It’s one of the first questions that comes up when people start thinking about proposals: how much should you spend on an engagement ring?
If you’ve Googled it before, you’ve probably seen the “three months’ salary rule.” A tradition started in the 1930s, pushed by clever marketing, that suggested you should spend a quarter of your yearly income on a diamond ring. But here’s the truth: that rule is outdated. Love doesn’t come with a price tag, and neither should your proposal.
So, how much should you really spend on an engagement ring today? Let’s break it down.
The Myth of the Three-Month Rule
The “three months’ salary” idea was first introduced by De Beers in the 1930s to boost diamond sales. It worked, for decades, people took it as fact. But times have changed, and most couples don’t live by it anymore.
In the UK today, the average spend on an engagement ring is around £1,500–£2,500, while in the US it’s closer to $5,000–$6,000. But remember: these are averages, not prescriptions. The right budget for you depends on your finances, your partner’s style, and your priorities.
What Matters More Than Price
1. Your Budget & Comfort
An engagement ring should feel joyful, not stressful. Spend an amount that celebrates your love without creating a burden. Think about:
- What can you comfortably afford without dipping into debt?
- Do you want to invest more in the ring itself, or in the proposal/celebration around it?
- Would your partner prefer a grand statement diamond engagement ring, or a simple engagement ring with understated elegance?
2. The Diamond Choice
Lab grown diamonds are transforming the industry. They’re identical to natural diamonds in sparkle and durability but typically cost 30–40% less. That means your budget can go further, a bigger stone, or higher quality, without compromise.
3. The Ring Design
Ring design plays a big part in cost. Solitaires tend to be simpler, while halos, diamond bands, and bespoke designs involve more craftsmanship. The right choice is the one that feels most personal, because sentiment always outweighs carats.
Astella’s Approach: Designed Around You
At Astella, we believe luxury should be within reach, which means meeting you where you are.
- If you have a vision of the perfect ring, we can design something close to your idea and within your budget. Whether it’s a bespoke design or adapting an existing style, our team of designers and stylists are here to guide you.
- We also offer free ring resizing, because the perfect fit should be effortless. Love shouldn’t be complicated, and neither should your ring.
Working Out Your Budget
Instead of following old-fashioned “rules,” here’s how to find your sweet spot:
- Set a range. Give yourself a comfortable bracket: e.g. £1,500–£3,000, to explore different designs.
- Consider priorities. Maybe your partner would love personalised jewellery or diamond earrings later; you can balance the spend across milestones.
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Factor in custom touches. If you’re designing your own ring, allow space in the budget for details like engravings or hidden gemstones.
What Really Counts
At the end of the day, your partner isn’t saying yes to a number. They’re saying yes to you. The real value of an engagement ring isn’t measured in pounds or carats. It’s in:
- The thought behind the design.
- The way it reflects their personality.
- The story you’ll tell for years every time someone asks: “How did you get engaged?”
So, How Much Should You Spend?
The truth: enough to make it meaningful, never so much it causes worry. For some couples, that’s £1,000. For others, £10,000. What matters most is that the ring feels like the beginning of your forever.
At Astella, we’re here to help you find the piece that feels right for your love story. From diamond engagement rings to simple engagement rings, lab grown alternatives to bespoke creations, every design is made with love at the core.