Thinking of proposing but working with a tight budget? You’re exactly where you need to be. Finding the perfect engagement ring under $500 can seem challenging—but it doesn’t have to be.

Awareness Avenue makes choosing a stunning, affordable engagement ring simple and stress-free. Trusted by over 250,000 happy customers and rated excellent on Trustpilot, every ring we offer comes with an exclusive lifetime guarantee for unmatched peace of mind..

In this guide, you'll discover the best affordable engagement rings for 2025, learn the key differences between moissanite and cubic zirconia, understand whether gold vermeil or pure S925 sterling silver suits your needs better, and see how to personalize rings to reflect your unique story.

Expert rankings and viral favorites make choosing easier, while tips ensure you balance quality with budget. Ultimately, you'll confidently select the perfect engagement ring backed by Awareness Avenue's trusted reputation and lifetime guarantee.

Check out these standout customer favorites that deliver luxury on a modest budget. Every year some styles go absolutely viral and in 2025 these are the ones to look out for —get the most magic for your money with these.

Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone known for its remarkable durability and sparkle. Because it’s almost as hard as a diamond—rating about 9.25 on the Mohs scale—it’s highly resistant to scratches and maintains its brilliance over time. Many people also appreciate that moissanite is ethically sourced and generally more affordable than diamonds, making it a great balance of quality and cost-effectiveness for those who plan to wear their jewelry daily.

On the other hand, cubic zirconia (often shortened to CZ) is a popular budget option because it mimics a diamond’s appearance at a lower price point. However, it is softer—typically around 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale—so it can become scratched or dull more quickly, especially if worn every day.

This means you might need to replace or carefully maintain a CZ stone sooner compared to moissanite or diamond. Ultimately, if you’re looking for something with more longevity and brilliance, moissanite offers better durability. If you’re looking for a quick, beautiful, cost-friendly option and don’t mind replacing it later, cubic zirconia may suffice.

• Brilliance: Moissanite generally has a more intense, fiery sparkle, while CZ’s shine can dull more quickly over time.
• Durability: Moissanite (9.25/10 Mohs) is more resistant to scratching than CZ (8–8.5/10), making it a better choice for everyday wear.
• Ethical & Sustainable: Both are lab-created and conflict-free, but moissanite is specifically known for its lower environmental impact.
• Price: Moissanite costs more than CZ, but it’s still more affordable than natural diamonds. CZ is often the most budget-friendly option.
• Color Options: Moissanite typically comes in white but can appear in various shades, while CZ is available in many colors, though white is the most common.
• Long-Term Wear: Moissanite retains brilliance longer and needs less upkeep. CZ may need replacing or more frequent maintenance if worn daily.

Another critical factor is the metal type. Awareness Avenue offers both vermeil and solid gold promise rings, each with its own benefits.

Vermeil: Affordable Luxury

Vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is sterling silver coated with a thick layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns). It offers the luxurious look of solid gold at a fraction of the price. However, with time, the gold layer may wear down.

S925 Sterling Silver: A Classic

S925 Sterling Silver is a beautiful and quality metal for your engagement ring. Cost-effective and shiny, it comes as a great option. However it is more prone to tarnishing over time than vermeil.

Which Should You Choose?

• If you've got the budget and want a high-end look, go for vermeil.
• If your budget is tighter, and you want as high a quality you can get S925 sterling silver is a good option for you.

One of the biggest concerns when buying a promise ring is getting the size right. Here’s how to ensure the perfect fit:

How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home:

1. Use a String or Paper Strip: Wrap it around your finger and mark where it meets.
2. Measure with a Ruler: Lay the string flat and measure the length in millimeters.
3. Compare to a Ring Size Chart: Match your measurement to the standard ring sizes.

💡 Tip: If you’re between sizes, go one size up for comfort.

Click here for a comprehensive ring size guide.

Our brand Awareness Avenue allows you to personalize your ring within your budget, including:

• Custom engravings
• Select your preferred stone size and shape (0.5CT to 5CT)
• Metal finish and style options
• Stone color customization

Our jewelry experts have carefully selected these three ring collections as the best under $500:

1. Solitaire Rings – Classic & simple these rings are excellent options for engagement rings under $500.
2. The Marquise Cut – Timeless, sophisticated style for those seeking subtle beauty with a vintage twist.
3. The Princess Cut – The princess cut gives you the exclusive look without breaking the bank with our options.

With these expert recommendations you can't go wrong and will definitely find your next dream ring.