How Much Does an Engagement Ring Cost? The Average Couples Spend in 2025
So, you’ve decided to propose — exciting times ahead! But before you get down on one knee, there’s one big question to tackle: how much should you spend on an engagement ring?
Should you stick to the old ‘three-month salary’ rule? Does that even make sense for your budget? And if not, can you still find a breathtaking ring within your price range? What metal should you go for? How big should the diamond be? Or do you even need a diamond at all?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying an engagement ring. We’ll break down the average cost South Africans are spending, why rings can be pricey, and how to find the perfect one — so the only thing left to figure out is when and where to propose!
What’s the average cost of an engagement ring?
In South Africa, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is around R60,000 — but that’s just a ballpark. Some couples go big with custom designs or high-end stones, while others find stunning rings at far more affordable prices. At the end of the day, it’s about finding the ring that feels right for you and your partner.
For more information about the average costs of weddings, read our Ultimate South African Wedding Budget Breakdown.
Depending on who you ask, there are a couple of different thoughts about how much you should traditionally spend on an engagement ring – and both revolve around how much you earn:
- One month’s salary
- Three month’s salary
If you’ve read that and started thinking about your income, monthly expenses, and savings, don’t stress. Traditional spending rules exist, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow them.
In South Africa, the average annual salary is around R280,000, which works out to a monthly income of roughly R23,300. If you were to follow the old-school ‘one-month salary’ rule, you’d be looking at spending about R23,000 on an engagement ring. Stretch that to three months, and you’re looking at nearly R70,000.
But here’s the thing — most South African couples don’t stick to these outdated rules. In reality, engagement rings typically cost between R20,000 and R120,000, with many beautiful options available well below the high end of that range.
This gap shows that strict adherence to the one- or three-month salary rule isn’t necessary. Many couples opt for rings that align with their budget and personal preferences, prioritising the meaning and design of the ring over its price tag.
Why are engagement rings so expensive?
Engagement rings express how you feel about the person you love, and asking them to marry you is a promise to commit yourself to them for the rest of your life. As such, a gesture like that requires a ring that’s beautiful and meaningful enough to reflect what it represents.
As well as the massive sentimental value, engagement rings are often expensive because of many other reasons:
- Precious metal: Engagement rings are often made using rare and valuable precious metals, such as gold, platinum and palladium. The prices for these often fluctuate based on market conditions, but are usually exceptionally high.
- Precious stones: One of the most striking features of an engagement ring is the precious stones set in the centre, with the most popular being a diamond. Depending on the cut, carat weight, clarity and colour of the diamond, the cost can start high but get astronomically high (we’re talking millions).
- Brand: Designer and luxury brands are popular choices for engagement rings, which can add to the cost.
- Customisation: Personalised additions, such as unique designs or engravings, can bump up the cost of an engagement ring.
Do you have to spend the traditional amount on an engagement ring?
No, you don’t have to spend the traditional amount on an engagement ring. The average amount spent may be R60,000, but that means many, many rings are bought for way less than this. Of course, it does also mean rings are bought for a lot more, too, like the $60 million pink star. Thankfully, not many people expect their partners to propose with a ring featuring a rock like that.
When the time comes to propose, you and your partner might have already had a few discussions about budgets, styles, preferences and expectations. Your partner will know what you can afford and wouldn’t want you to rack up credit card debt just so you can spend the traditional amount on an engagement ring.
Besides, it’s the thought, meaning and commitment behind an engagement ring that gives it its true value.
Do you have to buy a diamond engagement ring?
Just because diamonds are the most popular stone for a classic engagement ring, it doesn’t mean the ring you choose must have a diamond. There are many ring designs out there that make for wonderful engagement rings, but feature different precious stones, such as amethyst, turquoise, emerald, ruby or sapphire. If you do want to propose with a ring that features a diamond, you could choose a trilogy design, with a small central diamond with a less expensive stone on either side. That way, you can still give your partner a diamond ring, but with a unique design that doesn’t cost as much.
How much should you spend on an engagement ring?
The simple answer? Spend what feels right for you. The cost of an engagement ring doesn’t measure your love — if it did, you’d probably be looking at millions. That said, you might want to invest more than the bare minimum, as it’s one of the most meaningful purchases you’ll ever make. It’s all about finding the right balance between your budget and what feels special.
Before deciding how much you should spend, consider the following points:
- How much you can spare — If you’ve considered proposing for a while, you may have saved some money towards a ring. If it’s something you’ve recently thought about, you might not. What can you comfortably afford without going into debt?
- Your partner’s expectations — What does your partner want in a ring? Something small and subtle, or a big, emerald-cut diamond? That will have a big impact on what you need to budget for.
- Your long-term goals — How will buying the ring impact your savings, and in turn your aspirations? Will it mean you’ll have to save longer to get married or buy your dream house together?
What do the experts say you should spend on an engagement ring?
Wedding planning expert and founder of Bridebook, Hamish Shephard, shares his opinion on the price of an engagement ring:
“Buying an engagement ring is a huge deal. It’s the start of your journey towards marriage and acts as a symbol of your love for your future spouse.
Once upon a time, there was an expectation that you’d have to spend thousands on an engagement ring. But, for many considering popping the question today, this simply isn’t an option – especially as the cost of the average wedding pushes £20,000 in the UK. Beginning your engagement and your subsequent wedding planning journey in debt because you felt obliged to spend a certain amount on a ring isn’t going to give you the strongest financial starting block. Only spend what you feel comfortable spending, because the most important thing about an engagement ring isn’t the carats or the cut of the diamond – it’s the commitment you’re making to that other person.”
How to find the perfect engagement ring for your budget?
Ready to find the perfect engagement ring without blowing your budget? Here are a few tips to help you get started.
- Carefully consider your finances and set a strict budget. Don’t be tempted to go over this budget — the perfect ring will be out there for what you can comfortably afford.
- Be open to alternative stones, such as sapphires or emeralds, which are still gorgeous but not as expensive as diamonds.
- Remember that bigger isn’t always better. It might be tempting to go with a huge central diamond, but the clarity, carat and colour may not make a diamond the best choice when it comes to value. Smaller but higher-quality diamonds can have better fire and sparkle than one that’s larger.
- Think about your choice of precious metal. The stone is often the star of the show, so can you choose a ring with a more affordable precious metal to compensate? For example, gold is more affordable than platinum, but still a wonderful choice.
- Browse online jewellers. Because they have fewer overheads, you can often find bargains from online retailers. Just make sure you know their returns policy in case you don’t love it quite as much once you see it in person.
- Try to subtly find out your partner’s ring size before buying. Taking a ring to be resized later will add to the cost, so buying the right size from the start will prevent unnecessary expenses.
- Buy during sales. Jewellers frequently have sales and offer discounts, so wait for the sale season before making your purchase.
- Ask for a discount. There’s nothing wrong with haggling, even at high-street jewellers. With tactful bartering, you might be able to get around 10% off.
- Consider alternatives to engagement rings.
Good luck with your proposal!
Once you’ve popped the question and gotten that big YES, it’s time to start planning your dream wedding. At Bridebook, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Sign up today and start turning your vision into reality.
You Might Also Like…
Related articles
