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Living Classy: Cost-Conscious Alternatives to Tiffany Settings

By Michael Fried,

You want your engagement ring to look as luxurious as an Audi and as elegant as Audrey Hepburn. It’s no wonder you’re interested in the most renowned brand, Tiffany and Co. for your ring. We have deep respect for Tiffany and Co. and their expert craftsmanship and quality since 1886.

Prices for a Tiffany setting start around $14,000 for the most basic 1-carat diamond. With a pavé-band or diamond-band, it easily reaches up to $23,000. 

You don’t have to spend even half that much money for your ring to look as sophisticated as an Audrey or sleek as a sports car. We have found several great options that are up to the Tiffany standards at a fraction of the price. 

You can read more about the price difference without the quality difference in our Tiffany and Co. review. One secret of these rings’ lower cost? No brick and mortar buildings to upkeep. The rings we selected to share are from online jewelers exclusively. Another secret? You aren’t paying for the brand. You can’t put your “little blue box” on display for friends. This status is important to some people. We will let you decide if that status is worth $10,000 or more. 

Here is a list of the Tiffany settings. You can jump to each style with a click to see which one suits you. 

The Tiffany Setting

When you think of an engagement ring, we’d almost guarantee the picture that pops into your mind first is The Tiffany Setting. Regardless if you’ve seen an exact copy before, this setting is as classic as it gets. Your phone emoji for “ring” is probably in the same style as The Tiffany Setting. 

The Tiffany Setting is a solitaire diamond held in place with 6-prongs above a simple band. It’s popular with good reason. The 6-prongs hold the diamond securely so you don’t need to worry about losing the diamond. The placement of the diamond within the 6-prongs ensures the most diamond surface area is available to the eyes. That means the most sparkle. It’s a powerful visual trick that many love.

The Tiffany Setting in Platinum
The Tiffany Setting in Platinum (Photo: Tiffany & Co.)

The Tiffany Setting at a glance:

  • Width of approximately 2 mm
  • Diamond can be 0.18 carats or larger 
  • Accommodates round diamonds only 
  • 6-prong head
  • Metals include platinum, 18K yellow gold or 18K rose gold 

The Tiffany Setting band is a simple one. They offer the option to upgrade to a pavé band or a diamond channel-set band.

Classy Alternatives to The Tiffany Setting

Tiffany and Co. was the first company to produce this type of setting. But just as Levi isn’t the only company to make denim jeans, most jewelers have an option for a 6-prong diamond ring. 

The rings we chose are all about 2 mm wide with the classic 6-prong head. The metal choices are more abundant than The Tiffany Setting yet the anatomy of the ring is similar. 

With a 1 ct diamond, these rings are going to cost about $5,000. That is about $10,000 less than a Tiffany and Co. ring.

Blue Nile offers this gorgeous Petite Nouveau Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring that comes in 14K white gold and platinum. 

Petite Nouveau Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
Petite Nouveau Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring from Blue Nile

To cut the cost even more, this Classic Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14K white gold, 18K white and yellow gold and platinum is a great choice as well.

We also love this Classic Six-Prong Low-Dome. The style resembles the setting above yet with a lower profile and more square prongs. It’s perfect for someone who uses their hands a lot and doesn’t want to knock their diamond around. The diamond sits lower to the hand, leaving it less exposed than in the non-low-dome variation. This setting comes in 14K white gold, 18K yellow gold, and platinum.

Low Dome Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring
Low Dome Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring from Blue Nile

This Six Prong Knife Edge Solitaire is a timeless representation of engagement. For a lower cost alternative, the Presentation Solitaire from James Allen is dainty and classy. 

Six Prong Knife Edged Solitaire Engagement Ring
Six Prong Knife Edged Solitaire Engagement Ring in Yellow Gold from James Allen

Tiffany Novo

The Tiffany Novo ring has a timeless essence with a romantic spirit. The slim prongs and band of slender micro-pavé-set diamonds give this feminine ring a gorgeous, sentimental feel. 

TIffany Novo Ring with a cushion diamond Center
TIffany Novo Ring with a cushion diamond center (Photo: Tiffany & Co.)

The Tiffany Novo setting at a glance:

  • Width of approximately 2 mm
  • Diamond can be 0.18 carats or larger 
  • Accommodates oval, round, cushion, princess cut, and emerald cut diamonds
  • 4-prong head
  • Metals include platinum only

Classy Alternatives to Tiffany Novo Setting

Many jewelers showcase the same amorous sentiment of the Tiffany Novo Setting. 

The Petite Cathedral Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring from Blue Nile has the same romantic flair as the Novo with the shimmering band and 4-prong head. The head becomes a basket (just like the Novo) if you choose a cushion-cut diamond.

Cathedral Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
Cathedral Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring from Blue Nile

Also lovely is the James Allen Petite Pavé Cathedral Engagement Ring which comes in all diamond shapes and types of metal.

