Buying Guide: Engagement Rings Under $10,000

Shopping for an engagement ring with a budget of $10,000 will allow you to select a style that combines a beautiful primary diamond with an elaborate setting. Depending on the preferences of the wearer, you have the flexibility to play with all of the variables that go into creating your dream engagement ring.

Maximizing the Primary Diamond

For most shoppers, the first question they ask when searching for an engagement ring is what size diamond their budget will allow them to get. Fortunately, Blue Nile offers both natural and lab-grown options. The only differences between a natural and lab-grown diamond are their origin and value - they look and behave exactly alike. As an example, let's say that you set aside $1,500 for a setting, leaving $8,500 for a diamond. 

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The 1.20 ct natural princess diamond on the left is an Ideal cut, D color, VS1 clarity gem. It's retail price was around $8,340. For only a few dollars more ($10 more at the time of writing), you can purchase the lab grown 3.08 ct princess diamond on the right that has an Ideal cut with D color and VVS2 clarity. The lab grown diamond is the same price, but 2 carats larger with better clarity.

Go for Exceptional Settings

Big center diamonds are not the only way to make an impression. Blue Nile offers many highly ornate settings which are sure to impress no matter what size primary diamond you select. Decorative mountings are a great choice for those who want their ring to represent their unique personality.

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^{This $8,550 18k white gold Bella Vaughan Nile Empire Cushion Halo Hand-Engraved Engagement Ring for Blue Nile marries heft with delicate, feminine details.}  

^{For those who want a sleek, modern ring, look no farther than this 14k yellow gold Baguette Channel Diamond Engagement Ring for $7,330.}

Consider the Wearer's Lifestyle

Regardless of how you use your $10,000 budget, you are going to end up with a substantial ring that you want to last a lifetime. As such, it is important to consider the lifestyle of the wearer and how they plan to wear their ring. For those who want to sport their engagement ring daily but are particularly active and/or rough with their hands, opt for a secure mounting that protects all the vulnerable edges and points of the gems in the setting. 

Find this Ring

This Five-Stone Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring may look dainty, but take a closer look. All gems are securely protected and held in place by 14k rose gold.