Engagement rings under 500 dollars is a peculiar category in terms of value perception. No, engagement rings under $500 almost never include anything above 10k or 14k gold at best, and typically I1-I3 diamonds. However, given the widely accepted $5,000 average spent on engagement rings, engagement rings under $500 suddenly become attractive, but why? Consider the implications of finding an affordable engagement ring. Most people are on a budget, and most people want real gold and diamonds, but diamonds are the main factor that drives the average price of engagement rings to the $5,000 mark, so where is the sweet center? Although there is not a single right answer to this question, engagement rings under 500 dollars have brought viable solutions to many of those looking for engagement rings with real gold and diamonds, and to stay on a budget well below the national average. The next question is, do engagement rings under $500 in fact render competitive designs that are worth buying? And if so, how are engagement ring stores able to offer engagement rings under 500 dollars, given the expensive nature of gold and diamonds? As with most topics, the answer to engagement rings under $500 lies in the details. Consider this, a one fifth carat GIA I1 diamond with a very good cut in color F, the type of diamond likely to be found in engagement rings under 500 dollars, retails for approximately $150-200. Upgrade this diamond to a GIA VS2, and the retail price edges up to $400-600. Can you envision one fifth carat GIA VS2 diamonds being set in engagement rings under $500? Can you envision GIA I1 diamonds being set in engagement rings under 500 dollars? In this issue of DT Era we present a few examples of engagement rings under $500, illustrating what this category entails and what makes engagement rings under 500 dollars possible in the first place.
Engagement rings under $500 offer both traditional and non-traditional designs. The engagement ring under 500 dollars shown above features a traditional shank in white gold with a seven round cut diamond halo. As with most engagement rings under 500 dollars, the diamond clarity is I1-I3 and the shank is produced in 10k gold.
Engagement rings under 500 dollars can also be layered with additional complexity. The engagement ring under $500 above features a similar seven round cut diamond cluster, but notice the additional side stones – three round cut diamonds on each side, in a channel setting. Also notice the distinct pattern in the white gold shank, offering an additional edge to this otherwise traditional engagement ring design.
As mentioned earlier, engagement rings under $500 also offer non-traditional designs. The engagement ring shown above features a white gold shank with a square white gold diamond enclosure, holding nine round cut diamonds with additional side stones – two round cut diamonds per side. As unconventional as this design is, it shows how engagement rings under 500 dollars can offer a great value.
Engagement rings under $500 may not offer high end metals and diamonds, but they offer tremendous value. Engagement rings under 500 dollars offer a unique opportunity to acquire a beautiful design, produced in gold and with real diamonds, while enjoying engagement ring deals that are sensitive to your financial situation. Remember, price determines materials – silver/gold and cz/diamonds, but in terms of aesthetics, engagement rings under 500 dollars have almost the same design potential as their higher end counterparts.
