You've probably heard it: you should spend three months' salary on an engagement ring. It's one of those "rules" that gets repeated so often it starts to feel like fact. But where did it actually come from, and should it guide how much you spend in 2026?
What Is the 3 Month Rule for Rings?
The "three months' salary" rule is a marketing guideline, not a cultural tradition. It was popularised by De Beers in the 1980s as part of a campaign to sell more diamonds. (They originally suggested one month's salary in the 1930s, then bumped it to two, then three as the decades went on.) It was never a universal norm; it was an advertising strategy.
That context matters. There's no historical, cultural, or emotional basis for tying ring value to a specific fraction of income. The idea that love is measured in payslips is, frankly, a bit strange.
How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring If I Make $100,000 a Year?
If we took the three-month rule literally, that would be around $25,000. But most jewellery professionals, and most couples, would tell you that this is an arbitrary and unhelpful benchmark.
A more useful question is: What can I spend comfortably without financial stress, and what do I want the ring to reflect?
For someone earning $100,000 a year, $6,000-$12,000 is a common and sensible range for a beautifully made custom ring. It's a meaningful investment that produces something genuinely special without requiring financing or financial strain.
Some couples spend more. Some spend less. Both are entirely valid.
Is a 2 Carat Ring Considered Big?
Yes by most standards, a 2 carat diamond is a statement stone. The average engagement ring stone sits closer to 0.9–1.1 carats. A 2ct diamond will have a noticeable presence on the hand and, depending on the cut, can look even larger.
Worth noting: carat refers to weight, not size. A well-cut 1.5ct diamond can appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut 2ct stone. Cut quality is arguably the most important of the 4Cs when it comes to how a diamond looks in real life.
When Should You Propose?
The timing of a proposal is deeply personal and has nothing to do with any external rule. Some couples get engaged after a few months; others after several years. What matters is the readiness and alignment of the two people involved, not a calendar benchmark.
If you're at the stage of thinking about rings together, many jewellers (including Micheli) offer joint consultations, where both partners are involved in the design process. It's a lovely way to ensure the ring reflects the person who'll wear it.
What We'd Suggest Instead of the 3 Month Rule
Rather than a salary percentage, consider:
- What you can comfortably afford - without debt or financial stress
- What the ring needs to do - is a large stone important to your partner, or do they prioritise a unique design? Do they prefer a classic style or something more distinctive?
- What you'll get for your budget - talk to a custom jeweller early. You might be surprised what's possible.
The most meaningful engagement ring isn't the most expensive one. It's the one that clearly reflects thought, care, and knowledge of the person wearing it.
Thinking about proposing? Book a consultation with Micheli - In Melbourne, we're on Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds and in Malvern Collective, Malvern. Online appointments also available. We'll help you find something perfect, whatever your budget.
