The Average Cost of an Engagement Ring
By
Tiffany Moore , Updated September 04, 2025
How much is the average cost of an engagement ring? Our answer will always be, “It depends.” The price of an engagement ring will change depending on the overall quality of the ring, the cut, color, and clarity of the diamond, how many diamonds are used in the ring and their weights, the brand that is selling the engagement ring, and many other factors.
Danhov CL133 Classico Single Shank Solitaire Engagement Ring
How much should you spend? Again, that’s highly personal. Our best advice is to spend what you’re comfortable spending and what your budget allows. There’s always a ring out there that fits your needs while being within your budget.
Some engagement rings can be very expensive, others can be hugely competitive in terms of price. No one should follow an old-fashioned ‘two-month’ or ‘‘three-month salary rule’ when it comes to buying one. How much you need to spend is ultimately dependent on two key things. The first is, of course, your financial condition, and the second is knowledge.
Whiteflash’s Engagement Ring Cost Rules
- Remember, cost is directly related to overall quality. If you want a fantastic piece, expect to pay more.
- Research should always come first. Look into the type of engagement ring you want, the type of setting, diamond size and quality, and metal type among other things.
- The setting and the central stone will be sold separately. Many buyers might see an engagement ring and assume it comes with the stone it’s advertised, but that’s generally not the case. Remember an engagement ring is made up of two costs—the cost of the setting and the diamond itself.
- Always buy from a reputable seller. Here at Whiteflash, we take pride in being one of the most trusted diamond and jewelry retailers in the market.
- Diamond quality is crucial. Take note of what makes a high-quality diamond—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—these are known as the Four Cs, cut quality being the most important.
Buying an engagement ring is one of the most important decisions of your life and we understand that you want to get it right. So what does the average engagement ring cost?
What’s The Average Cost of an Engagement Ring?
Both in stores and across the internet, you will find rings of all prices. Many retailers will have their own specific averages, and past research has shown average prices to range from $5,000 to more than $7,500. On Whiteflash’s site, the price of
an engagement ring setting currently ranges from $235 to $8,990 (which excludes the central diamond), so you can see that there is an incredibly wide range.
Furthermore, the research tells us different things, especially when comparing countries. In 2020, US customers
spent an average of $3,756 on an engagement ring. Bear in mind this is an average so many customers spend more while some spend less. In the UK for example, customers spent
an average of $2,472. Overall, the US spends the most in the world on engagement rings.
While an increasing price tag does usually come with an increase in quality, it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to purchase a high-quality engagement ring. For example, look at this stunning
14k White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring by Ritani, featuring a twisted pave shank, and a sparkling halo that encircles the central diamond. It also comes in at a lower setting price than the UK average.
Ritani 1RZ1318 Diamond Engagement Ring
When it comes to average engagement ring cost, these numbers don’t actually provide you with much information that helps you search. Finding good quality jewelry is a far more complex endeavor that shouldn’t be reduced to a focus on price. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get something perfect, but you also shouldn’t look for the cheapest item.
Similarly, average spend will always be skewed by the more expensive outliers, such as a $20,000 engagement ring. If you want your average engagement ring cost research to influence your final decision, always consider the context of the averages you find.
Setting a budget isn’t about the spending trends inspired by the acts of others. Rather, budgets should be determined by:
- The amount you’re comfortable paying.
- The quality you’re looking for.
- The type of setting and diamond/gemstone you’ve chosen.
- The quality and trustworthiness of the retailer.
Do Engagement Rings Include A Central Diamond?
The price of the central diamond will greatly affect the overall price of your engagement ring. More often than not, the diamond will actually cost more than the setting you’ve chosen. The price of a diamond depends on a multitude of factors, such as:
You can read more about diamond prices on our blog post
here. The savvy diamond buyer will be able to find great value for money in their purchase if they know what they’re looking for.
For example, the diamond in an engagement ring should be eye-clean, meaning it has no inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye. This means it’s worthwhile opting for a
VS1-clarity or above diamond, as lower clarity may indicate the presence of inclusions that affect the overall beauty and light performance of the diamond.
This
0.806 ct F VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond would be the perfect choice for a stunning engagement ring. It’s a great size diamond, which suits more modern tastes when worn on the finger, and it has high-quality characteristics, such as F color and VS1 clarity grading.
It’s also part of our
A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut diamond range, meaning it’s been designated as one of the finest diamonds on the market today. The A CUT ABOVE® range is world-renowned for its optimized light performance, with many diamonds being worn on the fingers of many happy customers throughout the globe.
