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2026 · buyer-reported prices · updated September 2026

Engagement Ring Prices in 2026: 355 Rings Bought That Year

Buyers who bought an engagement ring in 2026 paid a median of $2,200 across 355 purchases, and half paid between $1,200 and $4,000. That is 10% above the $2,000 median for rings bought in 2025.

$2,200median ring bought in 2026, 355 purchases
75%lab-grown, among buyers who named the stone
$2,200lab-grown diamond ring (185)
$6,750natural diamond ring (22)
$201median price per carat of a loose lab-grown stone (99)

Rings bought in 2026, by center stone

A loose lab-grown diamond cost a median $201 per carat in 2026, 28% below the $279 of 2025.

Center stoneRingsMedianMiddle halfMedian carat
Natural diamond22$6,750$3,800 to $20,0002 ct
Lab-grown diamond185$2,200$1,500 to $3,6743 ct
Moissanite29$255$70 to $8303 ct DEW
Other gemstone5$500$45 to $940–
Diamond, lab or natural not said31$2,500$1,000 to $5,3102.6 ct

Every ring bought in 2026

RingStoneCaratShapeMetalYearWhat the buyer reported
$1––––2026Now wears a $1 rubber ring instead of the earlier $16 one
$10Moissanite–ovalother2026Cheap sterling silver ring bought casually just for the stone, not used as the final engagement ring; turned out too big
$25Moissanite–––2026Placeholder moissanite ring worn while the real engagement ring is being made; gets compliments daily
$30Moissanite–––2026Proud of how little her 3ct moissanite cost compared to her sister-in-law's heirloom diamond
$30Moissanite––other20262ct moissanite set in sterling silver; wears grandmother's wedding band alongside it
$30Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Replacement ring bought online after losing the original ring from Walmart, which had no price given
$30Other gemstone–––2026Proposed with a $30 amethyst ring as a placeholder while the couple saves for a custom lavender sapphire ring to be made later.
$34Moissanite––other2026Bought through Temu, sterling silver base; writer says quality was spectacular
$40Moissanite–emerald–20264ct emerald-cut moissanite ring bought on AliExpress
$45Other gemstone–––2026Purple gemstone engagement ring, calls it a favorite despite the low price
$50No stone (plain band)––other2026Tungsten band with no stone; described as heavy and substantial for the price
$69Moissanite–––2026Moissanite ring bought for $69 at TJ Maxx, gets many compliments
$70Moissanite––other2026Low-budget wedding ring, white-gold-plated band bought on Amazon
$75––––2026Clearance-section find, originally priced around $900; advises getting the warranty and keeping up cleanings
$80Moissanite–pear–20266x9mm cyan pear moissanite bought from the vendor's Alibaba storefront
$100Moissanite–––2026Bought from an Amazon seller
$100Moissanite–cushionother202610x14mm elongated old-mine-cut moissanite sold as a '10ct' stone; sterling silver setting with cz side stones; paid extra for fast AliExpress shipping
$100Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026A simulated stone ring, currently a fiancee, prioritized staying within budget over stone type
$200Natural diamond0.5 ct––2026Bought secondhand from another buyers for roughly its gold weight; vintage design, 1/2ct total weight in small natural stones.
$200Moissanite–––20263ct moissanite ring bought instead of a $1,600 2.5ct lab diamond stone-only quote
$200––––2026Skipped a honeymoon to save toward buying a house instead
$200Moissanite–marquiseother2026Sterling silver setting, hidden halo and pave band; seller also offers gold and lab diamond options at higher cost
$250Moissanite––other2026Sterling silver moissanite ring; prioritizing saving for a house over a pricier ring
$255Moissanite–cushion–2026Same Golden Tree Jewellers Boxing Day ring design as another buyer's; unclear if this price includes tax
$263Natural diamond–––2026Vintage-style diamond ring bought on eBay after seeing the asker's find; writer called it 'a steal'
$300Moissanite––other2026The person asking chose 935 argentium silver over 10k white gold, which would have added about $600; ordered and received, happy with it
$300Moissanite–oval–20265.5ct oval moissanite ring on a size 9 band, about $300 all in
$305––––2026Won an engagement ring in an eBay auction covered by eBay's GIA-linked authenticity guarantee; the buy-it-now alternative was listed at $800
$350Natural diamond––white gold2026Bought at the pawn shop where she works, 10% above gold melt scrap at employee pricing
$366Moissanite–cushionwhite gold2026Boxing Day one-day limited sale; elongated cushion cut, two white topaz side stones, price includes tax
$400Moissanite–––2026One of four gold moissanite rings bought from this vendor; considers $400 much easier to justify than the roughly $4,000 an equivalent diamond ring would cost
$500––––2026Writer capped husband's spending at $500
$500––––2026Husband kept revisiting the store before buying; sentimental value mattered more than price
$500Other gemstone–––2026Handmade alexandrite-style ring from maker Scott Bonomo, around $500; sister later bought a similar one from him
$500Moissanite–marquisegold202610k gold marquise hidden-halo moissanite ring ordered overseas around Chinese New Year; total for ring plus shipping was roughly $500
$550––––2026Her actual engagement ring; she's wary of bringing it to a foreign country
$550Lab-grown diamond1.72 ct–gold20261.72ct E VVS1 lab diamond in 14k gold, won bidding on an online estate-sale auction site
$570Lab-grown diamond2.09 ctmarquise–2026Urges shopping around before buying; mentions stonealgo as a comparison tool
$600Diamond, lab or natural not said––gold202614k gold ring with two diamonds and a sapphire, bought on Poshmark after about 6 months searching; price included tax and shipping
$600Lab-grown diamond2 ct–white gold20262ct lab diamond in 10k white gold, bought through a Starsgem group buy
$650Lab-grown diamond2 ctemerald–2026Bought a similarly mounted 2ct G/VVS emerald cut with a recent IGI report for $650 via an auction resale site; appeared unused
$660–1.83 ctmarquisewhite gold202610k white gold
$675Diamond, lab or natural not said––white gold2026Cluster ring bought at a pawn shop, haggled down from a $700 asking price; total carat weight disputed, guesses ranged from about 2 to 4ct
$679Diamond, lab or natural not said1.3 ctroundgold2026Nadia perfect fit style, 10k gold; cheaper than Provence and Fiorese quotes; still in CAD design stage, not delivered yet
$700Lab-grown diamond–heart–2026Heart-shaped lab-stone signet-style ring, cited as an example of a budget signet ring
