For most women, it's THE ring of their lives: the engagement ring. They come in a wide range of styles, from simple and minimalist to opulent and sparkling – and above all, in every price range. Affordable engagement rings often start at around €300, and there's no upper limit.
But what do quality, craftsmanship, and a design that tells your story cost? We'll guide you and show you what really matters.
This is how much couples spend on average for the engagement ring.
In Germany, most couples spend an average of between €500 and €1,000 on the engagement ring.
However, we are currently observing a trend that couples are increasingly They place value on unique designs and personal meanings, which is also reflected in their willingness to invest more in custom-made rings.
Larger, particularly unusual or individual designs often start at around €2,000 and can reach up to approximately €5,000 and more.
A rule of thumb from the USA - applicable to Germany?
The well-known rule of thumb of three months' salary still applies in the USA, meaning that engagement rings can easily cost an average of $6,000 or more. However, the USA differs from Germany not only in budget but also in engagement ring style. While in America, rings under one carat are rarely sold, and the engagement ring is considered more of a status symbol (the bigger, the better!), in Germany, engagement rings are seen more as a special, personal piece of jewelry for the wearer herself.
We don't really have a fixed rule, but your monthly salary can certainly serve as a guideline! Many couples choose to spend half or a full month's salary on the engagement ring. Ultimately, though, you should feel comfortable with your planned budget and not put yourself in financial difficulty. Set a firm limit and stick to it.
What factors influence the price of an engagement ring?
When searching for the perfect ring, you have a virtually endless variety of options: different alloys, natural or lab-grown diamonds, gemstones, classic designs or unusual statement pieces. Ready-made ring designs and individual custom-made pieces, from large jewelers or small labels.
The price of an engagement ring can vary from vendor to vendor – even with seemingly identical stone sizes. Some aspects that can influence the price of an engagement ring include:
- Alloy : Popular alloys for engagement rings are 585 gold (14k) or 750 gold (18k). The higher the pure gold content of the alloy, the more expensive it is. Many couples therefore prefer 14-karat gold, as it is somewhat more affordable. Furthermore, the alloy has a beautiful, soft gold hue and is very durable and long-lasting.
- Type of gemstone: whether you choose natural diamonds or lab-grown diamonds for your engagement ring can make a significant price difference. Natural diamonds are generally more expensive for the same carat weight, while lab-grown diamonds can be a cost-effective (and often more sustainable) alternative. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds and indistinguishable to the naked eye, even for experts. Both are "real" diamonds.
- Diamond size & quality: it's no surprise – the size of your diamond significantly influences the price of your ring. Besides size, make sure you buy your ring from a reputable dealer with expertise. The quality of natural diamonds, such as lab-grown diamonds, can make a huge difference!
- Diamond cut: unlike classic brilliant-cut (round) diamonds, so-called fancy cut cuts, e.g. emerald, oval, marquise or pear, are usually more expensive because they are special shapes that are rarer or require more time to process. They often appear more individual and have special optical properties, e.g. an elongated cut that visually stretches the finger.
- Manufacturing : where and how your ring is made, This has a major impact on the price – and on the quality. Is the ring mass-produced abroad or handcrafted in a workshop with care and time? Rings handcrafted in Germany or Europe often cost more, but offer precise workmanship, individual customization, and fair production conditions. Factors such as the time a goldsmith invests in your ring, or a custom-made setting specifically for your stone, also affect the price – and the quality.
-
Supply chain & origin of materials: Not all diamonds are created equal – and the same applies to gold, gemstones, or other components of your ring. A ring made of fair trade gold or with fair trade gemstones generally has a more elaborate and transparent supply chain than mass-produced goods of unknown origin. If you value sustainable, ethically sourced materials – such as conflict-free diamonds or CO₂-neutral gold from certified sources – this will be reflected in the price. You're not just investing in a piece of jewelry, but in values like transparency, environmental protection, and fair working conditions.
Why it's worth investing in a high-quality engagement ring
Be honest: How much did your last smartphone cost, and how long do you expect to use it? Sure, a smartphone isn't an engagement ring. But a ring, at best, accompanies you for a lifetime – and deserves to be chosen with just as much care.
- High-quality materials: Real gold, fair trade gemstones and sparkling diamonds stand for durability and quality.
- A lifelong companion: A ring that you wear every day should not only look good, but also be durable and comfortable to wear.
- A treasured heirloom : Timeless quality and design can last for generations and be a touching keepsake for your children or grandchildren.
- Comprehensive service: High-quality rings often come with individual advice, customization options and comprehensive service, even after purchase.
- Sustainable investment: Conscious choices for sustainably produced rings made from recycled gold, lab-grown diamonds and fair-trade gemstones make the difference and are not only good for you, but also good for the environment.