Answering the most-asked question:
How much should I spend on an engagement ring?
If you’ve ever typed “how much to spend on an engagement ring” into Google, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched engagement topics — and also one of the most misunderstood.
The old “three months’ salary rule” is outdated. Modern couples value meaning, craftsmanship, and quality over arbitrary formulas. The right amount to spend is what feels comfortable for your lifestyle and reflects the significance of your relationship.
At Carrie K., we believe an engagement ring should tell your story — not follow someone else’s rule. Whether you choose one of our signature engagement ring designs or embark on creating a bespoke Engagement Ring, every piece is designed with intention and made to last.
Setting a Realistic Engagement Ring Budget
A good starting point is one to two months of income — but treat this as a flexible guide.
Consider:
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Your priorities: upcoming wedding, home, travel.
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Your partner’s taste: classic, minimal, or bold.
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Longevity: handcrafted pieces that hold lasting emotional and material value.
Carrie K. signature engagement rings start from accessible luxury prices starting at $3,000. For those who wish to co-create a one-of-a-kind design, we would recommend a budget starting at S$8,000, to offer you more creative freedom.
It’s not about how much you spend — it’s about what the ring represents.
Before we get into pricing, it is important to know what factors and considerations determine the cost of an engagement ring in the first place.
What Determines the Cost of an Engagement Ring ?
Choice of Main Stone:
Your centre stone has the biggest impact on the overall cost of an engagement ring. For example:
- a high-quality blue sapphire can start from around $4,000 per carat,
- while a 1.0-carat round white natural diamond typically costs around $10,000.
- Lab-grown diamonds offer a more budget-friendly option, often priced up to 80% lower than natural diamonds while delivering the same sparkle and beauty, as they are identical in composition and appearance.
The Four Cs of Gem Quality and How They Affect Cost
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Cut – The most important cost driver. A well-cut stone reflects light beautifully, and higher cut grades command higher prices.
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Colour – For diamonds, the closer a stone is to colorless, the rarer and more expensive it becomes.
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Clarity – Stones with fewer inclusions are more transparent and brilliant, making them more valuable.
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Carat – Carat refers to weight, and cost does not rise linearly. Prices increase exponentially as stones become larger and rarer.
Metal & Setting
Platinum, white, yellow, or rose gold each come with distinct aesthetics and costs.
- Platinum sits on the higher end of the price range. It is a naturally white metal, but resizing can be challenging, which is why it is not usually recommended for engagement rings, as most rings may need resizing in the future.
- For white metals, a cost-effective recommendation is 14K white gold, as it is more durable and stays white longer than 18K. For those who appreciate the richness of yellow or rose gold, 18K is recommended for its deeper, more saturated colour. The higher the gold content, the higher the cost as well, as you are paying for greater purity and richer colour.
- Given that gold prices are at an all-time high and still climbing, thick and chunky designs will cost more. Intricate handcrafted settings will cost less while adding value through artistry and time.
Design & Craftsmanship
Every Carrie K. ring is created by award-winning jewellers and GIA-certified gemologists. Expert craftsmanship and ethical sourcing ensure each piece meets heirloom standards.
So if the quest is feeling a little overwhelming, join our Engagement Discovery Workshop to uncover your story, your preferences and most importantly, discover the insider jeweller tips that will help you make more informed decisions beyond just the 4Cs. It helps you uncover what truly matters; from the design details you didn’t know were possible, to the meaningful touches that make your ring a timeless marker of your love story.
What is the difference between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds?” Are Lab-Grown Diamonds real diamonds?
Natural Diamonds:
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Formed by nature: Created deep within the earth over billions of years through immense heat and pressure.
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Unique and rare: No two natural diamonds are ever the same, making each gem one of nature’s miracles.
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Traditional value: Their natural origin contributes to long-term rarity and enduring emotional and financial worth.
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Timeless heritage: Ideal for those who appreciate authenticity and want a piece of the earth’s history in their ring.
Lab-Grown Diamonds:
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Scientifically identical: Created using high-pressure, high-temperature processes that replicate natural diamond formation.
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Ethical and sustainable: A responsible choice for couples who prioritise environmental impact and traceability.
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Accessible luxury: Typically 30–50% more affordable than natural diamonds, allowing larger carat sizes within the same budget.
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Modern appeal: Perfect for those who value innovation, transparency, and conscious craftsmanship.
At Carrie K., we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds, each carefully sourced and GIA-certified. Our gem experts guide clients through both options to help you choose what best reflects your values — whether that’s rarity, sustainability, or heritage.
Which coloured gemstone do people choose the most for an engagement ring?
Beyond Diamonds: The Timeless Allure of Sapphires
While diamonds will always be a classic, sapphires have become the next most popular choice at Carrie K. for engagement rings — loved for both their symbolism and strength. Their timeless elegance is especially cherished in blue hues, from teal and cornflower to vivid and royal blue, making them a meaningful and enduring alternative.
Why Sapphires Are So Popular:
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Exceptional durability: Ranking 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, just next to diamond (10 out of 10), sapphires are one of the hardest gemstones after diamonds, making them ideal for everyday wear.
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Captivating colours: While the classic royal blue remains iconic, sapphires also come in elegant shades of pastel blue, pink, yellow, and teal — each offering a distinct personality.
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Timeless elegance: Favoured by royalty and modern romantics alike, sapphire engagement rings exude understated sophistication.
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Meaningful symbolism: For centuries, sapphires have represented loyalty, honesty, and wisdom — the foundations of lasting love.
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Meaningful craftsmanship: At Carrie K., every sapphire is hand-selected for its brilliance, depth of colour, and symbolic connection to the wearer’s story.
