How much should an engagement ring cost?
BUYING an engagement ring is a huge moment in anyone's life, but there's also a lot to take into consideration, including metals, gems, sizes, and styles.
Some may know the exact engagement ring their partner would like, while others may feel a lot of pressure to choose the perfect ring.
When it comes to shopping for the perfect engagement ring to propose to your partner, the first and one of the most important things to consider is your budget.
It can be easy to get carried away, and the budget will help give you a starting point on what cut, colour, clarity and carat you can afford.
It is also paramount that those buying an engagement ring for their loved one are not only aware of their budget but also their partner's style and interests - as after all this is a ring they will be wearing for years to come.
There are multiple locations and options to shop for the perfect engagement ring, from high street retailers, and demi-fine jewellers, to designer brands, or independent jewellers.
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London's Hatton Garden is a popular location for many, where you can shop engagement rings and bespoke designs, while Tiffany & Co, Cartier, and De Beers are often popular inspirations for some to base their engagement ring design around.
, ,, and are also popular shopping destinations to secure the engagement ring, while and also have stunning rings that are low cost to pop the question.
While finding the engagement ring is a big part of the proposal, it is not everything.
Presenting your partner with heartfelt words, and telling them how much they mean to you is priceless, and what a marriage is all about.
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How much should an engagement ring cost?
When it comes to engagement rings, and any type of jewellery for that matter, setting a budget is key as there is no limit to how much it could cost.
Having said that setting your budget and sticking to it is paramount.
Engagement rings can fetch as low as £65 for a sterling silver gem design, up to tens of thousands of pounds.
If you wish to bespoke your engagement ring you can do so, but you may have to pay a premium to do so.
There is a myth that a partner should spend two to three months' salary on the engagement ring for their partner.
However, nowadays it's not followed as strictly, and shoppers tend to choose their budget, especially in the cost of living crisis.
We would recommend a range of £1,000 to £3,000 is a significant sum to buy a stunning engagement ring with very good clarity and colour.
Thankfully several online jewellers have offers, or, at least, a new customer discount code for those who sign up.
Our top picks under £1000
There are several retailers on the high street where you can find a gorgeous ring under £1000.
Whether you are looking for solitaire designs, cluster rings, or even chevron creations, there is plenty of choice.
- 9ct Yellow Gold 0.10ct Diamond Vintage Sunburst Illusion Cluster Ring, £499, H Samuel -
- The Forever Diamond 9ct White Gold 0.50ct Total Solitaire Ring, £999 (Was £1,999) H Samuel -
- 9ct White Gold 0.50ct Cushion Halo Diamond Ring, £799 (Was £999) H Samuel -
- 9ct White Gold 0.25ct Total Diamond Solitaire Cluster Ring, £950, Ernest Jones -
Our top picks from £1001- £2500
Got a slightly larger budget? From solitaire to cluster and halo rings, platinum to rose gold, there is plenty to choose from to suit your lover.
- The Three Stone Round Brilliant Engagement Ring, from £1805, VRAI -
- 18ct White Gold Diamond Sapphire Halo Ring, £1,800, Beaverbrooks -
- Vera Wang 18ct White Gold 0.45ct Total Diamond Cluster Ring, £1500 (Was £2000) Ernest Jones -
Our top picks from £2501-5000
Whether you're looking for engagement rings for men and women, or you want to create your own bespoke design and ring, it's worth checking out retailers such as Beaverbrooks, or Ernest Jones.
- 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring Bridal Set, £2,500 Beaverbrooks -
- The Three Stone Oval Engagement Ring, £3648, VRAI -
- Platinum Three Stone Diamond Ring, £3,500, Beaverbrooks -
- Eternal Diamond 18ct White Gold 1ct Total Round Halo Ring, £3,749 (Was £7,499) Ernest Jones -
- Eternal Diamond 18ct White Gold 0.50ct Total Solitaire Ring, £4,250, Ernest Jones -
Our top picks £5001+
If you've got a large budget, then you have a wealth of options.
Thinking of going for more stones, or a unique Toi et Moi ring, or even vintage? then make sure to shop around to find the right ring for your loved one.
- Solar Diamond Toi Et Moi Solar Diamond Bigger (9x7mm) £6950, Fenton -
- 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring, £7,500, Beaverbrooks -
- Vera Wang 18ct White Gold 0.95ct Total Diamond Cluster Ring, £5000, Ernest Jones -
Which finger is for an engagement ring?
There is only one answer when it comes to where you should wear your engagement ring.
The engagement ring finger is the fourth finger from the right on your left hand.
In other words, it is the finger in between your pinky and middle finger.
Do men wear engagement rings?
Whether men decide to wear an engagement ring or not is entirely up to each individual, tradition, and who proposed.
Traditionally if a man proposes to a woman they do not tend to wear an engagement ring, only the wedding band after the ceremony.
However, if a woman proposes (such as on a leap year) they may do so with an engagement ring, in which case the man may wear an engagement ring.
In some cases, both couples may wear an engagement ring, which is something Ed Sheeran reportedly did.
How to clean an engagement ring?
High-quality diamonds, generally, should not need cleaning.
If you have a high carat and colour, such as D, E, or F grade, it will not need polishing as much as other grades.
If you want to clean your ring at home many jewellers recommend pouring warm water into a bowl with washing-up liquid and soaking it for around 30 minutes. This should help your stone look super sparkly.
However, should you need to clean your engagement ring it is advised to take it to a jeweller to clean it professionally.
Which order do you wear engagement, wedding and eternity rings?
The engagement ring is the first ring you receive and worn with pride on your ring finger.
However, when you get married and receive a wedding band or an eternity ring, it can be confusing to know which order to wear them.
Traditionally a wedding ring is worn first, as it is said to be closest to the heart, followed by the engagement ring, which also works as a stopper to keep your wedding band in place.
However, depending on the style, some may alternate this.
Finally, the eternity ring is sandwiched on your ring finger.
But again, each individual can style their ring collection differently, depending on the style, metals, and shape of the diamonds on top could impact how you wear your rings.
How to choose an engagement ring?
The million-dollar question is how to choose an engagement ring.
Some claim to know their partner so well they already know what their partner's preferences are.
Others may have had subtle, and not-so-subtle hints from their partner.
While other couples may decide to go engagement ring shopping together.
However you decide to shop for an engagement ring setting a budget and sticking to it is essential.
Next is knowing your partner's ring size, as you don't want to waste time with alterations post-proposal, and it could make amending the ring, especially when the band is encrusted with gems, difficult.
Make sure you know your partner's metal preferences, and if you're not sure understanding what skin tones compliment which metals is key; typically cool skin tones suit platinum, white gold and silver bands, while warm tones wear gold well.
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Does your partner like a particular gemstone? Diamonds are a popular option, but perhaps your partner prefers sapphires, rubies or emeralds.
There are plenty of other factors to consider too, such as what the wedding band may be to know how it will fit together, as some engagement rings, such as chevron style, have a limited number of wedding bands to complement.
Want to find more savings on your online shopping? Then head to where you can get discounts and voucher codes from hundreds of top retailers including , , , , , , and more.