$700Diamond, lab or natural not said––gold2026Custom-made engagement ring in 10k gold, ordered from overseas for a little over $700
$700Moissanite–othergold202614k gold band with a rose-cut moissanite center plus 2 small diamond accents, bought through an Etsy jeweler for about $700
$740Lab-created coloured stone––gold2026Custom lab emerald ring with lab diamond accents, 9kt gold band 2mm thick; waited for the right stone to become available
$750––––2026Bought at a pawn shop; appraised value was $6,500
$800––––2026Fiance proposed with this ring and said they could upgrade later; she wants to keep it as is
$800Lab-grown diamond1.5 ct–white gold2026Classic solitaire setting; writer wishes they had ordered platinum instead
$800–––other2026Husband's newest ring, meteorite and black zirconium, replacing the cracked tungsten ones
$800Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Bought a vintage ring on eBay; writer says it has held up perfectly unlike the asker's tarnishing ring
$830Moissanite–ovalplatinum20263-carat oval stone in a custom platinum setting; ring still being made
$830Lab-grown diamond3 ct–gold20263ct lab diamond solitaire on an 18k gold band, bought via the EBTH auction site for $830 pre-tax/shipping
$850Moissanite–marquisegold2026Dutch marquise moissanite in 14k gold; partner paid, writer says 'around' the amount
$884Moissanite–cushionyellow gold20263ct square cushion old-mine-cut moissanite custom ring in 10k gold; loved the setting but found the stone dull and dark in person versus the video
$900Moissanite–––2026Fiance paid a bit over 900 for a moissanite ring; she felt even that was a lot
$900Moissanite–––2026Chose a moissanite the same visual size as a diamond a jeweler quoted at about $9k, freeing budget for a better metal
$930Lab-grown diamond3 ct––2026Ring being made with overseas vendor Starsgem
$935Lab-grown diamond2 ct–white gold20262ct fancy vivid blue lab diamond petal-prong solitaire from a China-based overseas vendor, simple 14k white gold band
$940Other gemstone0.4 ctmarquisewhite gold2026Marquise ruby 0.40ct (called natural, no cert, surface cracks) + 0.20ct diamond accents, 14k white gold; proposal ring, Turkey.
$950Lab-grown diamond2 ct––2026Stone and setting bought separately from a Chinese online vendor, then set at a local gem show; gold prices pushed setting cost up.
$950Lab-grown diamond1.2 ct–gold2026Felt expensive; had budgeted 700 USD going in
$990Lab-grown diamond3 ctmarquisegold2026Custom 3-carat marquise lab diamond ring in 10k gold
$1,000Lab-grown diamond2 ct–gold202618k gold ring with import fees included; bought via an online group's vetted overseas vendor list
$1,000Lab-grown diamond2 ct–gold202618k gold ring with a 2ct lab diamond, bought from a vetted China vendor list; buyer tested gold authenticity and it came with a diamond certificate.
$1,000––––2026Second engagement, matching rings for both partners bought together in Tokyo, total for both not per ring
$1,000Diamond, lab or natural not said1 ct–white gold2026Bought for a proposal the following week; 1ct in 14k white gold, on sale for roughly 400 off
$1,000Lab-grown diamond2.03 ctradiant–2026Custom radiant lab diamond ring with setting from an Etsy seller, a little over the stated figure
$1,000Lab-grown diamond2.66 ct–gold20262.66ct H VVS1 lab diamond ring, 14k gold, priced around $1,000 after price-matching the stone through Loose Grown Diamonds
$1,000Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Ring type not stated; a baguette fell out after a week, Jared first asked $500 to reset it then did it free; local jeweler built up gold for $10
$1,000Lab-grown diamond2 ctcushionyellow gold2026Buyer's own ring, a little over $1,000, bought through a group sale online; still awaiting delivery
$1,000Lab-grown diamond1.2 ct––20261.2ct old-mine-cut lab diamond ring made by Fiorese for about $1,000
$1,000Lab-grown diamond4.04 ct–gold202614k gold ring with a 4.04ct E VVS2 lab diamond; writer asks whether this was a good price
$1,100Lab-grown diamond3 ctmarquiseyellow gold2026Lab-grown marquise ring being made in 14k gold
$1,100Lab-grown diamond3.21 ct–gold20263.21ct ring on a 14k band being made by a Chinese vendor for about $1,100 or a bit more
$1,100Lab-grown diamond2 ctroundtwo tone2026Tulip 6-prong setting currently being made by the writer's local jeweler
$1,100––––2026Custom ring designed with a rep named Anthony at Fiorese; total came to a little over $1,100
$1,100Natural diamond1 ct–yellow gold202618k solid gold 1ctw natural diamond eternity band from Costco, item #1614197; carat figure is total weight across the band, not one stone
$1,100Lab-grown diamond3 ctpear–2026Pear-cut stone in a bezel setting, all-in price, not yet delivered
$1,100Lab-grown diamond5 ctemerald–20265ct emerald-cut lab diamond from Luvansh for under $600, custom mount from Fay Jewelry for around $500
$1,169Lab-grown diamond1.5 ctovalyellow gold2026Custom-cut triangle diamond accents; total includes stone plus having it set in 14k solid yellow gold; a similar natural ring elsewhere would have cost roughly $31,000
$1,175Lab-grown diamond1 ctpearyellow gold2026Custom fancy vivid pink pear lab diamond with 2 kite sapphires, 18k yellow gold, blue high-tech ceramic band; regrets stone size/color
$1,200Lab-grown diamond3 ctmarquise–2026Bought around the same time as the asker's post, at a similar price point to the Etsy listing being discussed
$1,200–0.5 ctmarquisewhite gold2026Writer called the shape 'almond'
$1,200Lab-grown diamond3.03 ct–gold2026Bought for herself: 3.03ct E VS1 excellent-cut lab diamond in a hand-engraved 10k gold band, ordered via a China-based vendor's WhatsApp rep, $1200 total
$1,200Lab-grown diamond–––2026List price was $2,200; bought on a Black Friday sale for $1,200; writer says the same ring in natural would have cost $8,000
$1,250Moissanite–marquiseyellow gold20263-carat marquise moissanite in 14k yellow gold with a pave band, given as a surprise; writer finds the stone cloudy for the price
$1,250––––2026Husband surprised her with a nicer ring this year to make up for the original modest one
$1,250Lab-grown diamond4 ct––2026Writer says they've bought two 4-carat lab diamond rings in this price range, band included, well under the asker's $3,135 quote
$1,250Lab-grown diamond3.59 ctradiantwhite gold20263.59 ct radiant lab diamond with a .40 ct accent band, bought overseas with import and shipping fees included
$1,250––––2026Used Rare Carat to price-match the stone plus a holiday sale discount on the setting, saved about 38%
$1,250Lab-grown diamond3 ct–gold2026Bought a 3ct diamond and 14k gold bezel setting together from Romy at LGG for a combined 1250.
