

{"id":85204,"date":"2023-04-07T09:48:18","date_gmt":"2023-04-07T09:48:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=85204"},"modified":"2023-04-07T09:54:05","modified_gmt":"2023-04-07T09:54:05","slug":"how-much-money-should-you-spend-on-a-wedding-ring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/marriage-preparation\/how-much-money-should-you-spend-on-a-wedding-ring\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Money Should You Spend on a Wedding Ring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-85208\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Shutterstock_2093528353.jpg\" alt=\"Man proposing girl \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Figuring out the budget for an engagement ring can be extremely important.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some, an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/the-engagement-ring-dilemma\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">engagement ring<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> holds immense value and is a tangible reminder of a significant moment in their lives &ndash; the beginning of their love story!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For others, an engagement ring may be less of a priority.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to that engagement ring sparkle, some people can&rsquo;t get enough. So what should you do when wedding ring prices seem too high, but you want to surprise your partner with the ring of her dreams?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engagement rings have signified different things <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12147-010-9090-z\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over the ages<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. From gender roles to marital expectations, they can symbolize these.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We&rsquo;re answering the questions: how much money should you spend on a wedding ring and how much is a wedding ring supposed to cost? Knowing these, along with the dos and don&rsquo;ts of setting an engagement ring, will set you off to a good start in deciding what ring to propose with.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What%E2%80%99s-the-average-engagement-ring-cost\"><\/span><b>What&rsquo;s the average engagement ring cost?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much is a wedding ring supposed to cost?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer for wedding and engagement ring prices depends on a few things, such as the quality and size of the diamond or gemstone, the metal, and where you buy the ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theknot.com\/content\/wedding-data-insights\/real-weddings-study#engagement-2\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2022 survey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the average couple spent $5,800 on their engagement ring in the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, deciding how much for a wedding ring is a personal decision, and there is no set amount you should spend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ring you choose for your spouse should <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jleo\/article-abstract\/6\/1\/203\/1040357?login=false\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">represent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> your commitment and love, regardless of the price.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-much-is-too-much-to-spend\"><\/span><b>How much is too much to spend?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You love your spouse and want to give them their dream ring, but choosing a ring you can afford and feel comfortable with is important.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how much money should you spend on a wedding ring?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simply put, if you go into debt over a ring, it is too much money.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-much-should-you-spend-on-an-engagement-ring\"><\/span><b>How much should you spend on an engagement ring?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much do you spend on a wedding ring? The answer is a personal one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you know your partner&rsquo;s style and what type of rings they like, you can start narrowing your searches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re unsure how much to spend on a ring, consider the following factors:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you have debts, such as student loans, mortgage payments, or car payments?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much do you make?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you have savings and want to spend them on a ring?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much you want to spend on the ring is your decision. It&rsquo;s important to set a budget you can afford, feel comfortable with, and not go into debt over a ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-85207\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Shutterstock_2213629793.jpg\" alt=\"mixed race couple \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And remember, you can always upgrade the ring later in your marriage. Choose a sparkly anniversary ring to surprise her on a milestone such as ten or twenty years together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also talk to your spouse about your budget and get their input.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dos-and-don%E2%80%99ts-of-setting-your-engagement-ring-budget\"><\/span><b>Dos and don&rsquo;ts of setting your engagement ring budget<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much money should you spend on a wedding ring? With the average engagement ring costs well over a couple thousand dollars, it&rsquo;s good to talk to your spouse about setting a budget that works for your income.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some dos and don&rsquo;ts to consider when setting an engagement budget.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Dos<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much are you supposed to spend on a wedding ring? Consider your financial situation and set a budget that you can afford. It&rsquo;s important to be realistic and avoid putting yourself in debt.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prioritize the aspect of the ring that is most important to you or your spouse. For example, if having a paved band is important, choose a smaller diamond size to offset the cost.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research the different types of engagement rings and their prices. How much should a wedding ring cost? Knowing the answer will help you understand what you can expect to pay.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shop around and compare prices from different jewelers. How much is a wedding ring in your area? Can you get a better deal by going a few towns over or buying your jewelry online?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider alternative options, such as lab-grown diamonds or other gemstones, which can be less expensive but still look luxurious.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>Don&rsquo;ts<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overspend or go into debt for an engagement ring. It&rsquo;s important to be financially responsible and not let societal expectations control your spending.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assume a more expensive ring is better or more meaningful. The more important thing is that the ring symbolizes your love.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forget about additional costs such as insurance or resizing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Base your budget on what others have spent or what you think is expected of you. How much money should you spend on a wedding ring? That is completely up to your discretion.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rush the process. Take the time you need to find out how much does a wedding ring costs and how much you are willing to spend.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much money should you spend on a wedding ring? Only you know the answer to that. By following these Dos and Don&rsquo;ts, you&rsquo;ll set yourself up for getting a ring that your spouse loves at a price you can afford.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-cut-engagement-ring-costs\"><\/span><b>How to cut engagement ring costs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average cost of wedding rings isn&rsquo;t cheap. For some, even the thought of spending a thousand dollars on a ring may seem astronomical!