Engagement Rings Under $1,000: The Complete Guide

Amazing, high-quality engagement rings for under $1,000 are available. I’ll show you how to choose one that you’ll both absolutely love.

Just follow my convenient guide here. In it I show you the best quality materials and metals for inexpensive rings. I also show you the secret to why you don’t need alternatives to diamond. You’ll get shopping tips that guide you to the the perfect ring — a diamond, durable, beautiful, luxe, and lasting a lifetime.

Best Metals to Keep the Cost Low on Engagement Rings

The best metals for finding engagement rings in the under 1000 dollars price range are those in the middle range. Not the lowest range. Not the highest range.

In just a minute, I’ll tell you why to avoid those in the low-price range, and why to avoid those in the high priced range.

First let me tell you what metals are in the mid-range. These include:

• 14K yellow gold
• 14K white gold
• 14K rose gold
• palladium

14K Yellow Gold is the Best Choice as Metal for an Engagement Ring Under $1,000 — Here’s Why:

All of these metals, in the mid-range, are durable. They will all last a lifetime. But 14K Yellow Gold has some advantages:

1. It’s classic.
2. It doesn’t have Rhodium plating (White gold has Rhodium plating. It can and does wear off, making it look bad. It must be renewed at least every 2 years. That costs $60 to $120 and requires the services of a jeweler.)

14K rose gold also does not need or have Rhodium plating. But it’s a little less classic. By going for an engagement ring under $1,000, you’re slightly outside the mainstream of classic engagement rings (which cost around $5,000 to $6,000 typically).

By choosing 14K yellow gold (not 14K rose gold), you’ll make that ring look better, and more mainstream.

(I’ll show you other ways in this guide to make it look perfectly within the mainstream. People won’t be able to tell the difference between your ring and one costing thousands of dollars more.)

First, let’s finish the list of advantages to 14K yellow gold.

3. 14K yellow gold is also very durable. (Unlike 18K gold which is too soft, and 10K gold which is too brittle.)
4. It’s less expensive than 18K gold.
5. It’s the most popular choice of metal among people who can afford ANY kind of metal.

Palladium is the 2nd Best Choice and Also a Great Choice

Palladium isn’t as classic as 14K yellow gold. But it’s becoming more commonly chosen. It costs about as the same as 14K gold.

Why to Avoid 10K Gold

A common mistake which can ruin your chance of getting an engagement ring under $1,000 that you love … is to opt for the cheapest possible kind of gold — 10K gold.

10K gold is a poor choice because it’s brittle. Plus, in my opinion it doesn’t even deserve the name of “gold” … because it’s less than half gold. It’s 10/24ths gold. The other 14/24ths are “other metals.”

Why to Avoid Sterling Silver

People make the mistake of going for silver because it’s similar to gold. Ironically, it’s probably the metal most associated with gold in people’s minds, due to its long association as an alternative precious metal.

Others make the error because they want the “white gold” look.

But Silver brings to mind the “Silver Medal,” or 2nd-best medal of the Olympics. That’s impressive for an athlete. But it can lead to problems in a relationship. No one wants to be the 2nd best choice. Gold is always a better choice than Silver.

If you must have the white / silver look, choose palladium. It’s stronger than Silver. It’s not associated with being “second place” to gold.

Why to Avoid 18K Gold

If 14K gold is good, then 18K gold must be better, right?

Wrong.

Two reasons 18K Gold is a deal breaker when you’re looking for a less expensive engagement ring:

1. 18K gold rings alone — not counting the stone — are sometimes close to, even over, the “under $1000 engagement ring range.” They kill your budget — and with no real benefit. In fact they hurt your efforts enormously because …
2. They’re softer and less durable than 14K gold. That’s right, 14K gold is actually the better choice, even though it’s less expensive. 14K gold looks just as good. But it’s not as soft. 18K gold scratches easily. 18K gold damages easily. 14K gold is much tougher, and just as beautiful.

Why You Must Avoid Platinum — No Choice

Platinum is also off the budget. People who want the “white / silver” look often opt for Platinum. It’s very durable. It will last a lifetime. But … the expense is too much in this price range.

And people don’t need a white/silver look. Yellow gold is a perfectly acceptable, lovable, classic choice.

Yellow gold is, and will always be, the classic metal for an engagement ring that’s not too expensive. 14K gold is by far the most popular choice, even among people who can afford $5,000 rings and up.

The “Secret Weapon” for getting a great diamond engagement ring for under $1,000: This elegant 14K Yellow Gold setting (“ring only”) at James Allen for only $430 …

To select that setting (“ring only, not the stone yet”):

1. Click on the image above.
2. Choose “Select This Setting” at James Allen (see the button just below the price in the image above?)
3. Then Click on “2 – Choose a DIAMOND” at the top center of your screen at James Allen.

Now that you have that setting selected … even just as an experiment … let’s find an awesome center stone, and keep the whole price under $1,000.

