How much should you spend on an engagement ring in the UK?

28th August 2023

So you’re thinking of popping the question – how exciting! Proposing to your beloved is a daunting time but with the right ring, you don’t have anything to worry about.

Learn all about how much the average engagement ring costs as well as how to choose the perfect ring for at romantic and successful proposal.

How much should an engagement ring cost in the UK?

Up until fairly recently, it has been tradition to spend as much as three month’s salary on an engagement ring. Nowadays, however, it’s much more flexible and the amount depends more on your budget and your future fiancé's style and tastes.

With Austen & Blake, the details of your engagement ring are entirely up to you: choose the gem size, metal type, shape and cut of the stone and much more to create the perfect ring within your budget. 

Book an appointment with one of our experts to get started designing your engagement ring.

Does the price of an engagement ring matter

An engagement ring is a way to show your future husband or wife how you feel and remind them of your commitment to them and your relationship. Because of these reasons, the actual price of the engagement ring is less important than ensuring it is a piece of jewellery that they will love to wear for many years to come. 

What is the average cost of an engagement ring in the UK?

According to money.co.uk, in 2022 in the United Kingdom, the average cost of an engagement ring was between £1,865 and £2,100. However, just because this was the average, doesn’t mean you have to stick to it – you can spend as much or as little as you like!

How many months salary for an engagement ring?

Weddings are steeped in plenty of customs, traditions, and superstitions that dictate a lot of different aspects. Thankfully, it is becoming increasingly common to step away from these traditions.

One such custom was to spend around three month’s salary on an engagement ring. Nowadays, however, it has become less common for rings to be purchased for this much and has become a bit of an outdated practice. Instead, more and more people are focusing on the symbolic or emotional value of rings rather than the monetary value.

Things to consider when deciding how much you will spend on an engagement ring


Know your payment methods

Make sure you know how you want to pay for your engagement ring. You have a couple of options in front of you: paying for it outright or finance. Finance is a good option if paying in monthly installments is more comfortable for you. Paying outright may require saving up for a significant time period but means that you won’t have to worry about continued payments once you’ve popped the question. Knowing you have the means to pay in a way that doesn’t put pressure on your finances can help you choose the right ring for your future fiance, letting you get on and enjoy the process.

Austen & Blake offer a 0% finance option for pieces of jewellery over £250.

Make sure you can afford it

Ensuring you can afford your ring and you’re not going above your means ensures you won’t regret your choice down the road. Think of a budget you want to stick to and work out if it’s feasible at this time in your life. If it’s not, you may want to consider waiting until you can, or lower your budget to something that feels more comfortable. Don’t forget, once your partner says yes, there’s a wedding to pay for!

Pick a design that fits your budget

A ring’s cost will depend on multiple different factors and certain design choices can increase the overall price you end up paying. It’s important to remember that the ring cost is not the same as the centre stone cost. 

A ring’s design takes into account many factors including the metal, the shape, and the setting type. A ring crafted of platinum with a large halo setting and a thick band, for example, will cost a lot more than a yellow gold, solitaire ring.

The centre stone, however, will likely be one of the biggest variables in affecting the price of the overall ring. Commonly and traditionally, diamonds are the stone of choice – prized for their rarity and high value. Because of this, you’re likely to pay a premium price for the most beautiful diamonds than you will for coloured gemstones such as ruby or sapphire. 

The quality of the stone you choose will either increase or decrease the ring’s price. In many cases, making small compromises with factors, such as clarity or colour can stretch your budget further, without impacting the look of the ring.

Alternative option to diamonds: Moissanite engagement rings

Moissanite has caught the attention of many brides-to-be in recent years, not just because of its dazzling sparkle, but also because of how close to diamonds it appears. 

In its natural form, moisssanite has only been found in a few locations around the world – most prominently in meteor sites – and is thought to be born from the stars. The type you find in most jewellery is lab-grown but this is far from a downgrade. These stones are pure, clear, and durable and make excellent alternatives to diamonds. 

Moissanite is typically more affordable than diamond because it can be so easily made in a lab. But it has a very similar hardness (9-9.5 on the hardness scale, where diamonds are a 10), similar appearance, and are conflict-free, eco-friendly stones.

Shop our moissanite engagement rings for a stunning alternative to diamonds.

Choose an engagement ring that works for you and your partner

Ultimately, choosing the perfect ring is all about finding one that will work with your budget, make your partner feel special, and shows them that you are committed to them. As long as you take these factors into consideration, you’re sure to find that perfect ring. 

Remember to Book an appointment with one of our jewellery experts to start crafting a ring guaranteed to secure that “yes!”

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