There's no magic number. The right amount to spend on an engagement ring is whatever works for your situation, your partner, and your relationship. Let me break this down properly.
The Quick Reality Check
The average engagement ring costs between $5,000-$6,000 in 2025, but 64% of couples spend less than $6,000, and 33% spend less than $3,000.
So if you're stressing because you can only afford $2,000? You're in good company. If you want to spend $15,000? That's also completely fine. The key is making sure it's right for YOU.
Forget the "Rules" - They're Just Marketing
You've probably heard the "two to three months' salary" rule. The truth is that 61% of people think this traditional guideline isn't feasible in the current economy, and they're absolutely right.
Why these rules don't work:
- They completely ignore your actual financial situation
- Don't consider your debt, savings, or future goals
- Ignore what your partner actually wants
- Were literally created by diamond companies in the 1930s as marketing
These rules don't care if you're saving for a house, paying off student loans, or if your partner would genuinely prefer you spent that money on your honeymoon instead.
What Does Your Partner Actually Want?
People are genuinely different about this, and understanding your partner's perspective is crucial:
Some partners care about the investment They see it as a symbol of how much you value them, or they've dreamed about having something special their whole life. For them, stretching your budget might actually matter. That's their love language.
Others would be horrified if you overspent Some people would be genuinely upset if their partner spent $10,000 on a ring when they could have put that towards a house deposit or wedding. They'd rather have a beautiful $3,000 ring and spend the rest on their future together.
Many just want something they'll love wearing every day They don't care about the price tag, they want something that suits their style and feels meaningful to them.
Do you know which type your partner is? If not, you might need to have some subtle conversations or involve them in the process. (p.s we (Brie and Jared) can help you with this, just reach out and contact us)
Start With What You Want, Then Work Backwards
Step 1: Figure out the style first
- What setting do they love?
- What stone shape speaks to them?
- What size looks right on their hand?
- Do they prefer classic or unique?
Step 2: Then look at the price reality Maybe you both fall in love with a 2-carat oval in a halo setting, but it's $15,000 and your comfortable budget is $8,000. Now you have options:
- Same setting with a 1.5-carat stone
- Same size stone in a simpler setting
- Lab-grown diamond instead of natural
- Moissanite with the exact look they want
Step 3: Choose what matters most If size matters most, go lab-grown or moissanite. If it's about the setting, adjust the stone. If it's about having a natural diamond, adjust the size or clarity grade.
Budget Ranges That Actually Make Sense
Based on what real couples are doing:
$1,500 - $3,000: Smart and Beautiful You can get gorgeous lab-grown diamonds, stunning moissanite, or natural diamonds with character (maybe slightly lower clarity that you can't see anyway). 33% of couples spend in this range, so you're definitely not alone.
$3,000 - $6,000: The Sweet Spot This gets you into really nice natural diamonds, larger lab-grown stones, or premium moissanite with amazing settings. The majority of couples land somewhere around here.
$6,000 - $15,000: Going All In Beautiful natural diamonds, custom settings, designer pieces. If this fits your situation and your partner values it, go for it.
$15,000+: The Sky's the Limit About 5% of couples go above $15,000. If you've got the means and it makes you both happy, enjoy it.
The Financial Reality Check
Before you decide on any number, ask yourself:
Can you afford this without:
- Going into debt?
- Touching your emergency fund?
- Stressing about money for months?
- Affecting your other life goals?
Will this amount:
- Feel comfortable to pay off quickly?
- Still leave room for the wedding, honeymoon, and life?
- Align with your overall financial priorities?
If the answer to any of the first set is "yes" or any of the second set is "no," adjust your budget. A proposal should start your life together on solid ground, not shaky finances.
The Modern Approach: Designing Together
Here's what more couples are doing: proposing with a placeholder ring (or even just the conversation) and then designing the perfect ring together. Why this works:
- You both get exactly what you want
- No guessing about style or budget
- Can take time to save up for the right piece
- The proposal is still a surprise, but the ring is perfect
- No buyer's remorse or "I wish we'd done this instead"
Some couples even do a beautiful, inexpensive placeholder for the proposal, then shop together later. Others have the conversation first, shop together, and then the timing of the proposal is the surprise.
Making Your Money Go Further
If you want to maximize your budget:
Stone strategies:
- Buy just under popular carat weights (0.9ct instead of 1.0ct)
- Choose lab-grown diamonds - identical to natural but significantly less expensive
- Consider moissanite for maximum sparkle at minimal cost
- Prioritize cut over clarity - cut affects sparkle, clarity often doesn't matter to the naked eye
Setting strategies:
- Classic solitaires are timeless and let the stone shine
- White gold instead of platinum (looks identical, costs less)
- Simpler settings can be just as elegant and put more budget towards the stone
Shopping strategies:
- Compare online vs in-store pricing
- Look for sales around less popular proposal times
- Consider antique or vintage pieces for character and value
What Actually Matters
At the end of the day, this ring represents your commitment to each other. Whether that costs $2,000 or $20,000, what matters is:
- It feels right for your relationship
- You can afford it comfortably
- Your partner will love wearing it every day
- It starts your engagement on a positive, stress-free note
The most important conversation isn't about money, it's about understanding what makes your partner happy and building a life together that aligns with both your values.
The perfect engagement ring isn't about the price tag - it's about finding something that makes your partner's face light up every time they look at their hand, and knowing you made a choice that works for your life together.
Check out our engagement ring collection which also comes in lab-grown diamonds and moissanite and remember: the right ring is the one that feels right for both of you.
Thanks for reading!
Jared & Brie
