There is no right amount to spend on an engagement ring, only the right amount for you. The old "two or three months' salary" rule began as an advertising slogan, not a tradition. A better approach is to decide what you can comfortably spend, then put that money where it shows.
Set a budget you are comfortable with
Start with your savings and your plans: a wedding, a home, a life together. A ring should be a joy to give and to wear, never a weight. Choose a range, not a single number, so you have room to find the right piece.
Understand what you are paying for
An engagement ring has two parts, and at DANHOV they are priced separately:
- The setting: the metal, the craftsmanship and any small side diamonds. Its price depends on the design, the metal you choose and whether its side stones are natural or lab-grown.
- The centre diamond: usually the largest part of the budget, and the part where choices make the biggest difference.
Where your money makes the most difference
- Cut first. A well-cut diamond looks brighter and often larger than a bigger, poorly cut one. It is the last place to save.
- Buy just under the round numbers. Prices jump at whole and half carats. A 0.9 carat diamond looks almost the same as a 1.0 carat but often costs noticeably less.
- Colour and clarity you cannot see. Near-colourless grades (G to H) and eye-clean clarity (VS2 to SI1 in many brilliant cuts) look superb at a lower price, especially in yellow or rose gold. See the 4Cs explained.
- Consider the shape. Ovals, pears and marquise diamonds look larger for their weight than rounds, and round brilliants cost more per carat.
- Consider lab-grown. A lab-grown diamond costs considerably less than a natural one of the same size and quality. Read lab-grown vs natural diamonds.
- Choose the metal wisely. 14k gold costs less than 18k gold and platinum and is very durable. See platinum vs gold.
A ring for a lifetime
A well-made ring is worn every day for decades, so craftsmanship matters as much as size. Every DANHOV ring is handcrafted to order in Los Angeles and carries a lifetime manufacturer's warranty, with complimentary professional cleaning.
Start with what you love
Browse engagement rings by style, from solitaire to halo, and every setting shows its price in each metal. Then search certified diamonds by budget and pair them in Build Your Ring. If you would like help, book a private consultation; there is nothing to pay to book.