Whilst tradition states that the appropriate amount to spend on an engagement ring is three month’s worth of wages, new research has revealed that a price tag is no longer at the top of the British consumer’s list of priorities when it comes to giving or receiving an engagement ring.
A new study, conducted by national jewellery retailer Goldsmiths, has shown a shift in priorities, with the type of metal used for the setting (50.3%) now taking more of a precedence than the size of diamond (36.9%). In fact, type of metal was more important to 59.5% of 45-54 year old consumers than size of diamond (31%).
Other concerns listed by those surveyed about the considerations they had taken into account when on the hunt for their perfect ring included the overall design of the ring, whether it was practical, and whether their intended would like the ring.
Perhaps one of the less aesthetic based qualities concerning UK ring shoppers, was whether the diamond had been ethically sourced or not. In fact, almost a third of 18-24-year olds stated that this was an essential selling point for them when picking out an engagement ring.
One of the biggest obstacles faced by those planning a proposal is, of course, being able to subtly find out their partners ring size without giving the game away, as well as ensuring that if they do brave this aspect, that the ring they pick is to their partners taste.
In order to avoid said tribulations, nearly half of UK proposers opt to forgo picking a ring out blind, instead opting to make the decision with their other half.
This is perhaps the safest option for both parties, as out of those who admitted not liking the style of ring their partner had gifted them, 27.3% were honest enough to share that they would be willing to pay the difference in price for the ring they really wanted – and 19.2% of their partners said they’d make them fork out to do so.
Image Credit: Goldsmiths Instagram
