
How expensive should an engagement ring be?
Wie teuer sollte ein Verlobungsring sein?
Myths, trends and new possibilities with lab-grown diamonds
The question of all questions is often directly followed by a second one:
How expensive should an engagement ring actually be?
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Short answer: In Germany, many couples spend around €1,000 – €3,000 on engagement rings. Thanks Laboratory diamonds Today, larger stones and better quality are possible within the same budget. What matters are design, craftsmanship, and responsibility .
Engagement ring costs according to the 2-3 month rule
In the US, the "2-3 months' salary" rule persists, while in Europe, people are more relaxed. But the reality is changing dramatically – thanks to a development that is making luxury more democratic and sustainable: lab-grown diamonds .
Originally introduced through a diamond industry marketing campaign in the 20th century.
Goal: Men should invest two to three months’ salary in the engagement ring to “prove their love.”
Today, this seems outdated – couples want individuality, sustainability and financial freedom instead of rigid rules.
How much does an engagement ring cost in Germany?
In Germany, couples invest an average of 1,000 to 3,000 euros in an engagement ring.
Of course, there are exceptions: from the minimalist gold ring to the statement solitaire.
The important thing remains: the ring should reflect love, not the bank balance .

Lab diamonds are changing the market: More carats for your budget
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With the rise of lab-grown diamonds, the game has changed fundamentally.
The advantages at a glance:
- Bigger stones for the money : A 1.5-carat lab diamond often costs as much as a 0.7-carat natural diamond.
- More quality : Higher purity & brilliance possible without breaking the budget.
- More responsibility : Sustainable, transparent, without the downsides of mining.
This means that more and more couples are willing to spend more – not because they have to, but because they visibly get more in return.
LUXURY WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE
It used to be the case that anyone who wanted “luxury” had to dig deep into their pockets.
Today, the following applies: If you combine responsibility and beauty, you get luxury without a guilty conscience .
A sustainable, handcrafted ring with a lab-grown diamond is not only more affordable but also makes a clear statement:
For responsibility and values that last.
What really matters:
An engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry – it is a symbol of love, partnership and the future.
That’s why the focus should not be on price, but on questions like:
- Does the ring fit us and our story?
- Does it have a personal meaning?
- Does it feel right when it's on your finger?
Because in the end it’s all about the emotion and the story behind it!
Responsibility & a clear conscience: the true luxury
More and more people today are asking not only how much a ring costs, but also: Is the ring ethically made? Where does the diamond come from? Ethical responsibility is increasingly in focus.
This is where ILIKOEZ comes in:
- 18-carat recycled gold instead of environmentally harmful mining.
- Certified lab-grown diamonds instead of questionable origins.
- Genuine handcraft in Portugal , individually for each pair.
If so, then with responsibility and a clear conscience.
Whether 1,000 or 10,000 euros – the important thing is that the ring reflects the love story and can be worn with pride.
Learn more about OUR PROMISE and SUSTAINABILITY at ILIKOEZ.
DISCOVER OUR HANDCRAFTED ENGAGEMENT RINGS WITH LAB DIAMONDS NOW
individual, ethical and unique like your love.
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ETERNITY RING - GRANDE
Regular price From €823,53 EURRegular priceUnit price / per -
ETERNITY RING - PETITE
Regular price From €655,46 EURRegular priceUnit price / per -
ATTITUDE DIAMOND RING
Regular price From €1.453,78 EURRegular priceUnit price / per -
ETERNITY RING - GRANDE
Regular price From €1.218,49 EURRegular priceUnit price / per
Conclusion: How expensive should an engagement ring be?
The question is no longer “How much should an engagement ring cost?”
But rather: What values should it embody?
With lab-grown diamonds, larger stones, higher quality, and greater responsibility are possible—and that changes everything.
Because true luxury today does not mean owning the most expensive thing, but choosing the right thing.
Every couple has its own story – and the engagement ring should reflect exactly that.
What really matters: love, responsibility, personality.
Further articles:
Questions? Need advice?
I would be happy to accompany you on your journey to your unique piece of jewelry.
Request a non-binding consultation now
Or just contact me via my contact page.
FAQ – Engagement Ring Costs & Lab Diamonds
How much does an engagement ring cost on average?
In Germany, couples typically invest between €1,000 and €3,000 in an engagement ring. However, the price depends heavily on the design, material, diamond size, and craftsmanship.
Are lab-grown diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds from mines?
Yes. A lab-grown diamond often costs 30–50% less , especially for larger stones. This is due to more efficient production without expensive mining.
Should you spend 2-3 months' salary on an engagement ring?
The old "2-3 month rule" originates from a 20th-century marketing campaign. Today, the rule is: The ring should fit your personal possibilities, your relationship, and your values—not rigid specifications.
What factors influence the price of an engagement ring?
Important price factors are:
- Precious metal (e.g. 14K vs. 18K gold, platinum)
- Size, carat and cut of the diamond
- Purity & color of the stone
- Type of setting (Solitaire, Pavé, Halo, Eternity)
- Handcraft & customization
- Ethically responsible production
Are lab diamonds worth less?
Let’s take a rough comparison between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds:
A ring with a natural diamond, for example, costs €20,000. You might get €5,000 for it at resale—a loss of €15,000. (Plus, the demand for lab-grown diamonds is currently soaring!)
A comparable ring with a lab-grown diamond costs about €5,000. The resale price is around €1,000—a loss of €4,000.
💡 The percentage loss in value is high for both – but with lab diamonds the loss remains significantly lower in absolute terms.
But let's be honest: Very few people buy a diamond ring to resell it. It's all about the emotion, the love, the memories, and the significance of a special moment. 💛 The true value lies not in the resale, but in the feeling a piece of jewelry evokes.
Lab-grown diamonds give you the freedom to choose consciously – with a clear conscience and without compromising on beauty or quality.
Are lab-grown diamonds a sustainable alternative for engagement rings?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratories and avoid the environmental and social problems associated with mining. Combined with recycled gold, they create an ethically responsible engagement ring .