How Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring
This guide will walk you through engagement ring average costs, budgeting tips, and strategies to get the best value for your money — so you can feel confident and informed as you take the next step.
In This Guide
Average Engagement Ring Cost
Engagement ring prices generally range between Rs1,443,900 and Rs2,887,800, but this can vary significantly depending on factors like the diamond’s size and quality, the ring’s setting, and the type of metal used.
While trends in engagement rings can influence pricing, the diamond's carat weight plays one of the most significant roles in determining cost. The typical carat weight for engagement rings is around 1.5 carats. However, it’s important to note that two diamonds of the same carat weight can differ in price by thousands of rupees depending on their cut, clarity, color, and the design or brand of the ring.
Keep in mind that the "average" price is just a reference — not a rule to follow. Instead of focusing solely on average costs, it’s better to think about what matters most to you: the diamond shape, setting design, or ethical sourcing, for example. These personal preferences can affect your final cost. Many couples now choose a more thoughtful and tailored approach, creating a budget based on what feels right for them financially and emotionally.
How Much Should an Engagement Ring Cost?
There’s no single rule for how much you should spend on an engagement ring. Asking “how much should an engagement ring cost?” doesn’t lead to a one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach is to choose a budget that aligns with your financial situation and your partner’s style and expectations.
When figuring out how much to spend, consider a few important factors:
- Your finances: Begin with what feels financially comfortable. Your engagement ring budget should reflect your current financial picture and help you avoid unnecessary debt or added financial stress.
- Your partner’s preferences: Their style, values, and expectations should carry more weight than any average or tradition. Whether it’s a direct conversation, subtle hints, or input from close friends, understanding what they love can help guide your decision.
- Your shared values: For many couples, what the ring symbolizes matters more than the price. Some choose lab-grown diamonds for sustainability, prefer vintage or repurposed pieces, or opt for non-diamond gemstones that feel more personal.
A “starter ring” is also a popular choice for couples who want to stay practical. Choosing a simpler design now — and upgrading the center stone or setting later — is a great option as your budget grows. At Purple Carats, we offer flexible payment plans and lifetime upgrade programs on lab-grown diamonds, so your ring can evolve with you over time.
How to Set Your Engagement Ring Budget
To set a realistic and personalized budget, consider these approaches:
- Calculate your net monthly income. Focus on your take-home pay after taxes and deductions.
- Assess your fixed expenses. Account for housing, transportation, loan payments, and any other non-negotiable bills.
- Consider your savings goals. Are you saving for a house, wedding, or future travel? Avoid sacrificing long-term goals for short-term purchases.
- Determine your discretionary income. What’s left after necessities and savings can help define a flexible budget range.
- Talk openly with your partner. Some couples prefer to choose a ring together, which helps align expectations and avoids overspending.
- Set a comfortable range. Instead of one fixed number, consider a range based on your overall financial picture.
How to Maximize Your Engagement Ring Budget
Once you’ve set a budget, there are several ways to maximize the value of what you spend:
- Prioritize what matters most in the diamond. Understanding your partner’s preferences will help you determine which of the 4 C’s (cut, color, clarity, carat) to prioritize. Cut and color often have the most visible impact on a diamond’s appearance — particularly its sparkle and brightness — while clarity and carat weight may offer more flexibility.
- Consider white gold over platinum. Platinum is the most expensive precious metal commonly used in engagement rings. Choosing white gold instead offers a similar cool-toned shine at a more accessible price. White gold is durable, resistant to tarnish, and can be crafted into intricate settings just as beautifully as platinum.
- Choose a thoughtful setting. A well-designed setting with smaller accent diamonds can create a big visual impact without relying on a large center gemstone. Halo, and three-stone styles add brilliance and dimension for a lower cost.
- Look at fancy-shaped diamonds. Natural fancy shapes — such as pear, marquise, or cushion — can cost less than round diamonds of the same quality. These shapes often appear larger on the finger and can help you stay within budget while achieving a more substantial look. Keep in mind that a diamond’s shape, depth, and symmetry also influence how large it looks. Elongated shapes, like oval or emerald diamonds, often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight due to how they distribute their size.
- Shop just under key carat weights. Prices increase significantly at popular milestone weights, like 1.00, 1.50, or 2.00 carats. Choosing a diamond just under these “magic sizes” (for example, 0.90 carats instead of 1.00) can offer nearly the same visual presence at a noticeably lower price.
- Consider lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically identical to natural diamonds, but cost less. They can be a strong option for buyers who want a high-quality diamond at a more affordable price point.
- Explore diamond alternatives. Gems like moissanite or other white alternatives can offer a similar look to diamonds at a fraction of the cost. These options vary in hardness, brilliance, and long-term durability, so it’s worth comparing carefully.
- Think beyond the center diamond. Alternative styles are growing in popularity, including center-stone-free rings, wide bands, and diamond eternity bands. These designs can be worn solo or stacked, offering a modern, personal touch — and often at a lower price than traditional solitaire settings.
Being strategic with these choices allows you to stretch your budget without compromising on beauty, quality, or meaning.
FAQ
Is there a rule for how much to spend on an engagement ring?
There’s no universal rule. While the “three months’ salary” guideline still exists, most financial advisors and jewelers now recommend basing your budget on your personal finances, lifestyle, and values.
What factors should I consider when setting an engagement ring budget?
Important factors in your engagement ring budget include your net income, fixed monthly expenses, debt, savings goals, and whether your partner has specific preferences for the design or center diamond.
What are some ways to save money on an engagement ring?
Here are a few expert-recommended ways to cut costs when choosing an engagement ring:
- Prioritize the 4 Cs based on your partner’s preferences, focusing on cut and color for the most visible impact while allowing flexibility in clarity and carat weight.
- Choose white gold instead of platinum for a similar cool-toned shine at a more accessible price, with excellent durability and design versatility.
- Select a thoughtful setting with accent diamonds, such as pavé or halo styles, to enhance sparkle without relying on a large center gemstone.
- Consider fancy-shaped diamonds like pear, marquise, or oval, which cost less than round diamonds and often appear larger on the finger.
- Shop just under popular carat weights — like 0.90 instead of 1.00 — to achieve a similar look for significantly less.
- Explore lab-grown diamonds, which offer the same quality and appearance as natural diamonds at a lower cost.
- Look into diamond alternatives such as moissanite or white sapphire for a diamond-like appearance at a fraction of the price.
- Think beyond traditional center stones by considering wide bands, eternity rings, or stackable styles for a modern and affordable option.
What factors influence the cost of an engagement ring?
Some of the most impactful factors of an engagement ring’s cost are:
- Center diamond quality (cut, color, clarity, carat weight)
- Metal type
- Ring setting design
- Customizations or engraving