For years, one rule has dominated the conversation around engagement rings:

“Spend two to three months of your salary.”

But where did this rule come from,  and does it still make sense today?

The truth is, buying an engagement ring is far more personal than any formula. Today, the focus is shifting from rigid rules to thoughtful choices that reflect individual priorities, lifestyle, and meaning.

So how much should you spend?

The Myth of the “Salary Rule”

The idea of spending a fixed percentage of your income on a ring was never a universal standard, it was a marketing narrative.

While it may have worked in a different time, today’s buyers are more informed and intentional. They are looking for:

• value, not pressure
• meaning, not comparison
• design, not just size

An engagement ring is not about meeting a benchmark, it’s about making a decision that feels right for you.

What Actually Determines Your Budget?

Instead of following a rule, it helps to think in terms of priorities.

1. Your Financial Comfort

Start with a number that feels comfortable, not stressful.

A ring should be a meaningful purchase, not a financial burden. Consider:

• your current commitments
• future plans
• overall financial stability

The goal is to celebrate a milestone, not compromise your peace of mind.

2. What Matters Most to You

Every ring is a balance of elements:

• center stone size
• quality (cut, color, clarity)
• design and craftsmanship
• metal and setting

Your budget should reflect what you value most.

For example:

• some prioritize a larger stone
• others focus on design and uniqueness
• some prefer higher quality over size

There is no single “right” combination.

3. Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds

Your choice of stone can significantly impact your budget.

Lab-grown diamonds allow for:

• larger sizes within the same budget
• higher clarity and color grades
• more design flexibility

Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are often chosen for their rarity and traditional appeal.

Understanding this difference helps you allocate your budget more effectively.

4. Design Over Size

One of the biggest shifts in modern jewelry is the move from size to design.

A thoughtfully designed ring can:

• appear more refined
• feel more personal
• stand out more than a larger, generic piece

Design has the power to elevate even a modest budget.

A Practical Way to Think About It

Instead of asking, “How much should I spend?”, try asking:

• What kind of ring do I want to create?
• What elements matter most to me?
• What budget allows me to enjoy this process?

This shift in thinking leads to better decisions, and more meaningful outcomes.

A Designer’s Perspective

In my experience, the most memorable engagement rings are not defined by how much was spent on them.

They are defined by how thoughtfully they were designed.

When clients approach the process with clarity, about their preferences, priorities, and story, the result is always more powerful than any price tag.

Final Thoughts

So, how much should you spend on an engagement ring?

There is no fixed answer.

The right budget is one that aligns with your financial comfort, your design priorities, and the meaning you want the ring to carry.

Because in the end, the value of an engagement ring is not measured in numbers, but in what it represents.

About the Author

Shabnam Bhojwani is a bespoke jewelry designer and founder of Adrisya. She holds a Master’s degree in Jewelry Design and is a Graduate Jeweller from GIA. She specializes in custom jewelry design, creating meaningful pieces that combine craftsmanship with modern design and individual expression.