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

How much should you really spend on a jewellery gift in the UK? From everyday tokens to milestone pieces, budgets vary widely. I'm Katie Silver, founder of Argent + Asher, and in this guide I'll share what people actually spend and how to choose a budget that feels right for you.

Sep 19, 2025

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+

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 repor t)

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.

Budget	What It Covers	Example Gifts
Under £500	Thoughtful everyday or early-relationship gifts	Initial Necklaces, Engraved Pendants, Baby Heart Pendants
£500 - £1,500	Significant milestone pieces	Diamond Name Necklaces, Multiple Initial Necklaces with Hearts
£1,500+	Major events, heirloom-quality	Diamond Name Necklace in 18k Gold, bespoke designs

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).

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

Question	Quick Expert Answer
How much should I spend on jewellery for my girlfriend?	£100 - £500 if it's early, £500 - £1,500 for a long-term relationship. Choose something personal, not generic.
Is £500 enough for an anniversary gift?	Absolutely especially for initials, pendants, or gemstone jewellery. Add personalisation for meaning.
Do people expect expensive jewellery gifts?	No - NAJ research shows the median "significant" jewellery spend is £150. Thoughtfulness matters more than cost.
What's a normal budget for personalised jewellery?	£200 - £1,000, depending on materials (sterling silver vs 18k gold, diamonds).

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.

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Written by Katie Silver

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AUTHOR

Katie Silver

Katie Silver is a trusted voice in the world of fine jewellery and the founder of Argent & Asher, the London-based brand known for creating meaningful, personalised pieces that celebrate life’s most important moments. After years of working directly with customers to design their dream name necklaces, initial pendants and milestone gifts, Katie has become a go-to expert for honest jewellery advice.

From understanding how much you should spend on a diamond name necklace to choosing the perfect personalised gift, Katie shares transparent, experience-led insights in every article she writes. Her goal? To take the guesswork out of jewellery shopping and help you invest in pieces that feel personal, timeless, and truly worth it.