We advise to always take into account the price of the diamond when searching for the perfect engagement ring. In fact, it might be worthwhile to source the diamond first, so that you can be more flexible with the type of setting you will purchase.
Three Engagement Ring Cost Examples
Higher Cost: 18k White Gold Tacori Blooming Beauties Diamond Engagement Ring
Tacori HT2520CU Blooming Beauties Diamond Engagement Ring
This ring features a single string of diamonds on the band, and a unique, cushion-shaped double bloom surrounding the center diamond, making this one of the more impressive rings you will see on the market.
With the culet of the diamond just kissing the sweetheart carriage, and with exquisite crescent details on the profile, this diamond engagement ring makes a most impressive statement, beautiful from every angle.
Medium Cost: 18k White Gold Verragio Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring
Verragio ENG-0409R Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring
Part of the Verragio Couture Collection, this ring features an elegantly designed under gallery, providing room for a small “surprise” diamond that sits directly under the central stone.
Low Cost: 14k White Gold Valoria Flora Twist Solitaire Engagement Ring
Valoria Flora Twist Solitaire Engagement Ring
The intertwined band design leads up to a four-prong setting that securely houses the central diamond, giving the stone all the attention it deserves.
All three of these rings show that you can find high-quality, beautiful engagement rings across a wide range of prices.
What Costs More: Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
As we’ve said, it’s not just the setting you’re considering the price of, but the diamond too. But there are also the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds to consider.
Lab-grown or ‘synthetic’ diamonds are fairly new on the market and are less expensive than natural, Earth-mined diamonds due to being mass-produced in laboratories.
However, there will always be downsides. Lab-grown diamonds are not seen as unique by many buyers and sellers due to being man-made. As with other synthetic gems, they have no intrinsic value and are really a separate product from natural diamonds.
The prices of synthetic diamonds can be expected to get cheaper and cheaper over time, with no secondary market to sell or trade. While synthetics may be suitable for some types of fashion jewelry, the vast majority of engagement ring shoppers are only interested in natural mined diamonds.
Two or Three Months Salary? Debunking the Salary-Price Myth
How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring
Decide on a number that matches your finances and your relationship, not a cultural rule. Ask yourself what you can buy without dipping into emergency savings or taking on high-interest debt.
Look at typical averages to orient yourself, then set a personal range above and below that target so you can shop with confidence. Do you want a statement piece or a ring that feels right while you keep other goals on track?
ENGAGEMENT RING SEARCH
Item Code: 31883-100
18k White Gold Tacori 2620RDP Dantela Crown Diamond Engagement Ring (0.25ctw, For 1ct Center Diamond)
18k White Gold Tacori 2620RDP Dantela Crown Diamond Engagement Ring (0.25ctw, For 1ct Center Diamond)
Price:
$4,390.00
*Center diamond not included in price
Item Code: 34489
14k White Gold Two Tone Verragio Tradition TR150R4-2T Diamond 4 Prong Engagement Ring with Rose Gold Inlay
14k White Gold Two Tone Verragio Tradition TR150R4-2T Diamond 4 Prong Engagement Ring with Rose Gold Inlay
Price:
$3,420.00
*Center diamond not included in price
Item Code: 32813
18k White Gold Simon G. MR1394 Fabled Diamond Engagement Ring
18k White Gold Simon G. MR1394 Fabled Diamond Engagement Ring
Price:
$2,340.00
*Center diamond not included in price
Item Code: 1991
Platinum Vatche U-113 6-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
Platinum Vatche U-113 6-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
Price:
$1,800.00
*Center diamond not included in price
Map Your Money: An Honest Financial Check
List monthly take-home pay, fixed expenses, and existing debt. Subtract those from essentials to find your actual discretionary amount. Set a cash cap you can afford immediately, and a monthly cap if you plan to finance. Avoid credit card debt at high rates. If you will borrow, compare:
How much would you still have left for the wedding, a down payment, or a buffer fund after the purchase?
Plan Together: Align the Ring with Shared Goals
Talk about joint priorities. Will you pay full wedding costs, save for a house, or start a family soon? The ring budget should not prevent those plans. Ask your partner whether they want:
- Diamond accents on a men’s band
- A matching wedding set
- A specific metal
Trying wedding bands on with engagement ring options helps avoid surprises later and ensures the pair sits well together.
