My g/f and I have been on the subject of marriage, and we love each other very much! I plan on proposing very soon! We're going to go to the jewelry store (Kay's) to look at rings in a couple weeks. She told me she doesnt care about the size or price, she's just happy knowing I love her.
What I want to know is, what's a good rule of thumb when it comes to buying the ring? 1 or 2 months wages? I make around $2800/month, but if that's how much I plan on spending, does that just cover the engagement ring, or is that the total for the bridal set? I'd like to have a budget in mind when i'm looking at the rings.
Like i said before, she would be happy with a ring from a cracker jack box, as long as it's from me. And that's why she deserves a ring 10000 times better!
2007-02-23 07:05:49 · 19 answers · asked by John Redcorn 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Im not necessarily buying one at Kay's, that's just where we are going to start looking. But what's a good place for a great deal on size and price? Kay's, Gordon's, Jared's....
2007-02-23 07:36:49 · update #1
Normally they say two months is the rule of thumb. but who follows the rules of thumb. go with your heart. if you guys see a ring that you like while your out and it fits into your budget get it, because let's face it for some people it is hard to spend two months of their salary on a single thing. Personally i was married a little over two years ago and i didn't take my wife with me to pick out the ring. I had her tell me what her favorite diamond cut was and i went from there. I went to the jewelry exchange and spent way less than what you will probably spend at Kay's. When her ring was appraised it actualy appraised for twice what i spent for it. so if you have a jewelry exchange in your area check them out. they even offer credit and can make custom settings. I sent her best friend pictures of what i had narrowed my choice down to to help. with less than two months salary i was able to get the full bridal set and it is worth about 4-5 months of my salary. i will add their link as a source, if you want to check it out and find if they have one in your area. ggod luck and congratulations.
2007-02-23 07:19:40 · answer #1 · answered by Cameron G 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, my wife is wonderful and didn't care. I was a poor student and I know the ring she WANTED at the time was $3,500. There was absolutely no freakin' way I could have bought it. I found a unique one with a heart-shaped diamond and bought it for her. It was $1,200. She loves it because she is unique.
If your woman is like a lot of women (sorry ladies) she might be happy now, but when she is 30 and her friends show off their $10,000 rings and your wife is ridiculed, she will then think poorly of you.
I hope you have a good woman here. Honestly, go for a ring that is special. Do some looking around. I wouldn't be afraid to look in pawn shops - sometimes you can find something really neat in there. If you have a good woman (one who does NOT demand a $5,000 to $10,000 ring) you probably can make due with $1,500 to $2,500 quite well.
The wedding band is cheap by comparison - $200 to $400 usually.
I would hope your bride-to-be would rather blow $5000 on a fabulous honeymoon or even a downpayment on a house rather than a ring.
2007-02-23 07:24:06 · answer #2 · answered by fucose_man 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to be blunt here ... spend anywhere from $ 1000 to $ 4000 ... depending on if you need to get financed or not ... my grandma always told me don't buy anything you can't pay off within a year .... Kay's was my first credit card ... just remember you can always save later to give her a huge anniversary ring ... I always loved that thought ... some of these answers are crazy ... she'll love anything you give her - if you want a better idea of what she likes ask her ... what color, size, cut ... etc ... go to the store before you take her so you know what to expect ... my friend just purposed and wrote on the application if I get financed tell me sorry I didn't get financed - just to make it more of a surprise when you go back and buy it for her ... it was so cool when she got the ring she loved but didn't expect it because they said no ... good luck dude ... !
2007-02-23 07:22:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Traditionally the engagement ring is supposed to be around the same as three months salary. However, a lot of engagement rings are so unique that a band has to be made just for the ring. You don't have to stick to the thee months salary, but it is a nice guideline.
After you find out what kind of ring she actually likes it should be a lot easier because you can do more investigating on your own. I used to run a jewelry store so if you would like to possibly save a little money, feel free to email me. I have an endless amount of jewelry, and I wouldn't mind helping you if you have any additional questions. shopaholicbabie@yahoo.com
Hope this helped!
2007-02-23 08:17:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'd highly recommend checking out places like Blue Nile, Mondera, and Diamond.com. I run a free diamond search and free marriage proposal site at marriage-proposal-ideas.com/diamondsearch.html, so I deal with dozens of diamond jewelry sites.
You can get some very nice and good sized diamonds for even $3,000 and under. There's no set rule, but most people spend one to two month's salary, but don't feel bad if you can't afford that.
Spend as much as you feel comfortable with is the rule that I go by.
If you want, I'd be happy to do a free diamond search for you (I don't sell any diamonds myself -- this is a free service) to give you an idea of the quality and size that you could get on any budget.
2007-02-23 09:02:30 · answer #5 · answered by brian1572000 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you spent a month's wages on the "bridal set" that would seem a reasonable price to me. There's nothing wrong with having a budget in mind when shopping for rings. You can put a price tag on rings but not on what it truly stands for, so the choice of rings & cost is up to you.
2007-02-23 07:16:07 · answer #6 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
awww u are awesome!! :) it's Exactly as it should be... she doesn't Need something expensive, and she doesn't EXPECT it or TELL you to get the best...you do it because you know she Deserves it. good for you.... it is a beautiful thing when people respect eachother and want the BEST for eachother....
i don't know much about rings either, but try looking around and asking questions. u have to figure in the diamond clarity, size, type of metal (white gold, etc)...and yes, u are going to be spending more than $2800 i think. i think u are doing the right thing by asking on here, and keep looking online to find a range for ur budget.
good luck!!! :) and congratulations
2007-02-23 07:11:52 · answer #7 · answered by sasmallworld 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There is no longer a real rule of thumb what you should do is go with a price that makes you comfortable.
It is more important to get a good quality stone and a style that she is going to love. You can always upgrade later.
I think you should just come right out and ask her what styles she likes for both stone cut and setting. Now you know that she will be happy.
A good place to look for good quality and unusual styles is Blue Nile which is on the web. Good luck and congratulations.
2007-02-23 07:17:25 · answer #8 · answered by karenlanea2 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you are right; 2 months ...for the engagement ring....now you have to do a little homework, because a big ring can cost less than a small one if the stone is inferior, you have to learn about cut, clarity, carat, color.....look around; she probably does love you so much she'd be happy with a cracker jack box (not sure they still do rings though) but she will be so so happy with a beautiful ring.....You pick it out and surprise her, after you do your homework, it can always be sized...and for goodness sakes get it insured!..good luck, best wishes!
2007-02-23 07:13:12 · answer #9 · answered by abc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm bucking tradition because tradition is only about 50 years old and the whole "2 month's salary" thing is ridiculous.
1) It does not have to be a diamond
2) Determine a price range you are comfortable with
3) Go to a local jeweler, tell them you situation, tell them your budget, and let them create a ring for you, getting the bands to match, if you so desire
Anyone can walk into the store and buy a ring but if you love this woman and want to have a story to share and tell your grand kids, work with the jeweler to design and create something unique.
2007-02-23 08:22:28 · answer #10 · answered by Pugilist 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