The Best Affordable Diamond Jewelry Under $2,500

Natural diamonds may be among the rarest and most precious materials on earth—but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find affordable natural diamond jewelry that you can feel confident in wearing every day. After all, there are fantastic pieces out there that cost as little as $100. 

Modern designers craft beautiful diamond jewelry that won’t break the bank. Some designers use a sprinkling of pavé diamonds to add some sparkle to their pieces, while others use petite diamonds in minimalist jewelry that’s perfect for stacking. Of course, with clever design and settings, you can find affordable statement pieces featuring natural diamonds, too. 

Not only is natural diamond jewelry an affordable choice, but it’s also a sustainable one. “A natural diamond, compared to a similar synthetic stone, is typically harder, can withstand generations of wear, and will not tarnish or change its chemical properties,” says jewelry designer Grace Lee. “As our society becomes more and more aware of our environment and our impact on it, it seems more relevant than ever to wear a natural diamond.” 

Some people reserve their diamond jewelry for special occasions. But we firmly believe that diamonds can—and should—be worn every day; today’s designers agree and are making pieces to suit your daily life, whether you’re going for a hike, picking kids up from school or running an important meeting. “Our philosophy is that diamonds are meant to be worn and loved,” says Melissa Kaye. “We don’t believe in setting them aside for special occasions.”

We’ve rounded up 15 stunning pieces of affordable diamond jewelry under $2,500 that are sure to inspire you to start building—or add to—your jewelry wardrobe and wear your diamonds every day.  

Natural Diamond Jewelry Under $1,000

Even under $1,000, you can find beautiful natural diamond jewelry. Alison Lou is known for her charming, irreverent jewelry in fun motifs and bold colors, including a stud earring for pretty much any occasion. She uses diamonds as accents, like eyes on a smiley face, at the center of a brilliant enamel circle, sprinkles on an ice cream cone or trimming a pink heart. ($595)

Los Angeles-based jewelry designer Grace Lee is known for her minimalist approach to jewelry, especially in her Dot collection where she uses tiny bezel-set diamonds to great effect on chain bracelets, pendant necklaces, and cuffs. This Diamond Dot Charm is just about $100 and can go on a necklace, bracelet or anklet, which makes it super versatile. It’s shown here on the O Bracelet.

Judith Ripka keeps its diamond jewelry affordable by setting them in sterling silver, rather than gold. Case in point: the Santorini Crossover ring, which is inspired by the rippling waves around the Greek island. The sterling silver is carved in a Greek pattern called koulara, which is a unique way of weaving grapevines together to protect them from the elements. The center is set with a row of seven diamonds. ($395)

Yael Sonia’s dainty Rock earrings are a unique approach to hoops. These asymmetric reverse design puts the cutout at the front, not the back. The ends are topped with a single diamond. Sonia says, “For me, diamonds are not just for statement pieces. They can be incorporated into every day, easy, affordable fine jewelry.” ($950)

Natural Diamond Jewelry from $1,000-$2,000

If you can increase your spending a little more, there are gorgeous pieces of natural diamond jewelry between $1,000 and $2,000. Melissa Kaye is known for her neon enamel pieces, a hot trend today. The Aria U ear cuff comes in several colors and wraps around your ear, so you can create a vibrant stack without having multiple piercings. ($1,100)

Rachel Chiara Fix, founder of r. chiara, has always loved diamonds—she actually started designing and selling jewelry with precious stones when she was just 12. Today her company focuses on modern jewelry in a minimalist style that’s made to layer. “My favorite way to wear diamonds every day is by stacking and layering,” Fix says. “You can pair so many amazing looks together to showcase your own personal style by doing this.” If you prefer to wear just one ring, pick her Half & Half Wide Diamond Wavy Band, which almost looks like the perfect pre-made stack of rings. ($1,250)

Ritika Atwal founded her company, Ritque, with the goal of creating beautiful, affordable jewelry crafted with care. These Shooting Star Hoops are dazzling, with their dramatic shooting stars set with diamonds. ($1,895)

Designer Jess Klein pivoted from sports management to jewelry when she created Bondeye Jewelry, designing charming pieces that are easy to wear. The beautiful Josie Howlite ring is inspired by a classic signet ring, but topped by a howlite inlay with a diamond star in the center. Take a cue from her styling and flank it with the Wave diamond ring, which is under $1,000. ($1,275)

Maria Tash has made a name for herself as the piercing queen, offering piercing studios at her shops around the world. Naturally, she excels at designing unique earrings that can help her clients express themselves. The Clicker Rings are reversible—one side features three round diamonds, the other four baguette diamonds. For higher piercings, opt for the Marquise Diamond stud earring. (From $1,580) 

Ring Concierge specializes in elevated basics, from tennis bracelets to stud earrings and simple bands. It’s also known for its chic claw pieces that curve around the wrist or finger. We love this Diamond Claw Cuff, which features over .50 carats of diamonds and is the perfect glamorous piece if you are on a budget. ($1,348)

A decade ago, designer Emily Faith of EF Collection set out to design what she couldn’t herself find—delicate, affordable natural diamond jewelry. She quickly made a name for herself with covetable classics including necklaces made to layer, like the all-diamond Evil Eye necklace and the Fan necklace, which features five marquise diamonds that fan out from a central stone. The Prong-Set Diamond Rings are perfect for creating a diamond ring stack. ($1,000 and $1,025)

Natural Diamond Jewelry from $2,000-$2,500

Once you cross the $2,000 threshold, you can find pieces with larger stones. Don’t fret, the following diamond jewelry is under $2,500. Caye Joaillier is known for its “dizzy” diamonds, which are suspended on a chain and move with you. These Dizzy Hearts rings feature heart-shaped diamonds and come with one or three stones. ($2,290) 

Designer George Inaki Root draws on his Japanese heritage in his designs for Milamore. The Kintsugi Diamond Ring II is inspired by the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, which repairs broken ceramics with lacquer topped with gold powder, turning the break into beauty. This diamond ring evokes the golden lines threading across a repaired piece. ($2,200)

The Berceau collection from Almasika is inspired by the natural human form. These pavé earrings climb all the way up the ear, and the wavy shape perfectly follows its contours. ($2,250)

This ring from Sarah O Jewelry is truly unique. The Luisa Band features three marquise-cut diamonds with petite diamonds between them, almost forming a crown. It would be perfect as a delicate diamond engagement ring, or as a right-hand ring.