engagement ring how much should it cost?

Question

is it true when purchasing an engagement ring it should cost the fiance one months salary?

Answer 1

It should cost whatever your heart is worth! Which if you really care how much it costs then that isn't much. But traditionally its 2 -3 months salary. But I don't want my soon to be hubby paying 18,000 on my ring. I'd kill him!!!!

Answer 2

That's a little myth some Jewelry company started so the man would feel obligated (ahem, guilty) into paying more.

Some say 1 month, some 2, some 3....that should tell you something right there.

I'm going to sound like a broken record, but it's not really important *how* much he spends....the meaning behind the ring is more important.

However, if you want a general idea...most men do fall prey into that 2 month's salary rule.

My fiance would have spent his life savings on my ring if he had the choice (I didn't let him!). I said I'd be pissed if he spent more than $1500....we could use that money for so many other things....down payment, CDs, mutual funds, etc.

I can always upgrade a ring. I can't downsize :)

You and your fiance need to discuss what works for you. If he can afford an expensive ring, then go for it. If you're both struggling students like my fiance and I, probably not such a great idea LOL.

Wish you well

-kiki

Answer 3

There is no price it "should" cost. If your fiance takes the time to learn how to shop for jewelry, then he will buy something of good quality, and that cost will vary, especially if he's savvy.

The idea of it costing two months salary was created by De Beers in a campaign ad. If my husband spent two months on a ring it better be something nice a rare like a quality black diamond instead of some typical lame one.

But I got a beautiful sapphire (which is what I wanted) and it was appraised for more than what he bought it for. So it's about quality not price, and sometimes the two don't go hand in hand.

Answer 4

The engagement ring should cost what the buyer can afford. 2 months salary is a made up idea by a marketing company to get guys to spend more on a diamond - - it has no basis in the real world. My wedding ring has aquamarine stones in it, not diamonds. But I do see alot of women choosing diamond eterinty bands for their wedding rings. The wedding ring is usually very affordable - - around $100 to $200 for a plain band and more if there are stones.

Answer 5

The diamond companies would have you believe that is has to be a certain amount of money, it seems to differ from place to place, in the USA it seems to be anywhere between 2-3 months and in the UK it is 1 month. But don't get sucked in to that, I personally believe that you should never spend more than you can comfortably afford and the amount spent on the ring does not equal the amount a person loves their fiance.

Answer 6

I've heard 3 months salary. But then again, who's making up these rules of engagement anyway? I'm sure lots of other gals out there will agree, find something you love regardless of size, cost, etc... Most importantly, don't listen to other people who try to persuade you against what you and your guy like. A woman will look at her engagement ring a million times in her life......Be happy in your heart with your decision

Answer 7

The jewelery industry will tell you one should spend at least 2, if not 3, months' salary. With that said, for some, that's a BIG burden. I suggest that you set a budget that you can afford and go with that. You can always upgrade later.

My husband gave me a small ring ($2,000) when he proposed. We were both just starting out. But he upgraded the ring for our 5th anniversary with a ring that cost 10+ times more.

Answer 8

Dont think about how much the ring "should" be. Its more about how a ring appeals to you. Plus, just make sure its not a piece of junk... the cut, clarity, and color are key...there are so many i1, i2's being "featured" out there. Ick!! Horrible clarity.

The only advice I can give you about getting the ring is...
don't go to a jewelry store...I can't tell you how many times I've heard people talk about how they spent $5,000 on a ring and then went to get it appraised by an outside appraiser or even go to return it, and its only worth $1,200. Its pretty sad.

and...avoid "prong" settings. They get caught on EVERYTHING! In your hair, sweaters...it gets really annoying!!
Look for some type of "bezel" setting to avoid this. It is also a hot style now!

Answer 9

No, it should actually cost a minimum of 2-3 months salary.

Answer 10

There is no "magic number" - it should cost as much as both people are comfortable with. People throw out guidelines like "one month's", "two months'", even "thee months'" salary, but these are very rough estimates, and each situation is different. My husband brings home $10K a month, but I would have killed him if he spent this much on a piece of jewelry; there are so many better ways to make use of this money. Although, I imagine, if he was pulling in $10 million a month, I wouldn't care if he spent a few grand on a trinket.