Engagement Rings

In Ireland, the engagement ring's price can be as diverse as its designs. While some may refer to the UK's average of £2,000 as a ballpark figure, it's essential to understand that prices can vary significantly based on location, design, and personal preferences. For instance, in cosmopolitan areas or places with a higher cost of living, you might find people spending between €3,000 and €7,000 or even more.

There's an old guideline suggesting one should spend two months' salary on an engagement ring. However, many see this as an outdated rule in today's times. What's more important is choosing a budget that aligns with your personal and financial comfort.

For those wondering where to start, a quality engagement ring in Ireland, featuring a lab-grown 0.50ct diamond, might begin at around €1,500. However, the sky's the limit based on design intricacies, diamond quality, and size. The decision on how much to spend is deeply personal, but remember, there's a wide range of beautiful options available for nearly every budget. The true value of the ring lies in its symbolism and the love it represents.

Engagement rings in Ireland begin at approximately €1,500 for a quality-crafted ring featuring a lab grown 0.50ct diamond. The cost spectrum for engagement rings is broad, mainly because diamond prices can rise exponentially based on size, quality, and rarity. At Gear Jewellers, our clients typically invest between €1,500 and €7,000 on their engagement rings.

Traditionally, the individual popping the question shoulders the cost of the engagement ring. Given that many proposals are surprises, those on the receiving end often remain unaware of the ring's price and don't contribute to its purchase. However, when it comes to wedding rings, it's not uncommon for couples to share the expense. In modern times, as many couples opt for non-traditional routes to marriage or when both partners choose engagement rings, there's a growing trend of splitting the costs. Every relationship is unique, and what's most important is finding a solution that both partners feel comfortable with.

1ct engagement rings in Ireland begin at roughly €3,200 for a lab-grown diamond engagement ring. However, the cost can shoot up if you opt for a natural diamond, with prices starting around €8,000. The final price, though, fluctuates significantly based on several factors:

1. Quality of Diamond: The 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—play a pivotal role in determining the price. A diamond with high ratings in all four categories will cost more than one with lower grades.
2. Choice of Metal: The type of metal you choose for the band will also influence the price. Platinum, for example, tends to be pricier than gold due to its durability and rarity.
3. Ring Setting: The design and intricacy of the setting can also affect the price. Some settings require more craftsmanship or use more metal, which can increase the cost.

Keep in mind that diamond prices can change over time, so always consult with a local jeweller for the most up-to-date pricing and this should be used as a guide price accurate at the time of writing.

When choosing between engagement ring shapes, elongated cuts like oval, pear, and marquise often appear larger. This is because they cover more surface area on the finger, and their extended shape can give fingers a more slender look. However, the perceived size can also be influenced by factors like the diamond's cut, the ring's setting, and the band's width. While size perception is a consideration, it's important to select a ring shape that aligns with your personal style and preference.

Engagement rings serve as a symbol of dedication, traditionally presented from one partner to the other when proposing marriage. The choice of diamonds, with their durability, rarity, and breathtaking beauty, aptly represents enduring and one-of-a-kind love. While diamonds are commonly selected, the essence of the engagement ring lies in its representation of commitment, irrespective of the stone. Even couples who decide against marriage sometimes opt for promise rings, bearing a resemblance in design to engagement rings, to signify their deep bond and commitment to one another.

Traditionally, engagement rings are worn on the 'ring finger', which is the finger adjacent to the pinky on the left hand. After marriage, some choose to move the engagement ring to the right hand's ring finger and keep only the wedding band on the left, but this is less common.

Your engagement ring can be worn daily, but there are instances when it's advisable to remove it. While many keep it on during routine tasks like sleeping or bathing, you should consider taking it off for activities that pose a risk to the ring. This includes heavy lifting, exercising at the gym, or using harsh cleaning agents. Such situations might cause your ring to be lost, dented, or tarnished.

Definitely! While many opt for the traditional engagement ring, a proposal is deeply personal and can be made with anything that holds meaning or sentiment. Some choose a placeholder ring, offering a symbolic gesture that can later be replaced with the actual engagement ring both partners select together. Another approach is using a promise ring, which signifies commitment in a less traditional manner. Although most proposals still feature an engagement ring, whether anticipated or not, what's essential is the gesture and the love behind it.

While many opt for the element of surprise with their engagement ring, it's entirely your choice. A growing number of couples are jointly deciding to marry and subsequently choose their ring together. If you wish to keep the proposal a surprise but are unsure about selecting the perfect ring, you might consider using a placeholder or promise ring. This approach ensures you’ve wrapped in the element of surprise, yet relieves the stress of pinpointing the ideal ring without your partner’s input. It’s all about creating that perfect moment, in a way that feels right for both of you.

Deciding if you should pick your own engagement ring, give your partner some hints, or let them choose completely is all up to you. Even though many people still like the surprise element, our research shows that almost half of participants were part of the ring choice or design process. More and more women are getting involved in picking their rings. For same-sex and non-binary couples, we've seen half of them choose rings together, while the other half go for surprise proposals. Whatever you choose, make sure it feels right for you.