The 20 Best Fake Engagement Rings of 2024

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Safeguard against damage, loss, and theft without sacrificing sparkle.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

Whether you’re engaged, married, or single, there are plenty of reasons to buy a fake engagement ring for travel. If you have a real one, temporarily replacing it with an affordable replica means you can enjoy your adventure without fear of loss or damage. If your real engagement ring is particularly expensive or flashy, choosing a subtler costume piece can be a safety precaution, too, since it reduces the likelihood of being targeted by thieves. Wearing a fake engagement ring while traveling can also save single women from having to deal with unwanted male attention.

There are countless different fake engagement ring styles to choose from, with options to suit every taste and budget. We’ve researched the best in categories ranging from different faux-diamond cuts and settings to the best for vintage glamor and sustainability. We’ve even included a few wedding band options and the perfect engagement ring and wedding band set. Read on to find our top picks.

The brilliant, round-cut cubic zirconia goes with everything and adds timeless style to any outfit.

The accent stones are not as high-quality as the central stone.

The Solitaire Round Cubic Zirconia Ring from Berricle is so beautiful and well-made that you may find yourself wanting to wear it in between vacations. It’s perfectly priced, costing just enough that you feel you’re getting something of value without being so expensive that you live in fear of losing it. The band is made from rhodium-plated sterling silver. It’s nickel free, which means you won’t have to worry about the telltale green staining often associated with cheaper jewelry.

A 1-carat, 6.5-millimeter cubic zirconia in a four-prong setting forms the focal point, featuring a classic round cut that looks good with everything, whether you’re dressing up for an evening out or slipping on jeans and a T-shirt for coffee with friends. For extra sparkle, the ring also features a 0.18-carat cubic zirconia on either side of the bezel and a micro pavé setting around the band. Measuring 7 millimeters in height and with a 2-millimeter band, this is a fairly dainty ring: but when traveling, subtle is often best.

The Details: Rhodium-plated sterling silver band with cubic zirconia stones | Sizes 4 to 10

This ring offers impressive sparkle at an unbeatable price.

The plating on the prongs and other high-wear areas may eventually rub off.

The Pavoi Gold-Plated Engagement Ring will set you back less than $15, which is absolutely the least you can expect to spend on a dupe of this quality. It will easily pass for the real thing upon casual inspection, with plenty of sparkle thrown out by the 1.75-carat, oval solitaire cubic zirconia. The stone measures 7 x 9 millimeters with a four-prong setting, and is complemented by smaller, pavé-set cubic zirconias on the band.

The band is plated with your choice of 14-karat white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold, giving you the freedom to match this piece to your original engagement ring or try something different while on vacation. With a 60-day money-back guarantee, this is a zero-risk purchase. You can also feel good about it knowing that the company is committed to sustainability, using 100 percent recycled materials and removing 275,000 bottles from the ocean annually.

The Details: White gold-, yellow gold-, or rose gold-plated band with a cubic zirconia stone | Sizes 5 to 10

The twisted shank and halo setting make this ring a more unique choice than many of the more traditional options on this list.

Sizes are limited with no half sizes available.

We love the unusual look of the Giani Bernini Cubic Zirconia Halo Ring. The round-cut cubic zirconia stone sits in a four-prong setting surrounded by a cluster of smaller cubic zirconias, creating a beautiful halo effect. This protective setting also makes the central stone less likely to get caught on things than a solitaire ring, making it the ideal choice for a more active vacation.

The stones sparkle brilliantly against the comfortable, sterling silver band with its twisted shank that combines plain and pavé-set elements for added interest. The only issue could be finding the correct size, since there are no half sizes and the fit tends to run a little large. A 30-day return policy gives you a chance to exchange it if there are any issues.

The Details: Sterling silver band with cubic zirconia stone | Sizes 6 to 9

You can personalize your look with a choice of metals and clear or colored stones.

This is best for occasional wear, since plating may wear off with constant use.

As the name suggests, the Pandora Square Sparkle Halo Ring features a square-cut central stone offset by a halo of smaller cubic zirconias for a striking, vintage-inspired aesthetic. The details are customizable, with a choice of sterling silver or 14-karat rose gold plating for the pavé-set band. If you opt for rose gold, the central stone will be a sparkling cubic zirconia.

