What would you rather have?

Question

I saw a wedding band/engagement ring set that I really like - it's simple, it's inexpensive, and it's exacltly what I'd like on my finger.
He said it's "nice", but it's "cheap" and don't I want something better?
Does it really matter what the monetary worth of the ring is?

I'm not big on jewelry and don't know a lot about value. I read the description and it said it's ?electroplated? with 18K gold and the stone is cubic zirconia.

Answer 1

It sok if it doesnt matter to you, but it might matter to him. I'm guessing the hesitation he has is thats its CZ and not a real diamond. He might feel that its his "duty" to give you a diamond for your engagement, since its engraved in people's brains that diamonds are what signify engagement and he might feel that people would know or find out and think badly of him about your ring.
If its important to him, let him pick out your ring himself, you will love whatever he gives you, especially if you arent that into jewelry, you are probably very easy to please.
Tell him that you liked that style that you chose, but that you want him to choose your ring since that will make it special for you and turn him loose. I am sure you will be pleasantly surpirsed with what he chooses for you.

Answer 2

For the record, I think modest rings are great. I also completely support getting a stone other than a diamond. That said, I would be very worried about a plated ring. This means that the 18k gold is just a very thin plating over much lower quality metal. The problem here is that gold is a very soft metal and wears down over time. Depending on the thickness of the plating and how hard you are on your rings, this could mean the gold is completely worn through in as little as a matter of months and the ring will be ruined or need frequent repair, making it more costly over time. You want something that will last decades. I think CZs are fine if you don't want to spend the money for a diamond--moissanite is even better for a diamond alternative (both stones are made synthetically in laboratories). You should just make sure that whatever stone you choose is durable--diamonds make good engagement rings due to their hardness. Sapphires and rubies are also very hard and durable, while emeralds and pearls are soft and will become battered and worn over time. Lastly, no, the monetary value of the ring is not important. However, it is a powerful symbol in our society and your fiance probably wants to (1) get you a nice ring as a symbol of how important you are to him, and (2) buy you a ring that will make him appear respectable in the eyes of the public at large--a symbol that he has the means to take care of you. If the set you are looking at is simple, you can probably find the exact same thing, but in solid 14k gold rather than plated 18k. If you still have a CZ in it, it should still be very inexpensive (CZ's wholesale for about $10). Congrats on your engagement!

Answer 3

A plated will turn your finger green!!!!!

The gold will wash away, and you'll be left wearing a ring that looks like it came out of a quarter machine.

You are supposed to wear this ring every day for the rest of your life. Plated wears off, and CZ isn't exactly durable. It will also get cloudy over time.

I think if I had a fake ring I'd keep replacing it.....and that would get just as expensive, if not more!!!

If you don't want a big fancy ring, then that's fine. But get something that will last! You can get just little diamonds, or even just a band!!!!

There are inexpensive routes that are better than costume jewelry.

Answer 4

Well good for you for being modest and humble. There's too many gaudy people in this world. That ring sounds beautiful! But do remember that this will be a ring you will wear for the rest of your life, so you will have many opportunities to consider your choice. Cubic Zirconium is very nice and sparkly, but it can get cloudy within a manner of months. Diamonds last forever, just like you hope your relationship will. You could have that ring set with a real diamond, that way the stone will last with you your whole life.

And it sounds like you've found a good mate, because he's not cheap enough to jump at the chance to get a cheap "deal" on his future wife's wedding ring.

Answer 5

Not at all. Doesn't mean the marrage is more apt to last if the rings are expensive. I would do what you are wanting to do. This says that you love him for who he is and not what his money can buy.
Find out what electroplated is. You want a ring that won't turn your finger green You really might prefer solid 14k gold.
Also that stone; well I think I would prefer a real diamond even if small.

Answer 6

Yes it actually does matter. And not for the reason you think. When you buy a cheap ring.. thats what you get. its crap and it scratches and turns color and does not last a life time. If hes willing to put more money into the ring for quality and you plan on wearing this ring for a long time let him spoil you. and if you still just want a simple band then find ont thats platinum. Longer life and you cant tell that its platinum other then the fact it will look nicer for much longer.

Just remember. You get what you pay for. Cheap is cheap.

Answer 7

The tradition that you have to spend a certain amount on a ring is a clever marketing ploy from the famous diamond company De Beers, so anyone who fell for that trick is a sucker lol....the amount spent on a ring is not important, the sentiment behind it is what matters, and the fact that it symbolises your engagement to your man. If your man can afford to spend a lot then lucky you, but to expect a huge rock is unrealistic and selfish. Your attitude is refreshing to hear.

Answer 8

I was the same way. When my husband and I decided to get married he kept looking at expensive wedding rings ( $5,000 - $9,000 range). I found rings I loved at Sears for $800 for the whole set...his ring included. I told him that I would rather spend the extra money on finding a bigger place to live because the apartment that he had with his 2 kids was so small.

Answer 9

I know what you mean. My bf is keen to get me a real big diamond ring, but I told something simple is fine by me. I don't need that big diamond anyway.
I guess, he's worried that you might regret it later. Or maybe it's to do with his status, that if you were seen with such a ring brings down his image? Not sure, it's just a guess.
But anyway, both of you should talk it out and understand why each other wants different. Find out why he wants something more for you.

Answer 10

Of course the amount the ring costs isn't important, it is of course the symbolism behind the ring. Some cz's are absolutely amazing!
The only hesitancy would be if you react to some metals - for example, I can't wear plated metal because it reacts with my skin and turns both the ring and my skin colored. Not only with rings, with necklaces, too. But if you aren't sensitive, then of course it's fine.