An Engagement Ring Etiquette Guide for 2024
Your proposal will be one of the biggest–and happiest–moments of your life! And seeing as the ring is one of the biggest parts of the proposal, it’s natural to have questions about ring etiquette. How much should a ring cost? How big should it be? We’ll answer these questions and more in this guide to engagement ring etiquette in 2024.
- How much should you spend on an engagement ring?
- What is the three months’ salary rule?
- What’s the average carat size for an engagement ring?
- Can you shop for engagement rings together?
- Can you be engaged without a ring?
- When should you buy wedding bands?
- Can men wear engagement rings?
How much should you spend on an engagement ring?
It depends on your situation. Once upon a time, there were general ‘rules’ regarding how to shop for–and how much to spend–on an engagement ring. Now, couples are increasingly bucking tradition to choose what’s best for them.
Let’s be honest: couples today face a very different financial situation than couples in the past. With the steeper costs of education, housing, cars and healthcare–not to mention weddings themselves–you may have other expenses on your mind when it comes time to buy an engagement ring.
The good news is, by communicating with your partner, you can establish your priorities and set a budget together. Maybe the two of you would rather spend less on a ring and put the money you saved toward an exotic honeymoon. Or, maybe your partner is willing to compromise on wedding costs in exchange for a pricier ring. Talking through the decision together will help you make smart financial decisions that align with both your goals and your partner’s taste in rings.
What is the three months salary rule?
This old rule stated that a person should spend the equivalent of 3 months of their salary on an engagement ring. So, someone making $5,000 a month would be expected to spend $15,000 on a ring.
But when buying a ring, there’s a lot more to consider than just the cost. It’s mostly a matter of what your partner likes. Have that conversation first, then look at what sort of budget you need to make their ring dreams come true.
More good news: it’s easier than ever to finance your diamond engagement ring if you can’t manage to pay the full cost up front. Talk to your local jewelry store to get a better idea of your options. You might be surprised at what you can afford with a reasonable payment plan.
What’s the average carat size for an engagement ring?
In the United States, the average carat size for an engagement ring is about 1 carat. That changes based on which part of the country you live in. In large cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago, the average is closer to 2.5 carats. In medium-sized cities, 0.5-0.7 carats is the norm.
Smaller diamonds are also typical outside of the United States. Half a carat is the average for Brits, while the average for Europe as a whole is just slightly larger, at 0.6 carats.
Just remember: don’t get too caught up in the averages. Do what’s best for you and your partner, because at the end of the day, love isn’t measured by the carat.
Can you shop for engagement rings together?
Couples can absolutely shop for engagement rings together, and many are choosing to do so. Even in the past, most future brides were at least somewhat involved in the ring shopping process. At the very least, they were definitely dropping hints about their ring preferences! Still, when only one person picks out the ring, there’s always a chance their partner might not love it.
So, lots of modern couples have decided to eliminate the risk of choosing the wrong ring by picking one out together. Don’t worry about being the odd couple out. Joint ring shopping has become so common that your local jewelers won’t even bat an eye when you show up together. You might even run into another couple doing the same thing!
Can you be engaged without a ring?
Yes, it’s possible to get engaged without a ring. Maybe your partner would rather have a necklace, maybe your ring is being custom-made and won’t be ready for a while, or maybe you feel like the moment to pop the question is right before you’ve even started thinking about the ring.
Regardless of your reason, there’s no rule that you must have a ring to propose. You can propose with just a ring box if you’re waiting on the ring, or with another piece of jewelry if your partner isn’t a fan of rings. And you can make the moment special by proposing in a meaningful place, giving a heartfelt proposal speech, or sharing a romantic date beforehand.
When should you buy wedding bands?
We recommend starting the search about six months before your wedding day. Some people suggest starting three or four months in advance, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Give yourself ample time to not only find the styles you like, but to get them resized or customized if need be.
Can men wear engagement rings?
Yes, men can wear engagement rings, and it’s becoming increasingly common for them to do so. For many guys, it’s a way to celebrate the next step in their relationship. Plus, it’s a way to signal that you’re committed to someone before even slipping the wedding ring onto your finger.
As for men’s engagement ring styles, there are plenty available. You can opt for a traditional, thicker band or buy something thinner to complement the eventual wedding band. Go for some bling with diamonds or gemstones, or keep it simple in gold or an alternative metal like stainless steel. Just remember to leave some space on your finger for the future wedding band!
Shop For Your Engagement Rings and Wedding Band at Noe’s Jewelry in Kansas City, Missouri
Whether you plan to stick with tradition or do things your own way, you deserve a jeweler that truly cares about your ring purchases. At Noe’s Jewelry in Raymore, Missouri, it’s not just our job to help you find your dream rings–it’s our passion. So when it’s time to pop the question, come pay us a visit. Our experienced and friendly staff are here to help!