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research shows that the price, size and other aspects of an engagement ring can reveal different characteristics of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/what-constitutes-healthy-relationship-dynamics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relationship dynamics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much do you spend on a wedding ring when you don&rsquo;t want to break the bank?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some tips for cutting engagement ring costs:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Opt for a smaller carat<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price of diamonds increases significantly with the carat weight (the size of the stone.) Consider a smaller diamond to reduce the cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Consider a gemstone ring<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wedding ring prices are high, especially if you are considering a diamond. On the other hand, a gemstone (such as an emerald or ruby) is just as beautiful and more affordable than diamonds.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/anniversary-milestones\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 Ways to Celebrate Significant Anniversary Milestones<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>3. Choose a simple band<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let the engagement ring sparkle and let the wedding band be a simple and classic companion piece.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Buy vintage<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shopping second-hand can cut the average <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/marriage-preparation\/symbolism-and-promise-around-wedding-ring-exchanges\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wedding ring<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cost into something a little more reasonable. Just make sure you are shopping from a reputable seller.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Buy rings from conflict-free materials<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many companies now that are using high-quality diamond simulants that shine just as brightly as a real diamond, though they require more care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch this video to learn more about how to discuss finances with your partner:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Zu1kaPLt66E\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some-commonly-asked-questions\"><\/span><b>Some commonly asked questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engagement rings can be important as it is a piece of jewelry that your partner will wear for the rest of their life. Here are the answers to some pressing questions&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What are a few engagement ring cost myths?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many myths surrounding the cost of wedding rings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first &ldquo;wedding ring price rule&rdquo; is the two-month salary myth, which suggests the ring you buy should cost as much as your salary of two months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, this rule isn&rsquo;t based on any real <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/finance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">financial advice<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol><li><b> The bigger, the better<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next myth around wedding ring prices is that the bigger the diamond, the better the marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\"><li><b> The engagement ring must be a diamond<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With slogans like &ldquo;Diamonds are a girl&rsquo;s best friend&rdquo; and &ldquo;Diamonds are forever,&rdquo; it&rsquo;s no wonder diamonds are a popular engagement ring option.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the average cost of wedding rings has you white-knuckling it to the cash register &ndash; choose something different! Gemstone and non-traditional rings are just as beautiful as diamond rings.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\"><li><b> The average wedding ring cost should put you in debt<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While an engagement ring is a beautiful symbol of commitment, it&rsquo;s not worth going into debt. It&rsquo;s important to set a budget you can afford and stick to it.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>How much does it cost to insure an engagement ring?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of insuring an engagement ring depends on several factors, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The value of the ring<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The type of coverage you want, and<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Where do you live<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, you can expect to pay between 1% and 2% of the ring&rsquo;s total value. So if your ring costs $4,000, you may pay $40 per year for insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some insurance companies require an appraisal of the ring before providing coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance aside, some jewelers provide a lifetime warranty, so long as you bring the ring into the store twice a year for inspection. This warranty should cover any damage, lost diamonds, and fading on your ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-85206\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Shutterstock_146600498.jpg\" alt=\"Man hiding his wife eyes and giving rings \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What if my spouse is unhappy with an inexpensive ring?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much is a wedding ring worth to you? Is it worth fighting over?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your spouse is unhappy with low wedding ring prices within your budget, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pre-marriage\/5-premarital-tips-that-guarantee-a-great-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">premarital<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> preparation course can help.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/marriage-courses\/pre-marriage-course\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">premarital preparation course<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can teach you how to communicate as a couple. Not only will this strengthen your marriage for the future, but it will also help you talk about the ring (and wedding) budget in a way that is helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final-thoughts\"><\/span><b>Final thoughts&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much money should you spend on a wedding ring? In the end, the cost of an engagement ring is a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong amount to spend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What matters most is that you choose a ring that reflects your love and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/commitment-and-seeing-it-through\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">commitment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Figuring out the budget for an engagement ring can be extremely important.&nbsp; For some, an engagement ring holds immense value and is a tangible reminder of a significant moment in their lives &ndash; the beginning of their love story! For others, an engagement ring may be less of a priority. When it comes to that engagement ring sparkle, some people can&rsquo;t get enough. So what should you do when wedding ring prices seem too high, but you want to surprise your partner with the ring of her dreams? Engagement rings have signified different things over the ages. From gender roles <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1363,"featured_media":85208,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[2574],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85204"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1363"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85204"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85204\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85209,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85204\/revisions\/85209"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85204"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85204"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}