HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SPEND ON AN ENGAGEMENT RING?
Buying an engagement ring is one of life’s most meaningful purchases. Alongside the excitement of choosing the perfect design comes the big question: how much should I spend?
For decades, couples were told to follow the “three months’ salary rule.” But in 2025, most people agree this is outdated. The truth is simple: there’s no fixed amount you’re supposed to spend.
The right budget is the one that feels right for you, balances quality with affordability, and reflects your partner’s style.
Why the Salary Rule Doesn’t Work Anymore
The “three months’ salary” guideline was originally created as a marketing idea, not a tradition.
Today, it doesn’t fit modern lifestyles or priorities. Couples value financial comfort, personal choice, and individuality over a rule set decades ago.
Instead of following formulas, think about what works best for you: your financial situation, the type of ring your partner would love, and the lasting quality of the design.
How Much Do People Spend on Engagement Rings in the UK?
It’s natural to be curious about what others spend. While there’s no right answer, averages provide helpful context.
In the UK, the average engagement ring cost in 2025 is around £2,000 - £2,500.
But averages are only part of the story. Many couples choose beautiful rings under £1,500, while others spend £5,000 or more for larger diamonds or bespoke settings.
What matters most is that your budget feels comfortable and the ring reflects your relationship.
Budgeting by Buyer Type
Everyone approaches this decision differently. Here are some common ways couples think about engagement ring budgets:
1. Budget-Conscious Couples (£1,000–£1,500)
Great options include solitaires or halo rings that maximise sparkle without requiring a large centre stone. A halo design can give the appearance of a bigger diamond for less. Explore our halo engagement rings for examples of how smaller stones can deliver big impact.
2. Mid-Range Shoppers (£2,000–£3,000)
This is close to the UK average and offers flexibility. You can choose a classic one-carat solitaire or a three-stone design with balanced quality and size. Our solitaire engagement ring collection showcases timeless options in this range.
3. Quality-First Buyers (£3,000–£5,000)
Here, the focus is often on exceptional cut, clarity, or bespoke settings. A well-crafted design, like those in our Tulip Collection, highlights the diamond’s brilliance, ensuring sparkle for a lifetime.
4. Conscious & Lab-Grown Seekers
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds but cost less. This means you can often choose a larger stone or higher grade within the same budget. Discover our born lab-grown engagement rings for elegant, modern designs that combine beauty with value.
Key Considerations for Your Budget
• Your finances - Choose a figure that feels sustainable. A proposal should be joyful, not stressful.
• Your partner’s style – Their taste should guide not just the design, but also how you allocate your budget. A solitaire can be beautiful at every price point, while three-stone rings often mean allocating more to diamond size.
• Balancing size vs. quality – A smaller, well-cut diamond often looks more brilliant than a larger stone of lower grade. Sparkle comes from cut, not just carat weight.
Why Quality Matters More Than Price
An engagement ring is designed to last a lifetime. Choosing quality ensures it remains beautiful for decades to come.
• Precious metals like platinum or 18ct gold provide durability.
• Excellent cut diamonds maximise sparkle and brilliance.
• Responsible sourcing gives deeper meaning to your purchase.
Investing in craftsmanship, like in our engagement ring collections, means your ring tells a story that goes beyond cost.
How to Get More for Your Budget
• Consider lab-grown diamonds – more affordable than mined, allowing for higher quality or larger sizes.
• Choose cut over carat – A well-cut 0.8ct diamond may sparkle more than a poorly cut 1ct.
• Select the right metal – White gold offers elegance at a lower price point than platinum. See our [White Gold Engagement Rings] for inspiration.
• Look at design details – A halo setting can maximise brilliance affordably.
• Think long-term – Aftercare services, resizing, and replating help your ring stay beautiful for life.
Final Thoughts
There’s no magic number when it comes to buying an engagement ring. You might spend £1,000 or £10,000, but the true value lies in the meaning it carries.
When deciding how much to spend on an engagement ring , the most important thing is choosing a budget that feels right, focusing on quality and design, and remembering that the real investment is the lifetime of memories that follow.
Ready to explore? Discover our full engagement ring collections - from timeless solitaires to vintage-inspired halos and modern lab-grown styles.
KIRSTY RENNIE | GENERAL MANAGER IN GLASGOW STORE
Expert Guidance on Choosing Your Budget
"When helping couples choose an engagement ring, I always suggest focusing on balance - finding the right mix of quality, design, and budget. A beautifully cut diamond or carefully crafted setting can make even a modest budget feel extraordinary. What matters most is choosing a ring that reflects your partner’s style and your shared story. There is a perfect ring at every price point - the key is prioritising craftsmanship and meaning over a number."
Our in-store and online experts are here to guide you through every step — from setting a budget to finding the ring that feels right for you.