Petite Pavé Cathedral Engagement Ring
Petite Pavé Cathedral Engagement Ring from James Allen

Tiffany Soleste

The Tiffany Soleste ring is brilliant. A halo of smaller diamonds hug the center diamond. Light refracts to create a dazzling presentation of shimmer.

Tiffany Soleste Singel and Double Halo Rings
Tiffany Soleste Singel and Double Halo Rings (Photo: Tiffany & Co.)

The Tiffany Soleste setting at a glance:

  • Width of approximately 2 mm
  • Diamond can be 0.18 carats or larger 
  • Accommodates oval, round, cushion, princess cut, emerald, heart shape and pear shape diamonds
  • Halo head
  • Diamond band
  • Metals include platinum only
  • Several yellow-diamond options
  • A few options for a double-halo

Classy Alternatives to Tiffany Soleste Setting

The dazzling design of the Tiffany Soleste ring is common with many jewelers. We love all the sparkle and have a few favorites resembling this setting. These settings accommodate both a white diamond or a fancy yellow diamond for extra flair. 

The French Pavé Diamond Halo Engagement Ring from Blue Nile has the lovely detail of tiny “Vs” cut into the prong settings. These “Vs” give the appearance of a continuous row of diamonds without metal.  

French Pavé Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
French Pavé Diamond Halo Engagement Ring from Blue Nile

We love the Blue Nile Studio Heiress Halo Diamond Engagement Ring with the unique prongs nestled in the blaze of sparkle. 

This Cushion Outline And Pavé Gallery Engagement Ring is fantastic with the nostalgic outline of a cushion-cut diamond paired with the light and brilliance of a halo setting.

Double the shimmer and double the halo with this Diamond Split Shank Double Halo Pavé Engagement Ring ring from James Allen. We enjoy the distinction but it does differ from the Tiffany Soleste with the split-shank. 

Split Shank Double Halo Pavé Engagement Ring
Split Shank Double Halo Pavé Engagement Ring from James Allen

Tiffany True

The Tiffany True ring is modern and geometric with a unique T-shaped setting. Opt for the square mixed-cut diamond (unique to Tiffany and Co.) or a round diamond. The clean lines and subtle unique details of this setting capture the hearts of a contemporary style. 

Tiffany True
Tiffany True with their True mixed cut (Photo: Tiffany & Co.)

The Tiffany True setting at a glance:

  • Width of approximately 2 mm
  • Diamond can be 0.18 carats or larger 
  • Accommodates round diamond and square mixed-cut
  • 4-prong head
  • Metals include platinum only
  • Available with pavé band

Classy Alternatives to Tiffany True Setting

The mathematical feel of the Tiffany True Setting is unique. If you enjoy the cutting-edge, innovative attitude of this setting, a cushion-cut or asscher-cut diamond is a great option. If you have your heart set on the square mixed-cut diamond, you can always buy the diamond from Tiffany to place in a different setting.

The Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring has linear appeal with the asscher diamond.

Solitaire Engagement Ring from Blue Nile
Solitaire Engagement Ring from Blue Nile

The pazzaz of a cushion-cut diamond in the 2mm Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring Setting is modern with lovely sharp lines. 

Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring
Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring from James Allen

Tiffany Harmony

The Tiffany Harmony ring pushes the center diamond front-stage. With the unique band that tapers where it meets the center stone, everyone knows where to look. The idea behind the name is the lyrical union created when two people commit to marriage. 

Tiffany Harmony Rings
Tiffany Harmony Rings in a solitaire and pavé version (Photo: Tiffany & Co.)

The Tiffany Harmony setting at a glance:

  • Width varies between 2 mm (where it tapers) and 3 mm at widest point
  • Diamond can be 0.18 carats or larger 
  • Accommodates round diamonds only
  • 4-prong head
  • Metals include platinum and 18K rose gold
  • Available with a diamond band

Classy Alternatives to Tiffany Harmony Setting

We love the melodious character of the Harmony setting. 

This stunning Rounded Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring has the same musical feel in your choice of metal.

Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring
Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring from James Allen

We are also big fans of the Tapered Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring. With the contoured shoulders perfectly poised, your center diamond is sure to stand out. 

Tapered Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring
Tapered Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring from Blue Nile

There is no doubt that Tiffany & Co. rings are gorgeous and one feels special just opening THE blue box. However, if you don’t have the budget for this luxury, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a similarly looking ring. And you don’t have to be alone in the process. Our experts are always happy to help anyone who needs it. Just contact us and we’ll guide you through.

For more great information on your quest for the perfect engagement ring:

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab created diamonds online. For a limited time Save 25% during James Allen Holiday Sale!
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free International Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
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  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Blue Nile have generously offered our readers an exclusive one-time use coupon. (Click Here to save $100 off $1000 purchase)

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What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
  • High quality images of about half of their diamonds
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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About the author

Michael Fried Michael Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.

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