Top 10 Engagement Rings for $2,000 or Less (2025 Guide)

Buying an engagement ring on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing sparkle or style. In fact, with today’s options—lab-grown diamonds, ethically sourced moissanite, and even clarity-enhanced natural diamonds—you can get a stunning ring for $2,000 or less. Mikado Diamonds offers a wide selection of affordable engagement rings that look luxurious without the hefty price tag. Below, we’ve compiled 10 of the best engagement rings under $2k for 2025, featuring a mix of natural and lab-grown diamonds and alternative stones. Each ring comes with Mikado’s quality guarantees (including a lifetime warranty and certifications) so you can shop confidently. Let’s dive in!

1. 2.35 ct E/VS1 Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring – $1,995 (Sale)

A classic solitaire engagement ring showcasing a large center diamond. This ring is a showstopper for well under $2k. It centers on a 1.98 carat lab-grown cushion-cut diamond (color E, VS1 clarity) that delivers incredible brilliance. An elegant halo of additional lab diamonds (0.38 ctw) wraps around the center stone, all set in a two-tone 14k gold design (yellow gold band with white gold prongs) for a touch of modern flair. Originally priced at $3,200, it’s on sale for $1,995, offering huge value for a nearly 2 carat diamond ring. If you want big sparkle on a budget, this ring delivers in spades.

2. 2.24 ct Round Lab Diamond Solitaire Ring – $1,500 (Sale)

Sometimes less is more. This 2.24 carat lab-grown diamond solitaire proves that a simple design can still turn heads. It features a single round brilliant lab diamond of E color and VVS1 clarity, so it’s exceptionally white and clean. The setting is a classic solid 14k gold band that puts all the focus on that breathtaking stone. Even more stunning? The price. This ring was listed around $2,000 but is now on sale for $1,500. Getting over two carats of diamond for around $1.5k is nearly unheard of in natural diamonds – a testament to the bang-for-buck of lab-grown. If you’re after a timeless solitaire with a huge stone, this is it.

3. 1.50 ct Three-Stone Lab-Grown Diamond Ring (Yellow Gold) – $1,800

Three-stone rings symbolize your past, present, and future together – and this ring does it with lab-grown diamonds for a fraction of the usual cost. It boasts a 1.00 ct round lab-grown center diamond (G color, VS2) flanked by two side diamonds, bringing the total to 1.50 carats of lab-grown sparkle. The gems are IGI-certified and beautifully set in 14k yellow gold, adding warmth to the piece. Petite pavé diamonds adorn the bridge and band for extra shimmer. Originally listed at $3,900, Mikado has it for $1,800, a steep discount. This ring’s trio of diamonds and romantic yellow gold setting make it a classic choice for an affordable price.

4. 1.26 ct E/VS2 Lab Diamond Pavé Ring (White Gold) – $1,499

If you love a bit of extra glitter on the band, consider this pavé-set engagement ring. It features a 1.00 ct lab-grown round diamond as the center (E color, VS2 clarity, ideal cut) with an IGI certificate. The 14k white gold band is lined with 0.26 ctw of lab-grown diamond accents in a delicate single-row pavé, giving you sparkle from every angle. At $1,499, it’s a fantastic value (Mikado’s ready-to-ship price for this piece). The ring style is nicknamed “Nara” – a timeless design where the thin diamond band accentuates the brilliance of the center stone. For those wanting a classic round solitaire with a twist of added shimmer, this ring is the perfect fit under $1.5k.

5. 0.77 ct D/VVS2 Lab Diamond Solitaire Ring – $825 (Clearance)

Yes, you can even get a near colorless, VVS-grade diamond ring for under $1,000! This elegant solitaire features a 0.77 ct lab-grown round brilliant diamond (D color, VVS2 clarity, ideal cut) as its center – a stone of superb quality and sparkle. The setting is a simple 14k white gold four-prong that highlights the diamond, with a slim band for a contemporary look. It’s currently on clearance for $825, which is astounding given the diamond’s specifications. (It’s part of Mikado’s sale on lab-grown rings, marked down from a higher price.) For budget-conscious shoppers, this ring proves you can have a gorgeous, high-grade diamond on her finger for well under $1k. It’s also a great option if you plan to upgrade the center stone in the future, as the classic setting can accommodate a larger gem later on.

6. 1.00 ct Round Solitaire Natural Diamond Ring (White Gold) – $1,560

If you prefer a natural diamond yet need to stay on budget, Mikado has you covered. This classic 1 carat solitaire ring features a 1.00 ct round natural diamond set in 14k white gold. The diamond is G color, SI2 clarity, and importantly it’s a clarity-enhanced stone. That means the diamond is genuine and originally had some minor inclusions which have been treated to improve its appearance. The result is an eye-clean, sparkling 1ct natural diamond for a fraction of the usual price. (A certificate is included noting the enhancement.) Visually, it looks identical to an untreated diamond but costs much less. This ring was $3,600 but is now $1,560 on sale. It’s perfect for the traditionalist who wants to say “I got a one-carat natural diamond” without spending three or four months’ salary. The simple solitaire design puts all the emphasis on the stone’s classic beauty.

