GIA 0.32 Carat H-VS1 Pear Shaped Diamond Delicate Twist Petite Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Blue NileGIA 0.32 Carat H-VS1 Pear Shaped Diamond Delicate Twist Petite Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Blue Nile

Buying Guide: Engagement Rings under $1,000


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HomeDiamond AdviceBuying Guide: Engagement Rings under $1,000

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Are you searching for an engagement ring on a tight budget? No problem! There are many engagement ring styles available at all price points, so no matter how much you want to spend, you are sure to find a beautiful ring. 

Metal Choice Matters

One of the easiest ways to keep costs down is to choose an affordable metal. Blue Nile offers engagement rings in 14k gold, 18k gold, and platinum. If you select one of the 14k gold options (many styles offer yellow, white, and rose colors), you will notice that the overall price of the ring is often a few hundred dollars less than the 18k alternative. Savings are even greater when compared to platinum. 

Fortunately, all three metal options are durable and attractive. The three white options look almost exactly alike. You might notice that 14k yellow and rose gold have a bit sharper appearance compared to 18k which has a softer glow, but the difference is minimal and both options have fans.

The setting on the left is 14k white gold and costs $620. When made of palatinum, that same setting shown on the right is listed at $1,190. Can you see a difference?

Solitaire Settings Reign Supreme

Of all the engagement ring styles on the market, solitaire settings are the most popular year after year. People love the understated elegancy of the design. Fortunately, their simplicity also makes them a perfect choice for those looking for options under $1,000. 

When you pair this 14k white gold setting with this 0.30 ct round diamond, the total cost of the ring is $920.
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at Blue Nile

Multiple Small Diamonds Can Look Bigger (And Be More Affordable) Than A Single Primary Gem

The price of natural diamonds increases with their size. Settings which feature side stones can make the primary diamond look bigger than it is, saving you quite a bit of money.

This ring with a 14k rose gold setting and six side stones paired with a 0.23ct pear shaped only costs $850!
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at Blue Nile

Consider Lab Grown Diamonds

If you want your engagement ring to sport a large primary diamond, lab-grown gems are a fantastic alternative to natural gems. Lab-grown diamonds have all of the same properties and characteristics of naturals, but are a fraction of the price.

The natural diamond on the left is a 0.73 ct, F, VVS2 gem costing $2,350. The lab-grown diamond on the right exactly the same grades, but is priced at $600.


Emily Frontiere

Emily Frontiere is a GIA Graduate Gemologist. She is particularly experienced working with estate/antique jewelry.

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