Get More Brilliance for Less: Prioritize Cut, Not Just Carat
Cut quality controls sparkle. A better cut often looks larger and brighter than a heavier, poorly cut stone. If you want visual impact for less money, choose an excellent cut, then trade down slightly on color or clarity where imperfections are invisible to the naked eye. Consider shape too:
Fit the Band: How Wedding Bands Influence Choice and Budget
Try engagement rings with wedding band styles you like. Diamond shapes with pointed tips, such as pear or marquise, can clash with diamond forward bands like eternity rings. If you plan an eternity band, select center stones and settings that sit flush to avoid scratching.
For men’s bands, select metal, width, and whether to add diamonds. Each choice changes the overall cost and how you split your budget between rings.
Use Tools and Experts: Diamond Price Calculator and GIA Trained Advice
To support this process, we’ve created a
diamond price calculator that gives you a real-time estimate based on our internal diamond listings and prices. The tool shows the average cost of diamonds matching your selected parameters. Keep in mind that pricing will vary depending on specific factors such as:
- Cut quality
- Certification
- Unique stone characteristics
Diamond Pricing and Value
Precision diamonds—like our
A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cuts—may carry a premium because of their extraordinary performance. For the most accurate pricing, we recommend browsing our online catalogue, which features fully evaluated in-house diamonds available for immediate delivery.
If you’d like tailored guidance, our GIA-educated diamond consultants are available to help. They are long-time Whiteflash employees, not commission-based salespeople, and their only goal is to help you find the diamond that’s right for you.
Smart Buying Tactics: Certification, Comparisons, and Timing
Always insist on independent grading reports from reputable labs and ask about the return policy and warranty. Compare the price per carat for similar certified stones and examine how the cut grade affects the spread and price.
Examine the inventory for immediate delivery versus special orders, and consider any premium for super ideal cuts, which may cost more for exceptional light performance. Will you purchase insurance right away to protect the value?
Related Reading
- How Should an Engagement Ring Fit
- Halo vs No Halo Engagement Ring
- Can You Negotiate Engagement Ring Prices
- How to Choose an Engagement Ring
Value Beyond the Price Tag When Shopping for an Engagement Ring
Get a certified diamond report from a respected lab such as GIA. A GIA report names the diamond, lists
carat weight, color, clarity, and, crucially, cut grade which helps you filter out duds. Certification lets you compare price per carat and quality across sellers without guesswork.
High-resolution images or videos and complete grading transparency make the price tag meaningful. Ask for the certificate number and verify it online. Which matters more to you right now, carat size or how much sparkle you actually see in hand?
Long Term Value: Warranties, Upgrades, and Aftercare That Protect Your Purchase
Think beyond the purchase price to ongoing costs and protections. Warranties cover manufacturing defects. Insurance and appraisals protect against loss and theft. Trade up or upgrade programs let you apply credit toward a larger or different stone later.
Regular cleaning and maintenance extend the ring’s life and keep the setting secure.
These services affect the overall cost of ownership and the ring’s resale or upgrade value, so factor them into your engagement ring budget. Have you asked a seller about their repair turnaround time and replacement policies?
Trust Matters: How a Good Jeweler Adds Confidence to Your Buy
A trusted jeweler provides transparent pricing, and fair market value for the piece you choose. They explain how price is tied to carat, cut, color, and clarity, and they show how choosing a better cut can reduce cost while increasing visual impact. Look for:
- Transparent markups
- Documented sourcing
- Staff who explain the trade-offs between average cost and perceived value
Buying from a reputable retailer reduces regret and hidden costs later. What questions will you use to test a jeweler's transparency?
Personal Priorities: Size, Style, Cut, and the Budget That Suits You
Decide which factors matter most to you. Some buyers focus on carat weight and want a larger stone for the price. Others prefer an ideal cut that maximizes brilliance, or a designer ring for the craftsmanship. Consider practical items like:
- Finger size
- Active lifestyle
- Setting durability
Use a ring budget calculator to set a price range that matches your wedding budget and financing choices. Discuss priorities together and establish guardrails, including:
- How much to spend
- Trade-offs you're willing to accept
- Guarantees you require
What compromise are you willing to make to fit the ring within both your budget and personal meaning?
Related Reading
- Should I Buy an Engagement Ring Online
- How Long Does It Take to Get an Engagement Ring Once Ordered
- Are Custom Engagement Rings More Expensive
- Best Time to Buy Engagement Rings
IN STOCK DIAMONDS
1.088 F VS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$7,950
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| L/W Ratio |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
1.03 H VS2 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$4,950
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| L/W Ratio |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
1.06 F VS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$7,568
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| L/W Ratio |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
1.04 H VS2 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$4,995
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| L/W Ratio |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
Find your Dream Engagement Ring and Loose Diamonds at Whiteflash Today!
