How Much Should You Spend on a Jewellery Gift? (A Complete UK Guide)

Jewellery is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give, but it comes with one of the trickiest questions: how much should you spend on a jewellery gift ?

It’s a question I hear constantly from clients, especially partners and family members who want to get it right without overspending. The truth is, there’s no single “correct” amount. Instead, it depends on your budget, the occasion, the relationship, and most importantly, the thought behind the gift.

This jewellery gift spending guide will help you understand UK averages, real-life etiquette, and how to choose jewellery that feels priceless, whatever your budget.

If you’re still at the research stage, start with my article : The Complete Guide to Buying Jewellery as a Gift (And Getting It Right Every Time).

Why the “Right Spend” Depends on the Occasion

Jewellery is tied to life’s biggest milestones, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, births. How much you spend should reflect the significance of the moment and your personal relationship with the recipient.

Quick guide:

• Everyday gifts (birthdays, “just because”): £100–£500
• Special milestones (anniversaries, graduations): £500–£1,500
• Major life events (engagement, push presents, weddings): £1,500+

Related article: Jewellery Gift Etiquette: Who Buys What, and When

What UK Consumers Really Spend on Jewellery

Let’s take some guesswork out of this with hard numbers.

According to the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ):

• 41% of UK consumers spent under £100 on their last “significant” jewellery purchase.
• The median was £150, while the mean average was £334.31.
  (NAJ report)

This tells us that:

• You don’t need to overspend to give a meaningful piece.
• Most gifts fall into the affordable luxury range.
• Spending trends rise for milestone anniversaries and customised jewellery.

Jewellery Gift Price Brackets (With Examples)

Here’s a breakdown of realistic spending brackets, with suggestions from our own collections.

Why Spending More on Craftsmanship Pays Off

It’s not just about budget, it’s about value. A recent study found UK consumers are willing to spend £20.60 more on jewellery from small businesses, simply for the assurance of personalisation, unique design, and craftsmanship.

(Capital on Tap study via Jewellery Monthly)

This perfectly matches what I see at Argent & Asher. Clients often tell me they’d rather invest in a piece that feels like it was made just for their loved one, because the emotional connection lasts longer than the price tag.

Browse our Personalised Jewellery Collection for meaningful options across all budgets.

How to Match Spend to the Relationship

The “right” amount isn’t about impressing someone, it’s about what feels thoughtful.

Guidelines I give clients:

• Girlfriend/Boyfriend (new relationship): Under £500, personalised but simple (like initials or engraving).
• Long-term partner/Spouse: £500–£2,500, milestone-worthy (diamond name necklace, custom pendant).
• Parents or Children: Under £1,000, sentimental designs (engraved dates, birthstones).
• Friends: £200–£500, thoughtful but casual (small pendants, personalised charms).

Related article: The Best Jewellery Gifts for Every Milestone Birthday

Why Thoughtfulness Matters More Than Cost

The most treasured gifts are the ones that feel personal. Over the years, I’ve seen countless men agonise over budget, only to discover that their partner cherished a modestly priced engraved pendant just as much as a diamond necklace.

A client once commissioned a Diamond Name Necklace with both his children’s initials and tiny engraved hearts. It wasn’t the most expensive design we’ve made, but his wife told me it was the most meaningful gift she’d ever received.

That’s why my advice is always: set a budget, but focus on making the jewellery personal.

FAQs: Jewellery Gift Spending in the UK

 Related article: Jewellery Gift Etiquette: Who Buys What, and When

Final Thoughts

So, how much should you spend on a jewellery gift? The answer is: as much as feels right for your relationship and occasion.

Most people in the UK spend under £500, but milestone events often push that budget higher. The key isn’t the number, it’s whether the jewellery feels like it was chosen with thought and meaning.

At Argent & Asher, we believe a personalised piece,  whether it’s £300 or £3,000,  is always the gift they’ll treasure most.

Explore:

• Diamond Name Necklaces
• Gold Name Necklaces
• Initial Necklaces