TL;DR: set your engagement ring budget by working from what you can comfortably afford, not from a rule. Decide a total, subtract the costs that sit around the ring such as insurance and any delivery charges, then split what is left between stone and setting according to what matters most to your partner. Pieces start from £600, and we explain every cost in writing.
Start with the money you have
Write down what you can spend without worry. Include any savings you are happy to use, and be honest about what else is coming up, such as a wedding, a move or other plans. A ring is the start of a shared life, and it helps if it does not put strain on the next chapter.
Count the costs around the ring
- Insurance, which you should arrange as soon as the ring is yours.
- Delivery, which is insured and tracked with FedEx for our rings.
- Import duty and tax, which the customer pays if the ring is going abroad.
- Resizing or engraving, if you want them.
- Wedding bands, if you plan to buy them at the same time.
Subtract these from your total so you know what is really available for the ring.
Decide what matters most
Ask yourself what your partner would notice and value. For some it is the size of the stone, for others the colour, the shape, the sparkle or the design. A person who loves antiques may care little about the grade of a diamond, while someone who wants a clean modern look may care a great deal about the cut. Put the money where it matters to them.
Stone and setting
The stone is often the larger share of the cost, and its price depends on cut, colour, clarity, size and whether it is natural or lab grown. The setting depends on the metal and how much work goes into it. A simple setting leaves more for the stone, while an elaborate one takes more of the budget. Our guide to reading your invoice and certificate explains what you are paying for, and our guide to how much of your budget goes into the ring looks at the split in more detail.
Where there is room to save
Savings often come from choosing a lab grown stone, from valuing cut over the very top colour and clarity grades, from a simpler setting or from a slightly smaller stone. None of these is a compromise if the ring still suits the person who will wear it. We describe each stone plainly as natural or lab grown.
Where to be careful
Be cautious about buying a larger stone with a poor cut, because it can look dull. Be cautious about spending on items you will not value, and about financing a ring on terms you do not fully understand.
Talking about budget as a couple
Not every ring is a surprise. Many couples now talk openly about the budget, and some choose the ring together. That conversation can take the guesswork out of it and make sure the ring fits your plans as a pair. If you would rather keep it a surprise, you can still ask a close friend or family member for a sense of what your partner would be comfortable with. Our guide on how to discuss an engagement ring budget as a couple has some gentle ways to start.
Working with us
Tell us your budget at the start, and we will suggest options that fit it. We work by video consultation and message, send sketches and CAD renders, and make nothing until you approve the design in writing. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a rule for how much to spend?
No. The salary rules are not real rules. Spend what you are comfortable with.
Should I tell the jeweller my budget?
Yes. It lets us suggest options that work.
Is a lab grown stone a good way to save?
For many people, yes, but it is a personal choice.
What is the lowest price?
Pieces start from £600, and each design is quoted individually.
Should we set the budget together?
Many couples do, and it can make the choice easier. It is entirely up to you.