A plurality of people in Ireland have said they believe in spending one month’s salary on an engagement ring. 

In a survey carried out by insurance broker Gallagher in Ireland, 41% of people agreed that one month’s salary was the appropriate figure. 

15% opted for three months salary, 4% six months and 2% one whole year. 

20% said an engagement ring is not worth spending much on and 16% said the proposer should not have to pay the entire bill for the ring. 

On Lunchtime Live, Margaret Brennan of Aidan Brennan Jewellers in Dundalk, said she feels that people spend “really what they’re comfortable with”. 

“I think it’s a discussion they have with each other as a couple before they come in to check anything out,” she said. 

Ms Brennan added that people usually have a “bit of wiggle room” when it comes to budget.  

“My typical average spend would be between €3,000 and €4,000,” she said. 

“You get lovely rings; I think people have this preconceived idea that you might not get much for that. 

“But in today’s world, we can make rings dazzle and shine out at them. 

“You can always get something in your budget, even if it’s below that, that will really pop when you open a box.”

A man putting an engagement ring onto his fiancee's finger. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

Ms Brennan continued that an engagement ring is unique and that often people will only know once they get it on their hand. 

“Some people will have a little bit of homework done where they might prefer to have a specific stone,” she explained. 

“That said, they’ll know that their budget is going to be slightly higher than what that average will be. 

“You do get people who are in as soon as it goes on your hand, the ring will suit your hand. 

“If it doesn’t, you kind of know it.”

Main image: A man proposes to his girlfriend. Picture by: Alamy.com.