The Myth of the “Three Months’ Salary Rule”
For decades, couples were told that the “proper” way to buy an engagement ring was to spend three months’ salary. This idea didn’t come from tradition or culture — it was born out of a clever mid-20th century marketing campaign. While memorable, it doesn’t reflect modern reality.
Today’s couples are smarter and more personal about budgeting. Some spend modestly and prioritize travel or a home, while others view the ring as both a symbol and a lifetime investment. There is no universal number — what matters most is that the budget feels right for your relationship and lifestyle.
What Luxury Buyers Really Spend
In the U.S., the national average engagement ring spend is typically reported around $5,000–$6,000, but that figure doesn’t capture luxury buyers. Among clients in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, trends lean toward:
- Center diamonds in the 2.00–2.50 carat range as a starting point.
- Total carat weights that often exceed 3.00 carats, depending on setting and design.
- Budgets that often range from $10,000–$80,000, though some clients go well beyond this depending on rarity and carat weight.
These figures show that spending varies widely, and what matters most is choosing a ring that feels meaningful — not meeting a statistic.
Factors That Influence Cost
When setting a budget, consider the elements that most affect price:
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Diamond quality: Cut, color, clarity, and carat. Of these, cut has the greatest influence on brilliance.
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Metal choice: 14k gold is durable and cost-effective, 18k gold has a richer hue, and platinum is the premium choice for durability and hypoallergenic properties.
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Design complexity: Solitaires are classic and elegant, while halos, pavé bands, or intricate custom designs add cost.
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Natural vs. lab-grown: A 1.5 ct lab-grown diamond may cost $2,000–$3,000, while the same size natural diamond often falls in the $9,000–$12,000 range, or more depending on quality.
How to Decide on Your Budget
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Prioritize what matters most. Do you want maximum size, the best quality, or a specific style?
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Set a comfortable range. Think of it as a range, not a hard cap, to keep options open.
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Plan for long-term comfort. Your ring should symbolize joy, not financial strain.
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Don’t forget extras. Wedding bands, insurance, and resizing can add 10–15% to your total.
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Explore upgrade paths. Many jewelers, including Madano, offer trade-in and upgrade programs — for example, starting with a 1.5 ct diamond and later upgrading to 2.5+ ct.
Why Spending More Doesn’t Always Mean Better
It’s natural to assume that more money equals a better ring, but that isn’t always the case. A finely cut 1.5 ct diamond with excellent proportions can outshine a poorly cut 2.0 ct stone. Likewise, an elegant platinum solitaire may look more timeless and luxurious than a larger ring with a weaker setting. Quality and craftsmanship carry as much weight as carat size and price.
Quick Style Trends to Know
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Round diamonds remain the most popular (~28%).
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Oval diamonds are close behind (~25%) and continue to grow in demand, thanks to their elongating look and larger face-up size per carat.
Madano’s Take
An engagement ring isn’t a financial test — it’s a personal statement. At Madano, we help clients at every level find the right balance of size, quality, and style. Our role is to guide you through trade-offs, reveal opportunities to maximize sparkle per budget, and ensure your ring feels like it was created just for your story.
The receipt may fade with time, but the sparkle on your partner’s hand — and the meaning behind it — is what lasts forever.
Whether it’s lab-grown or natural, a diamond is not a financial investment — it’s an investment in love, in your future, and in your family. It’s a promise to be there, to protect her, to grow together, and to build something that lasts. You’re not investing in a stone; you’re investing in forever. And the right diamond, no matter how it was formed, will shine just as brightly as your commitment.
✨ Ready to begin your story? Book a consultation and let’s create your forever ring together.
How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?
The Myth of the “Three Months’ Salary Rule”
For decades, couples were told that the “proper” way to buy an engagement ring was to spend three months’ salary. This idea didn’t come from tradition or culture — it was born out of a clever mid-20th century marketing campaign. While memorable, it doesn’t reflect modern reality.
Today’s couples are smarter and more personal about budgeting. Some spend modestly and prioritize travel or a home, while others view the ring as both a symbol and a lifetime investment. There is no universal number — what matters most is that the budget feels right for your relationship and lifestyle.
What Luxury Buyers Really Spend
In the U.S., the national average engagement ring spend is typically reported around $5,000–$6,000, but that figure doesn’t capture luxury buyers. Among clients in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, trends lean toward:
These figures show that spending varies widely, and what matters most is choosing a ring that feels meaningful — not meeting a statistic.
Factors That Influence Cost
When setting a budget, consider the elements that most affect price:
How to Decide on Your Budget
Why Spending More Doesn’t Always Mean Better
It’s natural to assume that more money equals a better ring, but that isn’t always the case. A finely cut 1.5 ct diamond with excellent proportions can outshine a poorly cut 2.0 ct stone. Likewise, an elegant platinum solitaire may look more timeless and luxurious than a larger ring with a weaker setting. Quality and craftsmanship carry as much weight as carat size and price.
Quick Style Trends to Know
Madano’s Take
An engagement ring isn’t a financial test — it’s a personal statement. At Madano, we help clients at every level find the right balance of size, quality, and style. Our role is to guide you through trade-offs, reveal opportunities to maximize sparkle per budget, and ensure your ring feels like it was created just for your story.
The receipt may fade with time, but the sparkle on your partner’s hand — and the meaning behind it — is what lasts forever.
Whether it’s lab-grown or natural, a diamond is not a financial investment — it’s an investment in love, in your future, and in your family. It’s a promise to be there, to protect her, to grow together, and to build something that lasts. You’re not investing in a stone; you’re investing in forever. And the right diamond, no matter how it was formed, will shine just as brightly as your commitment.
✨ Ready to begin your story? Book a consultation and let’s create your forever ring together.