Three Qualities for a Classic Engagement Ring Under $1,000

I’m assuming that you are looking for a a traditional engagement ring style:

1. A 14K yellow gold metal ring (Already “chosen” in the section above — it’s the hands-down best or only choice for a traditional, classic engagement ring in this price range. It’s also the most popular metal for any engagement ring in any price range.)
2. Center stone “solitaire” design (not 2-stone, not encrusted with stones, etc. … but a classic center stone “solitaire” design …)
3. That center stone is at least a half-carat in size

Does that describe what you’re looking for?

Then you have an easy choice to make. You want one of three options:

Only Three Options for Center Stones for Engagement Rings Under $1,000

1. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR MOST PEOPLE: A real 1/2-carat diamond costing only a few hundred dollars (I’ll show you where they exist). This means it will be A) a slightly less-than-perfect quality white diamond. Or it will be B) a slightly less-than-perfect quality Fancy Color diamond. It’s still a diamond. … But there may be better options … This is highly recommended for most people because A) It’s so doable — I show you exactly how below. B) Most people are happiest with a traditional engagement ring.
2. A diamond alternative. A gemstone that looks kind of like a diamond, but isn’t. With only one exception, these don’t really look like diamonds. But there’s a secret weapon diamond alternative. One that even gemologists have a hard time spotting without a careful examination. I’ll tell you the exception below. (It comes with a catch — it’s expensive.) As you can guess, it’s going to be impossible for me recommend any “diamond alternative.”
3. A totally other kind of gemstone such as sapphire, topaz, etc. You can find exceptionally beautiful gemstones that are not diamonds which can make for a unique, lovely engagement ring under the budget stated in this article.

I’ll show you in this section how to find a beautiful, durable, elegant center stone AT LEAST THAT LARGE … and keep the total under $1,000

If you want a diamond … choose from these at James Allen (or chase down Internet rabbit holes elsewhere for similar … but James Allen is like Amazon, in diamonds … I think you can’t find a better experience or a better price on a given quality of diamond.)

Click on the image. It should take you to James Allen with all the filters set as shown. (Computers can be complicated! So it may not work. Just be sure to adjust your sliders to look like that … this is the secret to seeing ALL the low-priced, still awesome inventory of 1/2-carat and larger diamonds at James Allen.)

1. First get your setting (“ring only”) chosen. Choose this elegant, perfect, 14K yellow gold setting which is only $430 right now — leaving you plenty of budget for selecting a diamond to keep it all under $1,000.
2. Then start here (same link as in the image) to chose a diamond to go with it (I’ll show you in these steps how to do it all for under $1,000).
3. If your sliders don’t match the sliders in the image, then adjust your sliders to look like those in the image above.
4. Toggle between the different shapes (see the image to understand my meaning). Don’t just add more shapes … when you choose “Princess,” for example, also turn off “Round.” Then when you choose “Marquise” shape, for example, also turn off “Princess.” Why this is crucial to your search: You want to see the top results in each shape, not have to sort through a pile of shapes all at once, where you’re bound to miss something you would have loved as an option for a sub-$1,000 engagement ring center stone.
5. Put out of your mind all the “perfect” ideals for diamonds. Clarity, color, etc. In the price range for diamonds under $1,000, it won’t fit the pundits’ or diamond snobs’ opinions of what is so perfect. Simply choose one with a) minimum visible flaws and b) a shape that you like and c) the highest quality of “CUT” if it is a round brilliant. If it’s not a round brilliant, then don’t worry too much about cut. Cut does not receive an official grade on anything but a round brilliant.
6. Choose a center stone diamond you love, proceed to checkout, and if you’re ready, buy it! (Each diamond is unique in the inventory. If someone buys it before you do, it’s gone. That’s unlikely to happen in the next day or two. But eventually of course it will happen. So if you find one you love, and you’re ready, go for it.

Top Picks for Engagement Rings Under $1000 Dollars by James Allen, the premier Internet retailer of diamond engagement rings

0.47-Carat Princess Shape $380 + setting $430 = $810

1. Click the image and your sliders SHOULD be set to find this “secret” inventory. (It’s not truly secret, but you have to know how to pull them up.) If you don’t see those low-priced diamonds, simply adjust your sliders to exactly as shown in the image above.
2. Select this setting (for $430 at the time of writing … could be slightly higher, could be lower.)
3. Select a beautiful Princess Cut / shape diamond by clicking on it and choosing “Select This Diamond” when its product screen loads.
4. Proceed to checkout and buy it if you’re ready.
5. Boom, you have a real diamond, (literally a minimum 1-billion-year-old gemstone engagement ring, from THE premium Internet diamond retailer, for under $1,000!

