For someone who makes about $30K a year how much should I spend on an engagement ring?

Question

Within the next 6-8 months I want to buy my gf an engagment ringt. Is there a "certain" amount that I would go and spend?

To the girl on here who said you cant live on $34K a year...whats wrong with you?!

Answer 1

just get her a fake rock and tell her that you'll get her something nice in the future. if she rejects you because of it, then you might want to rethink you choice in a wife.

typically the ammount is supposed to be 2x your monthly salary, but I wouldn't spend more than $2500.

Answer 2

A lot of people are being waaaaay too harsh on you. Yes, you have the right to expect an engagement ring, period. It's pretty standard nowadays, and I don't know many people who wouldn't want one. It's a symbol for so many people that means "the engagement is official", because of course when you tell someone you're engaged they ask to see the ring. Yes I agree that you should be worried about his debt and spending patterns but way too many people have already addressed this. Since you are probably intending to wear this ring every day for the rest of your life, you are allowed to want something beautiful. I'm sure he wants you to love it as well. Now if you truly love it the cost shouldn't be an issue. And I don't think you're actually worried, just looking for opinions. In my opinion, considering his salary and what he has spent recently, $600 for a wedding SET sounds cheap. Add his debt into the picture and it's more acceptable, but still disappointing. I'm assuming the $1200 camera is an SLR and lenses, which are always expensive, I really hope photography is really a serious hobby of his and this is not just his daily point-and-shoot camera. Maybe he decided spur of the moment to propose and bought a ring very quickly, maybe thats why thats all he could "afford at the time". You shouldn't feel bad for thinking it, but if the issue continues to nag at you, talk to him. And also, girls who are saying you are greedy or whatever, maybe they don't care about having a ring, but I understand why you care so much. For me, jewellery is what I collect, so it's all fine quality with real stones, etc. Thats why, if we start to earn much more money, my fiance and I might invest in a second wedding set for me. Which I'm sure many people think is greedy as well. I do say INVESTMENT because a ring doesn't lose value like a CAR or a CANOE or a COMPUTER. So, if times to get desperate, it is pawnable, or resellable, or whatever, though I hope none of us ever get to that point. It does sound like he is bad with managing his money, so maybe you should help him out and teach him to prioritize on his debt, not on his hobbies for a while. Good luck!

Answer 3

When it is all said and done,it is the thought that counts.You do not make enough money to buy an expensive ring that will weigh you down financially.Remember there is life after the engagement/marriage.Start saving $60 a week and in 6 -8 months you should be able to afford a $1,500 ring.then the hard work starts. Good luck.
Addendum.
Don't listen to Aslania she'll kill you.Remember the saying the more expensive the ring the quicker the divorce.OoooK I just made it up.But it is something to chew on.

Answer 4

It is totally based on what you can comfortably afford. Don't go into debt over a ring. A mature woman appreciates the symbolism of the ring - whether it's $100 or $1000. Better to have a smaller, more precious stone than a larger one which is flawed. Just choose something you think she might like....
And DO NOT believe the junk about it being several months' salary -- it's just hype from businesses.

Answer 5

I really HATE this question! Actually I hate how the Diamond Conglomerate has made all these little 'rules' about how the engagement ring should be 3 months salary or whatever - JUST TO SELL US MORE DIAMONDS!!

In theory - your bride should be happy with a rubber band on her finger - not the price tag.

Im fortunate to be able to buy diamonds wholesale - and if I spend 3 months' salary on my stones, I wouldnt be able to move my hand. Its all in perspective - just get whatever style she likes and that you can afford right now. Down the road, say you start earking $100k a year - you can buy her a dream diamond cocktail ring or necklace.

Answer 6

They is no set amount. The people who say 3 months salary are the jewelers!
Hopefully you have a great girl who does not need a $6,000.00 or more ring to make her happy.
My husband makes $68,000.00 a year and my ring was $1000.00! I picked it out and LOVE it!
Get an idea of what she likes, have her show you photos.
Go for white gold instead of platinum-- less $$$.
If she makes a fuss about the ring she's the wrong girl anyway!!

Answer 7

If you believe the diamond industries advertisement than you are supposed to believe the 2 month rule.

Calculate what you can save and spend that. The cost of living is different for everyone. If you can save $300 a month I think that would be good. You shouldn't go into debt.

Also make sure you get a good deal on the ring. Learn the 4 C's go shopping now and see what you can get.

Also look at www.bluenile.com, it is the largest online jewelery store.

Answer 8

There shouldn't be a set price. I don't know who these people are who are saying 4000 and 7000 but that's ridiculous and a waste of money! I would recommend going and looking with her, my fiance and I did that and it was a good wake up call for both of us to learn how much rings are. Also, she doesn't have to know how much you spent and really shouldn't. I work with a girl who has a half carat ring encircled by little diamonds. It was around a thousand dollars (don't know why I know) but looks bigger and more expensive.

Answer 9

Technically by some statistic you are supposed to spend 2 months of your salary on a ring. But it doesnt matter as long as you bought it, I would say spend anywhere from $500-$1000 and you could get a GREAT ring. Go to www.bluenile.com and you can build your own and put it in your price range.
GOOD LUCK!

Answer 10

I think traditionally an engagement ring should be equal to 1 month's wage. But it really depends what you can afford, i would start looking at the sales!!! My friend just got a 1/2 carat emerald cut diamond ring set in yellow gold for $800...don't ask me how! But it is not fake, i checked the receipt!

Answer 11

spend what you can afford. my fiance is a grad student, makes $15000 and spent $1200, which is not the standard 2 months, but I love my ring, it's great!