$1,250Moissanite–––2026Forever One Moissanite ring (made by Charles & Colvard) bought on sale at Helzberg; price was after taxes
$1,250Lab-grown diamond3 ct––20263-carat ring made by overseas vendor LGG
$1,275Lab-grown diamond2.03 ctpear–2026Fiance's purchase: lab pear with a hidden halo and pave band, 2.43ct total weight; writer is 36 and engaged for the second time
$1,279Lab-grown diamond3 ct–gold202614k setting; order placed, not yet received
$1,300Natural diamond3.8 ct–platinum20263.8ct stone bought at auction with graduated side stones, platinum band custom made overseas
$1,300–1 ctoval–2026Originally listed around $5k, bought on sale
$1,300–3.02 ctmarquisegold202614k gold; writer said this post was helpful to her while shopping
$1,300Lab-grown diamond3 ctemeraldgold20263ct lab emerald cut ring, 10k gold, 2.5mm euro shank band; custom order via WhatsApp/PayPal from maker Romy (LGG), shipping to Canada included
$1,300Lab-grown diamond3.1 ctround–2026Whole ring, about 3.5ct total including accent stones; stone price is an estimate by the buyer
$1,300Moissanite–radiantplatinum2026Fully custom setting, 9.4g of PT950 platinum made up most of the cost; upgrading to a lab diamond would have added about 500
$1,400Lab-grown diamond1 ctmarquiserose gold2026Dutch marquise crushed-ice cut center stone; side stone weight unknown to writer
$1,400Lab-grown diamond2.18 ct––2026Diamond price-matched at Cavalera; total including a custom band and setting made by a local goldsmith came to $1,400
$1,400Diamond, lab or natural not said2.7 ct––20262.7 ct diamond with setting from brilliance.com, used a discount code
$1,400Lab-grown diamond2.16 ctovalgold202614k gold ring, excellent-cut oval stone.
$1,400Lab-grown diamond3 ctpear–2026Pink pear-cut stone with a channel-set diamond band
$1,400Lab-grown diamond3 ct––2026Custom-cut stone and custom-designed setting from Zuvelio
$1,400Lab-grown diamond2 ct––2026Price-matched via Rare Carat; stone described only as high quality with no detailed grading
$1,400Lab-grown diamond1.5 ct––2026Custom-ordered 1.5ct fancy intense yellow diamond with white diamond halo and pave band; the loose stone alone cost $600
$1,400Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Fiancé wanted to spend far more; she refused and they found one for $1,400
$1,480Lab-grown diamond3 ct–gold20264.5 total-carat-weight ring with a 3ct center stone on a 3.5mm 10k gold band, from an Etsy shop
$1,500–1.55 ctmarquise–2026Step cut marquise, length-to-width ratio 1.95
$1,500–1.5 ctmarquise–2026Bought during a store sale; original price before the discount was about $2,100
$1,500–2.7 ctoval–2026Cathedral-style setting with a basket top
$1,500Lab-grown diamond3 ct––2026Buyer reports paying this for a 3ct D VS1 diamond ring, cited as pushback against the asker's higher quoted price
$1,500Lab-grown diamond4.19 ctpearrose gold2026Center pear stone plus 1.49ct of accent stones on the band, all bought from one US vendor
$1,500Lab-grown diamond4.5 ctcushionyellow gold202610k yellow gold ring, cited as proof the person asking shouldn't pay $6k
$1,500––––2026Partner told him exactly what she wanted
$1,500Lab-grown diamond–––2026Lab diamond upgrade ring after years of hinting to her husband; only $500 more than he originally spent
$1,500Lab-grown diamond–oval–2026$1500 deposit paid toward a custom lab oval diamond ring (target 3.3-3.7ct, D or E, VVS2, ideal cut); seller stopped responding after taking the deposit, a scam; full price and delivery unknown
$1,500Lab-grown diamond––gold2026Estate-auction find (EBTH), 18k gold; local jeweler said it should have cost 3-4x more; writer now wishes stone were smaller.
$1,539Lab-grown diamond4.93 ctradiantwhite gold2026$687.20 for a 4.93ct F VS1 lab radiant diamond bought in March, plus $851.93 for a custom white gold euro shank cathedral setting combining two of the vendor's stock designs
$1,569Lab-grown diamond1.59 ctroundwhite gold20261.59ct round G/VS2 IGI lab diamond, price-matched $800→$484, set in 14k white gold (Christian Siriano) for $1,085; $1,684 total w/ tax & appraisal.
$1,600Lab-grown diamond3 ctmarquisegold2026Dutch marquise cut lab diamond, 14k gold, bought with a coupon from an India-based Etsy seller
$1,600Lab-grown diamond3.06 ct–gold202614k gold setting with hidden halo, all-in price for a ring just bought for the writer's girlfriend
$1,600Lab-grown diamond4 ct––2026New setting for a 4ct lab stone
$1,650Lab-grown diamond3 ct–gold20263ct lab diamond with 14k gold setting from a US-based independent seller, avoiding import tariffs
$1,650Lab-grown diamond6 ctoval–2026Oval solitaire from a maker contacted directly via WhatsApp for a real quote; website list price was much higher
$1,667Lab-grown diamond3 ctovalwhite gold2026Bought for the writer's fiancee, cited as a much cheaper comparison to the asker's quote
$1,675Lab-grown diamond1.7 ctovalwhite gold20266-prong tulip cathedral setting; bought online as an upgrade ring
$1,690Lab-grown diamond3.6 ctemerald–20265-stone ring: main emerald cut plus two 1ct side emeralds and two trilliants on a Euro shank
$1,700Lab-grown diamond3 ctradiantyellow gold2026Replacement ring bought because the original couldn't be resized to fit
$1,700Lab-grown diamond5 ct––2026Wrote a photo of a 5ct ring bought for this price as proof lab diamonds are this cheap now, not a scam
$1,700Diamond, lab or natural not said2.06 ctovalrose gold2026Price includes tax; also has D VVS2 pear side stones at 1/4 carat each; free shipping, made in USA, 30-day return
$1,700Lab-grown diamond2 ctoval–2026Oval with side pear accents; vendor has thousands of reviews, 5/5 rating; 3-week turnaround, 30-day free returns.
