How Much Do Wedding Rings Cost? The 2025 Average Revealed
The wedding rings you and your partner wear are a symbol of your love and commitment to one another. Not only do they have to be personal to you and your partner, but they also need to complement each other and any engagement rings either of you might wear.
The money you might spend on your wedding rings will depend entirely on your taste, the level of customisation you’re after and — ultimately — your budget.
In this post, we’re going to explore everything related to the cost of wedding rings, including the average cost, how much you should spend on wedding rings and why some cost more than others.
What’s the average cost of wedding rings?
In South Africa, the average cost of wedding rings depends on factors like design, metal, and whether the rings are custom-made or off-the-shelf. Most couples budget between R8,000 and R30,000 for wedding bands alone, not including engagement rings or additional jewellery.
According to our South African wedding budget guide, couples typically spend around R28,000 to R150,000 on wedding jewellery in total. That said, there are options for every budget. Some couples invest more in bespoke designs or branded pieces, while others find timeless, elegant rings at a more affordable price.
When it comes to materials, platinum and white gold are among the more expensive choices. For those looking to save, metals like titanium, tungsten, or sterling silver offer stylish, durable alternatives without the high price tag. The right ring comes down to your personal style, priorities, and what you want to wear for a lifetime.
How much should you spend on a wedding ring?
While there may be a tradition that states you should spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring (which, by the way, you don’t need to stick to), there aren’t any similar traditions when it comes to your wedding rings.
How much you should spend on your wedding rings is a completely personal choice. If you have a smaller budget, and only want to spend a couple thousand rands, then that’s totally fine — what the rings represent is far more important, anyway. Similarly, if you have a larger budget to play with, then spending a lot more is totally okay too — what you spend doesn’t affect the amount of love you have for your spouse-to-be. You should never feel pressured to spend a certain amount of money on your wedding rings.
That being said, there is one exception to this ‘rule’. It’s advised that the metal used in your wedding rings is the same as the metal used in the engagement ring. This is because some metals are more durable than others, and harder metals can damage softer metals. They can also discolour at different rates, leading to them looking mismatched.
This means if your engagement ring is made out of 18-carat yellow gold, your wedding rings should be made from metal with similar durability — ideally 18-carat yellow gold. So, if your engagement ring is made from an expensive metal, your wedding rings should be — if budget allows — as well.
Why do wedding rings cost so much?
Your wedding ring is one of those rare pieces of jewellery you’ll wear every day, all day, for many years to come. Through work, travel, and life’s daily adventures, it’ll be right there with you. Because of this, many couples choose rings made from durable — and often more expensive — metals.
While you can find silver wedding bands in South Africa for under R1,000, it’s worth noting that silver is a relatively soft metal. That means it’s more prone to scratches, dents, and even slight warping over time — especially with everyday wear. In contrast, stronger metals like platinum or palladium may cost three to four times as much, but they’re highly resistant to wear and far less likely to suffer damage over the years.
How does the metal type affect the cost of a wedding ring?
The type of metal you pick for your wedding bands will dramatically alter the price you’ll pay. Choosing the right wedding ring takes thought and consideration. The price of precious metals fluctuates, but below is a rough idea of what you might pay for a few popular choices.
Gold
For those opting for gold wedding bands, a simple 9ct white or yellow gold ring generally ranges from around R4,000 for a 0.5 cm band to R8,000 or more for a 0.7 cm band. The price varies depending on the weight, carat (9ct vs 18ct), and finish. Both 9ct and 18ct are popular for their durability and classic appeal.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the most durable metals available, making it a top choice for those with active lifestyles. That durability comes with a higher price tag. A thin 0.2 cm platinum band may start around R10,000, while thicker 0.5 cm styles can cost upwards of R25,000, depending on the jeweller and design.
Titanium
Titanium has grown in popularity in South Africa as a modern, stylish option. It’s lightweight, strong, and scratch-resistant. Titanium wedding bands are also very affordable, with prices starting from around R1,500 — making them a great choice for couples on a tighter budget.
Silver
Silver remains one of the most budget-friendly precious metals. It’s softer and more prone to scratches, so it may not last as long as harder materials with daily wear. A basic silver wedding band in South Africa typically starts around R1,000. It’s a good option for couples who want something simple, elegant, and affordable.
What is the most expensive type of metal for a wedding ring?
Ruby, from Lebrusan Studio in the UK, shares her expert insights and explains about the cost of different types of metal in more detail:
“The greater the pure gold content in a gold alloy, the higher the caratage. In other words, whilst 18ct gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metal, 9ct gold consists of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals. The higher the carat weight, the greater the price, with 18ct gold generally tending to cost around twice as much as 9ct gold.
In spite of a historic dip in recent years, platinum just about remains a more expensive option than gold. This can be attributed to its relative rarity and its density, as precious metals are often priced by weight. Although white gold, which is almost identical to platinum in appearance, is cheaper, platinum comparatively requires very little maintenance over the years, so is arguably a reliable investment.”
What other factors can affect the cost of a wedding ring?
Just like when it comes to choosing any other piece of jewellery, there are many factors that will affect exactly how much your wedding rings cost.
- Design — Many couples choose a simple band, but this isn’t a requirement for your wedding rings. The more intricate the design, the more it’s likely to cost.
- Size — The thicker the band, the more metal it requires and therefore the pricier it will be.
- Brand/retailer — Rings from high-end brands and retailers, such as Tiffany&Co., will cost more than most online or physical shops.
- Season — During periods of high demand, such as the spring and early summer, costs can fluctuate.
- Customisation — Many couples choose to personalise their wedding bands with a meaningful engraving, or the fingerprint of their beloved on the inside. Due to the time and expertise required, this will increase the cost.
- Stones — More and more couples are choosing diamond-set wedding bands to add a touch of sparkle to a classic design. These rings are priced similarly to engagement rings, depending on the metal, and the cut, carat, and clarity of the diamonds used. As a rough guide, an 18ct white gold band with 0.15ct of diamonds set across half the band typically costs around R15,000. Prices can rise quickly depending on the total diamond weight and the quality of the stones, especially if you’re looking for a custom or designer piece. It’s a popular choice for brides, but grooms are increasingly opting for subtle diamond accents too.
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