What are the different price ranges for diamond engagement rings and how do they affect quality?

I'll try to give you a general short guide:

• $100 - $400: Could be enough for a cheap diamond engagement ring (or a nice gemstone solitaire ring), about 1/5 a carat diamond, set in a 10, maybe even 14K yellow or white gold band.
• $400 - $800: Could be enough to purchase a 1/3 carat diamond in a 14K white or yellow gold ring. If you are lucky, maybe 18K gold rings could also be at reach.
• Around $1000: A nice diamond ring could be purchased, 40-50 points diamonds, diamond grading certificates can be available and a gold ring of 14-18K, or maybe even platinum can together make a nice engagement ring.
• $1200 - $2000: From these prices onwards not only the size of the diamonds affects the ring's price, but also the diamond's quality. A high quality 1/2 carat diamond or a slightly lower quality 60-70 points diamond can be purchased, embedded in 18K white or yellow gold as well platinum rings.
• $2200 - $3300: In a rather low size, 1/2 carat, you could find very high quality diamonds in this price range. Low quality diamonds (visible inclusions, yellow hues) could be found in a size of up to 1 carat for this cost. From this price range the ring isn't really an issue price-wise: 14 or 18K white or yellow gold, or platinum.
• $3500 - $5300: Decent 1 carat diamonds can already be purchased, though not easily. If you settle for a diamond size of 75-80 points you could find a very high quality flawless stone. 18K white or yellow gold and platinum rings could make a nice surrounding for the diamond.
• $5500 - $7200: High quality 1 carat diamonds or low quality diamonds in 1.5-1.8 carat size are available. Platinum or 18K gold bands.
• $7500 - $10000, reaching ten thousands: Enough to please almost every reasonable lady. Gorgeous and impressive 1.5 carat diamonds can be purchased for this price. If you go for a 2+ carat stone in this price range, then you should expect some flaws in the diamond. Platinum or 18K gold bands.
•  $10500 - $15000: High quality 2 carat diamonds, mid quality ~2.5 carat diamonds. Platinum or 18K gold bands.
• Getting closer to $20000: If you have this amount to spend, you can look for a flawless 2.5 carat diamond. If you want your diamond's size closer to 3 carat, you might have to settle for some diamond flaws. Platinum or 18K gold rings.
• $20000 - $30000: 2.75 very high quality diamonds can be purchased. From 3 carat and up the diamond would be of mid-quality. In addition, diamond of around 3 carat and more are becoming rarer and you would have a less variety of diamond and diamond attributes to choose from.
• $30000 - $50000: High quality 3 carat diamonds.
• $50000 and more: Here the diamond quality isn't an issue, rather the variety. Huge diamonds aren't abundant and you would need some luck to find the exact diamond attributes you are looking for, along with the diamond's size. Such big diamonds (from 3-3.5 carat and up) often require customized ring setting. That might cost some extra cash, but with the amount of money you are willing to spend it will seem like peanues.
  

• 8
• 12