How much is standard for an engagement ring?

Question

I have been looking to buy an engagement ring for my girlfriend and was wondering how much is a good amount to spend for a decent ring? Also what is a good jewelry store to shop at? Thanks for your suggestions!

Answer 1

It is standard that the ring is 3 months of your salary, but that is just tradition as long as you put thought into what you pick out and she likes it then there should be no problem. Try going to the mall and looking at rings just be sure to check around and sometimes the salesperson can lower the price if you act hesitant to buy it

Answer 2

the average price men spend is $1,000. but if you dont make alot of money, then you should spend less than that. nowadays they say men should spend a 2 week paycheck up to 1 month pay.  

Answer 3

Try bidz.com.  I get jewelry on there worth $1000's for hundreds. A friend got an $18000 necklace for $1500.  Decent price just depends on how much you can afford. But on a website like bidz.com, you can afford a lot better ring and not spend as much money.  You can get her a $10000 ring and spend next to nothing.  It's not how much you spend but really more like how much she is going to love it.  Especially if you can get more ring for less money and put the difference in the honeymoon.

Answer 4

You need to spend what YOU are comfortable spending. Don't listen to the 3 X monthly salary garbage. That is a marketing ploy. Do not go into debt for the ring.

My fiance put down half and then was quick to pay it off.  The last thing you want it to feel stressed about a monthly payment for the ring. I  would feel guilty if I knew he was in debt because of my ring.

Shop around. We had a great experience at Jarad's. I would avoid mall jewelers, but that is just me. I have no personal experience with them, though.

Answer 5

awwwww good luck!!!! but i dont no just go to a nice jewelry store

Answer 6

There is no standard, but it seems the average is around the 1,000 mark. However, you can get lovely rings for about 300 and up, and buying a set which includes the engagement and wedding rings can save you some money.

It totally depends upon what you can comfortably afford - do NOT buy on credit - because you'll have a lot of other expenses, with you two paying for the wedding, and needing money to start your married life!

Some ideas -

http://www.ice.com/AST/Ice/Ice_Primary/P...

http://www.ice.com/AST/Ice/Ice_Primary/P...

http://www.kay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/ser...

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.d...

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.d...

Zales has another 20 per cent off clearance. This is a beautiful set -

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?p...

I love this one, it's very beautiful!

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?p...

http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?p...

Answer 7

Okay, that "3x your monthly salary" stuff is c**p. I've heard that before and it's BS. Most men aren't usually comfortable spending for that $5,000 on a ring which is FINE :D. It really depends on the 4 c's: cut, clarity, colour, carat.

Try not to go for name brand jewelers. They hike the price WAY above what is reasonable (however, Jared's is good). Instead, just go to a local jeweler. Best of luck! :D

Answer 8

nothing under 3 grand any mall jewlry store

Answer 9

a lot depends on: (please answer)

your age

your profession and salary

your debt situation

a lawyer in debt up to his eyeballs with student debt but making 100,000 a year

versus a lawyer making 100,000 dollars a year, free and clear

versus a laborer doing the best he can making 10 dollars an hour

versus a guy jst graduated from university

we need more info from you. "frugal", "cheap", "well done",  all can describe that same ring from different guys in different circumstances.

i toally agree with the woman above who said it depends on if you live a ramen life. it is also totally inappropriate for a doctor or attorney or high level worker to wear a 1/2 carat. looks bad.

if the laborer offered me a walmart ring, i would be pleased to accept it, but if a surgeon offered me a walmart ring, there would be a "discussion".

Answer 10

well depends. the one i gave my wife was 2grand. mine wass only like 500 or so i think. its up to you. depends on stone and metal choice. i think 1grand is a good price. try going to a jewler. not those places at the mall. when you see it you will know and it wont matter what you pay. try to get financed as well.

Answer 11

they say you should spend 3 months salary on a ring.  as a woman i believe as long as you put thought into that ring and it is given out of pure love, there is no cost.  the ring will be give with a priceless tag!  btw my ring was $50 and i LOVE LOVE LOVE it cause i got it on mother's day from my son's father.

Answer 12

I am not sure if there is a Jared's where you live but this one places to get great diamonds, the price is going to depend on the cut, the setting, clarity, the size of the stone, regardless of store you go to

Answer 13

My mom always says to me that the Engagement ring is supposed to be 3x the grooms monthly salary.  

Answer 14

They say it should cost 3 month worth of your pay. but i think you should go for what you can afford and like. try www.ice.com they have a lot to choose from and they divide the payments up for you. Good luck:)

Answer 15

well you can get a nice 1/2 carat for like 500.  shop around online and see what you come up with!!!

Answer 16

Pay more than 100$ because anything less is probably fake. Remember, she'll have this ring forever and it will really suck if it turns her finger green.

3x Groom's monthly salary is a myth put forward by jewelry stores, and propagated by parents who want their kids to wait at least long enough to save that amount before getting hitched. You aren't obligated to spend any amount of money. If you have a lot of money (or a really nice car/house/stereo system/gaming computer) spend more than you would if you're living the Ramen life. If you haven't got much, she won't expect much, but it's inappropriate for a doctor's wife to have half a carat on her finger.

If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck, forgo the diamond and get her a stone in her favorite color, like a ruby, emerald, or sapphire. Avoid really soft stones, as they may be accidentally damaged in the years to come.

Good luck with your proposal.  

Answer 17

Not sure where you live but my husband purchases my jewelry from a place called Kay's Jewelers.It is a great jewelery store!!! As for the right price for a ring.I myself don't think the price matters.Its the Love that you put into it.If she can't accept what you buy then maybe she shouldn't be with you!!!!