"How much should I spend on an engagement ring?" is probably the question we hear most often. There is no right amount – but there are clear factors that decide the price. Once you know them, you can plan a budget that fits your life instead of a rule someone else made up.
Forget the salary rules
You have probably heard that an engagement ring should cost one, two or even three months' salary. These rules do not come from tradition, but from diamond-industry advertising in the 20th century. A better starting point is simple: what amount feels good to you, without putting pressure on your shared plans?
What drives the price of an engagement ring
Carat weight
Carat has the biggest influence on price. Prices do not rise evenly: stones at popular weights such as 1.00 carat cost noticeably more than stones just below them, although the difference is barely visible. A 0.90 carat diamond can be a smart alternative to a full carat.
Cut, colour and clarity
The cut determines how much the diamond sparkles – this is where you should compromise least. Colour and clarity become more expensive with every grade. At BEUSÉA every diamond is colour D, the highest grade, with clarity from VVS to VS1, so you do not have to trade off whiteness or visible inclusions. More in the 4Cs explained.
Diamond shape
Round brilliants are usually the most expensive shape per carat, because more rough material is lost during cutting. Ovals, pears and marquise cuts often look larger than a round diamond of the same weight, because more of their surface faces upwards.
Lab-grown or mined
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same physical and optical properties, but they cost significantly less than comparable mined diamonds. That is why they are a good way to get a larger or higher-quality stone within the same budget. They are not an investment, however: their value lies in their beauty, their traceable origin and the meaning of your ring.
Metal and setting
18 carat gold contains more pure gold than 14 or 10 carat gold and costs more accordingly; 950 platinum is heavier and the premium option. The setting also matters: a pavé band, a halo or a three-stone design uses more small diamonds and more goldsmith work than a plain solitaire.
Five tips to get more ring for your budget
- Prioritise cut: an excellent cut makes a smaller diamond look brighter than a bigger, poorly cut one.
- Buy just below round numbers: 0.90 instead of 1.00 carat saves money without a visible difference.
- Consider elongated shapes: ovals, pears and marquise look larger per carat.
- Choose 14 carat gold: it is durable for daily wear and less expensive than 18 carat.
- Let a (hidden) halo add sparkle: small accent diamonds make the centre stone appear larger.
What is included at BEUSÉA
Every ring is handcrafted to order, shipping is free and insured, and the first resize is free of charge. Diamonds over 0.5 carat come with an IGI certificate. If you have a specific budget in mind, tell us – we will show you which combinations of shape, carat and metal make the most of it. Or start browsing our engagement rings and read our 7-step buying guide.
