How much to spend on a ring?
#42
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Age: 42
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Originally Posted by stic2it
32k is pennies in D.C...I couldnt survive off that let alone spend 2k on an engagement ring... ![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#43
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
Originally Posted by YoungCeo
I'm not really surviving. But this is imortant enough to make whatever sacrifices I have to make sure that she is 110% happy and satisfied ![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Given your $ situation, it's not bad to have this conversation with her about expectations. When I got married, my wife and I combined made under $24K (1990, but still). We were paying for 50% of the cost of our own wedding, and had no reserves. So we had that discussion - about what I wanted for her, and what we could really do and not saddle ourselves with a huge debt over it. She was very reasonable about it. At the time, she even said that as much as she wanted "the rock", she couldn't feel good about it if it meant not being able to get things like furniture, or pay the rent...So we got the modest ring - and all things considered about where we were at the time, she was happy. Of course, the $8K "make up for it ring" came due 18 years later
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#44
~Da Nocturnal Cheetah~
Originally Posted by 1Louder
Sorry for all my ramblings...
One more...
Given your $ situation, it's not bad to have this conversation with her about expectations. When I got married, my wife and I combined made under $24K (1990, but still). We were paying for 50% of the cost of our own wedding, and had no reserves. So we had that discussion - about what I wanted for her, and what we could really do and not saddle ourselves with a huge debt over it. She was very reasonable about it. At the time, she even said that as much as she wanted "the rock", she couldn't feel good about it if it meant not being able to get things like furniture, or pay the rent...So we got the modest ring - and all things considered about where we were at the time, she was happy. Of course, the $8K "make up for it ring" came due 18 years later
, but she was thrilled on both counts. ![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Given your $ situation, it's not bad to have this conversation with her about expectations. When I got married, my wife and I combined made under $24K (1990, but still). We were paying for 50% of the cost of our own wedding, and had no reserves. So we had that discussion - about what I wanted for her, and what we could really do and not saddle ourselves with a huge debt over it. She was very reasonable about it. At the time, she even said that as much as she wanted "the rock", she couldn't feel good about it if it meant not being able to get things like furniture, or pay the rent...So we got the modest ring - and all things considered about where we were at the time, she was happy. Of course, the $8K "make up for it ring" came due 18 years later
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Get the reasonable one now and splurge on the upgrade mannnggggg!!!!
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#45
Originally Posted by YoungCeo
I'm not really surviving. But this is imortant enough to make whatever sacrifices I have to make sure that she is 110% happy and satisfied ![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
I'm kinda in the same situation, but I'm in school 3/4 time, work full time and I have a mortgage and bills. So I have to work but Im not really in the position to buy any diamond ring at this point. Haven't even started saving for one....
jamal
#46
I've heard about the 2-3 month thing, but that is a little much for some. Just go with what you are comfortable with. If the woman really loves you, she will love anything you get. Sure, something extravagant is nice, but don't think that is the deal breaker.
#47
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Age: 42
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
One of the wildest things ever.
I came on here to look for a ring advice thread and who would have thought I made a thread 4 years ago. My how things have changed lol...that particular lady is long gone. Budget hasn't changed that much but only because the new lady is extremely low maintence. She deserves something nice though and I think between $2500 and $3000 should do it.
I've done plenty of research now it's just about finding the right one. I actually found THE one but it was discontinued and they dont have it listed on the site anymore. I think once I actually have the money in hand in a week or two I'll really be able to narrow things down. We shall see.
What a wierd moment lol.
I came on here to look for a ring advice thread and who would have thought I made a thread 4 years ago. My how things have changed lol...that particular lady is long gone. Budget hasn't changed that much but only because the new lady is extremely low maintence. She deserves something nice though and I think between $2500 and $3000 should do it.
I've done plenty of research now it's just about finding the right one. I actually found THE one but it was discontinued and they dont have it listed on the site anymore. I think once I actually have the money in hand in a week or two I'll really be able to narrow things down. We shall see.
What a wierd moment lol.
#48
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
![Blink](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/blink.gif)
#50
Senior Moderator
I think guys put WAY too much thought into this. I was completely ready to spend $3k on a 1 carat, as perfect as possible for that price, diamond. I did not talk to my wife about it, because I wanted it to be a surprise. Sitting in a hot tub one day, she brought the idea of how much I should spend on a ring. Her budget was $500.
I thought she was crazy, but we went to Samuel's Diamonds one day out of the blue. She showed me something that she would like, and it cost ~$900.
