What is a reasonable price to pay for an engagement ring when your around 25 and just starting out?

Answer 1

I don't agree with buying a cheap ring now and upgrading later. To me, it's like the same thing as the woman saying, "Well, I'll marry this guy now and upgrade him later." Your engagement ring is your engagement ring and that's that. If you want something bigger or nicer, get an anniversary ring.

My husband spent what he could could afford and was comfortable with. He didn't follow any rules or guidelines - he knew what he was comfortable spending and that was that. He also educated himself a great deal on what to look for and how to get the best price. We both asked around for recommendations from friends for jewelers they had used and ended up going to my friend's jeweler. My friend is very into jewelry and knows what she's talking about, so we took her recommendation and were very pleased.

My advice is to stay away from chain stores and malls - their markup is ridiculous and their quality is not always the best. Look for a local jeweler - the service is far better and they're more willing to work with you. A good jeweler will educate you - they're not just out to sell you something. They'll bring out different settings and you'll choose from loose stones. A great jeweler will help you get the most for your money, by helping you figure out the ins and outs of the 4Cs. They want you to come back as a repeat customer.

Education is key, but respect the knowledge and experience of a good jeweler. By knowing the correct terms and having a general idea of what you're looking for, it's much less confusing when you're shopping. You'll understand what you're being shown and can ask appropriate questions. But don't be a know it all.

My final bit of advice is to ask your parents or grandparents if there is a family stone that you may have to propose with. If you can use an heirloom stone, you can go for a fancier setting (If that's what your fiance wants). You can also consider using an alternate gemstone, like perhaps her birthstone, but I'd be very careful with that. Some girls really want a diamond, others really don't want a diamond and still others don't care one way or the other.

Answer 2

Well, Silver S's answer is totally amazing - she has similar ideas to mine.
The stuff about a ring being two or three months' salary is totally marketing hype from jewellers and diamond sellers. Totally untrue. The average engagement ring cost is around $600 to 800; you can get diamonds and gold for $100! And it doesn't have to be a diamond, either!. It's best for a guy to spend what he can comfortably afford - don't go into debt over a ring and buy one on credit, that is frankly stupid. A true mature woman who loves you will totally love whatever you present her with, and will know and understand the symbolism of the ring. It is YOU she wants, you know!
And whatever ring you get for her, hopefully she will cherish that ring FOREVER - this talk other answerers have about "upgrading" a ring later when you have more money is a very MINORITY opinion. A loving woman and wife would never even think of that! If suddenly a lottery is won and you have tons of money, you can always get her an amazing 10th anniversary ring! However, better to save money for the wedding, and hopefully work towards a home and children together if you want after you marry.
Wish you lots of luck, dude. Do a LOT of looking around and educate yourself before you go shopping.

Answer 3

Whatever you can save up. Do not finance a ring. That isn't a good way to start out in a relationship. If you are serious enough to be getting engaged, there are far more precious things to be saving for. 35 years ago when I got engaged, I had a very simple ring. I would not have exchanged it for anything. Over the years, my husband has gotten me other rings and on out 30th anniversary, he got the most beautiful ring ever. It's not the ring, it's the heart. Best wishes.

Answer 4

Forget the two month salary crap. The reasonable price to pay is what you can REASONABLY afford. And if you can't afford the ring you want, you probably can't afford to get married.

I got married without an engagement ring. Instead, we got a little bit fancier wedding band, but still very inexpensive. Then, on my 30th birthday, (5 years later) my husband surprised me with a beautiful diamond anniversary ring. It was worth the wait.

If you are the man in this scenario, buy what you can afford. It's not very romantic to marry a woman and then expect her to help pay off the credit card debt for her own ring!
If you are the woman in this scenario, it's not your place to know how much is paid for your ring. So butt out and accept what you get.

Answer 5

My fiance is 27 just starting out to I am not supposed to know how much my ring cost but when he gave me the paperwork to go and get the ring sized it was on there he spent $1000 I am satisfied with that I love my ring would love it even if it cost less to me its not about the price or the value its what is signifys your future fiance shouldnt worry about the price she should just be happy to have a ring on her fingure I know I am just buy whatever you can afford you can always upgrade after a few years of marriage and are more established

Answer 6

It all depends on your financial situation. Most people say to spend two months' salary but some people can't even quite afford that.

I think that in the end you really should figure out how much you can afford and go with that. I'm sure she'll love whatever it is. I think every girl thinks her engagement ring is the most beautiful ring in the world!

Answer 7

It really depends on your budget but you are right in thinking that there will be some great discounts in the Jan sales. I used to work in a jewellers and we used to do amazing discounts. Also if you live anywhere near birmingham (UK) then it is definitely worth going to the jewellery quarter alot of the jewellery in the UK is made there and you get more for your money. Generally engagement rings are simple- single stone, more than often a diamond 1/2 - 1 carat is a good size, princess cut (square) is always beautiful but more expensive than round cut. Also you need to consider what the band of the ring is made out of, if you GF wears alot of silver then she will probably want either white gold or platinum. For colour and clarity see link-

Answer 8

Three months salary is the traditional amount. I'm not sure why that is. Perhaps if you don't have the where with all to wait and save that much it is thought you're not ready for the challenges marriage will bring.

But then again I have renewed the vows for couples who were so poor the Bride never got an engagement ring and there they are 50 years long and strong.

So do what ever works for you

Answer 9

To be honest I think that whole "Three months salary" is a huge crock of shite. You should be happy with the ring you choose for your love and so should she. Spend what you can afford. I've known people to spend 300 or less for one. As a matter of fact, my ring was less than 100 and it's beautiful and suits me perfectly and I am more in love with the man that gave it to me every day that I'm with him.

Get a fairly inexpensive ring, then upgrade later if you want to and put the money you might have spent on an overpriced ring toward a house or a lovely honeymoon.

Answer 10

Never go into debt for jewerly.We started out with simple gold bands still wearing them today,have gotten many rings over the years my best was a 17 th anniversery ruby and diamonds, I truly love then a 25 year anniversery black hills gold matching bands,42 years and counting.