How much should you spend on an engagement ring?

[cs_cdkey4]

So i've heard so many different things from different people about how much you should spend on a ring for the gal you wanna pop the big question to and was wondering what your views were.

Ive heard like it should be 3 months of your salary, at least $10k, 6 months salary.

[Deepak]

Ok first thing, is it going to be a surprise pop of the question or will you be taking her to buy the ring when you decide to buy it. Both these scenarios require different spending strategies.

If you popping a question the look of the ring is more important than how much you spend. When you taking her to buy the ring with you I suppose you will be spending.

Although I dont have any experience in buying rings but I think that the ring should reflect both your and her personality and mostly her's though. So a lot of research is in order. lol

And sorry for a vague answer but I dont believe there is a spending limit on it. So well if you are looking for minimum amount spent on the ring then I dont think anyone will be giving you a straight answer.

[jdog]

Better advice: Don't do it!

Name one benefit you have as a man being married then you do if she were just your girlfriend.

[Sir Jig-A-Lot]

Name one benefit you have as a man being married then you do if she were just your girlfriend.

Touché!

[AYHJA]

LoL...While I want to echo the previous statements, I don't think that's what you're asking, lol...

To me, I think you're quoting the saying for a wedding ring...The only way that I would spend that much on a ring is if the girl I was marrying rose from the dead to take my hand in marriage...I think that's much, much too much money my friend...

I think I spent 1,000 on my wife's engagement ring, and she loved it...If you want to get snazzy, get one of those really nice engagement rings that she keeps when she gets her wedding ring, like one of those...It will look much grander, and if you're going to go all out, that says it...That part of the ring probably won't be that expensive, and it says to her that you're serious about your commitment, as she will realize right away what kind of ring it is...

[jesika.leigh]

I'm sure you have already purchased the ring, but I thought I would throw in my 2 cents worth.

It honestly depends on the girl you are buying the ring for. Take a real deep long look into her closet. This gives you the best outlook on what she wants. Does she wear expensive shoes, clothes, a lot of make up, is she more of a tom-boy with minimalist taste? This will all factor in to what kind of ring to buy her.

There are SEVERAL cuts to diamonds. Majority of women that I know like the round solitaire. But to know what to go along with this you need to look more into her own jewelry. If she wears a lot of "gauky" large pieces, she may like a lot of decoration. You will do better getting a set instead of just the ring. If the store you purchase from will work with you, then you can purchase the ring and then take her with you in order to pick out the wedding band to go along with it.

Another really important thing is color. Not so much the diamond color/clarity which is important, but the color of the gold. Does she wear yellow gold? Sterling silver? Platinum? Is she allergic to certain types? This is a time that would be great to pull in family members. Her's and yours. Just make sure they can keep tight lips. A close sister, Mom, or even best friend will know her tastes in rings.

The price is totally dependent on you and your financial situation. I don't think anyone should ever go in debt for years for a ring. But that is my PERSONAL opinion. I think a good rule of thumb is what could you SAVE over 3 months. Not how much you gross in 3 months. Around $1,000 is a good place to go. You will get a good ring that should last. You can shop around and get a decent deal. Be careful because a lot of people can try to take advantage.

Good luck no matter what.

[jdog]

My thoughts are - if you even dare to get married to begin with - shouldn't you be saving money for your family nest egg as opposed to blowing it on an engagement ring? Not to mention the tens of thousands people spend on the wedding ceremony itself or the honeymoon.

Then they come back down to earth and realize, "Oh shit, I now have a ball and chain and I'm broke (or owe money)."

It's all just a waste. As a man, don't even bother to get married. You can still live together, eat, sleep and do your bills together. No need to venture into the woman's dream of marriage. It's mostly a long term prison sentence that actually costs money to get into - and in 50% of the cases to get out of.

[luvbugin]

I agree with Jes in that it depends on the lady. I think if the girl requires anything in her ring (size, price, etc.) then she's out. That is a big tell on how expensive and crazy the wedding is going to be and then the house, and her car and her lifestyle she wants. Get her what you feel is good for her and that she will like. It doesn't have to be expensive. You'll know the right ring and the price will fit regardless. It's not about how much you spend.

My promise ring turned into my engagement ring and I still wear it with my $60 wedding band. It means the world to me and was only $1,200 :-)