We happened to walk in on one of their "inventory" days that happen 2 times a year, and pretty much everything was 30% off. I walked out with the ring she wanted, a matching wedding band, and a 3 year warranty for less than $1100. She couldn't have been happier. Surprisingly, the ring is very elegant and nice for the price. Unless she will use a magnifying glass, buying a perfect diamond is nonsense IMHO.
Needless to say, my idea of what she wanted was COMPLETELY off base, style and price wise. I think if your girl needs a certain amount to be happy, then she likely has issues. If it is something that will break your bank, then you are only setting a standard of expectations that will haunt you for the rest of your relationship.![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
The diamond market is completely controlled by the suppliers, so your "investment" is sketchy at best. The hype generated by Kay's and Jared, is just a materialistic and narcissistic view that is wrong in a lot of ways.
Good luck! Just keep in mind that what she wants and what you think she wants could be completely different.
![Spit](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/spit.gif)
![what](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/what.gif)
Needless to say, my idea of what she wanted was COMPLETELY off base, style and price wise. I think if your girl needs a certain amount to be happy, then she likely has issues. If it is something that will break your bank, then you are only setting a standard of expectations that will haunt you for the rest of your relationship.
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
The diamond market is completely controlled by the suppliers, so your "investment" is sketchy at best. The hype generated by Kay's and Jared, is just a materialistic and narcissistic view that is wrong in a lot of ways.
Good luck! Just keep in mind that what she wants and what you think she wants could be completely different.
#51
Registered but harmless
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 59
Posts: 14,845
Received 1,106 Likes
on
764 Posts
![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
Glad you didn't spend $10K on a ring... yet.
![Chuckle](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/chuckle.gif)
It turns out that the diamond is nicer than what her girlfriends and my buddies' wives have received, even now.
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#52
Senior Moderator
See, I was going round all the way. Turns out squares turn her on. ![Doh](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/doh.gif)
I guess that's why she chose me though...
![Doh](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/doh.gif)
I guess that's why she chose me though...
#53
Three Wheelin'
I think I spent like $1200 on my wife's ring and she was totally happy because it was the ring she wanted. Mine cost $550! Simple but got the job done! No sense in spending a $10K ring if it's not to the liking of the woman!
#54
My Garage
I'm a little shocked over how little some of you have spent on rings. Not saying it's a bad thing, just not the numbers I saw while looking and while looking with friends.
#55
Senior Moderator
My ring costs $60, and as long as I don't break my hand it will come off without a special tool!
![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
#56
Something, something, yes
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Kansas City
Age: 41
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
She wanted me to have whatever ring I wanted, so I had one custom made with 16 black diamonds set into the sides of the ring (8 on each side). My band is 1/4" wide and more than 1/16" tall. It's a heavy mother, but I really like it. I need to take it back to get roughed up again - didn't want a polished band. The roughed/brushed look is more subtle, which is what I wanted... plus, you can't really see the black diamonds unless you look at the profile of the ring, so I've got bling and a huge white gold ring, but because of their location and the roughed up look, no one really knows that I've got an expensive ring. Here's a pic (needs to be touched up a bit):
![](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll239/ROR2001/IMAG0797.jpg)
#57
Three Wheelin'
#58
Early Shifter
iTrader: (2)
I opened up a Kay account that offered zero interest for a year and 20% down. The engagement ring ran something like $3800. $800 or so down and $200 something a month. It's a good route to go if you can afford the monthly payment, at least for me. I don't have a lot of money sat aside for things like that but could take on the monthly payment and was willing to do so being there was no interest.
My ring on the other hand is just a plain band, smallest and lightest white gold one they had.....$50 bucks. lol
There isn't a rule set in stone, just spend what you're comfortable with spending. It's the thought and decision to make the major commitment that matters.
My ring on the other hand is just a plain band, smallest and lightest white gold one they had.....$50 bucks. lol
There isn't a rule set in stone, just spend what you're comfortable with spending. It's the thought and decision to make the major commitment that matters.
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Last edited by ohsixMTee; 01-25-2012 at 12:37 PM.
#59
Rich and Famous
That makes sense economically.
Women dont always make sense economically. Depends ..
I did 1 month salary 30 years ago but diamonds were less then and she is small and petite. She also picked the stone.
As years pass you buy more rings and stones.
We replaced the orig engagement on our 20th.
Regardless of you x factor ... but clear white stones.
In time you after you buy new, bigger, more $$
you can have original remounted into pin or other.
Women will always want more in rings.
Women dont always make sense economically. Depends ..