7. 1.0 ct Clarity-Enhanced Diamond Ring – $1,200 (Value Pick)

For even more savings in the natural diamond realm, keep an eye on Mikado’s inventory of clarity-enhanced diamonds. They’ve offered 1.00 ct enhanced natural diamond rings around the $1,200 price point, which is exceptional. These are typically set in straightforward solitaire or halo designs and use diamonds with slight inclusions that have been expertly treated to improve clarity. You’re still getting a real, mined 1-carat diamond – not a simulant – and it will face up bright and beautiful. The trade-off is simply that the stone isn’t “internally flawless” (which no one can tell without a loupe). If you’re after maximum size for minimum cost in a natural diamond, a clarity-enhanced ring is the way to go. In this price range, expect gold settings (often 14k white gold) and respectable color grades (often G-H). Mikado’s value picks (like a G/SI2 1ct noted around $1,200) give you the bragging rights of a full carat diamond at a budget price. It’s an amazing sweet spot between size and cost for natural stones.

8. “Jacklynn” Moissanite Solitaire Ring (14k Gold) – From $580

If you’re looking for ethical sparkle on a shoestring budget, consider a moissanite engagement ring. Mikado’s Jacklynn Engagement Ring is a perfect example: this classic solitaire setting in 14k gold starts at just $580 with a moissanite center. It’s available in white, yellow, or rose gold, and can be set with various shapes (round, cushion, pear, etc.) above 0.50 ct. Why moissanite? It’s a lab-created gemstone that rivals diamond in hardness (9.25 on Mohs scale, so extremely scratch-resistant) and actually exceeds diamond in brilliance – moissanite’s refractive index is higher, meaning it throws off even more fiery rainbow flashes. In plain terms, it sparkles a lot. The Jacklynn ring with a 1 carat Charles & Colvard Forever One moissanite will look virtually identical to a diamond solitaire to the naked eye, for a fraction of the cost. And because Mikado prices their rings ~40–70% below traditional retail, you’re truly getting a deal. This ring is perfect for the couple that wants a classic, elegant look with a conflict-free stone and extra bang for their buck. (Bonus: moissanite is an eco-friendly choice and each stone comes with a certificate of authenticity and limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.)

9. 2.0 ct Moissanite Halo Ring (Platinum-Plated Silver) – $397

For the bride who wants major sparkle on a minor budget, this 2 Carat Moissanite halo ring is a dream come true. Priced at roughly $397, it features a brilliant 2.0 ct round moissanite center stone surrounded by a halo of faceted white zircons to amplify the shine. The band is made of 925 sterling silver with heavy rhodium/platinum plating for a durable, bright white finish. The halo plus the sizable center stone give this ring a big, dazzling look – easily comparable to a 2+ carat diamond halo ring that would cost tens of thousands. While the metal is not gold, the quality plating ensures a luxe look (just remember to avoid harsh chemicals and remove when swimming or working out to keep the plating pristine). This ring includes a certificate of the moissanite’s properties and a warranty card from the manufacturer, so you have peace of mind with your purchase. If you’re planning a proposal on a tight budget or want a placeholder ring for travel, you can’t beat this option – it delivers an eye-popping effect for the price. In short, it’s big, bright, and budget-friendly.

10. Design-Your-Own Engagement Ring (Custom Option – You Set the Budget)

Last but not least, one of the best ways to get the perfect ring under $2,000 is to custom design it with Mikado’s help. Mikado Diamonds offers an online Ring Builder that lets you mix-and-match settings with loose stones to meet your budget. For example, you could select a classic solitaire or halo engagement ring setting for a few hundred dollars (many solid 14k gold settings range from about $500–$800), then choose a center stone that fits your price range. Their inventory includes natural and lab-grown diamonds in all shapes and sizes, as well as moissanites. You might pick a gorgeous 0.75 ct lab-grown diamond (often around $700–$900) or a 1.5 ct moissanite (under $600), and pair it with a $600 elegant setting – voilà, a custom 1+ carat ring for roughly $1,200–$1,500 total. Mikado even advertises 1 ct rings starting at $1,200 and 1/2 ct rings around $800 via this approach. The beauty of going custom is that you get exactly what you want: the precise design, metal, stone type, and specs that matter to you. Plus, all Mikado custom rings come with their lifetime warranty and aftercare services (cleaning, sizing, etc.), so you’re covered long-term. If you have a very specific vision or want to maximize every dollar, designing your own ring is the way to go. Imagine presenting a ring you built yourself – it adds an extra layer of sentimental value without costing extra. A custom engagement ring can be crafted with any diamond shape or style you desire. And don’t worry, Mikado’s experts are available to consult (virtually or in-person) to ensure you get the best diamond for your budget and a design that she’ll adore.

Shopping for an affordable engagement ring in 2025 is easier than ever. With lab-grown diamonds offering identical beauty to naturals at 30-70% less cost, and moissanite providing arguably more sparkle than diamond (for a fraction of the price), budget-minded buyers have fabulous choices. Even if you prefer a natural diamond, clarity-enhanced stones and modest carat weights can yield a classic ring well within a $2k budget. Remember to prioritize what matters most to you – be it a certain gem size, a specific ring style, or ethical sourcing. All the rings above come from Mikado Diamonds, a reputable jeweler known for quality and value, so you really can’t go wrong. We hope this guide has shown that “affordable” engagement rings can still be stunning, high-quality, and uniquely yours. Happy ring hunting, and congrats on this exciting step!