Wedding rings are often one of the more considered purchases when planning a wedding, but it can be difficult to know what you should expect to pay. Prices vary considerably depending on the metal, width, weight, design and the overall quality of the ring.
There is no single price that can be given for a wedding ring. A slim gold band, a substantial platinum ring and a diamond-set wedding ring are all very different pieces of jewellery, even if they look relatively similar at first glance.
Understanding what affects the price makes it much easier to decide how and where to spend your money, and choose a ring that you will cherish for a lifetime.
How much is the average wedding ring?
The average price is difficult to define because wedding rings vary so considerably in size, metal and design.
As a broad guide, a well-made, simple 18ct gold wedding ring may cost around the £600 mark, while a substantial platinum band or diamond-set ring can easily reach £1,800 or more.
At a jeweller, the more useful question is not simply "What does a wedding ring cost?" but "What specification am I getting for the price being paid?"
A £500 ring and a £2,000 ring can look remarkably similar in a photograph, while being significantly different in metal, weight, width and construction.
Why two plain bands can be priced completely differently
Two rings can both be described as plain wedding rings and still have very different prices.
The first consideration is the metal. An 18ct gold ring contains substantially more pure gold, at 750 parts per thousand, than a 9ct gold ring, at 375 parts per thousand, while platinum is a particularly dense precious metal. The amount of material used therefore has a direct effect on the cost.
The dimensions of the ring are equally important. A 2mm band and a 5mm band may have a similar appearance when viewed individually, but the wider ring requires considerably more metal.
Then there is the weight and making of the ring. Two rings with the same width can have different depths, profiles and internal shapes, resulting in very different amounts of metal being used.
This is why comparing wedding rings purely by their width or appearance can be misleading. When comparing prices, it is worth asking about the metal, carat, width and depth.
The manufacturing process can also have an effect. A standard, mass-produced wedding ring will often cost less than one that has been made and finished by hand.
How metal choice moves the price (gold carat and platinum)
The choice of metal is one of the biggest factors affecting the cost of a wedding ring.
With gold, the carat tells you how much pure gold is contained within the ring. 9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, while 18ct gold contains 75%.
As a result, an 18ct gold wedding ring will cost more than an equivalent 9ct gold ring. The final cost depends on the weight of the ring, the other metals in the alloy and the manufacturing involved.
Gold is available in yellow, white and rose varieties, and the choice between these colours can also have an impact on the overall price.
Platinum is another popular choice for wedding rings. It is naturally white, dense and particularly well suited to jewellery that is intended to be worn every day.
A platinum ring will often cost more than an equivalent gold ring, although the comparison is more complicated than simply looking at the metal price. Platinum is denser than gold, so a ring of the same dimensions will generally weigh more.
For couples choosing between 18ct gold and platinum, it is therefore worth comparing rings with the same width, depth and profile rather than simply comparing the headline price.
Width and weight: the hidden cost driver most people miss
Width is one of the easiest ways to change the price of a wedding ring without necessarily changing its overall style.
A slim 2mm wedding band uses considerably less metal than a 5mm or 6mm band. This becomes particularly noticeable with men's wedding rings, where wider bands are often chosen.
However, width alone does not tell you the whole story.
The depth of the ring and its profile also determine how much metal is required. A heavy court-style wedding ring, for example, may use substantially more metal than a flatter, lighter band of the same width.
This is one reason why two apparently similar wedding rings can have surprisingly different prices.
When comparing quotes from different jewellers, ask whether the rings are being made to the same width and depth. It is much easier to make a meaningful comparison when you are comparing like for like.
A good Hatton Garden jeweller should be able to explain why one ring costs more than another rather than simply giving you a price without explaining the specification.
Diamond-set bands vs plain bands
Adding diamonds naturally increases the cost of a wedding ring, but the amount can vary considerably depending on the design.
A ring with a small number of diamonds set into it will cost less than a full eternity-style band covered with stones. The size, quality and total carat weight of the diamonds all contribute to the price, as does the setting method and additional labour involved.
A diamond-set wedding ring can be a particularly good option if you want some additional sparkle without choosing a completely diamond-covered band.
The style of your engagement ring can also influence the choice. Some couples choose a plain wedding band to allow the engagement ring to remain the focus, while others prefer a diamond-set band that sits alongside it.
There is no requirement for your engagement ring and wedding ring to match exactly. Different metals, widths and designs can work very well together, provided the proportions and fit have been considered.
For those looking for something particularly personal, a bespoke wedding ring can also be made to complement an existing engagement ring, including unusual settings or shaped bands designed to sit neatly alongside it.
Men's vs women's rings: who tends to pay more and why
There is no rule that men's or women's wedding rings should cost more.
In practice, men's rings often use more metal because they tend to be wider and heavier. A substantial 5mm or 6mm men's wedding ring can therefore cost more than a slim women's band, even when both are made from the same metal.
However, the opposite can easily be true where a women's ring includes diamonds, intricate detailing or a more elaborate design.
For example, a plain platinum men's band may cost less than a narrower diamond-set women's wedding ring simply because the latter involves additional stones and manufacturing.
The fairest way to compare prices is therefore to look at the specification rather than whether the ring is marketed as a men's or women's wedding ring.
This is particularly important when couples are considering matching wedding rings. Matching does not necessarily mean identical. You may prefer the same metal and finish while choosing different widths or profiles to suit each person's hand.
How to get more ring for your budget
If you have a fixed budget, there are several ways to make it work harder.
Start with the metal and width. These are two of the biggest variables and can often be adjusted without dramatically changing the overall appearance of the ring.
Consider the profile and weight. A lighter construction can reduce the amount of precious metal required while still producing a substantial-looking ring.
Think carefully about diamonds. If you want a diamond-set wedding ring, reducing the number or size of stones can make a difference while retaining the overall look.
Compare like for like. When looking at different jewellers, make sure you are comparing the same metal, carat, width, depth and approximate weight. Otherwise, a cheaper quote may simply be for a lighter or narrower ring.
Finally, remember that your wedding ring is something you are likely to wear every day. It is worth prioritising comfort, durability and craftsmanship rather than choosing purely on the lowest price.
Whether you are looking for a simple gold wedding band, a substantial platinum ring or a bespoke diamond-set design, an experienced jeweller should be able to explain the options clearly and help you find the right balance between specification and budget.
