How much are engagement rings supposed to cost?

Question

My boyfriend and I are considering getting engaged and he would like to know.

Answer 1

"Despite some jewelry industry recommendations to budget approximately two months' salary, what to spend is completely up to you. Only you know what makes sense for your particular situation."
http://www.shaneco.com/jewelry/diamond_faqs.asp

Answer 2

no less than 25 cents. And yes, I AM talking about a cheap one you get from a vending machine.

It's not the cost of the ring that counts, it's the symbolism and promise that it represents that matters. Unfortunately people forgot this as we advanced into a materialistic society.

My advice is to not worry about spending a whole lot on the engagement ring (I didn't even have one, to tell the truth) and focus more on the wedding bands. Those are the ones you will be wearing the rest of your lives together.


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I'll admit that Lori L's comment from yesterday about the ring proving that he can provide for a family down the road had been bugging me all night. I think that's a stupid reason to have an expensive ring. If you're marrying the guy, shouldn't you already have an idea of what his income is already? And that shouldn't matter anyway, because if you're marrying him for his income then there's going to be a lot of problems with the marriage later on (i.e. a lack of LOVE). If a couple truly LOVED each other they would be able to find a way to manage on any sort of income. Besides, just because he's making a boatload of cash now doesn't mean that he will continue to do so in the future. There's always the chance that he'll get laid off, fired, or his company will go under, leaving him without a job. What then? Good thing he invested in that pretty little ring of yours instead of saving it for a rainy day, right?

Answer 3

There are a lot of factors in which to consider first. You need to know the type of medal you want, the shape, the size, the clarity, the color. Then it comes down to what he wants to pay and play with those factors til you find an agreement. Your adverage engagement ring being sold right now is a 1/2ct princess or round solitare ring. That is also the most traditional, and flexible ring. You can get more diamonds for less money, but each individual stone will be smaller if you go with a bridal set which is the engagement AND wedding ring all together in two rings, or a unity in one ring. Depends on the route you want to go. Stay away from department stores and any stores not in the mall. There are reasons they are where they are. Your safer going with one of the major players. Friedmans'/Crescent, Fred Meyers, Kay's, or Zales. THey have a return policy and will back up what they sell in case you have any problems. As a manager, I've had more people come to me from other locations with issues. Also, if you want platinum, go white gold. It's stronger and cheaper. Plus, it won't dull down. THe only reason you should go platinum is if you have an allergy to the gold. Trust me, you'll be happier in the long run. Learn about the 4 C's online before walking into any store. Just an insiders tip- don't worry about the clarity as much. ALL diamonds have 'blemishes' in them, it's just a matter of what level you can see them. What people will notice is the sparkle, not the little spot right next to the prong. Cut and color are the two main factors to get the sparkle. Focus on those. You're okay being colorless to near colorless, anything beyond that don't go, unless you want yellow gold. Once you two go out and see a lot of rings, you'll fall in love with 1. And after that, NONE will compare to that 1. THat's how you'll know it's the one for you. If you need any other advice when you're out and about, feel free to let me know.

Answer 4

There are engagement rings that cost thousands and thousands of dollars...and then there's mine that cost a grand total of $89.

Don't worry about how much it's 'supposed' to cost (two months' salary was a slogan coined by DeBeers to sell more and bigger diamonds and has no connection whatsoever with etiquette which would consider it very rude of anyone to inquire as to the price of any lady's jewelry) or what people tell you it 'should' look like.

Go with your guy and take a look at rings. Let him know what you like and dislike, even if what you like is something less than traditional. Remember that $89 engagement ring? It's a sterling silver frog. When you look underneath, it's actually an enchanted prince. A lot of people have looked at that and not believed it's an engagement ring, but it is, and it's mine, I love it, and that's what matters.

Once you know what you like, then look at price tags. When you find a ring you'll love wearing every day for the rest of your life that he can afford to buy, that's when you've found your ring.

Best of luck to you, and happy hunting!

Answer 5

A right price for an engagement ring is what you can afford. The old rule was that it was supposed to cost the amount of three months salary for the man but that is outdated. Be an informed shopper and pick the best AFFORDABLE deal for you. There is no sense going into debt before you even start your life together. The important thing is that you are a good fit for each other and that you have a happy life together. Good luck and let me be the first to congratulate you on your engagement when it happens!

Answer 6

Advertising says 2 months salary.

I believe it really should be what you can afford, you should never go into debt for the ring but I do believe it should be a sacrifice for the man, not for the marriage.

It all depends what is the meaning of the ring, to many it is also a status symbol, right or wrong.

Answer 7

Ok, it depends on your budget. One way that my husband I got my first engagement ring was at a pawn shop. We didn't have alot of money. After we got back on our feet he went and got me a new one from a jewelry store. He then took my old ring and had it made into a beautiful necklace. I never told anyone where my original ring came from and they still have no idea.

Answer 8

Engagement rings can cost from $0.25 (gum ball machine at Wally World) to many thousands of dollars at a good jewelery store. It depends on the setting, the stone and where you buy the ring.

Answer 9

Whatever you both like and can comfortably afford. There is no set rule as to how much or how little to spend on a ring. Good luck.

Answer 10

I think that it is what you can afford, some people dont like big huge rings. But I have heard some women say the ring should cost one months salary, that could be a big ouch in income though. Whatever suits your opinion.

Answer 11

ok, def. dont go with the last answer (3-4 digits), a rule of thumb is about 2 months income of the man (or both if you are both paying for it together) and make payments. however, you dont need to spend that much if you dont want to. just go to a few stores and look around and see what different styles you like. if it seems a little cheap, dont worry about it, just remember that a wedding is a big investment too!