Engagement Rings
Under 1000 Dollars

Best Metals for Affordable Engagement Rings

The top metals for engagement rings in the under 1000 dollars price range are silver and14k white, yellow and rose gold.

White gold will require Rhodium Plating every few years and over time those costs can add up. Silver, 14k yellow gold and 14k rose gold have the added benefit of not requiring rhodium plate maintenance. 

EWR does not recommend 10k gold as this metal is more brittle, can crack or bend under pressure and often rings made with this metal are not made for every day wear. 

Sterling silver engagement rings, while not as strong as 14k gold, can last a lifetime with the right care. If you are looking for an affordable engagement ring with a more traditional look and a larger center stone, or a stone with a more complex cut, silver is an excellent choice - saving on the band metal leaves more for the center stone.   

Rings made with stronger and less expensive metals like titanium, tungsten and stainless steel are an excellent option only if you are looking for simple designs. Because these metals are so incredibly strong, engagement ring styles are limited. 

Best Stones for Engagement Rings Under 1000 Dollars

If you are searching for traditional engagement rings under 1000 dollars with a center stone that is larger than half a carat, the best choice is to stick with simulated diamond engagement rings.

Plenty of enchanting natural gemstones are available for reasonable prices too - if you would like to opt for a colorful engagement ring. But if you are set on an affordable real diamond engagement ring, skip on down to the next section which provides steps on how to find engagement rings with quality and inexpensive natural diamonds.

Moissanite is considered to be a diamond simulant, but it is actually a gemstone. Moissanite engagement rings are often priced higher than $1,000 dollars, but it is possible to find a selection of these rings in your budget, especially when combined with sterling silver, palladium, 14k rose gold or 14k yellow gold metals.

Man-made Diamonds (lab diamonds) are now much less than natural diamonds. It is possible to find a lab diamond paired with a silver or 14k gold ring for around $1,000 dollars. 

Natural gemstones which are a fantastic option for colorful engagement rings include:

• Aquamarine
• Amethyst
• Blue Topaz
  
• Citrine
• Garnet - a fantastic ruby alternative
• Morganite
  
• Peridot
• Pearls
• Smoky Quartz - a perfect chocolate diamond alternative
• White Sapphire - a stunning alternative to diamonds, particularly for smaller side stones on the band.
  

Take a look at Gemstone Engagement Rings to discover the qualities of individual natural gemstones.

Where to Find Affordable Engagement Rings

The two top recommendations for affordable engagement rings from EWR are:

Ritani: If you are looking for traditional or gemstone engagement rings, here you'll find a vast selection of lab made diamonds, fancy color lab made diamonds and endless design styles. Even though some rings here go for $10,000 and up, it is also easy to find rings (or create your own) for $1,000 or less.

Etsy: Unique, handmade, ethical and affordable rings are widely available. This is also a perfect place to find quality moissanite engagement rings. 

How to Find Affordable Natural Diamond Engagement Rings Under 1000 Dollars

Is it possible to find gorgeous affordable diamond engagement rings under 1000 dollars? Absolutely! Just follow the steps below, and keep the diamond grade parameters we've listed here in mind while shopping:

For inexpensive engagement rings made with real quality diamonds, the highest carat you can go up to is about 0.50 - with an average of about 0.40 carat. A brilliant round diamond of 0.50 carat is about 5 millimeters across or one-fifth of an inch across. A natural diamond engagement ring in this price and carat size range won't be large, but it will be a decent enough size to still be very visually appealing and to look great on hands of all sizes

Four types of diamond cuts are perfect for hiding small imperfections and flaws in less expensive diamonds: the brilliant round cut, the princess cut, the radiant cut and the marquise cut. Cuts which should be avoided because they actually highlight small imperfections include the Asscher, cushion, emerald, oval and pear cuts.

Pick your diamond using the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grade parameters below - these parameters will ensure that you find an affordable diamond without going so far down on the grade scale that the diamond's look and integrity is compromised. *Diamonds that have really low clarity, cut and color grades will have gray/yellow color tints, poor light reflectivity and may be at risk for cracking, chipping or breaking.

• Color: E - J
  
• Clarity: VVS1 - SI2
  
• Cut: Very Good - Good

Blue Nile is a great place to find these types of diamonds. Unlike other stores that sell them off, this designer keeps plenty available for couples in search of affordable quality made diamond engagement rings. 

Shopping Tips for Engagement Rings Under 1000 Dollars

Shoppers on a budget need to use extra caution to avoid purchasing lower quality rings that won't last. Remember, just because you are searching for an affordable engagement ring doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality.

Take the time to read the fine print on a ring’s description – particularly when looking at the gemstones and diamonds the rings are made with and the details on the band’s metal. Look out for bands which may be gold plated copper or silver, and keep an eye out for super cheap gemstones and diamonds which could be lower quality stones or even poor quality simulants.

Stay away from any type of plate (except rhodium plate), as the plate will quickly wear away and chip in a matter of months if not weeks - this includes rose and yellow gold plated over silver.

Even small diamonds should come with a certificate from a reputable laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS).

Stick with retailers and jewelers who offer at least a 30-day no-nonsense refund policy – even if you are buying the ring during a red hot sale, a refund policy should still be available.

Sadly, many pieces of inexpensive jewelry are made with metals, diamonds and gemstones which came from unethical and un-environmentally friendly sources. To make sure that your affordable engagement ring is made with ethical and eco-friendly materials and employment standards, research the policies about the materials and metals of the jewelers/retailers you are interested in buying from.

Gemstone and diamond settings - even on inexpensive engagement rings under 1000 dollars - should be made with gold or platinum. Settings made with silver will eventually lose their shape (and the gemstones or diamonds they hold).

I truly hope that this information is helpful for budget engagement ring shoppers - and I wish all of my viewers the very best in finding the perfect engagement rings under 1000 dollars that will be cherished for many years to come!

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