1. Click the image and your sliders SHOULD be set to find this “secret” inventory. (It’s not truly secret, but you have to know how to pull them up.) If you don’t see those low-priced diamonds, simply adjust your sliders to exactly as shown in the image above.
2. Select this setting (for $430 at the time of writing … could be slightly higher, could be lower.)
3. Select a beautiful Cushion Cut / shape diamond by clicking on it and choosing “Select This Diamond” when its product screen loads.
4. Proceed to checkout and buy it if you’re ready.
5. Boom, you have a real diamond, (literally a minimum 1-billion-year-old gemstone engagement ring, from THE premium Internet diamond retailer, for under $1,000!

0.5-Carat Emerald Shape $430 + setting $430 = $860

1. Click the image above and your sliders I EXPECT willl be set to find this “secret” inventory. (It’s not a true secret, but you do have to know how to get them from the database using sliders.) If you don’t see the incredibly affordable diamonds, simply adjust your sliders to exactly as shown in the image above.
2. Select this setting (for $430 at the time of writing … could be slightly higher, could be lower.)
3. Select a beautiful Emerald Cut / shape diamond by clicking on it and choosing “Select This Diamond” when its product screen loads.
4. Proceed to checkout and buy it if you’re ready.
5. Now, you have a real diamond engagement ring, from THE best Internet diamond retailer, for under $1,000!

0.47-Carat Oval Shape $420 + setting $430 = $850

1. Click the image … I expect your sliders will be set to bring up this “secret” inventory. (It isn’t truly secret of course … but you need to know how to pull up the less expensive diamonds from the inventory.) If your view is not showing diamonds that would put you into an engagement ring for under $1,000 total, together with the $430 setting, then move your sliders to look perfectly as shown in the image above.
2. Select this setting (for $430 at the time of the publication … could be slightly higher, could be lower.)
3. Select a beautiful Emerald Cut / shape diamond by clicking on it and choosing “Select This Diamond” when its product screen loads.
4. Proceed to checkout and buy it if you’re ready.
5. Now, you have a real diamond engagement ring, from THE best Internet diamond retailer, for under $1,000!

0.47-Carat Radiant Cut / Shape $480 + setting $430 = $910

1. Click the image … to see your sliders all set to bring up this “secret” selection of diamonds. (It isn’t truly secret … but you do need to know how.) If your view doesn’t display the diamonds that would get you into an engagement ring for under $1,000 total, together with the $430 setting, then adjust your sliders to look like what you see in the image above.
2. Select this setting (for $430 at the time of the publication … maybe higher, maybe lower at the moment, but likely is the same.)
3. Select a beautiful Radiant Cut / shape diamond … click on it and choose “Select This Diamond” from its product screen.
4. Go on to checkout and finish the purchase if you’re ready.
5. Now, you have a real diamond engagement ring, from THE best Internet diamond retailer, for under $1,000!

0.5-Carat Asscher Cut Shape $570 + setting $430 = $1,000

1. Click on the image above to see your filter set. If your view doesn’t display the low prices you see up there, then simply adjust your sliders to look just like the image.
2. Select this setting (for $430 when I wrote this … maybe higher, maybe lower when you read it, but likely is very close to the same price.)
3. Select an Asscher Cut / shape diamond … click on it … then choose “Select This Diamond” from its product page.
4. Go through to checkout and complete the purchase if you’re ready.
5. Now, you have a real diamond engagement ring, from THE best Internet diamond retailer, for under $1,000!

0.47-Carat Marquise Cut Shape $430 + setting $430 = $860

1. Click on the image there. You’ll very likely see the same low prices. But tf your view doesn’t show the low prices you see up there, then simply adjust your sliders to look just like the image.
2. Select this setting (for $430 at the time of posting)
3. Select a Marquise Cut / shape diamond … click on it … then choose “Select This Diamond” from its product page.
4. Go through to checkout and complete the purchase if you’re ready.
5. Now, you have a real diamond engagement ring, from THE best Internet diamond retailer, for under $1,000!

0.5-Carat Heart Cut Shape $530 + setting $430 = $960

1. Click on the image of Heart shaped diamonds there .. Adjust your filters / sliders at the top of the James Allen page if you don’t see those low prices.
2. Select this setting (for $430 when I wrote this post)
3. Select a Heart Cut / shape diamond … to do that, just click on it … then click the “Select This Diamond” buy-button on its product page.
4. Go through to checkout and make the purchase if you’re ready.
5. See? It’s possible! It’s doable! You have a real diamond engagement ring, from THE best Internet diamond retailer, for under $1,000!

0.5-Carat Pear Cut Shape $350 + setting $430 = $780

1. Click on the pic just above and you will very likely see your filters set just like that. (If not, then simply adjust your sliders to look just like the image.
2. Select this setting (for $430 when I saw it, and it’s pretty stable in price)
3. Select a Pear Cut / shape diamond … click on it … then choose “Select This Diamond” from its product page.
4. Go through to checkout and complete the purchase if you’re ready.
5. Now, you have a real diamond engagement ring, from THE best Internet diamond retailer, for under $1,000!