Stunning Budget-Friendly (Vintage) Engagement Rings Under $1,000

According to a 2018 TD Bank survey of over 1,700 U.S. adults as quoted by CNBC, the average couple spends about $2,800 on an engagement ring whereas the average millennial couple (aged 18-34) spends just over $3,000.  But, according to Brides magazine's The American Wedding Study, the average cost of an engagement ring in 2018 was $7,829.  And yet...According to The Knot's 2018 Real Wedding Study, the average in 2018 was $5,680.

This is amazing antique engagement ring from Ivy and Rose Vintage features a 3/4 carat old mine cut center diamond, circa 1930s, in white & yellow gold.

So what have we learned from all of this contradicting information?  The cost of the average engagement ring really just depends on who you talk to and the three month salary "rule" from De Beers' marketing department need not apply any longer!  But, if brand name is important to you and you really just must have a Cartier engagement ring, their least expensive option (at $2,990 excluding taxes) features a 0.16 carat diamond.  Now, don't get me wrong, having an iconic piece from Cartier has been on my Jewelry Bucket List since I first learned how to pronounce their name. 

But, Gen Zers and millennials are craving vintage styles right now.  The reasons for this are three-fold, according to Stuller, but I'm going to go one step further and say this:  That as society continues to evolve and grow, we have begun to cherish and praise individuality in a more robust way than was seen in decades past thereby resulting in the desire to be both one-of-a-kind and yet still tied to the history of generations unknown.

You can find every style & type of engagement ring that you may be looking - including non-traditional stones such as this 1.01 carat sapphire & platinum stunner from Bella Jewelry Shop.  Just look at the engraving along those shoulders! 

Rather than searching for pricey, mass-produced "vintage-inspired" styles from big box chain stores, true vintage and antique pieces are readily available through a variety of online and brick-and-mortar sellers.  These truly unique pieces can be found in a variety of periods, metals and diamond or gemstones styles for a fraction of the cost - each with their own unique history and with plenty of life left in them to be handed down for future generations.

So here are just a few of my favorite vintage and antique engagement ring options from highly reputable sellers on Etsy that are all under a $1,000 but with twice the diamond (or gemstone) size mentioned above. ☺️

From Wilson Brothers, this 0.52 carat old European cut diamond Edwardian solitaire has a much more traditional look to it for the bride who prefers a timeless, classic look.

This Georgian engagement ring is one of my favorite styles, so much so that I have a similar ring in my personal collection!  This beauty, circa 1800, is from  Such Splendid Things is comprised of 10 rose-cut diamonds totaling 1.25 carats!

This 1940s, 1.3 carat blue zircon set in a rosy yellow gold with side accent diamonds would make an incredible engagement ring for any bride!  This amazing ring is available from Cypress Creek Vintage & gives a huge impact for well under $1,000!

Chanel Meghan Markle in this stunning oval aquamarine bezel set in 14kt yellow gold from Rivers Stone Rock UK with British Hallmarks , circa 1960s.  This ring has both a modern & vintage vibe to it; perfect for the boho chic bride!

This 1970s vintage 14k white gold & diamond halo ring with a central, 0.85 carat cushion cut tourmaline from Gold Adore has such an Earthy warm tone.  It would make an ideal engagement ring for an outdoor-loving or non-traditional bride!

Another more traditional option is this 0.61 carat pear-cut solitaire set in 14K yellow gold from  Eurydices Jewels & still  for under $1,000!

An authentic Art Deco style engagement ring modeled in platinum features a nearly colorless, 0.45 carat old mine cut diamond from Edith Estate Jewelry, circa 1920s.

Another option from Bella Jewelry Shop, this 0.80 carat sapphire from 1955 features baguette side stones &  provides that traditional look but still with a non-traditional central stone.

Looking for an even brighter & bolder center stone but still with a vintage setting?  This Victorian, claw-set amethyst in 12K rose gold from Diamond Addiction features highly engraved shoulders & would be an eye-catching engagement ring!

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