The metal and design can eat up a huge chunk of your budget.
Purchase a loose stone and have it set later; this often bypasses the "engagement tax" added to pre-set rings.
A ring of tiny diamonds around a smaller center stone makes the middle gem look much larger than it is.
A "Very Good" or "Excellent" cut hides imperfections and makes the stone sparkle more, allowing you to skimp on other areas.
It looks identical to 18k gold but is more durable and less expensive.
Sapphires, morganite, and aquamarine are trendy, durable, and often much cheaper than diamonds. 💍 Optimize the Setting