For generations, the engagement ring has been the sparkling centerpiece of a proposal. Big diamond, big moment, big price tag. But lately, more couples are flipping the script—and the trend is turning heads.

Instead of dropping thousands on a ring, some are choosing to invest in something a little less shiny but a lot more memorable: a vacation together. Call it an “engagement-moon.” 

According to a recent report, 65% of Americans feel engagement rings have shifted from a meaningful symbol of love to more of a financial burden. And when you look at the numbers, it’s not hard to see why. The average expected cost of a ring sits around $10,600—and for many, that’s actually below the long-standing “three months’ salary” rule.

With the average income hovering around $62,100, that traditional guideline would push ring budgets closer to $15,500. That’s a serious investment—one that more couples are starting to question.

In fact, about 26% of Gen Z say they’d rather skip the expensive ring altogether and use that money to travel and create shared experiences. Because let’s be honest: sunsets in another country tend to outshine a jewelry box.

Others are getting even more creative. Roughly 25% of those ditching traditional rings are opting for matching tattoos—even tattooed “rings.” Meanwhile, non-traditional bands made from materials like silicone, wood, or titanium are becoming increasingly popular for couples who want something unique without the hefty price tag.

Interestingly, the pressure to go big doesn’t seem to be coming from loved ones. About half of younger Americans say the expectation for an expensive ring is driven more by social media and societal influence than by their partner or family.

So what’s more valuable—a diamond that lasts forever, or memories that do? More couples are deciding they’d rather start their journey together with an adventure instead of a bill. And in this new era of love, meaning might just matter more than the sparkle.