FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
SurveysFeb 16, 2017
How Much Are US Consumers Spending on Engagement Rings?
According to The Knot, the average spend is now above $6,000 while The Wedding Report says it’s closer to $3,400.
The average cost for an engagement ring has passed the $6,000 mark, according to The Knot’s 2016 Real Weddings Survey, while The Wedding Report says it’s more like $3,407. Pictured here is a ring from Kirk Kara’s “Lori” collection ($4,340 in platinum, $3,050 in 18-karat gold, not including center stone).
New York--No matter which report you put more stock in, it’s good news for jewelers: The average amount consumers are spending on their engagement ring in the United States continues to rise.
Recently, wedding planning website The Knot released the results of its 2016 Real Weddings Study in which the company surveyed some 13,000 couples who got married last year to chart the financial spending habits and trends of real weddings in America.
When it comes to the cost of an engagement ring, the survey found that the average spend in the U.S. rose from $5,871 in 2015 to an average of $6,163 last year, an increase of 5 percent.
The Knot said in a press release that survey respondents represent a variety of ethnicities, and educational and income levels and are geographically dispersed across the country. But the company did not respond to a request for more specific information about the survey demographics by press time.
The Knot draws from its own membership for the survey.
Meanwhile, The Wedding Report, a research company that tracks and forecasts spending in the wedding industry, has released a different set of numbers, saying that the average amount consumers spent on their engagement ring rose slightly last year, from $3,386 in 2015 to $3,407 in 2016.
The report also noted that spend on the wedding band is down slightly, decreasing less than 1 percent to $1,242.
The Wedding Report draws on a geographically and demographically diverse crowd, including multiple ethnicities, education levels, occupation types, income levels, marriage number and participants 16 and over, though specific demographics of the participants were not given to National Jeweler.
Both The Knot’s survey and data from The Wedding Report also found that the average cost of weddings is increasing.
According to The Knot’s 2016 Real Weddings Study, the average cost has reached an all-time high at $35,329, up from $32,641 in 2015.
The Wedding Report’s data showed an increase that was less pronounced and a lower total overall, from $26,645 in 2015 to $26,720 last year.
Not surprisingly, the most expensive place to get married in the country is Manhattan, where couples spend a whopping $78,464 on average on their big day, according to The Knot.
In fact, four of the five most expensive places across the country are located in the New York metro area: Manhattan, Long Island, north/central New Jersey and the outer
boroughs of New York City. Coming in at fifth on the list was another major metro area, Chicago.
So, what’s behind the increase in cost of weddings these days?
The Knot found that couples are putting more focus on their guests’ experiences at the event. They are decreasing the number of guests but spending more per guest overall as brides and grooms aim to provide tailored entertainment and special amenities.
The spend on custom entertainment for guests has more than tripled from 11 percent in 2009 to 41 percent last year, with photo booths, games, musical performances and fireworks topping the list, The Knot said.
So, what’s behind the increase in cost of weddings these days?
The Knot found that couples are putting more focus on their guests’ experiences at the event. They are decreasing the number of guests but spending more per guest overall as brides and grooms aim to provide tailored entertainment and special amenities.
The spend on custom entertainment for guests has more than tripled from 11 percent in 2009 to 41 percent last year, with photo booths, games, musical performances and fireworks topping the list, The Knot said.
More on Surveys
The Latest
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
