How much do you spend on a engagement ring?

Question

how much is a reasonable amount to spend on a engagement ring i know money shouldn't matter if you are in love and its not about the money they have spent on the ring but how much is too much and how much is too little

Answer 1

Traditionally it's supposed to be a month's salary - whatever that might be, however mine was handmade from a diamond I chose, is perfect for me, and cost much less. If it's what you/she likes, and is given in good faith, that's all that matters.

Answer 2

I think its outrageous the price of some engagement rings... I have a beautiful Amethyst and Diamond ring, its only dainty as I have small thin hands... It cost £99... It shouldn't matter how much it costs, its what it means and that you like it!!! I have seen so many people shell out a lot of cash for a ring that doesn't suit them, but they bought it cause it was expensive... Crazy???!!! I would have been pleased with a bloody hula hoop if that was what I was given!!! To me, the meaning of the ring is FAR more important than how much it costs!!! I think you just need to shop around and, like your wedding dress, you will know that its the one when you try it on...

Answer 3

Spending too much is setting a bad precedent. You'll be forking out for the rest of your life if your too extravagant.
I would be happy paying an amount that suited our budget ( assuming that you'll be married some day ). That is, if my fiancee and I were filthy rich then I'd buy something worth a fortune but if our earnings were say, an average wage then maybe $500 to $1000 tops.
In any case if it looks spectacular the cost is irrelevant.

Answer 4

It depends on your buget. No one wants to over extend themselves. If money is a issue, buy something small and purchase the ring from a reputable jeweller who has a trade up plan. Trade up plans allow you to trade the ring in for something larger and there is usually no time limit. For example if you spend 1000.00 on a ring now you can return the ring and apply the purchase price to one that would be at least double the cost if the original

Answer 5

Buying an engagement ring is hard enough to get right without the added burden of worrying how much you spend. My advice would be to get the best you can afford as this is something she will wear for the rest of her life. The ring will always be a symbol of your love so its as important to deliver it in the right way. I bought my ring from blue nile in the US. Their website is really helpful in helping you decide if you want size, clarity, inclusions etc etc.

Answer 6

Forget about total costs... find the ring that best matches personality, and style of the person who will wear it. Big rings on small hands are tacky, and a setting that doesn't compliment the diamond will drive you nuts for the rest of your life. There is no sure fire answer to this, but I suggest finding what you like (since you will be the one to wear it) and drop some subtle hints when you see the type of ring you would like. Try and remember, it is supposed to be symbolic of your love, not of your status.

Answer 7

First, realize this will probably be the most expensive piece of jewelry you will own and the most significant. To me that means its ok if its a bit of a sacrifice to pay it off, your guy should know that this ring is not only an investment of money, but also of love and your future together. Men view engagemnt rings totally differently than women. Most men just see it as a hunk of money on your finger.

Find a style your like and shop around. If you don't want to be there when he picks it out, make sure to tell him the style you like and the color of band. I picked out my ring with my guy and was way surprised to find it in the clearance section, orginally tagged at $5,500. The clearance section had it down to $2,300. Realize like most expensive items, the prices can be haggled down. My guy did great, getting $300 knocked off the price AND the sales tax off. Most jewelry stores don't want to see a commission walk out the door. Also, like a previous post, $500-$3,000 it a decent range.

Answer 8

I don't think there is a "right" answere here. My fiancee spent about 3/4 of a months salary on mine and was willing to spend more but I have slender fingers and anything larger would have looked rediculous! Not to mention the monitary value really means nothing, its the sentiment and what it represents that should matter the most.

Answer 9

first of all, i realize i'm not gonna change any minds. i feel it is wrong and cheap to degrade something as important and precious as marriage with a price tag. so any of the materialistic people out there that aren't satisfied with anything less than an amazing ring should reevaluate there life. if the ring is what's really important to either person, that person's priorities are out of whack. having said that, i paid about 1600. i felt it was a good enough quality that it would last and knew she'd be comfortable wearing it (she doesn't like big, gawdy stuff). also, if she is materialistic and demands something that you just can't afford, well, i would rethink the whole relationship. but that's just me...

Answer 10

Forget the media, and what society thinks.

What would she think if you bought her a £500 ring or a £5000 ring?

If you don't know then ask her mother, neighbour or friend that you can trust and knows how to keep a secret.

All women know that diamonds are forever but maybe your woman believes that gold if forever.

In saying this, if I had a boyfriend that was, on a ballpark salary of £100,000 per annum and bought me a £1000 ring I wouldn't be impressed. £5000 should be cool because it will show that I'm worth it.

Answer 11

my first one was small, only about £120 but my boyfriend saved up and bought me a new one worth £1800 for xmas its beautiful but i liked the other one as well, the size or price didn't matter it was the thought that counted!
I would say that as long as the diamond was over a 1/4 of a carat I wouldnt mind how much it cost. Plus I wouldn't want any thing too big and flashy, get something simple and understated!