When giving jewelry as a gift, it can be challenging to find something appealing within the budget you’ve allotted. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or a “just because” gift, high quality jewelry can be found at almost any budget. You just need to know what your priorities are and where to look.

Fortunately, we are here to help you with that. Let’s take a look at great jewelry gift options at three affordable levels: under $500, under $1000, and under $2500. We'll teach you what kinds of materials, craftsmanship, and designs you can expect at each of these price points. This will help you set realistic expectations for what you can afford, depending upon how much you want to spend.

We promise to help you find something that is personal, thoughtful, and wonderful–without breaking the bank. 

Jewelry Gifts Under $500

It’s not necessary to spend thousands of dollars to give a gift that feels special. Believe it or not, for under $500 you can still find something very beautiful. At this price point, the best options are usually minimalistic fine jewelry or fashion pieces such as sterling silver, gold plated pieces, or 10 karat gold with small gemstones or diamonds.

Another great choice at this price level is a simple pendant necklace.

A thin gold or silver chain with a single birthstone, initials or name–or even a personal charm–makes for a meaningful yet budget-friendly gift. Minimalist jewelry has been very popular over the past decade and many people prefer it over statement jewelry. Perhaps its biggest appeal comes from its versatility, since it can be worn at the office or for a night out. 

If you’re shopping for someone who loves color, gemstone jewelry is a great option under $500. There are plenty of gemstones that are very affordable, such as amethyst, citrine, garnet, peridot, and topaz. Several of these come in a wide variety of colors. Any of these gemstones set in a pendant or ring, in 10 karat gold or sterling silver, make for a gift that has personality while keeping your budget in check. You can even choose a person’s birthstone to make the gift especially meaningful.

Earrings are another great choice at this price point. Small diamond or gemstone studs or gold hoops are perfect pieces that can last a very long time if properly cared for. In this price range, you'll want to pay attention to the metal type. Many jewelry tags can contain unfamiliar words that some customers gloss over or neglect to ask about. It’s important to know exactly what you’re buying so you understand its quality. Let’s review a few terms quickly:

• Vermeil: Vermeil is sterling silver jewelry that is coated with a thick layer of gold. This is more than just gold plating and can last longer than gold plated jewelry. 

• Gold Plated: Gold plated jewelry is when a thin plating of gold covers a piece of jewelry crafted from base metal. This plating can wear off over time, but gold plated jewelry is a low cost option if gold is not within your budget. 

• Gold Filled: Gold filled jewelry is when gold is bonded to a base metal, but it must be at least 5% of the jewelry’s weight. It will last longer than gold plated jewelry, but doesn’t carry the same cost as a solid gold piece of jewelry. 

Sterling silver will last much longer than a base metal that is plated with gold. Of course if the person you’re shopping for prefers a yellow metal, then gold plated may be your best option. 

If you’re shopping for your favorite guy, there are even more options in the under $500 category, such as tie bars, cufflinks, sterling silver chains, and even signet rings. These pieces are timeless and can be personalized as well. 

Jewelry Gifts Under $1000

As you move up to the $1000 budget limit you'll find a much higher variety of fine jewelry. This includes 14 karat gold, diamonds, and nicer gemstones.

You'll also find a lot more options in regards to craftsmanship quality and design. Generally, these items will require less maintenance due to their better materials. This is the price point where you can find diamond stud earrings with visible sparkle (and of a fairly decent size)–especially if you choose lab grown diamonds). You can also consider small diamond bracelets or 14 karat gold necklaces with pendants.

A few other examples of items that work well within this budget are a 14 karat gold chain, a 14 karat bracelet, or even a diamond or gemstone pendant. There are so many different solitaire pendant designs that can beautifully accent the gemstone and make it feel even larger than it is. If you’re shopping for a colorful gift, some affordable gemstones in this price point are natural or lab grown sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and aquamarines. A lab grown gemstone will allow you to purchase a larger stone for your budget, which will make the gift seem even more luxurious than it already is. 

Customization is also an option at this budget. You can have the jewelry engraved with a special message or a name. You can also select specific gemstones that will have sentimental meaning to the recipient. Or, consider a charm bracelet with the first few charms already attached, which is a very personalized gift.

For men’s jewelry under $1000, 10 or 14 karat gold chains, diamond accented rings, or bracelets make for great options.  

Jewelry Gifts Under $2500

At $2500 or under you have a multitude of gorgeous jewelry gifts at your disposal. You can find some absolutely stunning diamond pieces, luxurious gold statement jewelry, and some good quality natural gemstones. This budget range opens up opportunities for creativity and customization. This could be a gift that commemorates a special occasion, such as an engagement, wedding, anniversary, or college graduation.

A few examples of jewelry within this range: a diamond tennis bracelet or necklace, engagement rings with smaller or lab grown diamonds, and anniversary bands. A 1.00 carat lab grown diamond or a 0.50 carat natural diamond in a nice setting would make a beautiful ring while staying under $2500. 

If you’re looking for a gift with a bit of color, several nicer gemstones are available at this price point. These include emeralds, sapphires, rubies, or even a smaller-sized tanzanite.

Custom jewelry is another excellent option. Many jewelers specialize in creating personalized, one-of-a-kind pieces designed specifically for a gift recipient. This would allow you to select the metal type, specify the finger size (for a ring), choose the diamond or gemstone, and include any special engraving you’d like.

This budget also allows for more flexibility in regards to design and materials. For men’s jewelry, there is a lot available within this price range, including 14 or 18 karat, or even platinum rings. You can also consider nice gold chains or a luxury watch. 

Final Considerations

Regardless of your budget, the right jewelry gift is within reach. Whether you’re spending under $500, $1,000, or $2,500, there are beautiful options in every price range. Now that you know what to look for and can focus on your priorities, it’s easier to find a special gift without going over your budget.

If you’re shopping under $500, focus on simplicity with a minimalistic sterling silver or gemstone piece of jewelry.

If you’re shopping in the under $1000 range, 10 or 14 karat gold is a nice option, along with lab grown diamonds.

And if you’re in the under $2500 tier, you can focus on better craftsmanship and customization. The beauty of jewelry is that you can find something heartfelt at any price range if you’re hand-selecting something specifically for the recipient. If they know you put thought into the gift, they’re sure to appreciate it.