💶 How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

A Practical Guide for Smart, Sentimental Buying

💍 Introduction: Meaning Over Marketing

Buying engagements ring isn’t about impressing people—it’s about expressing love, commitment, and intention. But when it comes to how much you should spend, things can feel murky fast. Social expectations, online pressure, and old-school “rules” can make a special moment feel like a financial puzzle.

Here’s the good news:

There is no one-size-fits-all amount—only what’s right for you, your partner, and your budget.

This guide is here to help you cut through the noise, understand your options, and feel confident about what you’re investing in.

📜 The “Three Months’ Salary” Rule – Where Did It Come From?

You’ve probably heard it before: “Spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring.” But where did that idea come from? Not from tradition, not from culture, and certainly not from couples themselves.

The “three months’ salary rule” originated in the 1930s as part of a De Beers marketing campaign. At the time, they suggested one month’s salary was appropriate for a ring.

💡 So… How Much Should You Spend?

There’s no perfect number—but here are some clear, practical guidelines:

✅ Base It on Your Budget, Not Pressure

• Know what you’re comfortable spending before you start shopping
• Decide whether you want to spend more on the diamond or the setting
• Consider other upcoming expenses—house deposits, weddings, travel, etc.

✅ Think About the Long-Term

• A well-chosen ring should last a lifetime
• Invest in quality where it matters: craftsmanship, materials, certification
• Opt for durability and timeless design over gimmicks or unnecessary extras

✅ Focus on Value, Not Just Price

Spending more doesn’t always mean getting better. You can:

• Choose a lab-grown diamond and save up to 40–50%
• Select a slightly lower carat weight (e.g. 0.90ct vs 1.00ct) to save significantly
• Prioritise cut and colour, which affect beauty more than clarity

🔗 Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds ➜

✅ Average Price of Engagement Rings in Ireland (2024)

Average Price of Engagement Rings – €4,450

Natural Diamond Rings – €7,100

Lab Grown Diamond Rings – €2,960

📊 A Few Spend Ranges (No Pressure, Just Perspective)

In Ireland, customers tend to fall into one of these categories:

⚖️ The best ring is the one that feels meaningful to you—without financial stress.

🧠 Tips for Staying on Budget

• Set a firm ceiling before you fall in love with a design
• Ask for side-by-side comparisons of lab-grown vs natural, or 0.90ct vs 1.00ct
• Consider styles that make smaller diamonds look larger—like halos or oval shapes
• Always ask for certified stones (GIA, IGI, HRD)

🔗 Diamond Certification Explained ➜

💬 Final Thought: It’s Not About the Number

The price tag doesn’t define the commitment—it’s the thought, care, and meaning behind the ring that matter most. Whether you spend €100 or €100,000+, your choice should reflect your values, your relationship, and your future plans.

💍 A well-chosen ring is a promise—not a performance.