Wide Engagement Rings

With an annual income of 50 000 euros, a sensible engagement ring budget could be roughly 2 000–3 500 euros. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, so the most important thing is to consider your personal financial situation.

It used to be customary to spend two or three months’ salary on a ring, but this idea began as a diamond marketing campaign and is no longer considered a reliable financial guide. Following it could mean spending 8 000–12 500 euros and become an unnecessary financial burden.

Before setting a budget, it is worth taking into account your income after tax, housing costs, loans, savings and other financial commitments. A common recommendation is to spend around 5–10 per cent of your annual net income on a ring, but you can also choose a smaller amount. What matters most is that the purchase does not lead to debt or financial strain.

The size of a diamond depends not only on your budget but also on its cut, colour, clarity and shape, as well as on the design of the ring. For around 3 000 euros, this collection offers a wide gold ring with a total natural diamond weight of up to 0.76 ct.

When assessing a ring, it is important to distinguish between the weight of a single centre diamond and the total weight of all the diamonds set in it. Several smaller diamonds can create a particularly bright and luxurious sparkle, although their combined weight does not equal a single stone of the same size.

The arrangement of the diamonds also has a big influence on the visual impression. A high-quality cut enhances the sparkle, while a wide ring design and the right proportions give the piece more character. The budget also covers the 585 fineness gold, the making of the ring and the setting of the diamonds.

A 2-carat diamond is large and noticeable, but whether the ring looks too flashy depends on its design, the shape of the stone, the proportions of the hand and your personal style. A simple band and an understated setting can give even a large diamond an elegant, classic look.

A round 2 ct diamond is usually about 8 mm in diameter, while oval, marquise or pear-shaped stones can look even larger because of their elongated shape. Additional side diamonds or a halo of stones heighten the sense of luxury.

It is also worth considering everyday comfort. A large, high-set stone can catch on clothing or be more easily damaged. For a striking yet more practical ring, you can choose a wide design with several natural diamonds. This kind of design gives visual weight and brilliant sparkle, while the stones can be set lower.

Some people take their engagement ring off the ring finger of the left hand during the wedding ceremony so that the wedding ring can be placed directly on the finger. By tradition, the wedding ring is worn closest to the heart, with the engagement ring worn above it.

Before the ceremony, the engagement ring can be moved to the right hand and then, after the vows, returned to the left hand above the wedding ring. It can also be left safely at home or entrusted to someone close.

Taking off the engagement ring is not essential. It can stay on the left hand, and the order of the rings can be changed after the ceremony. What matters most is choosing the way that is most comfortable and meaningful for the couple.

By tradition, the wedding ring goes on the ring finger of the left hand first, so that it sits closest to the heart. The engagement ring is worn above it. This order symbolises the marital commitment, and the engagement ring on top can help hold the wedding ring in place.

Before the ceremony, the engagement ring can be moved to the right hand. During the ceremony, the wedding ring is placed on the left hand, and after the vows the engagement ring is returned above it.

You do not have to follow this rule. The rings can also be worn in the reverse order, on different hands or separately. The choice should depend on comfort, the design of the rings and their personal meaning.