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TL;DR
On a $90,000 Brisbane salary, consider spending $3,000-$7,500 on an engagement ring (1-2.5 months' income) rather than following outdated "3-month salary" rules that ignore modern cost-of-living realities. |
The old-school advice to spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring would have you looking at a $22,500 ring if you earn $90,000. But for most couples living in Brisbane today, that guideline feels out of step with reality.
With median weekly rent for a one-bedroom unit in Brisbane now well over $520, and the cost of living in Queensland rising by more than 2.7% over the last year, putting a significant portion of your income into a ring might not align with other priorities—like saving for a home, planning a wedding, or building a financial buffer.
Modern couples are focusing more on how a ring fits into their shared future, rather than following outdated rules.
If you're earning $90K a year, a practical engagement ring budget might fall somewhere between $3,000 and $7,500. That allows for quality without putting unnecessary strain on your other plans.
Weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $520 or more
Weekly transport and parking can add another $120 to $180
Dining and entertainment costs for couples often exceed $150 per week
The average Queensland wedding costs between $26,000–$31,000
Brisbane’s median house price is now above $1M
A thoughtful approach to spending allows you to balance sentiment with strategy, and it can make a big difference in how you start your next chapter.
Smart ring choices aren't always about spending more—they’re about making informed decisions.
Lab-grown diamonds, which typically cost 80 to 90 per cent less than natural ones
Moissanite or sapphires, which are durable and visually impressive at a lower cost
Vintage or estate rings, which can be distinctive and often more affordable
Design choices also matter. Simple solitaire settings offer timeless appeal at lower price points. Choosing diamonds in the VS2 to SI1 clarity range and G to H colour grades can help you get more size and sparkle for your budget. Opting for 18k white gold instead of platinum is another way to save without sacrificing aesthetics.
Once you’ve chosen the ring, it's worth thinking about how to cover it in case something unexpected happens.
Some home and contents insurance policies have low item limits or may only offer limited cover away from home. Travel insurance can also sometimes fall short if the ring is lost outside your luggage or in situations not clearly defined in the policy.
That’s why some people explore policies designed specifically for jewellery.
Some insurers focus specifically on jewellery and how it’s worn, stored, and valued. These policies can include features like:
Cover for theft, loss, accidental damage, and mysterious disappearance
Annual revaluation, helping your policy reflect current market value
Worldwide cover, including during travel or honeymoons
Option to return to your original jeweller for repairs or replacement
$0 excess on theft claims (depending on the policy)
Local claims support from Australian-based teams
Q Report is an Australian-owned provider offering these features and more. With more than 2,000 five-star reviews from Australian customers, it’s a trusted option for those wanting to cover their engagement ring with care and clarity.
Set a budget based on one to 1-2.5 months of income
Research Brisbane-based jewellers and read customer reviews
Learn the basics of diamonds: cut, colour, clarity, and carat
Consider your partner’s style and lifestyle
Ask for a diamond certificate, such as GIA
Request a detailed receipt with specifications
Understand the return, resizing, and warranty policies
Take photos of the ring for documentation
Store the ring safely until you’re ready to propose
Get specialist engagement ring insurance based on its current market value
Review the insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination
Your engagement ring marks a major milestone. For a Brisbane-based couple with a $90K salary, spending between $3,000 and $7,500 allows you to invest in a meaningful symbol of your relationship—while keeping your wider financial goals in view.
To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.
Don't have the receipt?
If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.