If you opt for sterling silver, you have a choice of cubic zirconia or a multi-faceted blue crystal — the ideal choice for those who are loath to leave their beloved sapphire engagement ring at home. Whichever central stone you go for, it measures 8 millimeters across and stands 4 millimeters tall for the ideal combination of eye-catching size and practical, snag-free height.

The Details: Sterling silver or rose gold-plated band with cubic zirconia or blue crystal stone | Sizes 4.5 to 10.5

This intricately detailed ring easily passes for a vintage treasure that’s been passed down through the generations.

It’s one of the more expensive options on this list.

Although the Celebrity Style Emerald Cut Vintage Ring from Eve’s Addiction will set you back a bit more than our most budget-friendly picks, it’s nevertheless a fraction of the price of a genuine family heirloom. It delivers the same retro glamor, though, with an Art Deco-inspired look dominated by the emerald-cut, 1.5-carat rectangular cubic zirconia at its heart.

The stone measures 8 x 6 millimeters and is surrounded by a halo of smaller cubic zirconias. Extra bling is provided by the elaborate, pavé-set sterling silver band, which features ornate beading and textured sections for an overall effect that dazzles from every angle. The ring ticks every practical box too: it’s comfortable, non-marking, and relatively snag-free.

The Details: Sterling silver band with a cubic zirconia stone | Sizes 5 to 9

A 3.5-carat, radiant-cut cubic zirconia offers brighter fire and a higher refractive index than genuine diamonds.

This is not the ring to wear if you’re trying to deter potential thieves, but rather if you’re more concerned about losing or damaging it during your trip.

If your motivation for wearing a fake engagement ring is to avoid losing or damaging your real one while on vacation rather than as a precaution against crime, the Effinny Radiant Cut Engagement Ring might be the one for you. It’s designed around a 5A-grade, 3.5-carat radiant-cut cubic zirconia, bringing maximum sparkle for those that want plenty of bling.

The central stone measures a sizable 7 x 10 millimeters and is complemented by smaller stones on the pavé-set band. The latter is made from nickel-free, non-marking sterling silver with rounded edges for all-day comfort. There are several variations of this ring available including options with a split shank, a rose gold band, or a yellow cubic zirconia stone.

The Details: Sterling silver band with cubic zirconia stone (other variations available) | Sizes 4 to 10

This ring comes in a choice of three metals, all of which are hypoallergenic.

It’s more expensive than many of the other options on this list.

Love the idea of statement-making bling but prefer the rounded edges of a cushion-cut stone? Check out the Crislu Cubic Zirconia Ring, which features a 3.7-carat cubic zirconia placed by hand into an elegant four-prong setting. The stone is big enough to be instantly noticeable, with plenty of light-reflecting sparkle.

Smaller cubic zirconias on the shimmering, pavé-set band add to the overall effect. The band itself is made from sterling silver plated in your choice of platinum or 18-karat yellow or rose gold. Whichever you go for, the ring is 100 percent hypoallergenic. This, together with superior craftsmanship and a lifetime warranty, helps to justify the higher price tag.

The Details: Platinum, rose gold, or yellow gold-plated band with cubic zirconia stone | Sizes 5 to 9

A twisted, pavé-set shank and double-halo setting make this a top choice for those who favor elaborate jewelry.

It’s best as a vacation replacement or for occasional wear since tarnishing is likely after prolonged use.

The JeenMata Princess Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring may not stand up to everyday wear and tear, but it is an ideal, cost-effective option for those who want a believable dupe for a particularly intricate engagement ring. It features a 1-carat, princess-cut moissanite stone that stands out for its square shape and brilliant sparkle.

Two rings of smaller moissanites circle the central stone in a double halo design that’s further accentuated by pavé-set stones on the twisted shank. The band is made from sterling silver with your choice of 18-karat white gold, rose gold, yellow gold or black gold plating. Opting for the white gold band may make any tarnishing or worn spots less noticeable.

The Details: Rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, or black gold-plated band with moissanite stone | Sizes 5 to 10

The pavé-set stones on this ring extend all the way around the band for 360-degree sparkle.