Whether set in white, yellow, or rose gold, a Carrie K. sapphire engagement ring combines durability with emotion — a lasting symbol of love that, like the stone itself, grows deeper and more beautiful with time.
Choosing Your Perfect Path to a Unique Engagement Ring
Signature vs Bespoke:
Carrie K. Signature Engagement Rings
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Uniquely, meaningful designs to mark yours. Customise gemstone, metal, or engraving for your love letter in a ring.
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Carrie K. Signature Engagement rings are perfect for couples who prefer a defined timeline and refined style as it is ready within 8 weeks from date of order.
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Distinctively Carrie K. with intentional stories that make for meaningful reminders of why you chose each other, long after your wedding day.
The Carrie K. Bespoke Engagement Experience
For couples seeking a truly one-of-a-kind proposal ring, our bespoke journey transforms your love story into a tangible heirloom.
The process includes:
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Story-building consultation
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3D CAD design and concept sketches
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*Resin prototyping and mould creation
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Gemstone sourcing and production supervision by GIA gemmologists
Design fee: $3,300 for storytelling, design, and modelling
Final ring budget: typically S$8,000+, depending on materials
Timeline: Expect a 4–6-month journey that results in a ring exclusively yours — a modern heirloom crafted with heart.
How to Get the Best Value When Buying an Engagement Ring?
Buy from trusted jewellers — Choose jewellers who genuinely guide you on what is worth investing in, helping you find the best option within your comfortable budget while balancing beauty, durability, and long-term value.
Look for GIA or IGI certification for diamonds. For coloured gemstones, ensure that the stone comes with a proper certificate as proof of its authenticity and quality, giving you confidence that you are getting what you have paid for.
Understand aftercare — Ensure after-sales services such as resizing and lifetime cleaning. This also includes regular checks on the prongs to make sure they remain secure — an important part of maintaining the durability and safety of your ring over time.
Prioritise personal meaning over material — sentiment and symbolism amplify emotional value to make your ring truly unique. Choose a ring that reminds you of how it all began, and reflects your story every time you look at it. It’s more than the sparkle; it’s about how deeply it connects to you and your partner.
By working directly with gemstone suppliers and local artisans, Carrie K. offers transparency, craftsmanship, and genuine value at every stage.
How do I choose the right ring for my partner without guessing?
You don’t have to rely on guesswork — the key is understanding what matters most to your partner. At Carrie K., we guide couples through a thoughtful discovery process that uncovers personal preferences, right gemstone, meaningful details, and the story you want your ring to tell.
The Carrie K. Engagement Experience — Meaningful stories immortalized in gold.
Through this guided experience, couples collaborate with our design team to craft a ring that embodies their love story. From gemstone selection to hidden design details, every step is infused with meaning supported with expert guidance so you can make confident, heartfelt choices.
Each piece is hand-finished by master artisans and presented in a reveal that celebrates your next chapter — transforming a proposal into a lifelong memory.
Explore The Carrie K. Engagement Experience to begin designing your future heirloom.
There’s no universal budget for love — only what feels meaningful and true to you.
Whether you choose from Carrie K.’s Signature designs or create a bespoke engagement ring, you’re investing in something timeless: a story set in precious metal and stone.
✨ Book an Engagement Discovery workshop today and let us help you mark your love with meaning.
Explore different options to fit your budget range
Pinnacle Ring
1 ct lab diamond starts at $2,800
For the love that makes you soar, this ring marks your promise to reach life’s peaks hand in hand.
DISCOVER RINGS $2,800 AND BELOW
Jasmine Trilogy
1 ct lab diamond starts at $3,800
A symbol of pure-hearted strength, the Jasmine Trilogy honours partners who help each other rise; three stars aligned to celebrate your journey then, now, and always.
DISCOVER RINGS $3,000 AND ABOVE
One-of-a-kind Bespoke Ring
We co-design based on your story, a unique ring that’s truly yours
Our rings start from $8k all-in, with designs going beyond $20k depending on the gemstone type and quality you choose.
FAQ — Engagement Ring Questions
Q1. How much should I spend on an engagement ring?
Spend what feels comfortable for your lifestyle and values. Many couples allocate one to two months’ income as a flexible guide.
Q2. Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are physically and chemically identical to natural ones — only their origin differs.
Q3. Should I choose natural or lab-grown diamonds?
Choose natural diamonds for traditional value and long-term rarity. Pick lab-grown if you want larger size and better clarity at a lower price. Both look identical to the eye; the choice depends on budget, symbolism, and personal preference.
Q4. Which diamond shape is most popular in Singapore?
Round brilliant remains the top choice for maximum sparkle. Oval, cushion, and pear shapes are growing rapidly due to their elegant appearance, finger-flattering proportions, and better face-up size relative to carat weight.
Q5. How long does a Signature Carrie K. engagement ring take?
Our signature ring process takes around 6-8 weeks from story consultation to custom changes.
Q6. How long does a bespoke Carrie K. engagement ring take?
Our bespoke process takes around 4–6 months from story consultation to final reveal.
Q7. What’s the starting price for Carrie K. engagement rings?
Signature designs start from accessible luxury prices, while bespoke creations begin at S$8,000.
Q8. What makes Carrie K. different?
Every design is rooted in personal storytelling, expert craftsmanship, and ethical sourcing — transforming each ring into a modern heirloom.
Q9. How do I know what ring design she likes?
Study her jewellery style, observe whether she prefers gold or silver tones, or attend our Gemstone & Diamond Discovery Workshop together. Our workshop helps couples discover personal preferences without ruining the proposal surprise.
Q10. What’s included in the Carrie K workshop?
Couples learn gemstone basics, diamond clarity, ring anatomy, personal preference discovery, and symbolic storytelling. It helps them choose the right ring with confidence and meaning.