$1,700Lab-grown diamond3.5 ctemeraldgold2026Emerald-cut stone with baguette side stones in 14k gold; vendor sent many videos before purchase
$1,700Lab-grown diamond6 ctoval–2026Stone plus setting, bought from an online vendor found through a lab diamond community list
$1,700Lab-grown diamond2 ctovalgold2026Just over $1,700 for a 2 ct D VVS triple-excellent oval in 14k gold, bought online with a 30-day return policy
$1,700Lab-grown diamond–––2026Similar ring being custom made overseas by Provence for about $1,700, offered as comparison to the asker's quote
$1,749Lab-grown diamond1.93 ct–gold2026Specs similar to the asker's stone; local jeweler charged $1,400 including labor for a 3.5mm 14k cathedral band
$1,763Lab-grown diamond2.93 ctmarquise–2026Diamond price was matched to a listing from Loose Grown Diamond
$1,792Lab-grown diamond3.76 ctcushionplatinum2026Sourced stone online then mailed it overseas to have the platinum setting made
$1,800Lab-grown diamond3.52 ctroundgold2026Remade ring with hidden-halo cathedral setting and smaller 3.52ct lab diamond (ideal-cut hearts and arrows); previous ring had a 4.82ct stone in a thinner 1.7mm band. Each partner's second marriage.
$1,800Diamond, lab or natural not said3.52 ctroundgold2026Remade from a thinner previous band (1.7mm) into a thicker cathedral setting with hidden halo, downsizing the center stone from 4.82ct to 3.52ct; out-the-door price including tax was about $1,800
$1,800Lab-grown diamond5 ctpearplatinum2026Paid $1800 for a 5ct pear-cut diamond set in platinum, cited to argue the asker's $10k quote was overpriced
$1,800Lab-grown diamond7.16 ctmarquisegold2026Large marquise stone in 14k gold, still being made
$1,900Lab-grown diamond4.1 ctcushionwhite gold2026Antique cushion stone plus a separate custom 10k white gold setting, each about $950
$1,900Lab-grown diamond3 ct–platinum2026Writer says they paid about $1500 less than the asker's $3400 quote, for a 2.4mm platinum band
$1,980–2 ctemeraldwhite gold20262ct elongated emerald cut with trapezoid side stones, 14k white gold, no band stones; buyer still felt this seemed high
$2,000Other gemstone–––2026Garnet center stone with 3 tiny moissanite accents each side; ordered from a jeweler in Spain and shipped to the US, price approximate per writer
$2,000Lab-grown diamond1 ctmarquise–2026Just under 2k including a warranty and other extras; she said half a carat would have been enough
$2,000––––2026Engagement ring bought days before both bands, about 2k each, plus 2k of same-metal gifts for parents; would now choose no ring or a cheaper one
$2,000–2.56 ctmarquise–2026Cathedral setting with side stones and a tulip basket
$2,000Lab-grown diamond–––2026Third ring still being made, a W Signature pave 14kt/platinum setting from With Clarity, will run just over $2k
$2,000Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Household income just under $400k; chose a $2k ring instead of a large diamond
$2,000Lab-grown diamond3 ctradiant–2026Paid about a third of the asker's $6k quote for a similarly sized 3ct radiant; knowingly overspent for the convenience of one jeweler sourcing and designing it
$2,000Lab-grown diamond3.09 ctovalplatinum2026Stone bought at a wholesale price; platinum hidden-halo setting with marquise/round accents brought total to $2,000.
$2,000Lab-grown diamond3 ctmarquise–2026Stone bought via a TikTok live auction from a custom jeweler who will also set it
$2,000Lab-grown diamond3 ct––2026Certified 3-carat ring bought via an Etsy jeweler; the price for the carat size points to a lab-grown stone
$2,000Lab-grown diamond2 ct–platinum2026Bought after months of comparison shopping; the same ring configured with a natural stone of the same size priced over $25k on the same ordering screen.
$2,000Lab-grown diamond3.1 ct–platinum2026Just over $2k total set in platinum, offered as a comparison to the asker's much higher quote
$2,100Lab-grown diamond3.06 ctroundwhite gold2026Diamond bought separately from the 18k white gold custom-made band, built while traveling overseas; total covers both
$2,100Lab-grown diamond–––2026Writer just proposed with a lab diamond ring on about $75k annual income
$2,100Lab-grown diamond3.1 ctcushiongold2026Elongated cushion stone with small marquise diamond accents in a 14k gold setting
$2,100Lab-grown diamond4 ct–gold20264ct G VVS2 IGI-certified lab stone plus a 14kt 4mm setting; writer explicitly summed the total to $2,100
$2,100Lab-grown diamond4.01 ctovalyellow gold2026Three-stone pave setting, 2.5mm band, 14k yellow gold, 1.48 length-to-width ratio; upgraded from 4 to 6 prongs for an extra $100; ordered late April, delivered about a month later
$2,150Lab-grown diamond3 ct––2026Bought loose stone online then paid a jeweler to set it in a hidden halo band
$2,200Lab-grown diamond2.84 ct–gold20262.84ct stone in a 14k setting
$2,200Lab-grown diamond2.78 ct–white gold2026Lab-grown fancy yellow diamond in 14k white gold, all-in price; bought for the color despite lab stones holding little resale value
$2,200Lab-grown diamond2 ctmarquiseyellow gold2026Blair setting, 18k yellow gold, stone has a few inclusions by choice; includes 10% new-customer discount; ten-year anniversary upgrade.
