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How much to spend on engagement ring?

How much to spend on engagement ring?

Totally depends on the girl. My fiance was shocked that I spent $6K (appraised at $13K) on hers. She would much rather have used the money for other expenses (e.g., house down payment). Turns out it was too big anyway so we returned it and spent just under $4K on a very nice ring that she loves.
 
TG1 said:
Totally depends on the girl. My fiance was shocked that I spent $6K (appraised at $13K) on hers. She would much rather have used the money for other expenses (e.g., house down payment). Turns out it was too big anyway so we returned it and spent just under $4K on a very nice ring that she loves.
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That's the jewelry scam. You can have this $10k item for a steal at only $5k!! How can we afford to give it away at this price?? Never you mind! ;)
 
I've been married three times, I did notice however as my wives got younger, the price of the rings got larger.:eek:
 
I'm not big on spending tons of money on a ring. So, my wife's engagement ring was $700 and her wedding ring was $700.

We upgraded after 2 years later. Got store credit on her wedding ring and paid like $1200 more for a nicer set.
 
Did a ton of research before I ordered the ring for my GF (planning to ask the question later this month). It's surprising how much you can save by doing proper research, and knowing ahead of time exactly what you're looking for.

In my case I already knew the ring I wanted and size, as well as the size and grading of the diamond. Ended up ordering from a jeweler out of state, who is a authorized retailer (for Tacori), and saved a easy $3000 on the diamond and taxes combine as opposed to buying from a local shop.
 
squeeks said:
I value all ya'lls opinion, so what do you think?

General rule of thumb ive been told is 3 months pay, but holy crap thats a lot of money (~ $6000 for me)

I was more looking in the 3k to 4k range...is this too much? Dose a ring really need to cost several thousand, or is something more along the lines of $800-$1200 suficient?

I dont want to be cheap, but at the same time im trying to save for our house which we will be building in about 2 years, im looking to buy the ring in about 4-5 months.

Thoughts and opinions anyone?
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It's really not about the money, more to do with what your fiancée likes. I commissioned a ring for my fiancée three weeks ago....the diamond was a stone that I had set in a very plain, gold band. My fiancée chose the setting and band that she wanted, and the ring is being made. I won't reveal the cost, but three months pay it isn't....I guess having the diamond gave me a big head start, but I'd take your GF to a small, local jewellery store where they can show you all the options. These folks are craftsman and take a huge pride in what they do.
 
Do girls really get their rings appraised? If not lol, you can definitely find a nice ring in the $1k range if you stay away from chains.
 
Macman45 said:
It's really not about the money, more to do with what your fiancée likes. I commissioned a ring for my fiancée three weeks ago....the diamond was a stone that I had set in a very plain, gold band. My fiancée chose the setting and band that she wanted, and the ring is being made. I won't reveal the cost, but three months pay it isn't....I guess having the diamond gave me a big head start, but I'd take your GF to a small, local jewellery store where they can show you all the options. These folks are craftsman and take a huge pride in what they do.
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Ya'll know this thread is from almost 6 years ago right? Ive been married 3 years and have we have 1 kid :)
 
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its a very nice ring, she loves it, its just a 3/4ct solitaire but we got a wrap for it as the wedding band
 
I just started looking and plan on doing the deed in the summer after I finish grad school. 3 months of salary for me is almost 20k. That would be insane to spend on a worthless rock that gives me no super powers. For that I want to be invisible or for it to have green lantern powers.

Went to Tiffany's and Jared but they are like 10k which is still crazy. Tho my friends who are engaged told me there are places in Boston you can get diamonds in whole sale prices. You are just paying for the brand name at the other 2.

Do you guys go with your girlfriend to find what she wants or just pic it? Seems anticlimactic to take her then ask.
 
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crzdcolombian said:
I just started looking and plan on doing the deed in the summer after I finish grad school. 3 months of salary for me is almost 20k. That would be insane to spend on a worthless rock that gives me no super powers. For that I want to be invisible or for it to have green lantern powers.

Went to Tiffany's and Jared but they are like 10k which is still crazy. Tho my friends who are engaged told me there are places in Boston you can get diamonds in whole sale prices. You are just paying for the brand name at the other 2.

Do you guys go with your girlfriend to find what she wants or just pic it? Seems anticlimactic to take her then ask.
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My wife chose her ring. But she knew I was going to marry her a few weeks after we met. The getting engaged thing wasn't a massive will she won't she thing.
Why not take her window shopping and ask her which one would she choose if she was getting married? She's going to have to wear it a long time.
 
Apple fanboy said:
My wife chose her ring. But she knew I was going to marry her a few weeks after we met. The getting engaged thing wasn't a massive will she won't she thing.
Why not take her window shopping and ask her which one would she choose if she was getting married? She's going to have to wear it a long time.
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We live together with my best friend in Boston. Its just a matter of time. I kind of hinted it since a few of my other old roommates had gotten engaged by asking if she would take my last name and me telling her that I am have to put her on lock down before she becomes a doctor. Its not so much as will she say yes it's more would it be more special if I picked it or if she did.
 
crzdcolombian said:
We live together with my best friend in Boston. Its just a matter of time. I kind of hinted it since a few of my other old roommates had gotten engaged by asking if she would take my last name and me telling her that I am have to put her on lock down before she becomes a doctor. Its not so much as will she say yes it's more would it be more special if I picked it or if she did.
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Well, not wanting to take your name doesn't necessarily mean she won't marry you, although that whole "lock down" thing is a little creepy.

I suppose an open conversation is out of the question?
 
calearne said:
Common sense = no more than $1000.
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I hate these arguments because you can't argue with the common sense people because they're not wrong. That being said, it's not a measure of common sense and for me a one carat diamond was enough for my wife and I'm quite proud of her ring.

That being said, I'm like a level above you. I could never reasonably pay for a 2 carat ring. The escalation in price is crazy.
 
Spend as much as you can afford and if it isn't enough be glad you can get out before it is too late.
 
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