How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

A common starting point is the three months salary custom. Traditionally the groom-to-be spends three months of salary on buying the engagement ring. However, that is not the standing rule. Your main concern is the quality and value of the engagement ring with regard to your estimated budget.

• 10
• 7

I've heard f the whole three month salary custom, but when I bought my fiancé an engagement ring I didn't put much stock into it. There are no definite rules which dictate how much you have to spend. Before buying an engagement ring I recommend establishing a budget, know your price limitations and your financial standing. Once you've established a budget, educate yourself on the different engagement ring characteristics, attributes, values and prices. Then decide on an engagement ring you would like to get, on the quality of the diamond (what color, cut, carat weight and clarity you want), on the metal of the band and on the engagement  ring's overall design. I would suggest you go into an actual brick and mortar jewelry stores and check out their selection of engagement rings so as to reach an informed decision. Once you've decided on the type of engagement ring you want, go online and browse the different jewelry store. Check out their competitive prices, compare sales and deals and make your purchase.
If you are really low on budget then perhaps you should get your intended a plain banded engagement ring (an engagement ring which isn't set with diamonds or gemstones), an engageemnt ring with a very modest sized diamond or maybe you can get creative and make your own engagement  ring (by whittling or sculpting the band yourself using inexpensive materials such as wood or clay).

• 10
• 14

A one month salary could also earn you a beautiful engagement ring, as long as you're not aiming for a huge diamond.

• 17
• 20