$2,200Lab-grown diamond2.49 ct––2026Ring with a 2.49ct center stone
$2,250Lab-grown diamond1 ct–yellow gold2026Own 1ct lab diamond ring in a 14k plain gold band cost about the same as the 2250 ring being discussed
$2,290Lab-grown diamond2 ctovalplatinum2026Stacked a price match with a CEO discount and Black Friday deal; $500 of the total was a JM lifetime protection plan later canceled for a $460 refund.
$2,300Lab-grown diamond4 ct––2026Newer ring: 4ct E VS1 main stone $450 + 1.59ct E VS1 accent stone $250, setting $1600
$2,300Lab-grown diamond3.35 ct––2026Went custom on a budget well below what they saw in store and saved about 4-5k; writer wanted only lab
$2,300Lab-grown diamond3.09 ctovalplatinum20263.09ct E VS1 oval diamond bought online for $620 with IGI cert; jeweler set it into a hidden-halo platinum ring with round accent stones for about $2300 total, using the online cert to push toward wholesale pricing
$2,321Lab-grown diamond3.35 ctoval–2026Budgeted $2300, final price came to $2321 for a modified-oval cut; this was their main ring, not a travel one
$2,400Lab-grown diamond1.2 ctround–2026Lab solitaire bought before proposing, a lot of money for him; girlfriend then demanded a 2 ct natural; many said he overpaid
$2,400Lab-grown diamond0.74 ctmarquise–20260.74 is stated as the total diamond weight, not a single center stone
$2,400Lab-grown diamond–––2026Loose lab stone bought through Aurelinne, then had a custom setting made by David Klass in LA; $2,400 total
$2,400Lab-grown diamond2 ct–gold202614k gold solitaire, hand engraving on bridge, fully custom; could've saved $100-200 with F VS1 instead of D VVS2.
$2,400Lab-grown diamond3 ctovalplatinum2026Picked the diamond first then found the jeweler with the least margin on it; slow turnaround, awkward mobile site
$2,400Lab-grown diamond4.52 ctcushionrose gold2026Old-mine-cut elongated cushion stone, 14k rose gold, custom bought overseas with an IGI report
$2,400–4.52 ctcushionrose gold2026Elongated old mine cushion cut, excellent cut/polish, 14k rose gold bezel setting being made; still awaiting delivery, expected end of May or start of June
$2,400––––2026Buyer said their own engagement ring is costing about $2,400, aiming to only propose once.
$2,413Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Custom ring made during a 30th-anniversary sale; buyer picked the stone and told them the setting she wanted
$2,500Lab-grown diamond1.02 ctmarquise–2026The Maren style from designer Sarah O
$2,500Lab-grown diamond5.89 ctmarquise–2026Carat as stated by writer
$2,500Lab-grown diamond6 ctroundwhite gold202614k white gold setting with D VVS2 side pear stones; super-ideal excellent/excellent cut center stone
$2,500––––2026Bought a preowned ring appraised at $30k for $2,500 via an online marketplace-type deal, then paid a local jeweler to customize it; total stayed under $5,000
$2,500Lab-grown diamond3.94 ctovalrose gold2026Price-matched after finding the same stone listed cheaper elsewhere
$2,500Lab-grown diamond–––2026Fiance said he spent about 2,500; she is fairly sure it is lab and loves it, but thinks the sum was too high
$2,500––marquisegold2026Marquise plus 10 small princess-cut diamonds, all supplied by the writer, set in a custom 14k setting; labor was about half the $2,500
$2,500Lab-grown diamond2 ctmarquise–2026Entire ring including setting, from a small company based in Houston
$2,500Diamond, lab or natural not said2.5 ctemeraldyellow gold2026Own ring, 2.5ct emerald-cut diamond in 10k yellow gold, cost fell within the buyers's stated 2-3k range
$2,600Lab-grown diamond2.87 ctmarquiserose gold2026Hidden halo, 14k rose gold
$2,600Lab-grown diamond––platinum2026Sourced the stone separately, designed a platinum setting with side stones through a Chinese vendor, set locally
$2,700Lab-grown diamond1 ctmarquise–2026Writer wasn't fully certain of the exact price
$2,700––––2026Independent Instagram jeweler, diamonds imported from Puerto Rico; big-box retailers had quoted 6-7k for a similar ring
$2,750Lab-grown diamond2.6 ct––2026Similar intricate band with a 2.6ct lab diamond from Keyzar, price given as a 2.5-3k range
$2,800Lab-grown diamond2.5 ctmarquise–2026Ring has side diamonds
$2,800Lab-grown diamond5 ctovalgold20265ct oval lab diamond ring with better specs than the Zales piece, all-in cost from a local jeweler
$2,800Diamond, lab or natural not said4 ctprincess–2026Sourced the stone separately and had it set; says this saved roughly $4k versus a pre-set ring
$2,800––marquise–2026Marquise halo ring bought from small jewelry brand Valquere
$2,850Lab-grown diamond13.09 ctemeraldyellow gold2026Won at an estate auction; price included $338 in fees/taxes; band very thin, only ~1.6g pure gold
$2,900Lab-grown diamond3 ctround–2026Ring total before tax, after a price-matched diamond; the JM Care Plan was quoted separately at $499 since the price match excluded other site-wide discounts.
