The "three-month salary" rule is outdated. Use these strategies to get more for your money:

These are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds but cost 60-80% less . In 2025, they accounted for about 70% of engagement ring sales.

A single stone on a plain band. Timeless and lets the diamond shine.

This is the weight, not the size. Buying "under" a full carat (e.g., 0.9 instead of 1.0) can save 20-30% with no noticeable difference in appearance. 💍 Step 2: Choosing the Metal & Setting