Many couples know the tradition of spending three months' salary on an engagement ring, but when it comes to wedding rings, the expectations are less defined. Without a set rule, it’s natural to wonder: How much should a wedding ring cost?
The truth is, wedding ring cost varies based on factors like material, craftsmanship, and design. It is thought that in recent years, the average wedding ring cost in the UK is around £950 but the most important thing is that your ring represents your love, not a specific price tag. Whether you choose a simple band or a diamond wedding ring, the cost of wedding rings depends on your budget and style preferences. Some couples opt for ready-made distinct gold wedding bands, or hardy platinum wedding rings, while others prefer bespoke wedding rings to create something truly unique to represent their commitment.
At Oscar and Olivia, we understand that finding the perfect ring is about more than just price—it’s about choosing a piece you’ll cherish forever. Through our personalised wedding ring consultations—whether online or in the comfort of your home—we guide you in selecting a wedding ring that fits both your individual style and budget needs, without compromising on a piece you love. Whether you're looking for diamond wedding bands, a his and hers wedding ring set, or a fully custom wedding ring, we’re here to help you make an informed choice.
In this guide, we’ll explore how much wedding rings cost, the average wedding ring cost in the UK, and the factors that influence pricing, helping you allocate your budget wisely while finding a ring that reflects your unique love story.
What Influences the Cost of a Wedding Ring?
When asking how much should a wedding ring cost, it’s important to consider the factors that influence pricing. From the metal you choose to the design intricacies, several elements determine the typical wedding ring cost.
Material Choice
The cost of wedding rings varies significantly based on the metal, and there are many different precious metals to choose from. Options like 9k gold, 18k gold, platinum wedding rings, silver wedding rings, and palladium each come with different price points. White gold and platinum wedding rings tend to be the most expensive due to their durability, while gold wedding rings for women and men’s gold wedding rings vary in cost depending on karat purity.
One key consideration is matching the metal of your wedding rings to your engagement diamond ring. Harder metals like platinum can scratch softer metals like gold, and different metals may discolour at different rates, creating a mismatched look over time. Therefore, we always recommend that your engagement and wedding rings are made of the same material, ensuring they age beautifully together
Although wedding rings are often considered later in the overall wedding planning process, it’s worth choosing them early to ensure you have enough budget for your ultimate choice. To help with this, we offer an interest-free standing order package, allowing you to spread the cost in manageable payments between your engagement and wedding day. Your rings are crafted three months before the final payment is due, and once they are ready, we send you a special video preview before dispatching them upon receipt of your final payment. For more information on payment plans, please contact us!
Design Complexity
Understandably, a plain wedding ring is more affordable than an elaborate, diamond-set piece. Women’s diamond wedding rings, such as eternity bands, and his and hers wedding rings with intricate detailing will naturally increase a wedding rings cost. We offer an extensive range of design options for all budgets, including simple gold wedding rings for women, all the way to detailed bespoke shaped wedding rings designed to sit perfectly alongside your engagement ring. Similarly, our men’s wedding rings collection is just as diverse, featuring men’s gold wedding rings, platinum bands, and zirconium designs, with bespoke options being all the more customisable.
Whether you prefer a classic polished finish, a textured matte or hammered effect, or intricate engravings for a personal touch, we provide a variety of styles to suit individual tastes.
Brand & Craftsmanship
A custom wedding ring crafted by expert jewellers or an engagement ring will naturally cost more than a ready-made design, but this higher price reflects the level of craftsmanship, exclusivity, and personalisation you receive. With a bespoke wedding ring, you can choose every detail—from the metal and finish to intricate engraving or a design that perfectly complements your engagement ring. Bespoke is often cheaper than many also anticipate; during the design phase, your jeweller will listen to your ideas and budget to ensure that you can have your dream ring with minimal compromise. Our Try at Home wedding ring consultation offers a truly tailored experience, allowing you to explore designs in comfort while receiving expert guidance. This personalised approach ensures that your investment results in a ring that is as unique and meaningful as the love it represents.
Gemstones & Diamonds
The choice between diamond wedding rings and coloured gemstones impacts pricing, as does the 4C’s of diamonds—carat, cut, clarity, and colour. Each of these characteristics plays a role in determining a diamond’s value, with larger carat weights, exceptional clarity, and high colour grades commanding higher prices. However, an expert jeweller can help you maximise these qualities, ensuring you get the most brilliance and beauty within your budget. Natural diamonds are more expensive than lab-grown diamonds, making lab-grown an excellent choice for those wanting bespoke wedding rings with a luxurious look at a lower price, without compromising on the wedding ring you have always wanted.
Ring Width & Thickness
A wider band requires more metal, naturally increasing the wedding ring cost. While thinner rings are often more affordable, durability is an important consideration, as they can be more prone to bending or damage over time. Your choice of wedding ring profile can also influence both aesthetics and longevity. Certain profiles not only enhance comfort but can also help protect the metal from everyday wear or create the illusion of a thicker band without the added weight and cost. Selecting the right balance between width, durability, and design ensures your ring remains both beautiful and practical for a lifetime.
Wedding Rings at Every Budget: What’s Right for You?
The cost of wedding rings reflects the materials, design, and personal touches that make each piece unique. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect across different price ranges, as you embark on creating your symbol of love:
-
Entry-Level (£200–£500): Simple yet elegant, our ladies plain wedding rings start at around £200. Prices increase depending on the metal, with 9k gold wedding rings and silver wedding rings offering affordability. These rings can still be customised with engravings and we have a range of options in terms of details and ring profiles.
-
Mid-Range (£500–£1,500): This range allows for more intricate designs and premium materials, such as 18k gold wedding rings and platinum wedding rings. Our men’s patterned wedding rings start here, as do our ladies’ diamond wedding rings, with prices increasing based on customisations and diamond quality.
-
Luxury Rings (£1,500+): Featuring high-carat diamonds, bespoke wedding rings, and exquisite craftsmanship, this tier includes luxury wedding rings made with platinum, 18k white gold, and intricate detailing, where the only limit for your wedding ring is your imagination.
So if you are wondering How much should I spend on a wedding ring?, know that there is no pressure for your wedding ring cost to be anything but what you want to spend on it. Whether you choose a plain wedding band or a more ornate wedding ring with diamonds, platinum, or customised features such as a shaped wedding band, what truly matters is that you love your ring and feel it represents your personal style and commitment.
Personalised Wedding Rings at Oscar & Olivia: Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way
At Oscar & Olivia, we understand that no two couples are the same, which is why we offer both ready-made and bespoke wedding rings to perfectly suit your personal style and budget. Whether you choose a classic gold wedding band or want something entirely custom, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your wedding rings reflect your unique love story.
Our bespoke service lets you create the perfect wedding ring, tailored to your exact specifications with the highest quality craftsmanship, keeping what’s important to you in mind throughout. With personal, one-to-one home consultations available in Manchester and the North West, or online consultations for those further afield, we make sure every part of your journey is simple, special, and completely tailored to your preferences. Our ‘at home’ service isn’t just about convenience—it also allows us to offer exceptional value. Without the overheads of a retail shop, we can provide highly competitive pricing while maintaining the same level of quality and expertise. We also offer a comprehensive aftercare service for our clients to make sure your jewellery is always at its best.
You can also meet us in-person at upcoming wedding fairs in Manchester and wider North West wedding fairs—perfect opportunities to explore our bespoke wedding rings and discuss your options face-to-face. Check our wedding fair schedule here for more details.
If you're ready to begin your journey, don’t hesitate to contact us today and let us help you create the wedding ring of your dreams!
