How Much Should you Spend on your Engagement Ring
What is the answer to the eternal question?
“How much should you spend on an engagement ring?” - At Fields, we feel there is no correct answer when it comes to this common question. In our experience, there is not a one size fits all approach when it comes to finding the perfect ring. We’re all familiar with the old wife’s tales of a ring needing to cost the equivalent of 1-month, 3 months or even 6 months’ salary. It’s hard not to be influenced by the opinions of others when it comes to purchasing an engagement ring, but that’s where we can help.
Getting engaged is all about the commitment you want to make to your partner and a ring should be a suitable symbol of this. Our in-store diamond experts love connecting with people and their love stories so they can tailor the ideal ring to each customer. However, there are some things to consider when buying a ring that may impact the cost:
Style
The style of ring you choose will impact on the overall cost. There are no “rules” on what to pick and what not to pick with regards to your engagement ring – however if you are taking that leap and choosing the ring for your partner as a surprise, choosing a more traditional style may be the safest option…A Solitaire. This is the most popular and traditional choice of engagement ring. A solitaire is set with just one main diamond and the 2 types we recommend in this style are the 4 claw and the 6 claw (claws are what we call the precious metal that holds the diamond secure).
This style of setting is simplistic and minimalistic allowing the diamond to be the main focal point of the design. We have 4 claw designs starting in our collections ranging from just €415 up to €2799. In our Tulip Setting range these can cost between €1375 and €11850.
Another classic choice that people like to opt for is the Disney inspired childhood memory of a big sparkler usually in a 6-Claw Setting. We stock this timeless design available with a few of our collections – we have 6 claw settings within our Northern Star, GIA and Kathy De Stafford ranges. Prices start around €2000 and increase dependent on the size and quality of the diamond. There are also illusion setting, halo, bezel setting and rub over to name a few more styles which our store experts or virtual online consultants can help you with.
Shape
The most popular shape choice is round brilliant. This diamond is circular in shape and if you invest in a diamond which has been cut to the correct proportions – it is the fieriest – most magnificent sparkle out of all the diamond cuts. To ensure you are buying a diamond which is cut to the ideal proportions – we would always recommend one from our certified range. Our exclusive Tulip Setting Range have diamonds which are graded at a minimum of a “very good” cut grade so fire and brilliance are guaranteed.
Cut grade is something we recommend considering as it has a real impact on the visual beauty of your stone. You may be able to find diamonds elsewhere which cost less – but these will be of a cut. Princess cut is another popular choice – these can also be known as a square modified brilliant. The cut is square in appearance. The princess cut can be a good option to choose as it can look bigger than its round brilliant counterpart.
Also, there can be less wastage when cutting a princess cut so this saving should make its way back to you as a customer – therefore a diamond which is the same carat, colour, carat and cut grade should work out slightly cheaper than a round brilliant.
