How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?
The Perfect Proposal
A proposal is one of life’s most unforgettable moments, and the engagement ring is at the heart of it all. But how much should you spend to find the one—the ring that symbolizes your love and commitment?
For decades, tradition suggested that spending one month’s salary was the gold standard, a way for a groom-to-be to demonstrate his devotion through the price of the ring. Over time, that expectation grew into the "three-month rule," a guideline that recommends setting aside three months' worth of income for the perfect diamond.
But love isn’t measured in dollar signs, and engagement ring shopping isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right budget depends on a variety of personal factors, from financial circumstances to style preferences. Instead of following outdated formulas, today’s couples are focusing on what truly matters—finding a ring that reflects their relationship and feels right for them.
About Engagement Costs
The most important aspect of considering engagement ring costs is the personal preferences of both the giver and the receiver, not what social media, your friends, or celebrities have to say. There is no minimum or maximum to what an individual is willing to spend for their special occasion. It’s important to set your own budget as engagement rings can vary dramatically in price, and you shouldn’t aim for a particular price point to wow your partner if you really can’t afford it.
In 2024, 52% of couples who were surveyed said their engagement ring featured a lab-grown diamond, according to the 2025 Real Weddings Study by The Knot. In the first quarter of 2025, an unbranded, round, 1-carat lab-grown diamond cost, on average, $845, whereas a similar natural diamond would cost about $3,895. This is course is subject to the carat, cut, clarity, and color, characteristics which can greatly affect the price of the diamond.
Pricing of The Ring - Consider the 4 Cs
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Carat: This is the actual weight of a diamond and the most talked about, so the larger the carat, the more expensive.
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Cut: One of a diamond’s most recognizable characteristics, diamond cut, refers to how a diamond interacts with light. When you hear words like Brightness, Scintillation, and Fire, they describe how masterfully a diamond is cut. Cut also describes the overall design of a diamond, including the arrangement and proportions of the diamond’s facets. There are unlimited combinations of proportions possible, and all of them impact the interaction with light.
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Clarity: Diamond clarity is a measure of the purity and rarity of the stone, graded by the visibility of these characteristics under 10-power magnification. A stone is graded as flawless if, under 10-power magnification, no inclusions (internal flaws) and no blemishes (external imperfections) are visible.
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Color: Rated on a D-Z scale with D being colorless and Z with a yellow hue.
The combination of these four characteristics is what makes each diamond unique. Learn more about the physical aspects of diamonds to consider when purchasing a ring in our blog about finding the perfect engagement ring. ,
Financing as an Option
Know the price point you’d like for your engagement ring purchase but don’t have the cash in the bank? King Jewelers offers special financing through Synchrony on purchases of $2,500 or more, allowing you to secure the perfect engagement ring for your betrothed-to-be. Learn more about this option here.
Customer Reviews
At King Jewelers, we are here to assist you in finding the PERFECT engagement ring. In fact, hear what some of our recent customers are saying about our exceptional customer service for the most important jewelry purchase you may ever make.
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“Wonderful employees. Highly recommend. My engagement ring is fitted perfectly and the cape cod bracelet reshaped, fixed and cleaned. I cannot thank them enough for such an exceptional experience.” - Taylor R.
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“I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my jewelry. Great service, beautiful pieces. They take care in everything they do…even just cleaning your jewelry!” -Judy N.
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“Melanie and the King Jewelers team helped me through some serious analysis paralysis in designing an engagement ring. The experience working with them was so great we went back to pick out our wedding bands! They offer classy products and A+ service, and we love the small and local feel of the shop. It's a personalized experience every time we go in.” - Steve O.
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“I had such a wonderful experience ring shopping at King Jewelers for my engagement ring and our wedding bands. As the most indecisive person in the world, Melanie took her time and knowledge to assist us until we found the most perfect ring for me and was always mindful of our budget as well.” -Maddie V.
Book Your Appointment at King Jewelers
Let King Jewelers help you find the perfect engagement ring. We understand the worry about finding such a meaningful piece, but we know a thing or two about engagements, having been in the jewelry business for over 100 years and advising thousands of clients on this momentous event. Stop by our showroom in Cohasset or even better, make an appointment so you have our undivided attention in understanding your parameters and walking you through all the options.
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For over 100 years, King Jewelers has been the South Shore’s trusted destination for fine jewelry, serving Cohasset and the surrounding communities with exceptional craftsmanship and customer service. As a family-owned business, King Jewelers offers an exquisite selection of engagement rings, wedding bands, estate jewelry, gemstones, and timeless pieces for every occasion. Their expert team also provides on-site repairs, appraisals, custom designs, a diamond trade-up program, and cash-for-gold services. Whether celebrating a milestone or simply looking for something special, King Jewelers is dedicated to helping you find the perfect piece while delivering a personalized and welcoming experience.