How Much Money Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

Like rings, figuring out how much money you should spend on an engagement ring is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Often, you're told that you need to pay a specific amount to reflect your commitment to your partner - this is a huge misconception. De Beer's marketing strategy from the 1930s conditioned us into thinking your ring should cost a minimum of three months' salary.

However, there is no specific amount of money you should spend on an engagement ring. Engagement rings (and the shopping experience that comes with them) should be a fun addition to your wedding story, not a source of anxiety. “Listen to yourself and trust your judgment as you are looking at rings,” says Seth Maynard, Bario Neal’s Brooklyn Sales Manager. “This is your ring, and it should be a reflection of you, not of what someone tells it should be.”

At Bario Neal, we're excited to help you find your perfect engagement ring, regardless of your budget.

We also understand that purchasing a diamond ring may not be the right option for everyone. Our customers often choose to express their love and commitment through colored gemstone rings, vintage family heirlooms, or alternative jewelry such as earrings or necklaces. We are here to help you find the perfect choice that best reflects your individual style and relationship.

So whether you're looking for the perfect custom-designed ring for a surprise proposal, shopping for ethically-made rings with your partner, or just curious about Bario Neal's process, here's our advice.

We Never Go Out of Style:

Bario Neal's extensive engagement and wedding ring collection allows customers to find rings that suit their personalities to a tee—looking for a classic setting- no problem. Maybe you're in the market for a bold enamel engagement ring - we've got you covered! The point is that we cater to your budget while catering to your dream style. When it comes to pricing, the cost of the ring is primarily determined by the size and type of stone. Rings with diamonds can be more expensive than other gemstones, like emeralds or sapphires, but our lab-grown diamonds shine just as bright for a lower cost.

To give you an idea of our pricing, we’ve pulled together ring options from some of our most popular styles:

Tradition in the Making:

Looking for something one-of-a-kind? We've got you covered. Along with our collection, we love making custom engagement rings that tell a story while adhering to your budget. Our customization options range in price, with simple changes like altering the stone or band costing an additional $300-$600. For a completely customized, one-of-a-kind ring, prices start at $2,000-$3,500, depending on the style, metal type, stones used, and design complexity. We can also incorporate heirloom gemstones into your new ring, with pricing similar to our custom designs.

Read more about our Custom-Design process here.

Investing in A Ring That Stands the Test of Time:

We understand the importance of investing in something that truly matters, and that's why Bario Neal is committed to creating ethically sourced engagement rings that are worth your investment. Our rings are crafted using ethically sourced metals such as Fairmined 14kt Yellow Gold or Reclaimed 18kt White Gold and adorned with responsibly sourced diamonds and gemstones. Our talented Design & Production team meticulously handcrafts each piece, ensuring that it's one-of-a-kind and tailored to your style. When you choose us, you get a stunning piece of jewelry, support local makers, and do your part in reducing your environmental impact.

“Choosing a ring that is not only perfect for you but also has responsible sourcing and commitment to sustainability means you get to not only show love to yourself, but also for the rest of humanity and beings on this planet, and there is something really wonderful about that.”

Seth Maynard, Brooklyn Sales Manager

You can learn more about our responsible sourcing process by visiting our Ethics page. Our commitment to sustainable practices ensures that your ring is consciously crafted to withstand the test of time.

We also provide an extensive Jewelry Care Guide on our FAQ page, where you can learn about engagement ring cleaning and care. Keeping your ring clean will help you get the most out of your investment!

Looking for the perfect fit? Visit one of our stores in Philadelphia or Brooklyn; our stellar sales team will guide you through the process. If you can't make it to our physical locations, you can easily schedule a virtual appointment here.