How much does an engagement ring cost in Switzerland? It is often the first question that comes to mind before a proposal. There is no single price: from one ring to another, the difference can be as much as twentyfold. Here is what makes the price vary, the most common budgets and our advice for choosing with peace of mind.
What determines the price of an engagement ring
The diamond
The diamond generally accounts for the largest share of the price. Its value depends on the 4Cs: carat weight, colour, clarity and quality of cut. At the same weight, two diamonds can have very different prices depending on their colour and clarity. The cut, for its part, creates the brilliance: a well-cut diamond looks brighter, and often larger, than a heavier but less well-cut stone.
The metal
An engagement ring is most often made in 18-carat gold, yellow, white or rose, or in platinum. Platinum is denser and more expensive than gold. If you are undecided, read our article white gold or platinum.
The setting and the craftsmanship
A classic four- or six-prong solitaire requires less work than a ring pavé-set with diamonds, a halo or a trilogy. The more small stones the setting holds, the higher the price. A bespoke creation, designed for you, also requires more hours in the workshop.
What budget should you plan for?
In our Lausanne boutique, engagement rings range from around CHF 1’000 to more than CHF 25’000, and most models fall between CHF 1’500 and CHF 8’000. The famous three-months’-salary rule is mostly an old advertising slogan: the right budget is the one you feel comfortable with.
Our advice for choosing well
- Set a budget before you start, then look for the best balance between diamond and setting.
- Prioritise the quality of the cut: it is what gives the sparkle.
- A colour and clarity slightly below the highest grades are often invisible to the naked eye once the ring is worn.
- A diamond just below a round weight, for example 0.90 carat instead of 1 carat, often costs noticeably less for a barely visible difference.
- Compare stones side by side: it is the best way to see the differences.
Payment in instalments
To spread the cost, we offer payment in monthly instalments with our partner HeyLight, up to CHF 10’000.
See and compare in our boutique
The simplest way is still to come and compare several rings and several diamonds. We also measure your ring size on the spot. Discover our page on engagement rings and wedding bands in Lausanne, our selection of solitaires and our guide to choosing your engagement ring.