- Shop designer settings from Tacori and Verragio.
- Choose from our in-house diamonds.
- Build a custom piece using our selection of center stones and settings.
The company pairs upscale inventory with practical buying paths, whether you prefer online shopping or visiting the Houston showroom.
Tools that Help You Compare Price and Quality
Use Whiteflash search tools and high-resolution imaging to compare diamond cut, color, clarity, and carat side by side. Each listing links to detailed grading reports so you can verify certification from labs like
GIA or
AGS. The site shows light performance and proportions for certain ideal cut diamonds, which makes it easier to understand how cut affects sparkle and price per carat. Whiteflash shows light performance and proportions for all in-house diamonds, making it easier to understand how cut affects sparkle and price per carat.
GIA-educated staff are available to answer questions by phone or chat, making the technical parts of diamond selection easier to follow.
How Whiteflash Fits with Your Engagement Ring Budget
Choosing how much to spend often comes down to priorities. The center stone typically carries the largest share of the price, while the setting and designer name add the rest.
Whiteflash’s loose diamond inventory lets you shop by price per carat, clarity grade, and color range so you can see tradeoffs in real time.
Factors Affecting Ring Cost
Lab-grown diamonds often reduce costs for the same visual size, while designer settings from well-known houses can increase the finished ring cost. If you need a price guide, compare the center stone cost plus the setting cost, include appraisal and insurance, and plan for financing or payment options if required.
What You Get with A CUT ABOVE and Expert Guidance
A CUT ABOVE diamonds emphasize ideal proportions and light performance to maximize brilliance and return on investment. Whiteflash shows hearts and arrows imaging and performance data so you can assess optical quality beyond the four Cs.
The GIA-educated team helps translate certificate details into real value and can recommend where to allocate budget for the best visual impact for your dollar.
Making the Purchase Practical and Secure
Whiteflash provides independent grading reports, detailed invoices for appraisal and insurance, and clear return and upgrade policies.
You can inspect diamonds in person at the
Houston jewelry store, request additional photos or videos, and confirm certification documents before purchase. Ask about appraisal value, insurance replacement cost, and any available financing to match the ring to your financial plan.
Related Reading
- Best Metal for Engagement Ring
- What to Look for in an Engagement Ring
- Diamond Cuts
- Engagement vs Wedding Ring
- Questions to Ask Jeweler When Buying Engagement Ring
“Diamond engagement rings should cost you the equivalent of two months of your yearly salary.”
We’ve all heard some variation of that rule, but where does it come from and is there any truth in it? The two-month salary rule began with advertising campaigns started by De Beers in the 1930s, who were trying to rekindle the link between diamonds and engagement proposals after a coming out of the Great Depression.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and De Beers were sticking to their two-month salary rule, releasing adverts like the one below, which states “2 months’ salary showed the future Mrs. Smith what the future will be like.”
However, the choice of the two-month rule was seemingly plucked out of thin air. It’s an easy rule to remember, and seems to be logical in the eyes of many, representing a number that seems affordable for such an important item. However, it’s a rule worth forgetting.
Gross income isn’t a good focus for purchasing considerations, because an engagement ring is, truly, priceless. As they say, you can’t put a price on love. At the same time, you will have a more pleasant shopping experience if you stay within a budget that is realistic for you.
Average Engagement Ring Cost: Our Recommendations
After many years of working within the diamond jewelry market, we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes an engagement ring worth buying, but more importantly, how to buy them successfully.
A successful purchase means you’ve found a beautiful diamond and ring, a match that is high-quality and within your budget.
- Remember that the price of an engagement ring setting and the price of a diamond should be considered separately.
- Always consider the Four C's when it comes to evaluating the diamond you’re choosing.
- Focus on CUT. The GIA says that the quality of the cut has the biggest impact on diamond beauty of all the 4C’s.
- Find a trusted, experienced diamond retailer with whom you’re sure to get the best deal and experience.
- Budget is personal. Don’t use rules to influence your spending, but rather decide what you can realistically afford.
- Consider engagement ring financing as a potential payment option.
- Do your research—here’s a helpful infographic on how to choose the perfect engagement ring to get you started.
- Make sure you choose the right diamond for your ring. Start by reading up on diamond grading and diamond analytics.
How to Find the Perfect Engagement Ring
Choosing the right engagement ring takes time, determination, and effort. With thousands of potential choices out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. As a diamond and jewelry retailer with many years of experience in this field, we’d recommend you start with the basics: the research.