A Shift in Engagement Traditions
Engagement rings aren’t just about size and sparkle anymore. In 2025, couples are reshaping what these symbols mean – and how much they’re willing to spend. Couples are now choosing engagement rings that are personalised, environmentally conscious and meaningful pieces to better reflect their unique love stories and values. In 2025, an engagement ring is more than a symbol of love – it’s a reflection of personal values, creative expression, and conscious decision-making.
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The Luxury Market: What Discerning Buyers Want
The average spend on an engagement ring remains around $5,500–$6,000 USD, luxury clients are often spending upwards of $20,000–$50,000+ depending on the brand, stone, and customization. For these discerning buyers, the ring isn’t just a purchase – it’s a legacy piece.
High-end buyers seek branded, exclusive, or bespoke designs, often from renowned names like Tiffany, Cartier, and other private ateliers. These buyers prioritize stones with exceptional provenance or rare qualities. Ethical sourcing is equally important, with a preference for GIA certification and traceability to ensure the highest ethical standards. Additionally, these clients expect a luxury service that enhances the buying experience, offering private showings and even concierge services to create a seamless and elevated process.
The Modern Couple’s Priorities
Across all markets, modern couples are placing more value on ethics, personalization, and story over carat count. It is about choosing a piece that speaks to your unique love story and that you can cherish as long as you cherish your partner. Ensuring that the ring is well-made, ethically sourced and will last you a lifetime.
Couples are moving towards personalised and unique details adding the sparkle to their chosen engagement rings. A growing number of couples are choosing to use lab-grown diamonds as a way of ensuring sustainability, savings and ethical sourcing.
The New Wave of Ring Choices
Incorporating the couple’s unique values and beliefs is becoming increasingly important in the wedding industry. Personalising details surrounding the engagement and especially the ring ensure that the couple are accurately represented and therefore emotionally connected to the ring. The more unique and personalised, the more emotionally connected the couple will feel. Hence creating magical moments and enhancing the engagement experience. Personalisation shows your partner how well you really know them and plays into the emotions of the moment.
The carat size no longer carries the same impact it once did; unique additions with personal meaning and considerate choices are now the focus. Some unique choices being made in 2025 include using vintage or custom designs, using coloured stones and non-traditional settings, and sourcing rings from ethical or small artisan jewellers. These choices enhance the personal meaning behind the engagement ring and establish lasting memories.
The Bigger Picture: Meaning Over Money
This shift isn’t about spending less – it’s about spending smarter. Whether it’s a $5K or $50K ring, the focus is now on meaning, impact, and identity rather than carat size. Couples want engagement rings that reflect not only their values on the environment and ethics but also their personal journeys. Modern couples envision their weddings and engagements to be centered around their love story and every aspect should help to tell the story. Therefore, everything included as a part off capturing their celebration of love, including the engagement ring should hold special significance and connection to the couple.
Couples are favoring personalizations that align with their identity to ensure lasting significance of the piece they choose. This idea also plays into the values aspect as couples want to invest in good quality jewelery that will last them a lifetime. Ensuring that they can always be reminded of their unique love through these uniquely significant rings.
Need help picking your dream engagement ring?
To choose a ring that is personal, unique and environmentally conscious, consider focusing on the quality and longevity of the rock. If you would like some inspiration or guidance, here’s our expert guide on selecting the perfect ring.
Additionally, pay attention to where and how the jewel is sourced to ensure it has been ethically sourced. Sourcing your ring through well-established and trusted jewelers is a good way to ensure quality and ethical sourcing.
Finally, consider how you would like to showcase your individuality and love story through your choice of ring. Personalisation options are never-ending, so choose carefully and create a piece that you will love forever. If you need some more inspiration, we have compiled a list of 13 timeless engagement ring styles that may provide a good base for envisioning your engagement ring or reach out to our Concierge team for personal guidance and recommendations.