$2,900Lab-grown diamond2.5 ctmarquise–2026Hidden halo ring bought at a jewelry store; writer says a retail premium was likely paid there
$2,900Lab-grown diamond1.56 ctmarquise–2026Pave band has 0.52ct total weight natural side diamonds; writer gave a $2800-3000 range
$2,900–3.07 ctmarquise–2026Old mine cut marquise stone sourced from a fellow online user; setting is 14k white gold with 0.5ct pave diamonds made by a local jeweler
$3,000Lab-grown diamond2 ctpear–2026Fiancé paid about 3k all in; lab pear with a halo and marquise side stones
$3,000––––2026Asked her fiance to keep it under 1k; he spent 3k anyway
$3,000Lab-grown diamond––gold2026Engaged; an Etsy maker combined design elements she liked after a local jeweler was too pricey; lab stone, solid gold, around 3k
$3,000Lab-grown diamond4 ctmarquise–20264ct center stone with 0.75ct side stones on each side, 5.5ct total weight
$3,000Lab-grown diamond–––2026Spent about 3k on Rare Carat; writer says it was a good experience
$3,000Lab-grown diamond4 ctemerald–2026Custom gold setting cost double the diamond itself; whole ring came in around $3k for a 4ct IGI-certified stone
$3,000Sapphire2 ct–gold2026Trilogy ring with 2 ct center sapphire and 1 ct tw side trillions; would have been about $2k had they not waited while gold prices rose; handmade in the US
$3,000–2 ctcushiongold2026Ring was priced near $5,000 in the case; jeweler lowered it to match a $3,000 budget; 2ct square cushion on a 14k gold band
$3,000––––2026Originally quoted over $7k elsewhere; this small-business jeweler (Chelsie) brought it to about this price with added customizations
$3,000Lab-grown diamond–––2026About $3k; she asked for lab to save for a bigger house; income is the fiancé's (three months of his pay put at about $25k)
$3,000––––2026Writer offered to pay part of the $3k ring cost; partner accepted
$3,000––––2026Mall-store ring listed at $5,500, negotiated down to just over $3,000 cash plus a warranty, saving almost $2,500
$3,100Lab-grown diamond7.22 ctovalgold2026Self-assembled 14k gold cathedral setting; price includes taxes
$3,150Lab-grown diamond4.01 ctemeraldplatinum2026Custom platinum ring with a 4.01ct lab-grown pink diamond; shopped around and thickened the band per community advice
$3,200Lab-grown diamond2.4 ctovalgold2026Lab oval diamond in Indian gold band with marquise and princess side stones; keeps a CZ travel dupe too
$3,300Lab-grown diamond2.55 ct–gold2026Bought stone separately for $500; jeweler setting it in 18k gold with pave diamonds and a birthstone in the band
$3,300Diamond, lab or natural not said2.55 ctradiantgold2026Stone bought separately; setting upgraded from a $2,200 14k-gold quote to $2,800 for an 18k cathedral with french pave, engravings and birthstones; CAD approved, ring in production.
$3,500Lab-grown diamond3 ctmarquise–2026Writer wasn't fully certain of the exact price
$3,500Lab-grown diamond1.5 ctmarquise–2026Halo setting; got a complimentary wedding band included free with a good deal
$3,500Diamond, lab or natural not said3.5 ctcushionplatinum2026Stone sourced via a TikTok jeweler; a separate jeweler sourced sapphire side stones and set it in platinum
$3,600Lab-grown diamond1.75 ctmarquise–202622 smaller stones set in the band and basket
$3,600––––2026Husband's original budget had been $20,000
$3,674Lab-grown diamond7 ctovalrose gold20267ct oval fancy pink stone bought online, paired with a custom 14k rose gold three-stone setting with white diamond pear side stones; ring still being finished as of the comment.
$3,700Lab-grown diamond4.82 ctroundyellow gold20264.82ct round VS1 F, ideal cut/polish/symmetry, bought out the door; thin yellow-gold band, weighing a sturdier cathedral reset
$3,700Lab-grown diamond4.82 ctroundyellow gold20264.82ct round lab diamond, VS1/F, ideal cut, thin yellow gold band, bought out the door; band measured about 1.7-1.9mm wide
$3,700Lab-grown diamond4.82 ctroundyellow gold2026~$1,000 for the 4.82ct F/VS1 ideal round lab stone (price-matched), ~$2,300 for a yellow gold pave setting from the same vendor since matching the stone price voided setting discounts; $3,700 out the door; buyer debating
$3,700Lab-grown diamond––platinum2026Writer earns just over $100k a year; recent wife's ring, platinum with a lab diamond
$3,800Lab-grown diamond2.54 ctovalgold202640th-anniv. upgrade; IGI lab oval; setting by Gabriel & Co NY, 14K gold, 28 natural accent diamonds; later comment gives ~$1800/$2100
$3,800Lab-grown diamond–––2026Jeweler honored a 20% sale from 2 months earlier and haggled after buyer showed the exact lab diamond selling for $800 on Calavera vs their $4,800 ask; that stone sold before the deal closed, so buyer sourced a better-sp
$3,800Lab-grown diamond–––2026Custom-made 1-of-a-kind ring, similar design to the asker's Macy's ring; all stones lab-grown
$3,900Lab-grown diamond2.01 ctovalrose gold20262.01ct fancy pink lab-grown oval diamond with its rose gold setting, bought online, delivered in 16 days
$4,000Lab-grown diamond4 ctcushionplatinum2026Platinum cushion halo split-shank ring ordered for his wife as a surprise, not yet delivered; total listed weight was 4.4ct, center stone confirmed 4ct by another buyer reading the specs
$4,000Lab-grown diamond–––2026Upgrade as her hands changed before a second baby; the natural version was $40k, lab about a tenth; savings went to home upgrades
$4,000Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Fiance designed it from her saved photos and added diamonds; she saw the receipt; she lives outside the US but quoted dollars
$4,000Lab-grown diamond3.08 ctovalgold2026Pave band; she asked only for oval cut and gold, fiance chose the rest
$4,000––marquise–2026Writer says budget was the deciding factor while shopping a sale at Helzberg
$4,000–2.03 ctmarquise–2026Writer says she's obsessed with the ring
$4,000Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Fiancé first said he paid this through an informal seller; ring was later tested and found to be silver-plated glass, not diamond.
$4,000Natural diamond–––2026Costco diamond ring cost $4k and appraised for $10k after months of comparison shopping; no other store matched the price for the specs.
$4,000Diamond, lab or natural not said4 ct––2026Says the cut and clarity are way better than the asker's ring
$4,000––––2026Picked up the engagement ring a week earlier; a diamond popped out of the pave band two days after pickup.
