If a diamond is not for you, or you're getting uncomfortable about the price, don’t worry, there are some amazing options for you. Here are two stones that will give a similar look and feel.
Moissanite - A stone from outer space - in meteorites! That said, what you see online will likely be Lab grown for an affordable price. These can look very similar to diamonds and don’t scratch easily. They actually sparkle more than diamonds! (One of the biggest criticisms is they can sometimes look too perfect)
Cubic Zirconia - A synthetic shiny crystal that is colorless with similar characteristics to a diamond. It will show some wear and tear over time, but is a solid alternative choice and sometimes used as a placeholder for a diamond later on!
Check out some sellers on Etsy for some nice moissanite and cubic zirconia options.
The Diamond Manual’s recommended online jewelry stores