You’ve found the perfect woman and now it’s time to find the perfect ring. But as you scour through jewelry stores, you may feel overwhelmed and a little shocked at the costs of the “perfect” ring.

But the good news is that you don’t have to settle for an expensive diamond. Today, many couples are opting for diamond alternatives to give them a more unique and affordable ring.

So, what are the best options on the market? Keep reading to discover 5 cheaper alternatives that your soon-to-be fiancee is sure to love.

1. Man-Made Diamonds

Typical rings come with natural diamonds (also called mined diamonds). If you still want to get the love of your life a diamond, consider going with a man-made diamond.

Instead of growing naturally in the ground, they are made in a lab. However, they are still real diamonds and many times are even nicer than mined diamonds since they don’t have any imperfections.

While these are cheaper than their natural counterparts, they can still get pricey. But if having a real diamond is important, consider going with a silver engagement ring with man-made diamonds to bring the cost down and still get that diamond.

2. Moissanite

Are diamonds, man-made or natural, out of your price point? Then consider moissanite as the next best thing.

These stones are clear and look strikingly similar to diamonds to the untrained eye. Meaning most of your friends and family will think it’s a diamond unless told otherwise. Plus, it ranks as a 9.5 on the Mohs scale, making it the second hardest mineral in the world (just behind diamonds).

When you shop for moissanite rings, pay special attention to the clarity. Some moissanite stones have a slightly green or yellow tinge to them. So, you may want to pay a little extra or go with a smaller size to get that clear diamond-like appearance.

3. Sapphire

Are you and your soon-to-be-fiancee looking for something more unique? Sapphires make a gorgeous addition to any engagement ring with their deep blue hue and durability (ranked 9 on the Mohs scale).

However, they can also be found in pink, peach, green, yellow, and white. If you’re looking for something more traditional, consider going for a white sapphire to get that diamond-look for a fraction of the price.

Even white sapphires don’t have quite the sparkle a diamond has, but they still look gorgeous when cut well. So be sure to look for the four C’s before making a purchase.

4. Aquamarine

Do you like the idea of adding some color to the ring but don’t want something quite as bold as a sapphire? Then go with aquamarine!

It’s pale blue color still gives this ring a little uniqueness while remaining subtle. They typically have amazing clarity and have a 7.5-8 rating on the Mohs scale, so they’re still quite durable.

Plus, they’re known as the “lucky stone” making them the perfect good-luck charm to add to her engagement ring!

5. Opal

Opals make great options for anyone who wants a truly one-of-a-kind ring without bold colors.

You can typically find white, crystal, and black opals in jewelry, with crystal being a favorite for engagement rings for its transparent body. Vibrant opals can reflect the entire rainbow to give her a sparkly stone.

However, these aren’t nearly as strong as other options. They’re only a 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale, so be sure to ask your jeweler about costs to replace the opal as it tarnishes over time.

Save Your Wallet with These Diamond Alternatives

Who says you have to buy an engagement ring with a natural diamond? We hope these gorgeous diamond alternatives have helped you find the perfect stone for your soon-to-be-fiancee.

Want to get a head start on wedding planning? Then check out these hot wedding trends today!