$4,000Lab-grown diamond–––2026Budget of about $4k total for a lab diamond engagement ring including the setting, worked with a named Ritani consultant
$4,000Lab-grown diamond–––2026Specs shown only in an attached photo, not described in the comment text
$4,000Lab-grown diamond0.87 ct–two tone2026Whole ring under 1ct total lab diamond weight with accent stones, mixing rose and white gold
$4,000Natural diamond–––2026Natural stone under a carat; she found her dream ring within the budget her boyfriend named
$4,000–––gold2026Bought the diamond online for about $600; total ring cost fell from an approximate $7k quote to about $4k after sourcing their own stone, 18k gold
$4,000Lab-grown diamond2.5 ctcushion–2026Custom elongated cushion solitaire; paid about 15% extra for the specific cut ratio and grade requested, jeweler included a lifetime guarantee
$4,000Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Ordered a ring from Darry Ring for about $4k plus promotional gifts; a package was left unsigned at the door and a gift necklace was later stolen in transit by the delivery driver
$4,000––––2026Had a local jeweler custom-make a copy of an $8k overseas online ring (with shipping/import fees) for $4k
$4,100Lab-grown diamond–––2026Ring retails around $7-8k, discounted to about $4.1k; ordered online from the ring maker, not yet delivered
$4,200–3 ctoval–2026Upgrade with an oval diamond band bought at a local jeweler; combined household income about $200k/year
$4,500Lab-grown diamond2.5 ctoval–2026Completely custom setting and band from a local shop
$4,500Lab-grown diamond2 ctpearyellow gold2026Quoted $8k (incl $2-3k for a 1.5ct stone) but sourced a 2ct pear lab diamond online for $600; custom ring totaled $4.5k
$4,800Lab-grown diamond6 ctradiant–2026Large lab radiant she says she can now afford thanks to technology, not chosen to look wealthy
$4,800Lab-grown diamond––platinum2026Fully custom platinum ring, more detailed than the asker's, all-in including the diamond
$5,000Lab-grown diamond5 ctoval–2026Bought online; a 4-carat version of the same order would have been only about $200 cheaper
$5,000Lab-grown diamond2.73 ctmarquise–2026Lab diamond bought from designer Lauren B in New York
$5,000Lab-grown diamond3.01 ct–white gold2026Partner negotiated up from her $1.5k opening figure; ring from a small Canadian jewelry brand
$5,000Lab-grown diamond–––2026Just got engaged with a lab-grown diamond solitaire she is very happy with
$5,000––––2026Replaced her original Etsy-from-India ring after 5 years when its gold cracked from a flawed pour; diamond alone cost $1,300
$5,000Natural diamond–––2026Husband chose and bought the ring alone; writer had no involvement in shopping and would have been fine with lab too
$5,000Lab-grown diamond–––2026Local jeweler had quoted $7k-$8k; sourcing the lab-grown stone overseas and having the ring custom made brought the total to about this price
$5,100Lab-grown diamond–radiant–2026Custom radiant lab ring rose from an agreed $4,400 total to about $5,100 after a nearly $700 hike blamed on design and engraving labor; still in progress, $1k deposit paid
$5,100Natural diamond1.08 ct–yellow gold2026Semi-custom: salt-and-pepper diamond plus 6 pave stones (1.12ct total) in recycled 14k gold; designed together after a ring-pop proposal
$5,200Lab-grown diamond3 ctradiantplatinum2026Stone bought loose online for its specific length-to-width ratio; custom platinum split-shank setting with hidden halo and micro pave made separately by a jeweler
$5,310Diamond, lab or natural not said1.5 ctovalwhite gold2026Upgrade from a too-shallow oval; chose strong blue fluorescence on purpose for extra white sparkle; ideal-cut oval on a 14k white gold tapered solitaire, 2.3mm band
$5,400Lab-grown diamond5 ct–yellow gold202614k yellow gold, 5ct elongated stone about 16.75x8.2mm; paid the day before posting, weighing whether to return it and pick together instead
$5,400Lab-grown diamond5 ctmarquiseyellow gold20265ct Dutch marquise cut in 14k yellow gold, bought quickly on Etsy ahead of a planned anniversary proposal
$5,490Lab-grown diamond11 ctpeartwo tone202611ct+ fancy intense pink lab pear from an online vendor; no sales tax since seller has no CA stores; took about 5 weeks start to finish
$5,500Lab-grown diamond3 ct––2026Felt guilty about this price until reading the original buyers's much larger ask
$5,500Natural diamond1.2 ctmarquise–2026Custom made setting
$5,500Lab-grown diamond2.09 ct––2026Husband bought from a local jeweler rather than online despite likely being cheaper online
$5,500Lab-grown diamond4.54 ctcushionyellow gold20264.54ct elongated cushion lab diamond (1.4 length-to-width ratio), 18k yellow gold, 3mm rounded band; separate half-eternity diamond band (~2 ctw, 4mm) worn on days she avoids the big ring; ring designed with a jeweler; w
$6,000Lab-grown diamond7.42 ctovalyellow gold2026Paid about $6,000 total for a 7.42ct oval lab diamond ring, plus a $100 upcharge for a wider 2.5mm band; the same ring was listed for $13,000 elsewhere; her actual engagement ring was natural
$6,000––––2026Spent close to this amount on the proposal ring, now weighing jewelry insurance options
$6,000Lab-grown diamond–marquiseyellow gold2026Custom marquise ring designed by fiance and his mother; lab center stone came out canary yellow instead of requested pale champagne, prongs looked sloppy
$6,000––––2026Bought at a pawn shop then had the center stone reset by a local jeweler; shop valued it at $14k retail.
