At Vahe Jewellery, we believe every engagement ring should be more than just beautiful—it should feel right for your budget, your values, and your love story. If you’re a young person (or helping one!) looking into engagement rings, one question probably sits front and centre:
What is the average cost of an engagement ring in Australia?
This guide will walk you through what Australians are typically paying, what drives the cost, how to set your budget smartly, and how we at Vahe Jewellery help you get maximum value. Read on to get clarity so your ring feels amazing - without surprises.
What Is the Average Cost of Engagement Ring Australia?
When people ask “what is the average cost of an engagement ring in Australia?” The answer depends on many factors—but generally, most couples spend between AUD $5,000 and AUD 7,500 on an engagement ring. ddsdiamonds.com.au+2The Diamond Club+2
Some ring styles or stones push that average up; others allow beautiful rings below it. The average engagement ring price incorporates those who go modest, as well as those who splurge. What’s most important is what you can comfortably spend.
What Does “Average Engagement Ring Price” Depend On?
To understand “average engagement ring cost” you need to know what drives the price up or lets you save. These are the biggest factors:
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The Four Cs: Carat, Cut, Colour, Clarity. Carat (stone size) usually has the biggest impact. But a great cut can make a smaller diamond sparkle more than a larger one.
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Type of Stone: Natural diamond vs lab-grown vs alternative gemstones. Lab-grown diamonds can offer significant savings.
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Metal of the Band: Platinum, gold (white, yellow, rose) or other metals. Platinum tends to cost more.
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Setting / Style / Complexity: Simple solitaire settings cost less than halo designs, custom settings, intricate details.
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Brand, Designer & Craftsmanship: Big name jewellers may carry premiums. Handcrafted or custom jewellery tends to cost more.
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Location & Local Market: City – whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide – can influence cost. Costs of labour, rent, and market demand matter.
Typical Price Ranges in Australia
Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect, based on different budget tiers. This helps you map your own “average” to what you want.
Budget Tier |
Typical Cost (AUD) |
What You Can Expect for That Price |
Entry / Modest |
AUD $1,500 – $4,000 |
Small natural diamond or lab-grown stone, simpler setting, maybe smaller carat (e.g. 0.3-0.7ct), modest metal (14K or 18K gold), minimal design details. |
Mid-Range |
AUD $5,000 – $10,000 |
Closer to 1 carat stone (lab-grown or natural), better clarity & colour, more design options (halo, small side stones), gold or platinum band, potentially semi-custom design. |
Premium / Luxury |
AUD $10,000 – $25,000+ |
Larger natural diamond (1.5-2+ carats or high grade), premium cut & clarity, platinum or high karat gold, designer or fully custom settings, intricate craftsmanship. |
These price ranges reflect real Australian market data. For example, jewellers in Adelaide and Perth report average spending in the mid-to higher-mid range, especially for people wanting quality + aesthetics. ddsdiamonds.com.au+1
How to Budget for the Average Engagement Ring Cost
You want the ring, but you also want smart spending. Here’s how to set a budget without regrets:
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Start with what you can actually afford. Don’t feel pressured by external “rules” like “two-months’ salary.”
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Think about preference: if your partner loves big carat stones, maybe cut somewhere else (colour, clarity) to balance your budget.
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Set a price range, not a fixed number. For example, $5,000-$8,000 gives you flexibility.
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Include all costs: resizing, engraving, insurance, GST, any shipping (if online or custom). Hidden costs can add up.
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Consider lab-grown stones or alternative gems to stretch what you get for your budget.
At Vahe Jewellery, we frequently help people find the ring where cost, style, and value align-this is how we ensure you receive maximum “sparkle per dollar” while honouring your values (ethics, sustainability, local craftsmanship).
Ways to Get More Value Without Overspending
If you want a ring that looks high end without breaking your budget, these strategies help:
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Lab-grown diamonds: Same visual, lower cost. You might afford a larger carat or better clarity/colour at the same budget.
