Whether asking friends, family or jewellers, “How much do I need to spend on an engagement ring?” you’re likely to get many different answers. Ultimately, the decision is yours (and possibly your partner’s) and depends on many factors. For example, there are various stages in life and everyone is in a different position at the time they choose to propose to their partner.
Of course there is no right or wrong answer with regard to how much to spend, but there are important principles to keep in mind. Naturally, it’s important to consider how much you are prepared to spend. Secondly, no matter the amount, you need to be confident that you are getting value for money and not being ripped off.
Also, think about what your partner will be happy with and what you think they would love to wear forever. Your partner may not have any idea about costs and pricing, but knows roughly the size of the stone she’d like to wear. The preferred diamond size varies greatly amongst women depending on taste, lifestyle and so on, but on average, centre diamonds used in engagement rings range from approximately 0.70ct to 2.00ct. In the opinion of DDS, whatever your budget, it is better to go for a “clean to the eye” stone that has an Excellent Cut and a clean white colour, than a bigger stone of less quality.
Apart from the dollar value of the stone, prices vary based on what metals and manufacturing processes are used. At the DDS workshop studios in Burnside, South Australia, engagement rings are handcrafted in the traditional manner and tailor-made to suit each individual customer’s desires. We use the finest grade metals and hand-make our rings to ensure they last a life time.
Above all else, keep in mind that an engagement ring is probably the one thing she will wear every day and the only thing she will continue to wear for the rest of her life. Clothes, cars and furniture come and go, but your engagement ring is with you forever. Hence, be sure it is something you are both happy with and that she feels honoured to wear throughout every stage of her life.