It may be too pricey for those that want something they won’t mind losing or damaging.

The Crislu Classic Brilliant Solitaire Ring is expensive enough to be a valued piece of jewelry in everyday life, not just on vacation. This makes it a worthwhile purchase if your primary motive is deflecting unwanted male attention (because you can wear it when you get home, too), but may defeat the point if you want an expendable replica for an existing engagement ring.

The focus is the 3.7-carat cubic zirconia solitaire, which shimmers beautifully in its four-prong setting and measures just over 10 millimeters in diameter. It’s complemented by a sterling silver band with a full circle of pavé-set stones. The band comes with platinum or 18-karat yellow or rose gold plating. All options are hypoallergenic and protected by a lifetime warranty.

The Details: Platinum, rose gold, or yellow gold-plated band with cubic zirconia stone | Sizes 5 to 11

This ring offers intricate detailing and plenty of bling for a truly affordable price.

It’s definitely not subtle, and therefore not the best choice for those worried about attracting thieves.

The Eamti Cubic Zirconia Teardrop Ring is one of the most affordable on this list and yet it impresses with its comfortable, quality construction and super-sparkly aesthetic. It maintains its shine even after months of wear and doesn’t stain the skin. The focal point is a 1.5-carat, pear-cut cubic zirconia measuring an attention-grabbing 6 x 9 millimeters.

This central stone is secured by a five-prong setting and ringed by a halo of smaller cubic zirconias. There are also pavé-set cubic zirconias on both strands of the double band, which acts as a stand-in for your engagement ring and a wedding band or eternity ring. The band is made from sterling silver with optional yellow or rose gold plating.

The Details: Sterling silver, yellow gold or rose gold-plated band with cubic zirconia stone | Sizes 3 to 11

A plain band and simple design make this a great choice for minimalist jewelry fans.

Unlike many of the other rings on this list, there’s just one choice of band metal and color.

Three-stone rings are meant to symbolize the past, present, and future of your relationship. If you have one and can’t imagine wearing any other style, the Berricle 3-stone Oval Cubic Zirconia Ring is a great travel dupe. The oval cut of the 1.8-carat central cubic zirconia creates an elongating, slimming effect for Insta-worthy vacation closeups of you with cocktail in hand.

The central stone is flanked by two 3.5-millimeter, round-cut cubic zirconias. The three stones are set on a sterling silver band, which is rhodium-plated for extra durability and shine. We also like that it’s plain rather than pavé-set, adding to the simple elegance of the overall aesthetic. The ring comes in a wide range of sizes and won’t stain since it’s nickel free.

The Details: Sterling silver band with cubic zirconia stone | Sizes 4 to 10

This ring works well on its own or as a stacker when you get back home.

It doesn’t offer the same statement-making bling as some of the larger, flashier options on this list.

Wanting a substitute for your yellow diamond, ruby, or sapphire engagement ring? We love the dainty simplicity of the Mejuri Round Gemstone Stacker Ring with its plain band and 3.5-millimeter inlaid stone. Choose a gold vermeil band (thicker and more durable than regular gold plating) with a natural citrine, garnet, blue topaz, or white topaz stone.

The two topaz stones are also available in a sterling silver band. On vacation, this piece could pass as an engagement ring or jeweled wedding band when worn on the correct finger. It’s the ideal understated option for crime-risk destinations. When you get home, it also works well as a stacker or accent ring, and with quality materials, it’s made for everyday use.

The Details: Sterling silver or gold vermeil band with citrine, garnet, topaz, or white topaz stone | Sizes 4 to 10

With 30 different band and central stone color combinations, there’s an option for everyone.

The unusual shape may make it difficult to wear with a wedding band.

For a large dose of vintage glamor, choose this Marquise Ring from Blue Apple Co. It features an oval-cut central stone in a six-prong setting, ringed by an intricately detailed, Art Deco-inspired double halo of smaller cubic zirconias. We like that at 12 millimeters in length, the ring face is large enough to make a statement, yet not overly flashy.

There are plenty of band and central stone color combinations to choose from. For the pavé-set band, options include regular, yellow-tone, or rose-tone sterling silver. The central stone is either a lab-grown opal or a simulated gemstone, with options ranging from morganite (pale pink) to tourmaline (turquoise) or amethyst (purple). A rounded inside edge offers all-day comfort.