I did 1 month salary 30 years ago but diamonds were less then and she is small and petite. She also picked the stone.
As years pass you buy more rings and stones.
We replaced the orig engagement on our 20th.
Regardless of you x factor ... but clear white stones.
In time you after you buy new, bigger, more $$
you can have original remounted into pin or other.
Women will always want more in rings.
#60
My Garage
That's not what I meant...I've looked for rings and looks for rings with a few other friends. None of the prices were anywhere even close to 3-5 thousand.
My friend just got a 1.4 carrot and it was closer to 14K. Maybe it's just another reason NYC sucks.
My friend just got a 1.4 carrot and it was closer to 14K. Maybe it's just another reason NYC sucks.
#61
From a woman’s perspective… in a stable, 5 year long relationship and going strong: There are women who don’t pay attention to engagement rings. I would not turn down a $1K or $30K ring but it’s a gift and I'd never tell my boyfriend or even suggest how much he should spend. He knows my taste and I would hope that he gets me something that fits ME not the perception of how much should be spent.
That said… my sister got engaged last month. She received a beautiful, almost 2 carat princess cut diamond. She’s in heaven. My boyfriend asked me if I want a $20K ring or if I want to go on 3-4 vacations (we both love to travel). We’re currently planning our trips
Ring can wait.
That said… my sister got engaged last month. She received a beautiful, almost 2 carat princess cut diamond. She’s in heaven. My boyfriend asked me if I want a $20K ring or if I want to go on 3-4 vacations (we both love to travel). We’re currently planning our trips
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#62
Senior Moderator
Go online. There reputible dealers that can give prices without overhead or local competition. That is where I was looking at the flawless/colorless/perfect cut almost 1 carat diamonds for $3.5k. Buy the diamond and ring online and have a local jewler set it.
#64
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
SS.. Keeper.
#65
My Garage
I've already bought my ring...no sense finding a cheaper one at this point.
#66
Senior Moderator
I guess. What does that matter? ![Scratch](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/scratch.gif)
You post implied NY prices are driven up above outside competition because of location. Hence the reason for my suggestion.
![Scratch](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/scratch.gif)
You post implied NY prices are driven up above outside competition because of location. Hence the reason for my suggestion.
#67
My Garage
That's not the case. That's why it matters. I've compared what I've seen to websites, i.e. Blue Nile and they are not any cheaper. That's why it baffles me that some of you are getting them so much cheaper.
#68
Senior Moderator
^Got it! The price does not increase linearly with size. It's more like an exponential because the larger the stone the less there are. If a .5 carat is $1.5k and a 1 carat is $3k, a 1.5 carat will not be $4.5k. It likely would be more like $6+k.
Chica or :ghey:?
Chica or :ghey:?
Last edited by oo7spy; 01-26-2012 at 12:17 PM.
#69
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
This is all why I hate any kind of "spend this much rule". That's just the jewelry companies talking. And I never, ever surprise my wife with a gift that is over say $300. Anything more, I always ask what she wants so I get the right thing. Even after 21 years.
The following users liked this post:
yohan81718 (01-26-2012)
#71
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
I hope I'm not the only one who saw this.. I almost choked on food I was eating when I saw this.
#72
One of the wildest things ever.
I came on here to look for a ring advice thread and who would have thought I made a thread 4 years ago. My how things have changed lol...that particular lady is long gone. Budget hasn't changed that much but only because the new lady is extremely low maintence. She deserves something nice though and I think between $2500 and $3000 should do it.
I've done plenty of research now it's just about finding the right one. I actually found THE one but it was discontinued and they dont have it listed on the site anymore. I think once I actually have the money in hand in a week or two I'll really be able to narrow things down. We shall see.
What a wierd moment lol.
I came on here to look for a ring advice thread and who would have thought I made a thread 4 years ago. My how things have changed lol...that particular lady is long gone. Budget hasn't changed that much but only because the new lady is extremely low maintence. She deserves something nice though and I think between $2500 and $3000 should do it.
I've done plenty of research now it's just about finding the right one. I actually found THE one but it was discontinued and they dont have it listed on the site anymore. I think once I actually have the money in hand in a week or two I'll really be able to narrow things down. We shall see.
What a wierd moment lol.
Once I found the setting, then I started to play with numbers, in '96 spent, just under 4k. The two smaller diamonds are good diamonds, but it was the big one that I went with a nice diamond, didn't pay attention to how big (carat), wanted better clarity and color. You can also get more of a diamond by staying away from the fancier cuts. With round and radiant the cheapest IIRC.
