OPINIONS | Is Proposing with an Engagement Ring Still Worth It in 2025?

What Your Diamond Choice Says About Your Commitment & Values

Written by Janet Tam, Founder, Fresh Recollection

As a bespoke jeweller, I’ve had the privilege of guiding countless couples worldwide through the deeply personal journey of choosing an engagement ring. My atelier offers both options, allowing clients can make an informed choice that reflects their values and aspirations, and also allowing me to share my observations in the engagement preferences in 2025.

In 2025, natural diamond prices have softened about 24% from their 2022 highs, while lab-grown diamonds offer comparable quality at approximately 60-95% lower cost depending on size. This price gap empowers couples to choose stones that align with their values and budgets without sacrificing beauty or symbolism.

Amid these shifting economics, one question persists: Is proposing with a diamond engagement ring still worth it? As a craftsman and confidant in this intimate process, I believe the answer is a resounding yes—because the ring remains an unmatched symbol of love, status, and commitment.

A Lady’s Perspective: The Ring as a Symbol of Status

In this current society, social bonds and public expressions of identity still hold immense weight, an engagement ring carries profound significance for women. From a lady’s perspective, it’s more than jewellery—it’s a symbolic object that announces a transformative change in status. A diamond ring, worn on the fourth finger, speaks louder than any other accessory. It’s a universal signal of commitment, instantly recognizable at dinners, gatherings, or on social media.

In my years as a jeweller, I’ve seen the joy in a woman’s eyes as she slips on a ring that not only sparkles but also declares her new chapter as a fiancée. Whether my clients hail from the United States, Europe, South East Asia or China, this sentiment holds true: no other object matches the diamond ring’s ability to convey this milestone.

Across cultures, the ring remains a cherished marker of commitment. Alternative gifts—be it a watch, a necklace, or a sentimental heirloom—lack the same cultural resonance. In our society, where appearances matter, the ring remains a cherished emblem. Whether it’s a natural diamond, steeped in geological rarity, coloured gemstone, or a lab-grown stone, radiant and affordable, the ring’s design and sparkle must reflect the wearer’s pride and the moment’s significance.  For women worldwide, it’s a symbol that speaks louder than words.

A Man’s Considerations: Balancing Tradition, Pride and Expectations

For men, proposing is a high-stakes endeavour, and the engagement ring is central to getting it right. In my consultations, I see grooms-to-be driven by two goals: securing their partner’s “yes” and ensuring the proposal meets her expectations, especially if it’s a surprise.

In Asian's close-knit social circles, comparisons inevitable, men often benchmark their ring against those of their partner’s friends. Many of my Asian clients arrive with specific requirements—say, a 1-carat natural diamond or a ring costing a “familiar” amount within their network—because they know their fiancée will compare her ring to others. A ring that’s too modest risks leaving her feeling less valued among peers, while one that’s thoughtfully chosen or bespoke designed elevates her sense of being uniquely cherished.

This fear of comparison ties into a man’s pride and his desire to demonstrate sacrifice and sincerity in his proposal. Natural diamonds, despite their price drop, still carry a premium that signals effort. Lab-grown diamonds, while chemically identical and stunning, are so affordable—that they’ve become common in everyday jewellery.

I’ve had male clients worldwide express concern that a lab-grown ring, while beautiful, might not convey the same gravitas. As one groom put it, “If she’s buying herself lab-grown solitaires, I need to show I’ve gone the extra mile.” Unless a couple has explicitly discussed preferences, men often lean toward natural diamonds to align with tradition and avoid the risk that an alternative gift might fall short.

Image by Anna Pou

The Rise of Collaborative Proposals: Co-Designing the Perfect Engagement Ring

As a bespoke jeweler, I have observed a significant shift in engagement traditions over recent years, with a trend toward collaborative proposals gaining prominence in 2025. The decision to marry is increasingly a mutual one, moving away from the traditional model where the male partner solely orchestrates the proposal. Today, many of my male clients arrive exceptionally well-prepared, armed with detailed preferences from their partners—specifications such as diamond shape, ring style, metal type, and size. This preparation is often informed by digital platforms like Pinterest, where women curate and share their ideal engagement ring designs, ensuring their partners make informed and meaningful investments.

In response to this trend, an innovative approach has emerged: some clients opt to propose with a loose diamond set in a temporary gold band. This allows the fiancée to visit our atelier post-proposal to co-design a permanent setting that perfectly reflects her vision and style. This collaborative process ensures the final ring is not only a symbol of commitment but also a cherished piece she will wear with pride. With gold prices reaching unprecedented levels in 2025, the temporary setting can be melted down, offering significant cost recovery that offsets the investment in the final design.

This evolution in proposal dynamics underscores a broader cultural shift toward shared decision-making and personalization. By involving both partners in the creation of the engagement ring, couples craft a meaningful symbol of their commitment, tailored to their unique story and values.

The Diamond Market: Natural vs. Lab-Grown in 2025

The diamond market’s evolution has made my role as a bespoke jeweller more exciting—and complex. Natural diamond prices have fallen, reflecting reduced luxury demand in markets like the U.S., Europe, and China. Yet, their allure persists, rooted in their formation over millions of years and a legacy cemented by De Beers’ 1947 campaign, “A Diamond Is Forever.”

Lab-grown diamonds, produced in weeks, now dominate 20% of the market. Their affordability—a 1-carat lab-grown stone costs from USD$300 (HKD2,400) versus USD$4,500 (HKD35,000) for a natural one—has democratized brilliance. Both options have merits. While natural diamonds retain some resale value, albeit volatile, lab-grown diamonds generally have minimal resale potential due to their mass-produced nature. This distinction influences many buyers’ decisions, alongside ethical considerations and personal preferences. Their ethical sourcing has improved through the Kimberley Process, but mining’s environmental toll remains. Lab-grown diamonds, with a lower ecological footprint when produced sustainably, appeal to younger, value-conscious couples. 

My approach is to present these facts transparently, letting clients weigh tradition, budget, and ethics and decide for themselves what work best. A well-crafted ring, whether natural or lab-grown, can embody the same love and intention.

Why the Ring Remains Worth It

In a fast-paced, status-conscious society, the engagement ring endures as a powerful symbol. For women, it’s a badge of love and a marker of transition, unmatched in its clarity and cultural weight. For men, it’s a safe, time-tested choice that balances tradition, peer expectations, and personal pride.

At my atelier, I’ve seen couples find joy in both natural diamonds, with their timeless prestige, and lab-grown stones, with their affordability and ethical edge. The key is customization—bespoke designing a ring that feels uniquely theirs. A design that beautifully reflects a man’s unwavering devotion, heartfelt thoughtfulness, and deep understanding of the woman he loves.

As a jeweller, I urge couples to focus on meaning over market trends. Set a budget, explore the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat), and discuss what the ring represents & create an irreplaceable symbol of love. In 2025, the diamond engagement ring remains a worthy investment—not in financial terms, but in the emotions and promises it holds. Whether natural or lab-grown, it’s a testament to love, crafted to shine as brightly as the future you’re building together.