band is what really sets this ring apart, giving the ring its wow factor.
Twig and Leaves Textured Diamond
A nature-inspired handmade ring with leaf design that is absolutely stunning. The two-toned metalwork is gorgeous and lends this ring an even more natural feel. A center stone in the size of your choice completes the look by offering a little extra bling. This ring is perfect to highlight her connection to Mother Earth (and you!).
Get it from DoronMeravWeddings
Marquise Moissanite Vintage Art Deco
Another beautiful and uniquely shaped diamond is the marquise. The marquise shape is believe to have been commissioned by King Louis XIV of France which reminded him of his true love perfectly shaped mouth and smile.
Hmm … romantic?
I suppose so. In any event, this diamond offers a very dramatic shape and makes a dazzling choice for an engagement ring.
Old Mine Cut GIA Certified
We love any unique story of where a diamond comes from, like this one. It’s a mine cut diamond, which popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. They have larger facets than modern cut diamonds.
Being that it is hand mined, the facets of this diamond tend to be less uniform and larger, which gave these sorts of diamonds the phrase “cut for candle light,” as they were cut to catch the beautiful light from the flickering fire.
The steep depth of this diamond gives it volume as well as a faint hint of yellow color, like that of a lovely glass of champagne. Cheers to that!
Read more about the Old Mine Cut in our article about round cut diamonds.
Triple Moon Goddess
If your lady is on trend, she will fall head over heels in love with this lunar boho engagement ring made with sparkling Claire De Lune Moissanite by Charles & Colvard or brilliant galaxy diamond. / This particular ring was inspired Selene, a Titan goddess in Greek mythology who was the goddess of the moon. Not quite right? There are a variety of similar designs to choose from. What better way to honor life’s natural rhythms than with this stunning ring.
Get it from SwankMetalsmithing
Black Silicone Emerald Silicone
This ring combines the durability of silicone with the sparkle of a center stone. Perfect for the modern woman with things to do! Now she can wear her engagement ring without worrying about wear and tear on the band. Choose the color of the center stone and she’ll have a ring she’ll love wearing.
Pear Shaped Impressive Tear Drop Center
Another pear shaped diamond, this ring is perfect for the woman who wants unique elegance. The non-traditional diamond shape paired with the twisted shank creates a design that is all its own while still leaning toward traditional. With all its beauty, it’s sure to keep people talking.
Practical Stuff (For When You’re Ready)
Found a ring that made you catch your breath? Amazing. But before you click “add to cart,” here are a few things worth knowing:
On durability: She’ll wear this every day for the rest of your lives together. Some materials scratch easier than others (rose gold, we love you, but you’re delicate). Some settings snag on sweaters. When in doubt, ask about wearability, not just beauty.
On material: White gold allows intricate designs but needs replating over time. Platinum is tougher but pricier. Titanium is nearly indestructible but can’t be resized. Know the trade-offs before you commit.
On stones: Lab-grown, mined, moissanite, colored gems — there’s no wrong answer, just her answer. Don’t let anyone tell you it “has” to be a diamond.
On her style: A surprise proposal is romantic. A surprise ring she secretly hates is… less romantic. Pay attention to what she wears. Look at her jewelry box. When in doubt, bring her along or recruit her best friend as a spy.
On budget: “Three months’ salary” is a marketing myth invented by De Beers in the 1930s. Spend what you can actually afford. Starting your marriage without ring-related debt? Revolutionary concept.
Finding the Right Retailer
Not sure where to actually buy? Here’s the quick version:
Go with a big online retailer (Blue Nile, James Allen, Brilliant Earth) if:
- You want massive selection and competitive pricing
- You like researching independently
- Customization matters to you
Go with a local jeweler if:
- You want to try rings on in person
- You prefer face-to-face guidance
- Supporting local businesses matters to you
Go with Etsy or independent makers if:
- You want something totally unique
- Handmade and artisan vibes appeal to you
- You’re okay with longer production times
All solid choices. Just make sure wherever you shop has a decent return policy and responsive customer service — you don’t want to be ghosted if something goes wrong.
Engagement Ring FAQ
Should I buy online or in-store? Honestly? Both work. Online gives you wider selection and often better prices. In-store lets you see things in person and get hands-on guidance. If you’re nervous about buying online, look for retailers with generous return policies and virtual appointments.
Can I return a ring I bought online? Usually yes, but check the fine print. Most retailers offer 30+ day returns, but customized rings are often final sale.
How do I figure out her ring size? Steal a ring she already wears (on that finger) and measure it. Ask her friends. Or look for retailers that offer free resizing — most do.
How much should I spend? Whatever you can afford without going into debt. Seriously. The “rules” about salary multipliers are marketing nonsense. She wants to marry you, not a ring.
Go Find the One
Phew! That’s a lot of rings. But somewhere in this list is the one that’ll make her gasp, or tear up, or immediately FaceTime her best friend while you’re still on one knee.
Trust your gut. You know her better than any algorithm does.
Good luck, future fiancé. You’ve got this.
TIP: Save THIS PIN to your Engagement Ring board on Pinterest and get back to this post later.
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