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Alternative gemstones: Sapphires, moissanite, morganite etc. Can be beautiful, unique, and less expensive.
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Choose setting smartly: Halo settings make centre stones look larger. Simple settings cost less. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
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Metal choice: White gold vs platinum: white gold is often cheaper. 14K vs 18K gold: 14K slightly more durable and cheaper.
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Local vs imported: Supporting local artisans and jewellers may cost more, but you often get better customisation and transparency.
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Certificates & resale / insurance: Ensure you get certified stones, maybe include an option to upgrade in future. These add to cost, but protect your investment.
Local Trends & What People in Different Australian Cities Pay
Different regions in Australia tend to have different “average engagement ring cost” patterns. Here are observations:
City |
Typical Spend |
What styles or options are popular |
Sydney / Melbourne |
Often higher: many people spending in the AUD $7,000-12,000+ region for premium rings. Demand for high carat stones, designer settings. |
Lab grown diamonds gaining ground; halo and vintage-inspired settings; platinum or 18K gold. |
Brisbane / Perth |
Mid-range: AUD $5,000-9,000 for many. Where style, budget and value crossover nicely. |
Oval cuts, rose gold, mixed metals. |
Adelaide / Regional Areas |
Slightly lower average cost but increasing interest in craftsmanship and alternative stones. $4,500-$8,000 common. |
Local jewellers, simpler designs, lab grown stones are more acceptable. |
These trends influence what people consider “average engagement ring price” locally. At Vahe Jewellery, we serve customers across all areas in Australia, so we see both the city premium and the regional preferences – and we adapt.
Tips for Buying With Confidence
To make sure you pay what feels fair and end up happier with your purchase:
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Always inspect the 4 Cs certificate for diamonds. Ask about the lab (GIA, IGI, etc.).
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Try rings in person if you can, even if you plan online or custom. Seeing how styles sit on your hand helps.
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Ask jewellers about after-sales: resizing, maintenance, warranties.
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Compare quotes: get at least 2-3 from different trusted jewellers to see what the same specs cost.
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Be wary of “too good to be true” deals - very low prices may mean lower quality or missing certifications.
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Factor in resale / upgrade options - some jewellers offer trade-in or upgrade programs, especially for lab-grown diamonds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the average price for an engagement ring in Australia in 2025?
A: Most sources point to AUD $5,000 - $7,500 for a quality engagement ring in 2025. Those who choose premium stones, large carat weights, or luxury brands often spend more. ddsdiamonds.com.au+1
Q: How small or large can I go if my budget is below or above average?
A: If your budget is under average, you can still get a beautiful ring using lab-grown stones, simpler settings, and smaller carats. If your budget is above average, explore premium metal, larger natural diamonds, and custom designs. It comes down to value trade-offs.
Q: Does location in Australia change the average engagement ring cost?
A: Yes. Big cities like Sydney or Melbourne tend to have higher costs (rent, labour, prestige), pushing average engagement ring price upward. Regional areas tend to have lower overheads, so you might get better pricing for similar specs.
Q: Should I follow the “rule” of spending two or three months’ salary?
A: That rule is mostly a guideline from the past. What matters more now is spending what is comfortable, what reflects your meaning, and what fits into your financial situation. At Vahe Jewellery, we encourage finding value & meaning first.
Conclusion
Understanding the average engagement ring cost in Australia gives you a helpful benchmark, but really, the right price is the one that feels right for you. Whether you lean toward a modest budget, a mid-range ring, or something luxurious, knowing what influences cost, what styles cost more or less, and where you can get the best value makes all the difference.
At Vahe Jewellery, we work with you across Australia to find an engagement ring that balances beauty, quality, and value. If you’d like help narrowing down what your budget can buy, or want design ideas within your price range, reach out. We’d love to help make your proposal sparkle, and your decision feel confident.