Gold Price Increases - What it Means for Engagement and Wedding Rings

Gold Price Increases and Fluctuations - Our Predictions and What it Means for Engagement and Wedding Rings

Gold has long symbolised love, luxury, and longevity. three qualities that make it an enduring choice for engagement and wedding rings. But with global gold prices reaching record highs, and traders and investors alike causing a market frenzy, many couples and jewellers alike are noticing a shift.

From design preferences to material choices, here’s how the gold price increase is influencing engagement rings and wedding rings today.

What it means for Clients 

The final price of a ring is influenced by the price of gold, but how much largely depends on the ring design and the chosen diamonds. Factors such as finger size and band thickness play a large role in the total gold used in the design. Typically for engagement rings, the centre diamond would account for the majority of the price. However for plain 18ct gold rings (such as a wedding band) the metal price will have a direct impact. Since these designs are pure 18ct gold, even slight fluctuations in the value of gold can noticeably influence the final price. 

Will Gold Prices Continue to Increase? 

With the gold market reaching an all-time high, traders and investors are eager to secure their share. For the jewellery world, this can create a distortion of the market. At JANAI, our extensive network and long-standing relationships within the industry allow us to continue offering exceptional value for our clients. While the future is, of course, unknown. Gold has long been admired and revered. Its enduring strength across centuries is precisely what made it a cornerstone of fine jewellery and a lasting symbol of beauty. 

How is the jewellery industry adapting to Gold Prices?

The jewellery industry is adapting in various ways. Some jewellers may hollow out their rings, create thinner or more delicate bands, use lower grade metal alloy mixes containing cheaper metals such as nickel, or incorporate recycled gold sourced from antique jewellery pieces or other sources. While these strategies can help lower costs short term, each of these approaches involves compromise. Often sacrificing quality, durability and longevity that customers expect from their engagement rings and wedding rings. 

At JANAI our commitment to quality is uncompromising, and as such, we recommend 18ct gold. It is the most secure choice for diamond engagement rings and wedding rings, resistant to bending and scratches, requires little long-term maintenance and is the most versatile for design. We use new gold with premium alloy mixes for our clients forever rings. Through custom design, we allow clients control over how their budget is allocated for their engagement ring or wedding bands. Creating bespoke pieces that perfectly reflect their style and financial priorities without compromising on quality or durability. 

Are clients choosing alternative metals? 

Platinum is an option for those seeking an alternative, though it typically comes with a similar price tag to gold and yet more limited design options (not suitable for intricate ring designs). Silver on the other hand, whilst less expensive, is unsuitable for wedding jewellery because it’s softer and more prone to tarnishing and scratches.

Ultimately, gold remains the most desirable metal for engagement and wedding rings, thanks to its enduring value and symbolism.

How Gold Prices are Influencing design 

Budget-conscious clients are looking to lab-grown diamonds. While they’re not a substitute for gold, they do allow couples to reallocate part of their budget. Perhaps choosing a larger or higher quality centre stone for an engagement ring or extra diamonds along their wedding band whilst maintaining a classic gold setting. For engagement rings, there’s always been an affinity toward refined simplicity. Classic ring styles are forever popular.

For women's Engagement rings, styles including diamond bands are in highest demand. They compliment a centre diamond beautifully and it’s a design choice that balances beauty, practicality, and value. A diamond band compliments all of the most popular engagement ring styles. Chosen not only because of rising gold prices, but due to their versatility.

For men, plain gold wedding bands are the ultimate favourite. The classic design feels masculine and meaningful, symbolising love and commitment. Gold is also durable and comfortable, making it a practical choice for men. Band width tends to be a personal preference around comfort and style rather than price. 

Modern couples are drawn to understated elegance, pieces that can be worn comfortably every day and fit effortlessly into their lifestyle.

Our Future Predictions

Despite the rising cost of gold, the demand for engagement and wedding rings remains the same. Love and marriage, after all, doesn’t follow market trends. Couples may adjust designs or timelines, but the desire to celebrate commitment with something lasting is largely unaffected. 

In fact, there’s been a noticeable rise in couples investing in more meaningful pieces. This shift reflects a broader trend toward conscious luxury, valuing quality and emotional significance. 

While many couples are becoming more mindful of budgets, most aren’t sacrificing quality or sentiment. Instead, they’re placing greater emphasis on longevity, quality and customisation. Couples are opting for more meaningful designs, adding design details or bespoke touches that feel personal and enduring.

In essence, today’s couples are spending more thoughtfully, not less. 

In summary

The rise in gold prices has reshaped priorities, not passion. Couples are thinking more deeply about their purchases, favouring personal meaning and sentiment. For clients, the rising price of gold is a reminder that true value lies not in the metal itself, but in the craftsmanship, symbolism, and emotion it embodies. Love, after all, has never been defined by its price, but by its meaning.