The Details: Regular, yellow-tone, or rose-tone sterling silver band with a choice of stones | Sizes 5 to 10

This band features a full ring of pavé-set stones for all-around sparkle.

The style is more wedding band than engagement ring.

The Swarovski Vittore Round Cut Ring is a great choice for those in search of a travel-friendly wedding band replica that offers peace of mind without sacrificing sparkle. It’s made from yellow gold, silver, or rose gold-toned PVD, a longer-lasting, more scratch-resistant option than gold plating or vermeil that’s unlikely to wear off or tarnish no matter how often you wear it.

The band is set with a complete circle of clear, round-cut cubic zirconias that dazzle in the sun from every angle. Despite the glitter, the ring’s slim dimensions and small stone size make it a relatively subtle option when worn alone. You could also consider pairing it with any of the other fake engagement rings on this list to create a full set.

The Details: Silver, yellow gold, or rose gold-toned PVD band with cubic zirconia stones | Sizes 5.75 to 9.5

There’s nothing fake about this ring, with its solid gold band and real diamond.

While much cheaper than a larger or more elaborate ring, it’s still expensive for a stand-in.

Hate the idea of anything fake, but want a less expensive, less flashy ring to replace your real one while on vacation? Keep costs down by going as small and simple as possible with this ring from Italic. It’s crafted with a 14-karat solid white or yellow gold band — which means no degrading, no fading, no tarnishing, and no staining.

It also features a solitaire diamond in an ultra-durable bezel setting that’s easily able to withstand the rigors of travel. And although it’s small (0.065 carats with a 2.5-millimeter diameter), it’s cut for maximum sparkle with a high-quality colorless rating. When you come home, get your money’s worth by continuing to wear the ring as a pretty stacker.

The Details: Yellow or white gold band with diamond stone | Sizes 5 to 8

Recycled metals and an independent sustainability certification make this ring a planet-friendly choice.

It’s best for those that like their jewelry to be subtle.

For a purchase you can feel good about, choose the Monica Vinader Siren Mini Diamond Stacking Ring. It’s Butterfly Mark Certified, which means it’s been independently verified as meeting high sustainability standards. It has good social and environmental impact ratings and uses 100 percent recycled silver and/or gold.

It’s small enough to be affordable and slip under the radar of potential pickpockets. But, with a real, hand-cut solitaire diamond set into the sterling silver or 18-karat gold vermeil band, it’s also sufficiently convincing to ward off unwanted attention when worn on your ring finger. We love the band’s nature-inspired undulations and the peace of mind afforded by a five-year warranty.

The Details: Sterling silver or gold vermeil band with diamond stone | Sizes 5 to 8

Available for purchase as a set or separately, this engagement ring and wedding band share the same romantic, vintage-inspired aesthetic.

The large central stone on the engagement ring prevents the two pieces from sitting completely flush.

If you feel that your vacation photos will be left lacking without a complete engagement ring and wedding band set, the True Elegance Round Halo Ring Set from Pandora looks fantastic without breaking the bank. The retro engagement ring features a large (10-millimeter) cubic zirconia with a halo of smaller stones on a pavé-set sterling silver band.

It’s radiant cut for a high degree of sparkle that’s accentuated by the matching, pavé-set wedding band. Also fashioned from durable sterling silver, the band boasts a full circle of shimmering cubic zirconias with heart-shaped cutouts around the sides for that extra touch of romantic whimsy. The band can also be bought separately with yellow or rose gold plating.

The Details: Sterling silver band with cubic zirconia stone | Sizes 4.5 to 9 (ring), 4.5 to 10.5 (band)

Ultra durable and affordable yet more stylish than most silicone bands, this ring offers the best of all worlds.

Sizing can run a little large.

There are numerous benefits to choosing a silicone ring as a stand-in for the real thing. They’re easy on the wallet and very hard-wearing with no need to worry about stones falling out or metal tarnishing. This makes them ideal for active vacations and also for use at home for everything from the gym to professions such as nursing or cooking that involve working with your hands.

