When it comes to engagement rings, we used to think that the bigger the diamond, the better. Or that it should be worth as much as three months of your salary. But getting engaged doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. After all, there’s so many more things you have to spend on after getting engaged: your wedding, your flat, renovations… the list goes on.
The good news is, there are affordable options that look just as fab as Kate Middleton’s engagement ring. From lab-grown diamonds to coloured gemstones, there are plenty of ways you can save money and stay on budget when buying an engagement ring. Here are five brands offering that signature sparkle without the hefty price tag.
Launched in 2019 as a sister brand of The Canary Diamond Co, By Canary is committed to designing reasonably priced fine jewellery. Each season the brand collaborates with a different tastemaker in order to create new designs and collections. By Canary’s most recent collaborator, Ung Yiu Lin, who is the founder of Malaysian multi-label store ShoesShoesShoes, has crafted a collection dedicated to diamonds and making them wearable, versatile, functional, stylish and most of all, affordable.
Calla Lily Fine Jewellers is a homegrown label that was founded by Emily Tan, who has previously worked with fashion brands such as Jimmy Choo and Marni, before turning her eye to Singapore’s bespoke jewellery scene. From restyling gemmed heirlooms that have been passed down through generations to creating one-of-a-kind pieces, Tan believes in conveying a client’s most precious memories through her unique designs, styling and of course, precious gemstones.
Ling Jewellery, named after the owner herself, was founded out of a desire to create custom-made pieces that highlight the natural beauty of gemstones at an affordable price. Since its inception in 2005, Ling Jewellery has built a reputation for providing attentive service and customised designs. It has also grown to include a large collection of wedding bands and engagement rings, which can be customised to add that personalised touch.
With stores across the country, Love & Co is often the go-to jeweller for couples on the hunt for bridal jewellery. Specialising in timeless wedding bands and diamond engagement rings, Love & Co is the first jewellery chain retailer in the region to offer both mined and lab-grown diamonds side-by-side. Of course, the latter comes with a much friendly price tag.
Founded by Rachael Kam, Lucy and Mui is a homegrown label that focuses on subtle, feminine jewellery and has even been spotted on celebrities such as Lea Michele and Alicia Vikander. Exclusively handcrafted in Singapore, the brands minimal engagement rings and wedding bands are crafted from 14 or 18k gold, rose gold, and white gold, through a fusion of modern technology and old world techniques. Leong also works with a local gemologist, who sources 0.01 to 0.3 carat diamonds from Israel and Italy.
This article was first published in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.