Guide prices 2026
What an engagement ring really costs in Switzerland
Engagement ring price, what does an engagement ring cost, engagement ring under 3000 francs: almost every couple googles these questions before they come to us, and usually finds only vague answers online. At émin we break down every line item openly before you decide on anything.
The price depends on three things: the stone, the setting and the work behind it. On this page we show you how those items add up, what you get with our three tiers Essential, Signature and Heritage, and where you can save deliberately without the ring showing it later.
What makes up the price
An engagement ring doesn't have a made-up price, even if it sometimes feels that way online. With us it always breaks down into the same four items, and you see each one on your quote, not just a final total.
Search online for the price and you usually just find ranges without explanation. We show you instead what sits behind every franc, so you can ask targeted questions in your consultation instead of simply accepting a number.
The four items in detail
This is how your budget breaks down when we put together a quote.
| Item | What it means |
|---|---|
| Stone | The diamond itself, priced loose by carat, colour, clarity and cut. Usually the biggest single item, especially for natural diamonds. |
| Setting | The gold or platinum that holds the stone, plus every detail such as prongs, pavé or a halo of small stones. |
| Work | Consultation, design, making the ring to your size, and quality control before it reaches your hands. |
| Margin | What lets us stay honest: certification, warranty, rent and running the atelier, without cutting corners on the stone itself. |
Why the price jumps at certain points
Diamonds don't get more expensive in a straight line. The jump between 0.9 and 1.0 carat is often bigger than between 0.7 and 0.9 carat, because round marks like 1 carat or 2 carat see stronger demand on the global market.
That's exactly why we tell you about these jumps honestly, before you settle on a size. A stone just under the mark looks practically the same on the hand, but costs noticeably less.
Essential, Signature, Heritage: our three tiers
Every tier is a complete ring, not a loose stone. Here is how they differ, we calculate the exact price for your design together in person.
| Tier | What's included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Complete solitaire with a 1-carat lab-grown diamond (brilliant cut), classic prong setting, 18K gold or platinum, IGI-certified. | CHF 1'900 |
| Signature | 2-carat lab-grown diamond with a hidden halo or a similar setting, more fire and presence on the hand. | from CHF 2'500 |
| Heritage | Natural diamond from 1 carat, GIA-certified, individual setting in 18K gold or platinum. | from CHF 6'500 |
CHF 1'900 is our fixed example for Essential. Other sizes, budgets and 14K gold on request, we're happy to discuss.
Where you can save without anyone noticing
Four honest levers that protect your budget without the ring ever looking cut-price.
Never save on the cut
Cut decides how a diamond sparkles more than anything else. A poor cut shows immediately, even on a large stone. This is not the place to save.
Carat just under a round mark
0.9 instead of 1.0 carat, 1.8 instead of 2.0 carat: barely visible on the hand, often a noticeably smaller jump in price.
Colour G or H instead of D
From colour G onwards, the difference to D is practically invisible to the naked eye, especially once set. With lab-grown stones it stands out even less.
Clarity VS instead of VVS
VS stones are considered eye-clean, inclusions only show under a loupe. The premium for VVS pays mostly for a certificate grade, not for more sparkle on your hand.
Payment: deposit and instalments
When you order, we agree a deposit, and you pay the rest at handover. That way we secure the stone for you without you having to raise the whole budget upfront.
If your budget doesn't quite stretch, just say so openly in the consultation. Instalments can be arranged, we find a solution that suits you together and explain the terms before you decide.
Our three tiers as a starting point
Three starting points we tailor in conversation to your wish and your budget.
Price depends on the work involved. We calculate openly, no surprises.
Guide prices, 2026, including VAT. Essential at CHF 1'900 is our fixed example, other budgets and 14K gold on request. We always discuss the exact figure in person.
Models that fit every budget
A small selection from our collection. Every model can be adapted in metal, stone size and setting to fit your budget.
Frequently asked questions
With us a complete ring starts from CHF 1'900: our Essential tier with a 1-carat lab-grown diamond, classic prong setting, 18K gold or platinum, IGI-certified. Signature with 2 carats and a hidden halo starts from CHF 2'500, Heritage with a natural diamond from CHF 6'500. Above that the scale is open: with natural diamonds the price runs many times higher, and if you want a natural stone over one carat, you're quickly in five-figure territory. We always show you concrete examples for your budget instead of just naming a general range.
The biggest price driver is almost always the stone: carat, colour, clarity and cut together. Setting and metal add to that, an elaborate halo of many small stones costs more than a simple prong setting. We break this down for you on every quote.
A lab-grown diamond costs noticeably less than a natural one at the same size and quality, chemically both are real diamonds. On a limited budget, lab-grown usually gets you more carat or a better colour and clarity. The decision is still yours, we show you both side by side.
Never on the cut, that shows immediately. Good places to save are carat just under a round mark, colour G or H instead of D, and clarity VS instead of VVS. These differences are barely visible to the naked eye but noticeable in price.
No, that rule of thumb comes from an old advertising campaign, not from any real necessity. We recommend choosing a budget you're comfortable with and letting us show you the most honest ring we can build for it. More detail is in the linked article.
Yes, that can be arranged, just mention it during the consultation. We find a solution together that fits your budget, and explain the terms openly before you decide. There are no surprises on the invoice with us, every instalment and its date is agreed in writing beforehand.
The consultation itself is free, whether in person or by video. You only pay once you decide on a ring. Take your time, we never pressure you and break down every item before any work begins, and you're welcome to come back more than once to compare stones.
They are honest guide prices, as of 2026, not made-up numbers. The exact price depends on the specific stone, metal and setting you choose and can shift a little up or down. We always confirm the final amount in writing before you order.
Quick enquiry
Tell us your budget, we break it down openly
Send us a rough idea of what you're planning to spend. We'll show you matching stones and settings and reply within one working day with a suggestion.