#73
Racer
I will give you a woman's perspective on this.
In my opinion, the MOST IMPORTANT thing is color. When girls get together, they compare rings. If the stone is not colorless, it'll look yellow right away compared to other stones that are colorless, and that's not a good time.
You should take your girl ring shopping if you haven't already, and get an idea for what she likes. Some girls actually prefer a smaller rock. Make sure you know which cut she likes. I told my boyfriend if it isn't princess I don't want it. May sound harsh, but I have a vision of my engagement ring in my head and it is nothing other than princess cut.
Anyway. For a really nice ring, (and by really I mean nearly perfect, one karat) I think that you'd be pressed if you aren't willing to spend around $5,000. A high quality one karat diamond is often more than that, and that doesn't even include a band.
Remember that you can always upgrade the rock later. However, this is something that she is going to have on her hand for the rest of her life. You want to make it something that she is going to be proud showing off and wearing every day.
In my opinion, the MOST IMPORTANT thing is color. When girls get together, they compare rings. If the stone is not colorless, it'll look yellow right away compared to other stones that are colorless, and that's not a good time.
You should take your girl ring shopping if you haven't already, and get an idea for what she likes. Some girls actually prefer a smaller rock. Make sure you know which cut she likes. I told my boyfriend if it isn't princess I don't want it. May sound harsh, but I have a vision of my engagement ring in my head and it is nothing other than princess cut.
Anyway. For a really nice ring, (and by really I mean nearly perfect, one karat) I think that you'd be pressed if you aren't willing to spend around $5,000. A high quality one karat diamond is often more than that, and that doesn't even include a band.
Remember that you can always upgrade the rock later. However, this is something that she is going to have on her hand for the rest of her life. You want to make it something that she is going to be proud showing off and wearing every day.
Last edited by uhohkaitlina; 01-27-2012 at 05:50 PM.
#74
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Poor guy.
![Bite Lip](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/bitelip.gif)
#75
Racer
On another note. Don't go to Kay or Jared. You will get ripped off. (Trust me). Private and non chain jewelry stores often will give better deals.
If you can, get over to NYC and shop the diamond district. They are all competing with each other and you can get a good deal.
Or, having a ring custom built can at times be more cost effective.
If you can, get over to NYC and shop the diamond district. They are all competing with each other and you can get a good deal.
Or, having a ring custom built can at times be more cost effective.
#76
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
I bought a fairly large rock.. It doesn't get much daylight these days. The wife is very modest and only wears the simple wedding band. The engagement ring comes out only for special occasions.
I got some hated looks from my boys when their girls looked at it and started praising it. I could see in their eyes.. "you fucker!" Especially from the ones who haven't popped the question but are in committed relationships.
I got some hated looks from my boys when their girls looked at it and started praising it. I could see in their eyes.. "you fucker!" Especially from the ones who haven't popped the question but are in committed relationships.
![Snicker](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/emot-laugh.gif)
#77
I haven't met a woman yet, that has wanted or would allow their husbands to "upgrade" the main diamond. My wife was very, very vocal about it when I brought it up a few times around a couple of our anniversaries. So I got her a ten year band.
#78
On another note. Don't go to Kay or Jared. You will get ripped off. (Trust me). Private and non chain jewelry stores often will give better deals.
If you can, get over to NYC and shop the diamond district. They are all competing with each other and you can get a good deal.
Or, having a ring custom built can at times be more cost effective.
If you can, get over to NYC and shop the diamond district. They are all competing with each other and you can get a good deal.
Or, having a ring custom built can at times be more cost effective.
![Stupid](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/imwithstupid.gif)
#79
Registered but harmless
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 59
Posts: 14,845
Received 1,106 Likes
on
764 Posts
![Werd](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
![Shrug](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif)
#80
David_Dude
I bought a fairly large rock.. It doesn't get much daylight these days. The wife is very modest and only wears the simple wedding band. The engagement ring comes out only for special occasions.
I got some hated looks from my boys when their girls looked at it and started praising it. I could see in their eyes.. "you fucker!" Especially from the ones who haven't popped the question but are in committed relationships.
![Snicker](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/emot-laugh.gif)
I got some hated looks from my boys when their girls looked at it and started praising it. I could see in their eyes.. "you fucker!" Especially from the ones who haven't popped the question but are in committed relationships.
![Snicker](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/emot-laugh.gif)
![pofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/pofl.gif)
![Why Me](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/whyme.gif)
![Yum](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/yum.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)