Here’s our guide, with tips and advice, on how to get a good deal on a quality engagement ring for under $1000…  

Lots of Sparkly Small Diamonds

One way ring designers can make a nice affordable sparkly ring is to use a lot of small diamonds instead of one large rock. The reason this works is that diamonds are priced by their availability. Tiny “Pave” diamonds are readily available and so they are quite inexpensive. For example, a 1/2 carat weight worth of Pave diamonds will be under $200, while a 1 carat diamond of the same quality will cost around $5000.

Below are several nice settings that feature “pave” diamonds, including the popular Halo, Twisted Bands and Pave designs and even a wedding set for under $500!…

One nice feature of the Halo style, aside from the fact that it is currently very popular, is that the ring of halo diamonds makes the center stone appear larger.

Twisted bands and other intricate setting styles are very much in fashion and available at affordable prices,

Below are two sparkly Pave style settings. Round cut [left] and Princess cut [right].

Classic 1/2 Carat Diamond Solitaire

For Brides-To-Be with their hearts set on a traditional diamond solitaire, a 1/2 carat diamond solitaire engagement ring is a very affordable and attractive option. A 1/2 carat diamond (in lower clarity and color grades) will be priced well under $1000. However, the 1/2 ct. solitaire is usually best suited for women with smaller hands, typically size 6 or less.

Below, are a couple traditional solitaires with 0.5 ct diamonds…

Be aware that the 1/2 ct diamonds in the rings above have clarity ratings in the I1, I2, I3 range. While not so noticeable with tiny pave diamonds, I1-I3 inclusions may be more apparent in a 1/2 ct diamond.

A solution to the clarity problem is to purchase a better quality diamond. The large online jeweler James Allen offers an answer…

Quality Diamond Solitaires at James Allen

James Allen offers two budget conscious solitaire settings for $180 (see below) and a large selection of good quality 0.5 ct (or better) GIA certified diamonds for under $820.

With James Allen (like other high-end jewelers) you pick the diamond separately from the setting, so you can get just the diamond you want.

Click here to view the selection of GIA certified diamonds (with a clarity range of SI2 or better) for under $820 currently in stock.

A tip to keep in mind when selecting a 1/2 ct diamond is that in general a Princess Cut Diamond will be around $200 less than a round cut. The reason is that the Princess Cut is a more efficient cut as it’s “inverted-pyramid” shape follows the natural crystalline structure of the raw diamond, so it retains much more of the original stone.

Eternity Bands as Engagement Rings

Another trend that is growing in popularity is choosing a diamond eternity band for an engagement ring. Many women prefer the subtle yet stunning look that symbolizes the eternal nature of marriage. By forgoing the large center stone of a traditional engagement ring, one is able to purchase a high quality ring at an affordable price…

Gemstone Engagement Rings

Made popular by the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton, blue sapphires with diamond halos are beautiful and affordable alternatives to the traditional large center diamond.

Shop Online and Save

Finally, save time, energy and money by shopping online. Where brick and mortar stores have to adjust their prices to pay for their rent, employees and over-head, online stores adjust their prices to compete in the competitive world of internet shopping. Do yourself a favor and shop online for the engagement ring of your dreams!

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