The old "three months salary" rule is marketing from a 1930s diamond cartel. Ignore it. Here is how we actually talk budget with clients.

Start with the stone

The stone is usually 50–65% of the total. Decide what size and grade matters to you, then build the setting around it.

Setting costs by style

A plain solitaire setting in 18K: $350–$600. A pavé or hidden halo: $700–$1,200. A vintage-style filigree piece: $1,200–$2,500.

What we include

Two 3D render revisions, casting, setting, finishing, insured shipping, and one free resize within the first year. There are no surprise invoices.

If you are over budget

Downsize the stone half a carat before you downsize the craftsmanship. A well-set 0.8ct looks bigger and brighter than a poorly set 1.2ct.