$6,000–3 ctmarquise–2026The Sage style from designer Sarah O; writer wasn't certain of the exact price
$6,000Lab-created coloured stone2 ctmarquiseplatinum2026Cornflower lab sapphire just over 2ct with a lab-diamond halo adding about 2 total carats; custom cut and designed, writer unsure how cost split between stones/setting/design fee
$6,000–2.07 ctmarquise–2026East-west hidden halo on a cathedral setting with tulip prongs; husband paid
$6,000Lab-grown diamond3 ct––2026Boyfriend bought it at an unnamed retailer; hidden halo setting, like the asker's ring
$6,000Lab-grown diamond3.01 ctroundyellow gold2026DG August Vintage OEC in a Stuller 14k crown solitaire, size 7.5; holiday sale cut the 9k list to 6k; resold two months later
$6,400Diamond, lab or natural not said2.6 ctmarquise–2026Fancy yellow diamond
$6,500–3.08 ctmarquisegold2026East-west setting; had the original center stone custom-replaced with a marquise and added tip prongs; total includes a $250 insurance add-on; 18k gold
$6,500––––2026Part of a 27k Missouri wedding for 70-77 guests; separate from the 39.2k total that also includes an Italy honeymoon
$6,500––––2026Just got engaged; wears it daily but removes it for cleaning, cooking, showering and the gym, using a rubber ring instead; has lifetime warranty plus insurance
$6,500––––2026Verragio designer setting; combined with partner's ring insured for $10k total via Progressive
$7,500Lab-grown diamond1.5 ct–gold2026Custom vintage-inspired ring made by an independent goldsmith; price is the recipient's own guess from clues, not a stated exact figure; said custom sourcing beat a big store's markup
$7,500Lab-grown diamond–––2026Chose lab over a natural version of the same design that would have cost $40k or more; final cost of $7-8k was pushed up mainly by a difficult setting
$7,999Natural diamond1 ctovalplatinum20262.35 CTW halo ring with 1ct oval center plus 19 side diamonds in platinum 950; ordered and awaiting delivery
$8,000–––platinum2026Specifically wanted platinum and used a local/family jeweler
$8,000Diamond, lab or natural not said7 ctprincesswhite gold2026Custom ring with two 1ct trillion-cut pink sapphire side stones; jeweler built a 3D CAD model before the final design
$8,000Lab-grown diamond7 ctprincesswhite gold20267ct princess lab diamond plus two 1ct trillion-cut pink lab sapphire side stones for his fiancee's twin daughters, in 18k white gold
$8,000Sapphire–––2026Vintage sapphire ring; a separate wedding band was bought at Costco, price not given
$8,000Diamond, lab or natural not said––gold2026Single-diamond solitaire ring similar to the asker's, cost $8k; writer didn't specify whether the stone was natural or lab
$8,500Lab-grown diamond2.79 ctmarquisegold202618k gold band/setting has real diamonds; writer gave an $8k-9k total range
$8,700––––2026Combined household income at time of engagement was about $200k
$9,500Lab-grown diamond2.8 ct––2026Total cost including insurance; original budget cap was $10k; saved about 18 months for it
$10,000Natural diamond2.02 ctcushion–2026Boyfriend bought it recently for around 10k; she suggests the same seller for 2 ct natural stones under 15k
$10,000––––2026Just engaged; fiance spent about 10k; he works two jobs and earns over 200k
$10,000Natural diamond0.75 ctmarquise–2026Double halo marquise
$10,000Lab-grown diamond4 ct––2026Writer worried this price for a 4ct lab diamond and setting wasn't as reasonable as hoped
$10,000Natural diamond1.3 ct––2026Local jeweler first offered a 1ct F VS2 stone for $7k, then swapped in this 1.3ct D VS1 stone at the same price; total ring came to $10k; found out after agreeing it was GIA excellent cut, not ideal
$10,000Sapphire–––2026Sapphire halo ring with lab-diamond accent stones; skipped a big wedding for a courthouse ceremony and put money toward honeymoon and house instead
$10,000Lab-grown diamond–––2026Custom-cut Brian Gavin lab stone plus Steven Kirsch hand-forged NYC setting; paid a premium over Brian Gavin's in-stock stones to land around a $10k budget
$11,000––––2026Fiance's income is about this amount a year; even this felt like a financial stretch for him
$11,000––––2026Micro wedding at a restaurant for 30 people
$11,000–2 ctroundplatinum2026Marked down from $30k list; upgraded from a 1ct original stone, paid the difference; certified, no visible inclusions to the naked eye
$12,000Lab-grown diamond2 ct––2026Lab diamond (2+ ct, exact weight not given) bought from Brilliant Earth for less than competitors, then set locally in a custom design instead of BE's pricier version
$12,000Natural diamond–––2026Ring made with natural diamonds and sapphires; paid $12,000, appraised at $37,000
$13,000Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Enchanted Garden Luxe pave-band ring, delivered 2 months late; pave diamonds fell out twice after purchase, ring reset into a simpler setting, refunded only the $400 setting-price difference
$13,600––––2026Boyfriend already paid before a planned surprise proposal; paid it off within two months
$15,000––––2026Replying to a comment about high-priced rings; says he spent this and got a yes
$15,000––––2026Writer says the ring will total around $15k for his future fiancee; she'd have been happy with less but he also wanted to please her family
$15,000––––2026Fiancé's budget was $10k for a $15k ring; writer paid the $5k difference, fiancé repaid her within months
$20,000––––2026Total for 'the rings' bought around the engagement; exact split between pieces not given; the person asking first miscalled the amount '7 figures' before correcting to about $20k
$20,000Natural diamond3.7 ctmarquise–2026Jeweler pitched it as a great deal and pressured a same-day decision; buyer thinks the price was near this figure, still inside the return window while she decides
$21,000Diamond, lab or natural not said3.5 ct–platinum2026Platinum ring with a 3.5ct stone, no other specs given
$22,000Natural diamond2.2 ctovalgold20262.2ct elongated oval diamond with a hidden halo, bought in the US for $22k, later appraised at £35k GBP by a UK jeweler for insurance.
$23,000Natural diamond2.7 ctround–2026Recent purchase, natural round diamond with no certification
$23,500Diamond, lab or natural not said2.3 ctcushion–2026Writer described the stone as an elongated cushion
$25,000Sapphire5.3 ct–gold20265.3ct natural Ceylon sapphire with natural trillion diamond accents, custom 18kt gold ring; stone sourced from Finewatergems; inspired by a $95k designer piece
$30,000––––2026Total covered a 2ct lab diamond and a 2.6ct natural diamond, exact price split between the two not given
$45,000Diamond, lab or natural not said–––2026Fiance is a doctor
$57,890––––2026Contrasted with a $300 wedding
$60,000Natural diamond3.38 ctround–20263.38ct natural round E VVS1 excellent-cut ring, almost $60,000; cited to show many big stones seen online are actually lab grown
$73,000Natural diamond2 ct––20262-carat Graff diamond; writer says the mine is owned by the brand and is ethically operated
$80,000Natural diamond6.05 ctround–20266.05ct K SI2 antique old European cut diamond found after a long personal search; deposit paid, pickup in August; plans a new vintage-style setting; funded partly by trading in her old emerald-cut ring
Related on this site

Sources and method

Price reports on this page come from 165 public discussions where buyers answered in their own words. Each comment that stated what someone paid became one row; notes are paraphrased, never quoted.

The largest discussions used here (60)

The year is the one the buyer named, or the year they wrote when the purchase was recent. Rings bought long before the buyer wrote, with no year given, are not counted on any year page.