The Rinfit Pear Silicone Wedding Band stands out for its interesting design, which is much more feminine than a traditional plain silicone band. It’s crafted to imitate a pear-cut diamond ring, complete with a faceted “stone,” braided setting, and matching braided wedding band. Colors range from metal dupes like gold and silver to unique shades like pastel green or dark purple.

The Details: Silicone band, no stone | Sizes 4 to 10

It’s the simplest and most affordable option on this list.

Colors are limited, with no option for imitating silver or white gold jewelry.

If you’re planning a vacation focused on active outdoor pursuits that involve repeated exposure to substances that may damage traditional jewelry (sweat, sunscreen, saltwater), silicone rings are the way forward. Simple is best to avoid snagging and for keeping costs to a minimum, and it doesn’t come simpler than the Qalo Eva Shockey Classic Stackable ring.

Designed in collaboration with outdoorswoman Eva Shockey, this 3-millimeter-wide silicone ring can be worn on vacation in place of a wedding band, especially if you choose it in antique gold. Other colors include sand and mauve, and when it’s not in service as a wedding band, the ring stacks with other Qalo designs to create any number of personalized looks.

The Details: Silicone band, no stone | Sizes 4 to 10

This two-tone, highly polished ring suits men and women equally and looks much more expensive than it actually is.

It’s quite a bit wider and heavier than most rings on this list.

The Tungsten Wedding Band from 100s Jewelry is the ideal travel ring replacement for brides and grooms alike, with a two-tone silver and gold effect that goes well with any outfit. It comes in a full range of men’s and women’s sizes, features rounded edges for a comfortable fit, is 100 percent hypoallergenic, and (being nickel-free) it won’t leave unattractive green stains.

It’s made from durable tungsten carbide plated in 14-karat gold and is meant to withstand even the most adventurous travels with a sturdy, 6-millimeter width. It’s scratch-resistant and waterproof, too, so no need to worry about accidentally leaving it in a hotel bathroom when taking it off to shower. The ring can also be engraved on the interior surface if you wish.

The Details: Gold-plated tungsten carbide band, no stone | Sizes 5 to 13

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying new jewelry, but remember that the whole point of purchasing a fake engagement ring for travel purposes is to have something that you don’t mind getting lost, damaged, or stolen. Only spend what you can afford to lose, by opting for cubic zirconia or moissanite stones over real diamonds, and gold plating or gold vermeil over solid gold. Remember that unlike your real engagement ring, concerns about durability aren’t as relevant when considering how much to spend, because this is a piece you will wear occasionally on your travels rather than every day for the rest of your life.

Cubic zirconia and moissanite offer an amazing price-to-sparkle ratio, which makes it difficult to resist the temptation of buying a big stone. However, wearing too much bling can make you a target for theft while traveling to an unfamiliar place. To avoid becoming a victim, simple is often best. The goal is to find a ring that’s convincing enough to ward off unwanted advances but subtle enough to avoid attracting the wrong attention. After all, a potential thief won’t know that your $20 dupe has very little value until it’s too late.

Although fake engagement ring materials differ, the best way to clean costume jewelry is usually the same: with a clean, soft cloth and a drop of soap mixed with warm water. Rinse the ring carefully, using the cloth to wipe away any dirt before patting it dry. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean dirt, makeup, or other substances from around the stone settings, but be careful not to use anything too abrasive since fake stones are more easily scratched than diamonds and gold plating can wear off with rough treatment.

The most frequently used diamond dupes include cubic zirconia, moissanite, and Swarovski crystal. Of these, Swarovski crystal is typically the cheapest, while cubic zirconia balances affordability with an impressive likeness to real diamond that increases with its grading for carat, color, clarity, and cut. Look for 5A machine-cut or high-quality hand-cut cubic zirconias for the closest match to real diamond. Moissanite is a more expensive option often considered the most realistic fake diamond, although it can be pricey enough in its own right to eliminate it as a travel dupe. If you plan on wearing your moissanite ring at home too, its brilliant, colorless sparkle and impressive hardness make it the best and most long-lasting choice.

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear and accessories for more than 10 years. For this article, she spent hours researching different fake engagement ring types and models, comparing features, prices, and customer reviews before choosing the category winners listed above.

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