Love & Wisdom

All You Need is Love, And Lots of Cash

How much are Washington residents willing to spend on engagement rings?

By Rob Smith February 14, 2024

GettyImages-1215586313-min-16-9-2000x1125

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2024 issue of Seattle magazine.

[addtoany]

If you’re in love and anything like the “average” Washington resident, it’s going to cost you. 

Washington residents spend on average almost $8,300 on engagement rings, and that’s hardly the most expensive in the United States. Online diamond store Rare Carat’s survey found that New York residents spent the most (more than $11,000), while residents in South Dakota are the most budget-conscious, at around $5,000.

It’s been more than two decades since I purchased an engagement ring. Let’s just say I was more frugal than most. A record $6.4 billion is projected to be spent on rings across the U.S. today, on Valentine’s Day. Interestingly, the most popular shape by far is a round diamond.

Even though love is apparently costly, we’re still a very romantic state. Onlinecasinos.com surveyed 3,000 Americans and found that Washington residents take, on average, four months before saying “I love you” to their partner. No fewer than 85% of state residents report that they’re happy to say those three magic words before their partner does, tied with that well-known romance capital, Alabama, for the highest percentage in the nation.

When you do utter those magic words, just have your checkbook ready.

Follow Us

Chik-Fil-A and Starbucks, But No KFC

Chik-Fil-A and Starbucks, But No KFC

What’s your guilty fast-food pleasure?

Now comes a new data study that reveals Washington’s favorite and least favorite fast-food chains...

Virtual Playground

Virtual Playground

VR social gaming launches in Bellevue

Brush up on your VR gaming skills so you don’t flail in front of an audience — though, that’s meant to be part of the fun...

Downtown Seattle Gains Ground

Downtown Seattle Gains Ground

Foot traffic is on the rise

Downtown Seattle foot traffic continues to increase even though major retailers are increasingly moving out...

Canlis Goes Pink For KENLIS

Canlis Goes Pink For KENLIS

Upscale restaurant gets a colorful makeover

[addtoany]Canlis is going pink. The Seattle fine dining restaurant is ditching its dark colors in favor of a bold pink for a Barbie-themed event called “KENLIS” Aug. 9 and 10. The restaurant is now painted a flashy bright pink. The event is a dance party at “the Canlis dream house” that benefits breast cancer research…